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Clarkson

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FY2011 Annual Report · Clarkson
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Clarkson PLC  
St. Magnus House  
3 Lower Thames Street  
London EC3R 6HE  
+44 (0) 20 7334 0000

www.clarksons.com

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Clarkson PLC

 Annual Report 2011

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Our	business
	Group	performance

01	
04	 Chairman’s	review
08	 Chief	executive’s	review
12	 Business	review

12	 Divisional	performance
14	 Broking
18	 Financial
19	 Support
20	 Research

21	 Financial	review
23	 Risk	management

Our	governance
26	 Board	of	directors
28	 Report	of	the	directors
31	 Corporate	governance	statement
35	 Directors’	remuneration	report
42	 Statement	of	directors’	responsibilities
43	

Independent	auditors’	report

Our	accounts

44	 Consolidated	income	statement
44	
45	
46	
47	
48	
49	 Notes	to	the	financial	statements

	Consolidated	statement	of comprehensive	income
	Consolidated	and	parent	company	balance	sheets
	Consolidated	statement	of	changes	in equity
	Parent	company	statement	of	changes	in	equity
	Consolidated	and	parent	company	cash	flow	statements

Other	information

85	 Glossary
88	 Five	year	financial	summary
IBC	 Principal	trading	offices

Principal trading offices

United Kingdom
London
Registered office  
Clarkson PLC 
St. Magnus House 
3 Lower Thames Street 
London 
EC3R 6HE 
United Kingdom
Registered number: 1190238
Contact: Andi Case 
Tel: +44 20 7334 0000 
www.clarksons.com
Ipswich
Maritime House 
19a St. Helens Street 
Ipswich 
IP4 1HE 
United Kingdom
Contact: David Rumsey 
Tel: +44 1473 297321
Ledbury
15 The Homend 
Ledbury  
Herefordshire 
HR8 1BN 
United Kingdom
Contact: Shaun Sturge 
Tel: +44 1531 634 561
Aberdeen
56–58 Bon Accord Street 
Aberdeen 
Aberdeenshire 
AB11 6EL 
United Kingdom
Contact: Kathy Gay 
Tel: +44 1224 576 900
70 St Clement Street 
Aberdeen 
Aberdeenshire 
AB11 5BD 
United Kingdom
Contact: Donald Grant 
Tel: +44 1224 211 500
Australia
Brisbane
PO Box 2592 
Wellington Point 
Brisbane 
QLD 4160 
Australia
Contact: John Coburn 
Tel: +61 7 3822 4660

Melbourne
Level 12 
636 St Kilda Road 
Melbourne 
VIC 3004 
Australia
Contact: Ronny Kilian/Murray Swan 
Tel: +61 3 9867 6800
Perth
Level 10 
16 St Georges Terrace 
Perth 
WA 6000 
Australia
Contact: Mark Rowland 
Tel: +61 8 6210 8700 
Sydney
12th Floor 
157 Walker Street 
North Sydney 
NSW 2060 
Australia
Contact: Peter Cookson 
Tel: +61 2 9954 0200
China
Hong	Kong
1706–1716 Sun Hung Kai Centre 
30 Harbour Road 
Wanchai 
Hong Kong
Contact: Martin Rowe 
Tel: + 852 2866 3111
Shanghai
Room 2603–2605 
Wheelock Square 
Shanghai 
China 
200040
Contact: Cheng Yu Wang 
Tel: +86 21 6103 0100
Germany
Johannisbollwerk 20, 5. fl 
Hamburg 
20459 
Germany
Contact: Jan Aldag 
Tel: +49 40 3197 66 110
Greece
62 Kiffissias Avenue 
15125 Marousi 
Greece
Contact: George Margaronis 
Tel: +30 210 458 6700
India
124–125 Rectangle 1 
D–4 Saket Business District 
New Delhi 
110017 
India
Contact: Amit Mehta 
Tel: +91 11 4777 4444

This annual report is printed on HannoArt silk. Both the paper mill and printer involved in the production support the growth of responsible forest 
management and are both accredited to ISO 14001 which specifies a process for continuous environmental improvement and both are FSC® 
certified. If you have finished reading this report and no longer wish to retain it, please pass it on to other interested readers or dispose of it in your 
recycled paper waste. 

Thank you.

This report is available at: www.clarksons.com

Italy
Piazza Rossetti 3A 
16129 Genoa 
Italy
Contact: Massimo Dentice 
Tel: +39 0 10 55401
Norway
Godt Haab 
Strandveien 50 
N–1366 Lysaker 
Norway
Contact: Jakob Tolstrup-Møller/ Karl Ekerholt 
Tel: + 47 67 10 2300
Singapore
8 Shenton Way 
# 25–01 Temasek Tower 
Singapore 068811
Contact: Giles Lane/Ken Michie 
Tel: +65 6 339 0036
South Africa
Heron House 
33 Wessel Road 
Rivonia 
Johannesburg 2128 
South Africa
Contact: Simon Lester 
Tel: +27 11 803 0008
Switzerland
Rue de la Fontaine 1 
1204 
Geneva 
Switzerland
Contact: David Collins 
Tel: +41 22 308 9900
United Arab Emirates
Office 2604 
Reef Tower 
Jumeirah Lakes Towers 
Sheikh Zayed Road 
Dubai 
UAE 
PO Box 102929
Contact: Esam Balla 
Tel: +971 4 450 9400
Liberty House 
c/o Dubai International Financial Center 
Office No. 615, 616 & 617 
Dubai 
UAE 
PO Box 506827
Contact: John Sinders 
Tel: +971 4 403 7000
USA
Houston
1333 West Loop South 
Suite 1525 
Houston 
Texas 77027 
USA
Contact: Roger Horton 
Tel: +1 713 235 7400
New	York
745 Fifth Avenue 
16th Floor 
New York 
NY 10151 
USA
Contact: Magnus Fyhr 
Tel: +1 212 796 4400

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

We are focused more than ever before on 
being able to deliver what our clients want, 
underpinned by the depth of our research 
and the strength and talent of our teams.
While overall economic conditions remain 
challenging, there are areas which continue 
to grow and as market leaders in the shipping 
industry with an unrivalled breadth of offer 
and global reach, we continue to deliver 
a strong performance.

Group performance

Revenue

US$313.3m

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

Revenue Sterling equivalent

£194.6m

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

US$m

313.3

312.6

277.2

460.5

347.9

Profit before taxation (before exceptional item)

Profit before tax (after exceptional item)

£32.2m

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

£35.4m

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

£m

32.2

32.4

22.5

39.2

31.6

Dividend per share

Earnings per share (after exceptional item)

£m

194.6

202.6

176.7

250.3

173.4

£m

35.4

32.4

22.5

18.2

25.6

50p

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

134.1p

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

pence

50

47

43

42

40

pence

134.1

125.4

90.0

41.9

101.9

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  01

reach

With 34 offices in 15 countries we provide 
local delivery of our global expertise. 
We now employ more brokers outside 
than inside the UK and last year we 
celebrated 30 years of our local presence 
in the Asian market.

02  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

30 years

in the Asian market

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  03

Chairman’s review

“ We enter 2012 encouraged that the strategy which 
we have evolved during the last few years is proving 
itself through the delivery of these results.”

Results

Underlying profit before tax of £32.2m  
was broadly the same as the previous year  
(2010: £32.4m). After a small increase in the  
level of taxation incurred by the group, this profit 
resulted in an underlying earnings per share of 
121.5p (2010: 125.4p). 

The anticipated fall in operating profit, due to  
the weaker US dollar and challenging market 
conditions has been offset by the effects of 
management decisions over the previous  
12 months to reduce financing costs and exit 
unprofitable business lines.

The settlement of the costs element of litigation 
previously announced, gave rise to an exceptional 
credit of £3.2m (2010: £nil).

Dividend

The board is recommending a final dividend  
of 32p (2010: 30p). The interim dividend was 
18p (2010: 17p) giving a total dividend of 50p 
(2010: 47p). The dividend is covered 2.7 times. 

The dividend will be payable on 8 June 2012 to 
shareholders on the register as at 25 May 2012, 
subject to shareholder approval. 

2011 has seen some of the most turbulent trading 
conditions witnessed in the shipping markets for 
some time. Natural disasters in Japan and 
Australia in the first half of the year were followed 
by the European financial crisis and deepening 
macroeconomic uncertainty. 

In these challenging trading conditions the group 
has delivered an excellent performance, firmly 
reflecting the strength of Clarksons’ strategy. We 
have continued to leverage our unrivalled breadth 
and expertise which gives us the capability to 
offer clients the services and support they require. 

This powerful service offer combined with our 
broad geographic reach has not only enabled us 
to maintain and grow market share across our 
broking business wherever possible but has also 
positioned us to take important steps forward in 
other areas, such as investment services, where 
we advised on some of the most significant deals 
in the sector during the course of the year. 

Supported by a strong balance sheet and the 
cash generative nature of our business, we  
have taken advantage of organic and acquisitive 
opportunities to further strengthen our teams  
and broaden the services offered to our clients. 
During 2011 these have included significant 
personnel hires, the acquisitions of Boxton 
Holding and Bridge Maritime expanding our 
presence in Scandinavia, and the acquisition 
of EnShip which further develops our port and 
agency services to cover Scotland and the 
offshore market.

04  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

Board

Future

We enter 2012 encouraged that the strategy 
which we have evolved during the last few years 
is proving itself through the delivery of these 
results. We have maintained or grown market 
share in challenging conditions and this, 
combined with the investments made over the 
course of the year, position the business well in 
a still uncertain maritime economic environment.

Bob Benton Chairman

After more than seven years on the board, Martin 
Stopford will be standing down from the board 
with effect from today. On behalf of the board I 
would like to thank Martin for his unceasing hard 
work and commitment and his role in building 
Clarkson Research into a highly successful and 
strategically important division. We are delighted 
that Martin will continue as consultant in maritime 
economics to the group and as president of 
Clarkson Research Services. There are currently 
no plans to replace him on the PLC board.

On 10 February 2012, Paul Wogan,  
non-executive director, resigned from the  
board of Clarksons. Paul has taken a senior 
executive position at GasLog, a company in the 
gas shipping and maritime sector and therefore 
stepped down immediately to avoid any potential 
conflict of interest and dedicate himself to his 
new, full time, executive role. Paul’s experience 
and guidance has been invaluable and on behalf 
of the board I would like to thank him for his 
significant contribution to the company. 

The board is currently conducting a search  
for a new non-executive director and an 
announcement will be made in due course. 

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  05

34 offices

A leader in all our markets

06  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

breadth

The comprehensive range of our offer 
enables us to deliver what customers 
want. We are a leader in all our markets – 
recognised with awards such as Best 
Maritime Service Provider – and continue  
to grow market share.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  07

Chief executive’s review

“ Clarksons is a truly international business. Our global 
footprint, with teams in all major shipping hubs, 
enables us to be close to our client base and gives 
us unparalleled insight into markets.”

Strategic positioning

In the last year Clarksons has risen to the 
challenges of both an extremely tough 
macroeconomic environment and depressed 
maritime markets, represented by falling freight 
rates and reduced asset values in most sectors. 
Nevertheless, even against a harsh backdrop of 
difficult trading conditions, opportunities do arise 
and in 2011 seizing these opportunities became 
the priority. We believe our ability to optimise our 
market position lies in the experience provided by 
our proud heritage and the strategy we have 
evolved, which puts unbeatable client service at 
the centre of our offer. Clarksons’ strategy to meet 
the needs of our clients is underpinned by our 
people, our global reach, the breadth of our 
business, market leading technology and an 
unrivalled research capability. These elements 
have helped us secure growth in transaction 
volumes in the last year and take market share, 
bolstering our already leading position in most of 
the markets in which we operate. 2011 was 
characterised by volatility, a weak economic 
picture, fluctuating exchange rates and the 
continued imbalance between supply and 
demand. That Clarksons emerged with broadly 
similar trading performance is testament to the 
commitment to and integrity of our strategy.

People are the drivers behind this strategy 
and, once again, Team Clarksons has delivered 
superior performance across the board. 
Hard work and enthusiasm aligned with 
professionalism have been essential qualities 
to move our business forward. Market 
understanding, local and global knowledge 
combined with a ‘can do’ attitude help service 
and secure customer relationships.

Our teams achieve best in class performance 
and Clarksons is committed to maintaining those 
high standards through training and education. 
Although we already have the most extensive 
training programme in the sector, we are 
committed to continually improve and extend 
training and education for all levels of the 
company. We are confident this will continue to 
raise the bar and deliver the highest standards. 
I am also delighted to welcome new members 
to the Clarksons team as we have seized the 
opportunity in the last year to strengthen our core 
with a number of key hires complementing both 
our offer and our geographical reach.

But as well as helping develop skills it is 
important to give people the right tools to 
implement them. Our commitment to IT means 
each department now has the ability to create 
their own bespoke platform from which to deliver 
best in class information and service to clients. 
Research remains core to everything we do and 
investment has helped drive success, with very 
good growth in digital sales and a successful 
launch of offshore products.

Clarksons is a truly international business. Our 
global footprint, with teams in all major shipping 
hubs, enables us to be close to our client base 
and gives us unparalleled insight into markets. 
During the year we took a major step in 
expanding our presence in Scandinavia with the 
acquisitions of Boxton Holding and Bridge 
Maritime, both Oslo-based shipbroking 
businesses. Integrating these businesses with our 
existing Norwegian operation has enabled the 
enlarged team to significantly expand the offering 
to clients. Our geographical reach was also 
enhanced with the acquisition of EnShip, the 
Aberdeen-based shipping agency and marine 
industry logistics specialist. 

08  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

That deal also enabled us to broaden our 
port and agency services to existing and 
new customers in bulk shipping, offshore 
and renewable industries.

Not only did these acquisitions improve our 
offer, they brought with them talented individuals 
to further bolster Team Clarksons. Our status 
elsewhere in the world was underlined when 
we were honoured with the Best Maritime 
Service Provider accolade at the biennial 
Singapore International Maritime Awards 
ceremony. It recognised the efforts made by 
Clarksons in Singapore to support and improve 
the local shipping environment, contributing to 
Singapore’s development as a major port and 
international maritime centre. It was especially 
fitting because last year marked the 30th 
anniversary of Clarksons serving locally the 
dynamic Asian market.

While the depth and severity of the downturn 
cannot be predicted, our long experience 
in these markets has given us the ability to 
anticipate and respond to change. The actions 
we took in managing our cost base, exiting 
non-profitable and non-core businesses and 
reducing financing costs were done with 
appropriate timing. Our balance sheet has 
strengthened considerably in recent years, which 
gives us both security and the flexibility to seize 
opportunities as they arise. Our cash generation 
and the stewardship of that money saw us end 
the year in a strong position.

We are well aware of the constraints many of 
our clients are under with the tightening of the 
financial markets. As part of our continuous push 
to offer clients better and wider services Clarkson 
Capital Markets (CCM) is helping our clients find 
new sources of equity and debt. 

Indeed the CCM team has closed a number 
of significant transactions and has continued to 
secure a number of mandates both alone and in 
cooperation with our heritage broking business, 
reinforcing the unity of our strategy.

Current trading and outlook

Our commitment to world class client service, 
supporting a range of needs with a truly global 
reach, offers our clients a real market edge and 
we have benefited from a flight to quality in these 
difficult times. We believe our unceasing efforts 
to serve and deliver the right solutions, backed 
by validation, in depth research and analysis 
combined with the best teams in our industry, 
mean we remain the number one choice 
for clients.

The demand/supply imbalance that I have spoken 
about consistently for the past three years is still 
with us in many markets. Consequently the spot 
markets remain weak reflecting the uncertain 
short-term outlook. Nevertheless, we have started 
the year with a similar forward order book to a 
year ago which again demonstrates our ability to 
execute opportunities as they arise. Tight shipping 
finance is likely to continue to constrain clients, 
but gives us opportunities within our financial 
division to work with them to meet their needs.

While the macroeconomic picture will inevitably 
continue to set the tone for the year ahead, we 
are confident we have the strategy and balance 
sheet in place to meet challenges and seize the 
growth opportunities as they present themselves.

Andi Case Chief executive

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  09

depth

Our world-leading market research underpins 
our business. From long established 
expertise, with Shipping Intelligence Weekly 
marking its 20th anniversary last year, 
to new initiatives, such as our offshore 
research business, we offer an unrivalled 
depth of knowledge.

10  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

2,301,152

research items viewed online in 2011

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  11

Business review
Divisional performance

“ Clarksons leads the market in shipping services. 
We have been at the heart of shipping since 1852, 
always putting our clients first.”

Strength in depth across our divisions 
has served us well in a difficult year for 
the shipping industry. The breadth of our 
operations not only supports us through 
volatile conditions, but enables us to 
provide a fully comprehensive service 
to clients. In addition, our market leadership 
position has proved appealing to clients, 
whose flight to quality in difficult times 
has helped us grow market share.

Against a backdrop of macroeconomic 
uncertainty and natural disasters, the demand/
supply imbalance of recent years continued and, 
as a result, the prevalence of spot market trading 
remained and freight rates were under pressure. 
However the scale and expertise of Clarksons’ 
broking business meant there were real areas 
of progress. We were also able to increase our 
global footprint to better serve clients and make 
key hires to further enhance our world class team. 
The skills of our people and the ability to deliver 
that expertise to clients when and where they 
want it are major strengths of the company.

Our financial offer is gaining momentum with 
a range of services and expertise appealing 
to clients faced with difficult banking markets. 
The support division has expanded its service 
with acquisitive and organic growth. Finally, 
our world leading research and analysis teams 
not only give us a dynamic business stream 
but also provide us with an unrivalled depth of 
knowledge and understanding to underpin the 
services we offer clients.

12  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

Revenue £m

Segment results £m

Total: £194.6m

Total: £37.3m

Research 8.1

Support 10.8

Financial 12.1

Broking

Financial

Support

Research

35.9

(2.3)

1.7

2.0

Broking 163.6

Broking

Financial

Clarksons’ shipbroking services are unrivalled – for 
the number and calibre of brokers, breadth of market 
coverage, geographical spread and depth of 
intelligence resources.

Clarksons caters for financial investors and those with 
a particular interest in futures and investment services.

Revenue 

Revenue 

US$263.4m

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

US$19.5m

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

US$m

263.4

261.7

218.2

355.7

271.5

US$m

19.5

17.3

23.4

62.4

40.7

Support

Research

Clarksons is engaged in port and agency services 
and associated services worldwide.

Up-to-the-minute intelligence is the cornerstone of any 
shipping organisation and Clarkson Research Services 
is recognised throughout the maritime world as the 
most comprehensive and reliable information provider.

Revenue 

£10.8m

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

Revenue 

£8.1m

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

£m

10.8

14.8

16.0

17.0

11.7

£m

8.1

7.0

6.7

6.1

6.0

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  13

Business review
Broking

Revenue

Segment result

Forward order book for 2012

US$263.4m
2010: US$261.7m

£35.9m
2010: £41.3m

US$91m*

At 31 December 2010 for 2011: US$92m*
*Directors’ best estimates of deliverable FOB

Dry bulk

The dry bulk market experienced contrasting 
fortunes during 2011. 

The capesize sector suffered from both natural 
disasters and extreme weather conditions in the 
first half of the year, which combined to disrupt 
iron ore and coal demand during the period. 
Average earnings for the sector were further hit 
by a record number of newbuild deliveries in 
January. However, during the second half of the 
year the market recovered dramatically as fleet 
growth was countered by a return to trade flow. 

In contrast the panamax, supramax and 
handysize market sectors performed relatively 
strongly, although earnings were at a significant 
discount to 2010.

For Clarksons, regional consolidation remains an 
important strategy in the growth of our dry cargo 
business. We placed particular focus on the 
Australian and South East Asian markets over the 
course of the year, significantly strengthening our 
teams in these regions. Overall, the pleasing 
growth in our market share achieved by our team 
continues to mitigate the fall in average earnings 
within the dry cargo market. 

Demand growth remains healthy for raw materials 
and we expect volatility to remain whilst the 
market struggles with the continued demand/
supply imbalance.

Containers

Despite a healthy 8% growth in global trade 
volumes in 2011, consistent with the long-term 
average, revenue growth in the container sector 
was held back by several factors. These included 
downward freight rate trends on mainline East-
West trades and oversupply, following a large 
order book delivery, as well as a rapid 
acceleration in the number of newbuildings 
in the second half of the year.

Faced with this uncertain picture, the container 
shipping lines took a more conservative approach 
in terms of assets with consolidation, rather than 
expansion, becoming the focus, including the 
redelivery of timecharter tonnage or reletting 
surplus owned tonnage. 

Against this difficult backdrop the Clarkson team 
managed a very credible performance. We 
strengthened our teams in London, Singapore 
and Shanghai with further hires in these regions 
expected this year which assisted the division in 
winning significant new clients in 2011. As and 
when the rates and values recover we are well 
placed to participate in any renewed activity. With 
a sector averaging long-term growth of around 
8% the container industry is well able to recover 
faster than might be expected, and whilst today 
we still see the effects of the 2008 crash and the 
tail end of the building spree which still needs 
financing in many cases, this hangover will not 
last forever.

Deep sea

The deep sea tanker market in 2011 continued to 
be extremely challenging. Nearly all market sector 
earnings for owners were appreciably down. 
The VLCCs, the largest crude oil carrying vessels, 
were hit particularly hard with a 55% collapse 
in their average daily earnings with VLCC rates 
giving returns of less than US$20,000 per day 
in 2011. The suezmax and aframax markets 
also came under immense pressure with rates 
down 39% and 27% respectively. 

Crude freight rates continue to suffer the perfect 
storm of tonnage oversupply and a weak global 
economy. However, Clarksons’ deep sea 
business has proved very robust and has 
maintained its pre-eminent position across the 
whole crude market sector and grown market 
share wherever possible. 

14  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

The market for ships carrying refined oil products 
has been equally challenging with the exception 
of the medium range market which showed a 
small 3% increase in earnings. 

The tanker market has also had to contend 
with the impact of the Arab Spring which saw 
disruption to oil supplies, affecting Libya in 
particular. The market has also been impacted 
with ongoing sanctions against Iran which seem 
set to be strengthened further. The Clarksons 
deep sea team has continued to expand globally, 
with all five centres, London, Singapore, Houston, 
Geneva and India, able to offer an unparalleled 
service and market coverage. We believe our 
teams are well placed to take advantage of any 
market improvement.

2012 may prove to be a challenging year, with 
heightened Middle East tensions, however, the 
outlook is more positive in some of the Far 
Eastern economies, with China very much at the 
forefront with ever greater energy requirements. 
Although India is a less industrial economy, 
potential for growth there remains strong. 
Significant changes in refining capacity and 
location will have an impact on trade flows within 
the deep sea market in 2012 and beyond. In 
difficult market conditions many of our clients are 
demanding ever more added value service and, 
following the investments made in this area of our 
business, we are well placed to meet the greater 
demands of the deep sea tanker client base.

Specialised products

The Clarksons specialised products team entered 
2011 in a strong position, but aware the year 
ahead would be challenging for all market 
participants. General global uncertainty had 
created a widespread pessimism within the 
shipping industry and specialised products felt 
these effects during the year, despite some 
respite created by the long-term contractual 
nature of the business.

Set against this challenging backdrop, an 
overcapacity of tonnage remained throughout 
2011 preventing any sustained recovery in freight 
markets. As we enter 2012 we are finally seeing 
a dwindling in the impact upon freight rates 
of oversupply, encouraged by a further reduction 
in the newbuilding programme due to high cost 
barriers and continued scrapping of vessels.

With the backdrop of tapering demand, some 
emerging markets did contradict the trend by 
increasing global and regional demand within the 
specialised sector. Some important highlights in 
the final quarter of 2011 were quarter-on-quarter 
spot rate increases on the Houston-Far East and 
Rotterdam-Far East routes seemingly driven by 
China’s desire to boost inventory levels prior to 
their New Year celebrations and US exporters’ 
requirement to ship volumes by year-end for 
tax purposes. 

Clarksons’ specialised products team work 
closely together across seven key international 
locations. Over the course of the year the team 
increased market share by continuing with a 
strategy of regional growth and further developing 
our relationships with existing and potential clients 
through our extensive and high value service offer. 

Petrochemical gases and small LPG

The market witnessed strong trading conditions 
across the petrochemical sector in the first half 
of the year, before starting to soften from Q3 
through to the year end, as margins came under 
pressure and cracker utilisation levels were 
reduced. Volumes of seaborne petrochemical 
gases were down year-on-year, as expected, 
although to a lesser extent than predicted. 
However, the market was supported by fairly 
static fleet supply and longer haul movements 
generated by the stoppage of Libyan exports and 
maintenance at the Targa terminal in Houston, 
which lowered US ethylene exports. This, in turn, 
gave support to additional sea tonne-miles and 
consequently helped to underpin freight levels. 

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  15

Business review
Broking 

continued

With demand for polymers tapering off, 
producers have reduced cracker production 
levels taking liquidity out of the market. This has 
resulted in more challenging trading conditions. 
Seaborne petrochemical gases are expected to 
reduce yet again this year as downstream plants 
come online. This is combined with additional 
shipping capacity entering the market and the 
potential return of production from regional plants 
which will impact tonne-miles. 

By nature the market is characterised by a high 
level of term coverage, giving protection to both 
owners and charterers during respective market 
challenges. 

The petrochemical gas and coastal desk 
expanded their team in 2011 enabling them to 
increase their client base despite deteriorating 
market conditions as the year lapsed.

Gas

As we predicted a year ago, gas shipping 
markets showed general improvement in 2011 
having endured several difficult years, particularly 
for the VLGC sector, which had a vigorous upturn 
in the second half of the year after an uninspiring 
start. Rates made a strong recovery following the 
Japan disaster which, in turn, created a spike in 
LNG demand and an increase in associated LPG 
volumes available for export from Qatar. Similarly, 
Saudi Arabia boosted crude exports in response 
to the Libyan crisis and this, together with some 
domestic technical issues, caused them to 
increase associated LPG exports. Tonne-mile 
demand was then further enhanced by a wave of 
longer haul movements from the Middle East into 
the West as a result of which owners were able 
push rates upwards. Rates, however, weakened 
considerably again towards the end of the year. 

Smaller sectors (LGC, MGC, handysize) also 
fared well thanks to growth in ammonia volumes 
moved by sea, augmented by additional tonne-
mile trading patterns and the improved LPG and 
petrochemical gas trades across the various size 
ranges. The Clarksons teams gained market 
share, particularly in our LPG commodity and 
derivative brokerages where trading was 
particularly challenging. 

Of particular note in 2011 was Clarksons’ decision 
to bring the gas and LNG activities closer 
together, benefiting from several synergies and 
common customers. Whilst the LNG activity has 
gone through considerable structural change 
much was achieved and the sector was able to 
make inroads against our competitors which we 
expect to continue in 2012. Both the gas and 
LNG teams were further strengthened with new 
hires and we have expanded our activity with 
broking in Singapore where there will be further 
growth in 2012. 

The outlook for gas remains positive in 2012, 
potentially on a par or slightly better than 2011 
in terms of volumes traded. Regardless of what 
transpires, we are well placed to further increase 
our market share thanks to the importance we 
have placed on covering virtually every gas-
related activity, from derivative to asset, strongly 
supported by dedicated analysts and operations 
staff. Overall the Clarksons gas team can report 
a very pleasing year with substantial growth both 
in number of deals and market share.

Sale and purchase

Secondhand
Despite a challenging trading backdrop, with 
lack of industry finance and sharply falling prices 
in many markets, Clarksons’ sale and purchase 
team delivered a strong performance, by 
producing a consistent result on the previous year.

16  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

Whilst our largest commitment remains in the 
larger fleets of the dry and deep sea tanker 
sectors, the company has expanded the focus 
and expertise across the group in order to deliver 
a highly focused service to all our clients in the 
freight markets. This has begun to bear fruit, 
most notably in the container, gas, and offshore 
markets but also for 2012 we have expanded 
our team in the specialised tanker sector.

Whilst overall transactional liquidity is significantly 
down in the market, we have increased the 
number of sales of older tonnage, including 
demolition, and this team is due to expand further 
in 2012. The overall performance of secondhand 
is in part down to the team’s ability to also close 
some of the more significant transactions of the 
year. Teaming up with our financial division has 
added a further piece to the service provided and 
together the teams have worked well to close a 
number of transactions including a major fleet 
transaction.

Whilst it is generally accepted that 2012 is going 
to be tough for the shipping markets due to the 
continued oversupply of vessels, we anticipate 
the downturn will continue to put downward 
pressure on prices which have now returned to 
more historic levels, which some clients see an 
opportunity to buy tonnage at a sensible level in 
order to position themselves well for a turnaround 
on freight.

We feel well placed to assist such clients and at 
the same time feel confident of being able to 
benefit from the undoubted increase in the sale of 
older assets and demolition activity that invariably 
accompanies a depressed freight market.

Offshore
2011 saw a steady improvement on the 
chartering side across all sectors of the offshore 
market with utilisation continuing on an upward 
trend. This in turn has led to a slow increase in 
charter rates and we anticipate 2012 to continue 
along the same vein. 

Clarksons’ offshore team has taken advantage 
of the optimism that we are at the beginning of 
an upward cycle for offshore and have had 
considerable success in the newbuilding market 
on both the drilling and vessel sides driven by our 
dedicated teams in Houston and London. This 
success is in an area where we intend to continue 
to strengthen our dominance for 2012. With 
regards to the sale and purchase part of the 
market, we have grown our teams in Singapore 
and London and in a very illiquid market have 
managed to finalise a significant portion of the 
competitive business that was available in 2011. 
Our dedicated supply vessel chartering teams in 
Aberdeen and Singapore have also grown, not 
just in terms of personnel, but also revenue and 
have been successfully fixing vessels on behalf 
of a number of major clients. We fully expect 
revenue to increase in 2012 as we not only 
increase market share, but also see charter 
rates steadily improve. 

Newbuilding
Following very low additions to the order book 
in 2009, 2010 saw some recovery in orders at 
lower levels. As 2011 got going, the onset of a 
deepening eurozone crisis and the increased 
stress from a banking system that was arranging 
finance for a large order book still to deliver, 
created a sudden change in the environment, 
and the year ended with the global order book 
again lower than that of 2010. However, some 
areas of business were more positive and, where 
they were, Clarksons managed to secure some 
significant transactions in sectors including the 
higher value offshore and gas markets.

2012 will remain challenging for shipyards, and 
this will lead to some opportunities. Through our 
strong client base we believe we are well placed 
to take full advantage of these opportunities.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  17

Business review
Financial

Revenue

Segment result

Forward order book for 2012

US$19.5m
2010: US$17.3m

£2.3m loss
2010: £4.3m loss

US$1m*

At 31 December 2010 for 2011: US$3m*
*Directors’ best estimates of deliverable FOB

Futures broking

Against a backdrop of lower market values and 
a 5% reduction in volumes in the dry bulk FFA 
business, Clarkson Securities has continued 
to perform well, having increased market share 
and reduced its costs.

Despite early 2012 market values falling in a very 
similar pattern to 2011, we are confident that we 
have the teams in place to take advantage of the 
activity levels that this volatile market will continue 
to produce. 

We aim to move our Asian team from Hong Kong 
to Singapore and Shanghai in Q2 to further grow 
our share of the iron ore sector and to service the 
increasing appetite amongst our Asian dry clients 
for trading within the Asian daytime.

Financial services

At the start of 2011 there was a certain amount 
of optimism in the banking markets and there 
appeared to be green shoots of recovery with 
a return to increased activity. However, this was 
brought to an abrupt halt at the end of summer 
as the European banking crisis intensified. 

Financing for ship lending is predominantly driven 
by European banks. A number of these banks 
are now exiting shipping or downsizing their 
operations and this will again change the 
landscape of ship finance. Whilst the latter part 
of 2011 was therefore challenging in the banking 
markets and ship finance remains tight, this 
adversity has created a number of opportunities 
for those in a position to take advantage. 

For Clarksons, the measures taken in 2010 
in respect of reshaping our team has paid 
dividends, resulting in the closing of a number 
of high profile debt transactions during the course 
of 2011. The team is now integrated into the 
broader Clarksons business, supporting many 
of the activities across our broking businesses 
and adding value to our broader client base. 

Investment services

2011 was a year of strong momentum for 
Clarkson Capital Markets (CCM). With existing 
offices in Dubai, Houston and London, CCM 
recently opened its office in New York and is now 
a registered broker dealer with the Financial 
Services Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in the 
United States. The team has worked on a number 
of mandates during the course of the year 
including the appointment as adviser to CIDO 
Tanker Holding to advise on the sale of a fleet of 
product tankers to Diamond S, as well as primary 
and secondary fundraisings. 

Although the global equity and debt markets 
continue to be challenging for the maritime sector, 
CCM is cautiously optimistic that its commitment 
to the global oil services market will result in 
successful financings in 2012, particularly in the 
high yield debt market. Moreover, CCM has a 
strong backlog of advisory assignments with 
several sovereign wealth funds and private equity 
funds, which, coupled with beneficial integration 
with other divisions of Clarksons, should result in 
several successful mandates. 

CCM also issues investment research on 
a number of quoted shipping and oil service 
companies. This is likely to expand together 
with broking research to give the most informed 
view available in the sector.

18  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Business review
Research

Revenue

£8.1m
2010: £7.0m

Segment result

£2.0m
2010: £1.5m

Registers, directories and periodicals

CRSL produces weekly, monthly and quarterly 
publications, available both in print and online, 
plus a range of registers and directories covering 
the shipping market. In addition the investment in 
the offshore database produced a range of new 
offshore registers, directories and maps. Overall 
hard copy sales, including advertising, increased 
by 5.5% and when digital distribution of these 
books and periodicals is taken into account, 
global distribution continues to grow. Shipping 
Intelligence Weekly, our flagship product, marked 
its 20th anniversary in 2011 and remains as 
popular as ever. 

Customer services

A specialist team concentrates on bespoke 
research for banks, shipyards, engineering 
companies, insurers and other corporates, 
including ship valuations. In recent years this has 
become a significant growth area, and in 2011 
sales, including valuations and offshore research 
services, increased by 12%.

Offshore products

The launch was well timed to coincide with an 
active offshore oil investment market and offshore 
sales increased by 29% during the year.

Despite the difficult market, research revenues 
grew briskly during 2011, reaching £8.1m (2010: 
£7.0m). This continued growth was helped by  
the successful re-launch of the offshore research 
business. During the year a range of new 
products were marketed, including Offshore 
Intelligence Monthly, a series of offshore 
structures registers, another series of oilfield 
directories, and a range of oilfield maps published 
digitally from the Clarkson global offshore  
geographic information system database.

Clarkson Research Services (CRSL) focuses 
primarily on the collection, validation, analysis  
and management of data about the merchant 
shipping and offshore markets, though in recent 
years the provision of customer service contracts 
to a range of large corporate and institutional 
customers in the shipping market has provided 
an important source of value-added. With 
extensive databases using the latest information 
management technology, CRSL is now 
established as one of a very small number 
of leading information providers to the shipping 
and offshore markets.

CRSL derived its income from the following 
principal sources:

Digital sales

Database product sales continued to grow, 
benefiting from the expansion of Shipping 
Intelligence Network sales. This was 
supplemented by the World Fleet Register which 
is now well established as an authoritative source 
of information on the world merchant fleet. 
During 2011 revenues were up by 17% on the 
previous year. 

20  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Overview

At the beginning of 2011, expectations were that 

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  21

Financial review

Profit before tax 
(before exceptional item)

Basic EPS 
(before exceptional item)

Basic EPS 
(after exceptional item)

£32.2m

121.5p

134.1p

2011

2010

2009

32.2

32.4

22.5

2011

2010

2009

121.5

125.4

90.0

2011

2010

2009

134.1

125.4

90.0

Acquisitions

Cash and borrowings

In November 2011 Clarkson Port Services 
acquired EnShip Limited, an Aberdeen-based 
shipping agency and marine industry logistics 
specialist. In December 2011 Clarkson Norway 
acquired Boxton Holding AS and Bridge Maritime 
AS, both Oslo-based shipbroking businesses 
with extensive experience in sale and purchase, 
newbuilding, leasing and project broking across 
all shipping markets. These acquisitions gave 
rise to an increase in goodwill and intangibles 
of £7.7m. 

Recent amendments to accounting standards 
under IFRS have meant that elements of the 
deferred consideration are to be deducted from 
reported profits as an employee cost, on the 
basis that this is linked to continued employment 
within the group. No amount was charged to 
the income statement in 2011. It is estimated 
that the 2012 charge, which will be treated as an 
exceptional item, will be £1.1m. Additionally, in 
2012 there will be a charge for the amortisation 
of intangibles acquired amounting to £0.5m.

The group remains cash generative, after the 
increased levels of tax, dividend and cash 
required for working capital. During the year, 
bank borrowings were repaid in full, the remaining 
seed capital previously assigned to our hedge 
fund activity was realised and three acquisitions 
were made. The group ended the year with 
cash balances of £132.9m (2010: £176.3m). 
During 2012 cash payments relating to 2011 
will be made including performance-related 
bonuses. After deducting these items, net 
cash and available funds amounted to £71.1m 
(2010: £62.5m, after deducting the borrowings). 
The group maintains a multicurrency revolving 
credit facility of £25m; there are no current plans 
to draw down on this facility.

Balance sheet

Net assets at 31 December 2011 were £123.3m 
(2010: £116.4m). There has been a further 
improvement in the quality of the balance 
sheet whereby, before pension provisions, 
the group had £68.3m of net current assets 
and investments less non-current liabilities 
as at the end of 2011 (2010: £62.9m).

A detailed review of our businesses has 
demonstrated no need for an impairment  
charge in 2011.

The group’s pension schemes have a combined 
liability before deferred tax of £6.6m (2010: 
£0.8m). Increases in pension investment returns 
only partially offset the effects on the liabilities 
of reduced discount rates. 

22  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

Risk management

Interest rate risk

Credit risk

The group has an extensive client base, across  
all regions of the world, and is exposed to  
credit-related losses from the non-payment of 
invoices by these clients. The group mitigates this 
risk by closely monitoring outstanding amounts, 
both locally and globally, and by adopting a 
conservative approach to accounting for bad debt. 
Uncertainty in freight markets continues to affect 
the amount of debt that may be irrecoverable.

Liquidity risk

The group’s policy is to maintain facilities at such 
a level that they provide access to funds sufficient 
to meet all of its foreseeable requirements. The 
strong generation of cash flow in the business, 
combined with the available facilities and cash 
available in the balance sheet, means that the 
group is well placed to fund future developments 
of its global business. 

Foreign exchange risk

The major trading currency of the group is the  
US dollar. Movements in the US dollar relative 
to other currencies, particularly sterling, have the 
potential to impact the results of the group both 
in terms of operating results and the revaluation 
of the balance sheet. 

The group assesses the rate of exchange and 
non-sterling balances held continually, and has 
predominantly sold in the spot market during 
2011, though some forward cover for 2012 and 
2013 has been taken.

During the year, all drawn down facilities were 
repaid and consequently, there is, at the date of 
this report, no requirement to cover interest costs.

Reputational risk

The group has built an enviable reputation in the 
market over the past 160 years, and relies upon 
this to attract business from all major participants 
in its markets. Clarksons protects against 
reputational risks by promoting an ethical work 
environment and providing training programmes 
where appropriate. The investment in compliance, 
quality assurance and legal functions also act to 
ensure that best practices are put in place 
throughout the group.

Operational risk

Operational risks are where the group may suffer 
direct or indirect losses from people, systems, 
external influences or failed processes. The group 
continually reviews the systems in place to 
mitigate against operational risk, and puts in place 
plans to protect against such risks wherever they 
are significant and practicable. Examples include 
business continuity plans, staff contracts and  
IT security arrangements. The group also keeps 
in place and under review appropriate levels of 
insurance cover.

Jeff Woyda Finance director

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  23

strength

The world class skill and talent of our 
people is at the core of our offer. Our 907 
employees have unrivalled experience 
and capability and we continue to invest 
in further strengthening Team Clarksons.

24  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

907with world class skill and talent

people

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  25

Board of directors

From left: Bob Benton, Andi Case, Jeff Woyda

Bob Benton Chairman 
(Non-executive)

Bob Benton, 54, was appointed a director of the 
company in May 2005 and became chairman in 
August 2008. He has spent the majority of his 
career in the City of London, and is currently 
managing director of Bob and Co Ltd (formerly 
Benton Media Ltd) which is a company consulting 
and investing in media content. He was recently 
non-executive chairman of Handmade PLC until 
its acquisition by Almorah Services Ltd, and prior 
to that he was a managing director and head 
of media at Canaccord Adams Ltd. He was 
previously chief executive of Ingenious Securities 
Ltd, prior to which he was chairman of Bridgewell 
Securities Ltd, and has also held the positions of 
chairman and chief executive of Charterhouse 
Securities Ltd, global head of sales at ABN 
AMRO, and managing director of HSBC James 
Capel Ltd. In March 2011 he was appointed as 
a non-executive director of Talent Group PLC.

Andi Case Chief executive

Andi Case, 45, was appointed chief executive 
in June 2008, having previously been chief 
operating officer of Clarksons. He joined 
Clarksons in 2006 as managing director of the 
group’s shipbroking arm, H Clarkson & Company 
Ltd. He began his shipbroking career with 
C W Kellock and later Eggar Forrester. Prior to 
joining Clarksons he was with Braemar Seascope 
for 17 years, latterly as head of sale & purchase 
and newbuildings.

Jeff Woyda Finance director

Jeff Woyda, 49, was appointed a director of the 
company in November 2006. Having qualified 
with KPMG, Jeff spent 13 years at GNI where 
he was chief operating officer and a member 
of the Gerrard Group PLC executive committee.

26  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Ed Warner, James Morley

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

Ed Warner Non-executive director

James Morley Non-executive director

Ed Warner, 48, is chairman of both investment 
bank Panmure Gordon and LMAX, which 
launched an innovative financial derivatives 
exchange in 2010. In 2006 he successfully sold 
IFX Group PLC, the financial trading and spread 
betting company, having been its chief executive 
for three years. Previously he was chief executive 
of Old Mutual Financial Services UK, head of Pan 
European Equities at BT Alex Brown, and head 
of global research at Dresdner Kleinwort Benson. 
He was a top ranked investment strategist in the 
leading surveys of institutional investors. In 2007 
Ed was appointed chairman of UK Athletics, the 
sport’s national governing body, with a mandate 
to lead it through to London 2012 and beyond. 
In September 2010 he became a non-executive 
director of Grant Thornton UK LLP, a leading 
accountancy practice. He is also a non-executive 
director of The Eastern European Trust, the 
Standard Life European Private Equity Trust 
and Tradition UK. Ed was appointed a director 
of the company in June 2008.

James Morley, 63, is a chartered accountant 
with more than 25 years of experience as an 
executive board member at both listed and 
private companies, primarily in the insurance 
sector. Most recently, he was chief operating 
officer at Primary Insurance Group and prior to 
this was group financial director at Cox Insurance 
Holdings, group finance director at Arjo Wiggins 
Appleton PLC and group executive director 
(Finance) at Guardian Royal Exchange. James 
started his career at Arthur Andersen & Co and 
was both deputy chief executive and group 
finance director at AVIS Europe PLC. He is 
currently a non-executive director of Costain 
Group PLC, The Innovation Group PLC, Speedy 
Hire PLC, BMS Associates Ltd and Acumus Ltd. 
Previously he was a non-executive director of 
The Bankers Investment Trust PLC, WS Atkins 
PLC and Trade Indemnity Group PLC. James 
joined the Clarksons board in November 2008.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  27

Report of the directors

The directors present their report and the group and company 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2011, 
which were approved by them on 7 March 2012.

Principal activities and business review
The principal activity of the company during the year was that of an 
investment holding company, whose subsidiaries were primarily 
involved in the provision of shipping related services. A review of 
the group’s performance and likely future developments is contained 
in the chairman’s review, the chief executive’s review, the business 
review and the financial review on pages 4 to 23.

Principal risks and uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties facing the group are credit, 
liquidity, foreign exchange, interest rate, reputational and 
operational. Narrative on these risks is included in the risk 
management section of the financial review on page 23.

Group results and dividends
The results of the group, giving details of the profit, dividends and 
retained earnings are shown on pages 44 to 46. An interim 
dividend of 18p (2010: 17p) was paid in September 2011. The 
directors are recommending a final dividend, if approved, of 32p 
(2010: 30p), payable on 8 June 2012 to shareholders registered at 
the close of business on 25 May 2012, making a total dividend for 
the year of 50p (2010: 47p) per share.

Share price
The closing market price of the shares at 31 December 2011 was 
£11.48 (31 December 2010: £11.31) and the range during 2011 was 
£10.15 to £13.55 (2010 range: £7.40 to £11.31).

Directors
The following have been directors during the year ended 
31 December 2011: Bob Benton, Andi Case, James Morley, 
Martin Stopford, Ed Warner, Paul Wogan and Jeff Woyda.

On 10 February 2012 Paul Wogan announced his resignation 
from the board. Paul is taking a senior executive position with a 
company in the gas shipping and maritime sector and has stepped 
down to avoid any potential conflict of interest. On 7 March 2012 
Martin Stopford announced his retirement from the board with 
immediate effect.

The directors of the company as at the date of this report are 
shown on pages 26 to 27.

At the date of this report, each director has confirmed that they are 
not aware of any relevant audit information of which the auditors 
were unaware, and that they have taken steps that ought to have 
been taken in their duty as directors to ascertain relevant audit 
information and establish whether the auditors are aware of it.

Re-election of directors
The company’s Articles of Association require one-third of the 
directors who are subject to retirement by rotation to retire and 
submit themselves for re-election at the Annual General Meeting 
(AGM) each year. Jeff Woyda and Ed Warner will retire by rotation, 
and being eligible, offer themselves for re-election in 2012. Each of 
these directors, following a full performance evaluation during the 
year, continues to be considered by the board to be effective and 
to demonstrate commitment to his respective role.

28  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Directors’ indemnities and insurance
Section 236 of the Companies Act 2006 allows companies the 
power to extend indemnities to directors against liability to third 
parties (excluding criminal and regulatory penalties) and also 
to pay directors’ legal costs in advance, provided that these 
are reimbursed to the company should the individual director 
be convicted or, in an action brought by the company, where 
judgement is given against the director. The company currently 
has a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy in place which 
provides this cover. 

Substantial interests
The company has been notified of the following substantial 
interests in its issued share capital as at 1 March 2012 (being the 
latest practicable date prior to the approval of these accounts):

Employees and employee share trusts  
Blackrock Inc  
Kames Capital  
Armor Advisers LLC 
First Pacific Advisers LLC 
CRE Capital LLC and CRE Fiduciary Services Inc 

23.7% 
4.8% 
3.8% 
3.3%  
3.2% 
3.1% 

Save for the above, the company is unaware of any substantial 
interests, other than those of the directors whose interests are 
shown on page 41, in its issued share capital.

As at 1 March 2012, employees directly held 6.5% of the 
company’s share capital and 17.2% was held by employee share 
trusts for use under the company’s various incentive schemes.

Share capital and control
Details of the company’s share capital are shown in note 22 to the 
financial statements.

The rights and obligations attached to the company’s ordinary 
shares are set out in the company’s Articles of Association, copies 
of which can be obtained from Companies House in the UK.

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends 
when declared, the company’s report and financial statements, to 
attend and speak at general meetings of the company, to appoint 
proxies and exercise voting rights.

There are no restrictions on transfer, or limitations on the holding 
of ordinary shares and no requirements to obtain prior approval to 
any transfers. No ordinary shares carry any special voting rights 
with regard to control of the company and there are no restrictions 
on voting rights. Major shareholders have the same voting rights 
per share as all other shareholders. There are no known 
arrangements under which financial rights are held by a person 
other than the holder of the shares and no known agreements or 
restrictions on share transfers or on voting rights.

Shares acquired through Clarksons’ share schemes and plans rank 
equally with the other shares in issue and have no special rights.

Change of control
The company is not party to any significant agreements that would 
take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control following a 
takeover bid.

The service contracts for executive directors contain a provision 
whereby within 12 months of a change of control, if notice is given 
by the company or executive director (of not less than four weeks 
in the case of the latter), the executive will receive immediately an 
amount equivalent to 12 months salary, benefits and bonus.

Upon change of control, all unvested awards under the Clarkson 
PLC Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) would vest unconditionally, 
subject to the extent that any performance condition attaching to 
the relevant award has been achieved.

Interests in voting rights
Other than as stated above, as far as the company is aware, there 
are no persons with significant direct or indirect holdings in the 
company. Information provided to the company pursuant to the 
Financial Services Authority’s (FSA) Disclosure and Transparency 
Rules (DTRs) is published on a Regulatory Information Service and 
on the company’s website.

The company has not acquired or disposed of any interests in its 
own shares.

Employment policies
Clarksons is an equal opportunities employer and applies 
employment policies which are fair and equitable. Appointments, 
training and career development are determined solely by 
application of job criteria, personal ability and competence 
regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation or 
religious or political beliefs. 

Full and fair consideration is given to applications for employment 
by those with a disability. For those colleagues who become 
disabled whilst in employment of a group company, every effort 
is made to assist them to continue in their current role or to find 
continuing employment within the group where possible.

Despite the company’s growth and expansion, it maintains a 
‘family’ culture but with all the resources and professionalism 
expected of a high performing future-focused global business. 
The company’s core strength is its people and attracting and 
retaining the best is key to its success.

The company depends on the skills and commitment of its 
employees and ongoing training programmes seek to update 
knowledge and ensure that the company’s goals are met in a 
correct and efficient way.

Clarksons firmly believes in the benefits that a diverse workforce 
can bring; it helps Clarksons as a group to understand and adapt 
to the changing customer needs and offers new and different 
perspectives on the challenges faced in everyday business. Every 
employee is helping to build the business for tomorrow. This 
requires Clarksons to find the best people and then treat them in 
the right way. Everyone is given the chance to reach their full 
potential and is treated fairly, applying the principles of equality 
and diversity. 

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

The policy of communication with employees remains a 
high priority and consultation and participation continues 
on a regular basis. The Clarksons intranet is accessible by 
all employees and contains current news and other employee 
information. Information is also available on the group’s corporate 
website: www.clarksons.com. Also, Clarkson News, the group’s 
in-house magazine, provides employees and former employees 
who are now pensioners with information about the group 
and staff issues.

Employees are encouraged to become involved in the financial 
performance of the group through the operation of a restricted 
share plan and share option schemes. Employees earning 
significant bonuses generally receive 10% in the form of restricted 
shares which vest after four years. A new share save plan is being 
launched which will give employees a further opportunity to share 
in the company’s success. Employees holding restricted shares 
are entitled to dividends and voting rights.

Going concern
The group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to 
affect its future development, performance and position are set out 
in the chairman’s review, the chief executive’s review, the business 
review and the financial review on pages 4 to 23. The financial 
position of the group, its cash flows, liquidity position and 
borrowing facilities are also described in the financial review. The 
risk management section of the financial review and note 25 to the 
financial statements include a description of the group’s objectives, 
policies and processes for managing its capital, its financial risk 
management objectives, details of its financial instruments and 
hedging activities; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.

The group has considerable financial resources available and a 
strong balance sheet, as explained in the financial review on page 
22. As a result, the directors believe that the group is well placed 
to manage its business risks successfully despite the challenging 
market conditions.

After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue 
in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, 
they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements.

Charitable and political donations
Clarksons is committed to making a positive difference to the 
communities in which it operates. The company supports many 
charitable organisations. 

During the year, the group made various charitable donations 
amounting in aggregate to £169,000 (2010: £103,000).

No political contributions were made.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  29

Report of the directors continued

Pension schemes
The assets of the company’s pension schemes are held totally 
separate from the assets of the group and are invested with 
independent fund managers. The pension schemes are controlled 
by trustees who include both company and employee nominees. 
The trustees are responsible for looking after the assets of the 
pension schemes and for ensuring that their funds are only used 
to provide retirement benefits in accordance with their trust deeds 
and rules. The pension schemes’ auditors and actuaries are 
all independent of the company. Further details are provided 
in note 21 to the financial statements.

Payment of liabilities
The group pays its trade payables in accordance with the terms 
negotiated for them. Trade payables principally represent client 
balances and are settled as requested. The company has no 
trade payables.

Financial instruments
The group’s policies on financial instruments are set out in note 2 
to the financial statements. The group’s exposure to the risks 
arising from financial instruments is included in note 25 to the 
financial statements.

Annual general meeting
Resolutions will be proposed at the AGM to be held on 11 May 
2012 to renew the directors’ authority to allot new shares, issue 
new shares other than pro rata, and purchase the company’s 
own shares. Further details of these resolutions together with 
explanatory notes can be found in the notice of meeting.

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP expressed their willingness 
to be re-appointed as auditors of the company. Upon the 
recommendation of the audit committee, resolutions to 
re-appoint them as auditors and to authorise the directors 
to determine their remuneration will be proposed at the AGM.

By order of the board

Steve Deasey Secretary

7 March 2012

30  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Corporate governance statement

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

The board recognises the importance of good corporate 
governance increasing a sustainable, successful and profitable 
business. Strong governance is crucial in helping the business to 
deliver its strategy, generating shareholder value and safeguarding 
the long-term interests of the company’s shareholders.

As required by the Listing Rules, this section on corporate 
governance, together with the directors’ remuneration report 
on pages 35 to 41 details how the company has applied the 
principles set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code (2010) 
(the Code) The directors consider that the company has complied 
with the Code throughout the year. The company considers 
corporate governance critical to its business integrity and to 
maintaining investors’ trust. 

The following outlines how the company has applied the main 
supporting principles and provisions of the Code.

The board of directors
The board comprises a balance of executive and non-executive 
directors who have a wide range of skills, experience and 
knowledge. The non-executive directors fulfil a vital role in 
corporate accountability and have a responsibility to ensure 
that the strategies proposed by the executive directors are fully 
discussed and critically examined, not only in the best long-term 
interests of shareholders, but also to take account of the interests 
of clients, employees and other stakeholders. Through their mix 
of skills and business experience, the non-executive directors 
contribute significantly to the effective functioning of the board 
and its committees. The board meets at least four times a year 
and the directors’ attendance at the meetings is shown in the table 
on page 32. Biographical details are shown on pages 26 and 27. 

The board provides effective leadership and overall control of 
the group, setting a framework of prudent and effective controls 
to enable risks to be properly assessed and managed.

There is a clear division of responsibilities between the chairman 
and the chief executive and this has been agreed by the board. 
The chairman is responsible for leadership of the board. 
The chairman leads the board in the determination of its strategy 
and achieving its objectives and is responsible for co-ordinating 
the business of the board. The chairman also ensures effective 
communication with shareholders and that the board is aware 
of the views of major shareholders. The chief executive’s primary 
role is the running of the company’s business. 

The directors are responsible for the proper conduct of the 
company’s affairs. They have adopted a formal schedule of 
matters reserved for their decision. Certain matters, such as 
the annual review of the internal controls function, have been 
delegated to board committees, whose chairmen report back 
to the board. 

The board’s primary role is to agree and approve the group’s 
long-term strategic objectives and to develop robust corporate 
governance and risk management practices. It reviews 
management performance with all directors regularly. 

On appointment Bob Benton, James Morley, Paul Wogan and  
Ed Warner met the independence criteria set out under the Code. 
Ed Warner, a non-executive director, is also non-executive 
chairman of Panmure Gordon, the company’s joint stockbroker. 
Where a potential or possible conflict of interest arises, Ed Warner 
declares his interest and removes himself from any involvement 
in the relevant business. The board considers that Ed and James 
meet the independence criteria pursuant to the Code. 

Paul Wogan, a non-executive director, was appointed by the board 
to act as senior independent director. A new senior independent 
director will be nominated, following the recruitment of a new 
non-executive director. During the year Paul Wogan, as senior 
independent director, has been available to assist in resolving any 
shareholder queries or concerns.

Board performance evaluation
The performance of the board is a fundamental component 
of the group’s success. During the year ended 31 December 2011, 
an external evaluation of the performance of the board was 
conducted. This assessment was directed by the senior 
independent director.

The chairman met with the non-executive directors during the year 
without the executive directors present. The senior independent 
director evaluated the chairman’s performance with each of the 
other directors.

Based on the results of the evaluation process in 2011, the board 
considered that overall it was operating effectively and that each of 
the directors continues to make a valuable contribution with proper 
commitment to their respective roles.

All non-executive directors are appointed for a specific term. The 
composition of the board as between executive and non-executive 
directors complies with the Code’s requirements.

The non-executive directors have a wide range of skills and varied 
commercial experience and they provide constructive challenge 
and help to develop our strategy. The board makes a careful 
assessment of the time commitment required from the chairman 
and non-executive directors to discharge their roles properly.

The terms of appointment of the non-executive directors are 
available for inspection at the company’s registered office.

On appointment, all directors are provided with induction training 
relating to the company’s business. In addition, individual directors 
may seek professional advice on any matter concerning them in 
the furtherance of their duties at the expense of the company. All 
directors have access to the advice and services of the company 
secretary. It is expected that all directors attend board and relevant 
committee meetings, unless they are prevented from doing so by 
prior commitments. Where directors are unable to attend meetings 
due to conflicts in their schedules, they receive the papers 
scheduled for discussion in the relevant meetings, giving them 
the opportunity to relay any comments to the chairman in advance 
of the meeting. Where matters relating to a director may constitute 
a conflict of interest, that director will duly leave the meeting.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  31

Corporate governance statement continued

Board and committees
The members of the board and its committees and their 
attendance at board and committee meetings during the year 
were as follows:

Board

Strategy 
meeting

Audit 
committee

Remuneration 
 committee

Nomination 
 committee

Total number  
of meetings 

Bob Benton 

Andi Case 

James Morley

Martin Stopford

Ed Warner 

Paul Wogan 

Jeff Woyda 

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

3

3*

1*

3

–

3

3

3*

2

2

2*

2

–

2

2

2*

2

2

2*

2

–

2

2

2*

* Andi Case, Jeff Woyda and Bob Benton attend these meetings at the invitation 
of the committee chairman.

In accordance with the company’s Articles of Association, 
all directors are subject to election at the first AGM following 
appointment, and thereafter one-third of the directors, excluding 
the chairman and chief executive, retire annually by rotation, 
and where eligible, seek re-election.

The board delegates certain responsibilities to its principal 
committees as follows:

Audit committee
The audit committee ensures the integrity of financial information, 
the effectiveness of the financial controls, the internal control 
and risk management systems, the use of external auditors 
and the review of the half-yearly and annual financial statements. 
It undertakes an annual review of the group’s internal controls, 
including financial, operational, compliance and risk management. 
During the year, the audit committee comprised the independent 
non-executive directors, James Morley, Ed Warner and Paul 
Wogan. James Morley chairs the committee. At the invitation of the 
committee the chairman of the board, the chief executive, the 
finance director and financial controller attended its meetings. The 
committee’s terms of reference are reviewed on an ongoing basis 
to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Code. These 
terms of reference are available on request from the company 
secretary. During the year formal evaluations have been carried out 
to assess the effectiveness of the external audit process and also 
that of the audit committee. 

The risk management system is designed to identify key risks and 
to provide assurance that these risks are fully understood and 
managed. The company has an ongoing process to review risk 
procedures and controls and continually seeks to improve and 
update existing procedures and to introduce new controls where 
necessary. The executive as an ongoing process oversees the 
development of the internal control procedures which provide 
assurance to the committee that the controls which are operating 
in the group are effective and sufficient to mitigate the risks to 
which it is exposed.

The board and the audit committee review the need for an internal 
audit function annually and after taking into account the size and 
structure of the group have concluded that there is presently no 
such requirement.

The audit committee has established arrangements by which staff 
of the group may, in confidence, raise concerns about possible 
improprieties in matters of financial reporting or other matters. 
The committee meets privately on a regular basis with the external 
auditors in the absence of management.

The audit committee has a formal policy which addresses the 
independence of the external auditors in the provision of both audit 
and non-audit services.

During the year the auditors also provided tax advisory and 
compliance services and other assurance and advisory services 
with fees of £0.2m and £0.2m respectively.

Remuneration committee
The remuneration committee advises on remuneration and 
incentive schemes for senior staff, and makes recommendations 
for the operation of the company’s performance-related schemes. 
Further details of the work of this committee are contained within 
the directors’ remuneration report on pages 35 to 41. 

Nomination committee
The nomination committee recommends to the board 
appointments for the role of chairman, chief executive, finance 
director, executive and non-executive directors. The committee 
comprises the chairman and the non-executive directors and 
was chaired by Paul Wogan throughout the year and is now 
chaired by Bob Benton. The nomination committee terms 
of reference are to regularly review the structure, composition 
and size of the board, to include skills, knowledge, diversity and 
experience. The committee also considers future succession 
planning for the board.

Procedure to deal with directors’ conflicts 
of interest
The company has comprehensive procedures in place to deal 
with any situation where a director has an actual or potential 
conflict of interest. Under these procedures members of the 
board are required to:

• consider each conflict situation separately on its particular facts;

• consider the conflict situation in conjunction with the rest of their 

duties under the Companies Act 2006; 

• regularly review conflict authorisations; and

• keep appropriate records and board minutes demonstrating 

any authorisation granted by the board for such conflict and the 
scope of any approvals given.

Shareholder relations
The company is committed to maintaining good communications 
with investors. The company encourages shareholder attendance 
at the AGM, at which the chairman, together with the board, takes 
any questions on the previous year’s results and gives an update 
on current year trading. 

32  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

The board considers the AGM to be an opportunity to meet and 
communicate with investors, giving shareholders the opportunity 
to raise with the board any issues or concerns they may have. 

The executive directors regularly meet with large investors and 
institutional shareholders following the announcement of the 
company’s trading statements, results and other relevant 
announcements. The non-executive directors are fully briefed 
after such meetings. 

Internal control
The system of internal control encompasses all controls including 
those relating to financial reporting processes, operational and 
compliance controls, and those relating to risk management 
processes. The board is responsible for the establishment and 
ongoing implementation of the group’s internal control 
mechanisms, and for reviewing their effectiveness. These controls 
can provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against 
material misstatement or loss. The directors acknowledge the 
requirements of the Code and seek to review all aspects of risk 
management in relation to each part of the group.

The daily risks faced are continually changing. The risk 
management system is designed to identify key risks and to 
provide assurance that these risks are fully understood and 
managed. Policies and risk management procedures together 
with key controls are reviewed frequently to ensure that they 
continue to be effective and protect the company’s stakeholders.

Clarksons is the world’s leading provider of integrated shipping 
services with an exceptional breadth of expertise, especially in 
broking, finance, research and other aspects of shipping. Our 
commitment is to provide the highest quality service pursuant to all 
applicable laws, rules and regulations of the countries in which we 
operate, while maintaining an unparalleled reputation for integrity.
Day-to-day management of corporate responsibility is performed 
by our directors, managers and employees. All employees are 
expected to play a role in maintaining Clarksons’ status as a 
responsible business. The company has revised its Code of 
Business Conduct and Ethics and this has been reissued to all 
staff. An established governance process is in place to monitor 
regulatory developments and to ensure that all existing and 
forthcoming regulations are complied with. The company has 
‘whistleblowing’ procedures under which staff may report any 
suspicion of fraud, financial irregularity or malpractice.

identified, controlled and monitored. Regular meetings take place 
between the board and senior operational managers to discuss 
any issues affecting that particular part of the business including 
any major risks. 

The board confirms that, through the audit committee, it has 
reviewed the effectiveness of the system of internal control 
including financial, operational and compliance controls and risk 
management systems for the year and up to the date of the report. 
A formal review is undertaken annually. Where any significant 
control weaknesses were identified during the year, necessary 
actions have been taken and monitored to remedy them. The 
system was in place throughout the year and up to the date of 
approval of the Annual Report 2011.

Employment and human rights
Clarksons employs over 900 people throughout its global network 
of offices across five continents. Clarksons has high standards of 
employment practice and the group takes the issues of diversity 
and equality seriously and is committed to the provision of equal 
employment and development opportunities for all employees. 
Clarksons believe that a diverse and inclusive culture is a key 
factor in being a successful business.

We ensure that training, career development and promotion 
opportunities are available for all our employees irrespective of 
their gender, race, age or disability.

The company has a strong focus on recruiting and nurturing 
talent so that it can build a strong team to deliver its clients 
the best possible service. Despite the company’s growth 
and expansion, it maintains a ‘team’ culture with all the resources 
and professionalism expected of a high performing future-focused 
global business.

There are policies in place within the group to deter acts of 
harassment and discrimination. The group maintains a zero 
tolerance policy concerning discrimination, sexual harassment and 
retaliation against individuals who report problems in the group’s 
workplace. The company is an equal opportunities employer and 
is committed to treating its employees and customers with dignity 
and respect.

In order to encourage wider employee share ownership, the 
company is planning to provide a Savings Related Share Option 
Plan (SAYE). 

A number of key procedures have been established to provide 
internal control. Our compliance department ensures that 
particular areas of the business that require regulatory control 
are compliant with the appropriate legislation and regulations. 

The company communicates with employees in a variety of ways 
which includes communicating and sharing information through 
discussions, briefings, e-mail or the company’s intranet and 
in-house publications.

There is a comprehensive budgetary process in place with both 
annual and regular forecasts being considered and approved by 
the board and monthly monitoring of trading results taking place. 
The group has designed controls and processes to mitigate risks 
associated with financial reporting and the preparation of 
consolidated accounts. Senior management within each office 
have responsibility for the establishment of appropriate control 
frameworks within their operations to ensure compliance with 
group policies, ensuring that risks within their businesses are 

Health and safety
The company is committed to operating high standards of Health 
and Safety, designed to minimise the risk of injury and ill health 
of all employees and any other parties involved in the conduct of 
its business operations. It aims to meet or exceed all legal and 
industry requirements and clear policies and procedures are 
in place in order to mitigate health and safety risks across the 
business. Compliance to these procedures is closely monitored 
and reported.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  33

Corporate governance statement continued

Environment
Clarksons is an expanding international business and aims to 
minimise its impact on the environment. Continual improvements 
are being made in energy management in order to do this. 
Clarksons recognises the importance of ensuring that its 
businesses are conducted with respect and care for the 
environment. The company’s most critical environmental and 
sustainability impact areas include carbon emissions linked to 
energy use and travel.

Clarksons continues to make extensive use of its video 
conferencing facility in order to contain executive travel.

During the year, the company has further minimised its 
environmental impact through waste disposal and recycling. 

As part of the campaign to reduce the company’s environmental 
impact a ride-to-work scheme was implemented last year which 
encourages staff to use bicycles.

At the St. Magnus House building in the UK an environmental 
management system is in place for lighting and air conditioning 
controlled by a supervisory PC utilising the latest software. Regular 
maintenance is carried out to ensure that all units are working at 
their optimum efficiency. The company has obtained an Energy 
Performance Certificate for St. Magnus House which, on a scale 
of A-G, records the building’s efficiency as D(94) in contrast to a 
new building which would be graded C(52) and E(118) for office 
buildings of similar age and stock. Given the age of St. Magnus 
House, the company considers this bears testimony to the many 
energy efficiency measures that it has implemented in the building. 

The company has undertaken a wide scale cleaning tender 
exercise for St. Magnus House into which a Waste Management 
Contract has been incorporated. This will provide a more efficient 
service and will result in an increase in the number of recycling 
streams and a reduction in waste going to incinerators and landfill.

Corporate and social responsibility 
Clarksons is committed to conducting business ethically and 
honestly everywhere it operates. That commitment helps the 
company attract and retain customers, business partners and 
employees and helps maintain its good reputation among 
regulators, government bodies and investors.

The company’s approach to corporate social responsibility aligns 
responsible business practices and social investment to create 
long-term value for its business. Operating in a responsible 
manner is simply part of how the company conducts its business 
and underpins its long-term value and supports a sustainable 
business model. 

The company engages with stakeholders on a regular basis 
in order to understand their expectations on the issues most 
important to them and to communicate regularly on its progress. 
As an international business, Clarksons aim to develop a workforce 
equipped for a globally integrated company and is committed to 
good corporate governance and risk management.

Our people make strategy happen. Business success is achieved 
when employees are enabled to do their very best. The company 
aims to be a responsible employer and adopt standards and 
values designed to help guide its staff in their conduct and 
business relationships. Appointing the very best people, regardless 
of gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability, is 
crucial. Clarksons provides a working environment in which 
everyone is treated fairly and with respect. The company fosters 
every individual’s awareness and develops their skills to enhance 
the corporate ethos that every act of every employee should be 
capable of scrutiny and that best practice procedures should be 
followed in everything they do.

A Corporate Trainee Scheme has been established as a graduate 
programme which aims to recruit the highest calibre candidates 
who demonstrate the potential to be future leaders of Clarksons. 
This scheme, together with the broader trainee recruitment, aims 
to meet the diverse needs of the business and provide an excellent 
platform for training and growth. During 2011 a new training officer 
was appointed and the company now holds numerous training 
workshops as well as a number of training weeks. 

The company offers a select number of paid internships to 
students on an annual basis, this tends to be for a longer period 
(up to three months) and typically take place in the Research 
and Broking divisions. It also has contact with a number of inner 
London and Home Counties schools and supports their work 
experience initiatives. 

Clarksons donates on an annual basis to a number of national 
and local maritime causes. Two other areas that are given regular 
charitable support are health and young people. 

Clarksons will strive for further improvement in health, safety and 
environmental performance as it takes actions to enhance the 
sustainability of the business.

34  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Directors’ remuneration report

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

Statement by the chairman of the remuneration committee 
2011 was a very difficult year for global trade and particularly for shipping markets. As the chairman and chief executive have 
both reported the company performed strongly in 2011, increasing volumes, gaining market share in most sectors and maintaining profits.

Remuneration policy at Clarksons is designed to attract and retain the highest calibre management and to ensure that there is a clear 
and direct link between the performance of the company and executive reward. The use of highly performance weighted remuneration 
ensures that shareholder and executive reward are aligned and that management is fully motivated. We have had a consistent policy 
since 2006, albeit evolving as necessary to reflect market and best practice and the committee considers that this has served the 
company and shareholders well. 

I would like to provide you with a few highlights of Clarksons’ remuneration policy and the developments over the past year:

• base salaries for the executive director posts have remained unchanged for the fifth consecutive year. Base salaries for the majority 

of higher earning employees have also remained unchanged for the past five years;

• executive directors gave up 5% of their 2010 and 2011 annual bonus to be used to reward outstanding performance by other employees; 

• although the market’s expectation that 2011 profits were likely to be lower than 2010, the thresholds for executive directors’ annual 

bonuses were increased by 5% to make achievement more challenging; 

• the lower and upper EPS targets for the performance share awards granted during the year under the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 

were increased from 95p to 108.5p and 123p to 140p respectively;

• shareholding guidelines have been adopted for current and future executive directors, with the current directors all maintaining significant 

shareholdings in the company, as detailed on page 41; 

• clawback provisions were implemented for future bonus and share awards to executive directors;

• a Save As You Earn option scheme is being introduced, which enables all UK employees to participate in the growth in value of the 

business by purchasing shares on beneficial terms in a low risk and tax efficient way.

We commend this remuneration policy to shareholders and should you have any questions please contact me at the company address. 
I will be available at the AGM to answer any questions and discuss the policy more widely.

Ed Warner

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  35

Directors’ remuneration report continued

This report to shareholders provides information on the remuneration and share interests of all Clarkson PLC directors and the criteria 
by which that remuneration has been determined. It has been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the applicable 
Listing Rules. 

Remuneration committee 
The remuneration committee comprises all the non-executive directors – Bob Benton, Ed Warner, Paul Wogan (now resigned) and James 
Morley, and is chaired by Ed Warner. None of the committee members have day-to-day involvement with the business nor do they have 
any personal financial interest in the matters to be recommended. Steve Deasey, company secretary, acts as secretary to the committee. 
The number of formal meetings held and the attendance by each member is shown in the table on page 32. The committee also held 
informal discussions as required. 

The remuneration committee is responsible, on behalf of the board, for: 

• setting the senior executives’ remuneration policy and actual remuneration; 

• reviewing the design of all share incentive plans for approval by the board and shareholders; 

• approving the design of, and recommending targets for, any performance-related pay schemes the company operates for senior 

executives. 

In particular the board is satisfied that the committee has the range of skills and relevant business experience to reach an independent 
judgement on the suitability of the remuneration policy. The committee’s remit already covers remuneration arrangements for all 
employees (where the committee reviews bonus payments for all employees in the business) and consideration of risk is foremost 
in the committee’s deliberations. The terms of reference are available on request from the company secretary.

New Bridge Street (NBS) are appointed by the committee to provide independent advice and services that materially assist the committee 
in their consideration of matters relating to directors’ remuneration, design of share incentive plans and measurement of performance 
against vesting targets. Neither NBS nor its parent company, Aon Corporation, has any other connection with the company. 

Summary of overall remuneration policy 
The policy of the company is to ensure that executive rewards are linked to performance, to provide an incentive to achieve the 
key business aims, deliver an appropriate link between reward and performance and maintain a reasonable relationship of rewards 
to those offered in other competitor companies in order to attract, retain and motivate executives within a framework of what is acceptable 
to shareholders. 

There are few comparable UK public companies involved solely in the business of providing shipping and related wholesale financial 
services. Comparisons are therefore made with City-based companies and private companies in the shipping sector, many of which 
are headquartered overseas. In the highly competitive global labour market which operates within the shipping services sector where 
business is based around personal client relationships, the retention of key talent is critical to continued business success. Remuneration 
levels are set to attract and retain the best talent and to ensure that market competitive rewards are available for the delivery of strong 
business and personal performance within an appropriate risk framework. 

It is recognised by the remuneration committee that the current management team is highly regarded and would be attractive to 
Clarksons’ competitors in the shipping industry and, increasingly, wholesale brokerage and agency businesses. Retention of key talent 
in this context is critical, whilst recognising the need for appropriate succession planning.

The proportionate breakdown of the total remuneration is such that, in line with most other wholesale brokerage and agency companies, 
a very high proportion of the package is performance-related. The chief executive’s bonus recognises that he performs the duties 
and responsibilities incumbent with the role of group chief executive and in addition, as a shipbroker, generates significant revenues.

36  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

A summary of the various elements of the remuneration policy is set out below:

Policy

Operation of policy 

Basic salary

Base salary levels are:
• reviewed periodically
• set to reflect the experience, responsibility, effectiveness 

and market value of the executive

• Base salaries have remained unchanged since 2006 

for each executive director post and this policy has also 
applied to all higher paid employees, except those who 
have assumed additional responsibility.

• determined taking into account the pay and conditions in 

the workforce

• set at a level to cover essential living costs without any 

bonus award

Benefits and 
pension

• Provide a standard suite of basic benefits in kind
• Andi Case and Jeff Woyda participate in a company 

defined contribution pension scheme

Annual bonus • To reward significant annual profit performance

• To ensure that the bonus plan is competitive with our 
peers and to do so this forms a significant proportion 
of the remuneration package

Principal taxable benefits are:
• car allowances
• pension allowances and
• healthcare insurance.
For pension, employer contributions are 15% of base 
salary.

For the CEO and FD bonus is determined by group 
performance on the following basis:
• below a ‘profit floor’ set by the committee each year 

no bonus is triggered

• To ensure that if there is a reduction in profitability the 

• above the floor, an escalating percentage of profits is 

level of bonus payable falls away sharply

• Profit for bonus calculations does not include unrealised 

profits or mark-to-market valuations.

• To improve the risk profile of the bonus plan a clawback 
provision has been incorporated for overpayments due 
to misstatement or error

payable into a bonus pool for progressively higher profit 
before tax performance

• in line with Clarksons’ peers, annual bonus is not subject 

to a formal individual cap

• instead, performance criteria are re-calibrated carefully 
each year to ensure the total bonus pool and individual 
allocations are not excessive

• although they have no contractual obligation the directors 

have agreed that 10% of annual bonus payable is 
deferred in shares, vesting after four years

For the CEO a further key determinant of his annual 
bonus is the significant broking revenues generated by 
him personally. Accordingly:
• the CEO will receive the higher of the executive annual 
bonus and the bonus determined by his continuing 
broking activities. This underpin was agreed when the 
CEO joined the board

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  37

 
Directors’ remuneration report continued

Policy

Operation of policy 

Long Term 
Performance 
Plan (LTPP)

• All awards are performance related and may comprise 
deferred shares or HMRC approved or unapproved 
options.

• See charts below showing the basis for the vesting of 

LTPP awards to be granted in 2012. Details of previously 
granted awards are set out on page 40.

• Annual maximum limit of 150% of basic salary 

for deferred share awards or 450% of basic salary 
for options.

• The current policy is for awards to be granted each year 
following the publication of annual results. Awards only 
vest if they meet stringent performance criteria:
• an EPS target is used to reward financial performance 

of the company; and

• a TSR target is used to reward financial performance 

relative to the stock market.

• Similar to the annual bonus, to improve the risk profile 

of the bonus plan a clawback provision has been 
incorporated for overpayments due to misstatement 
or error.

Shareholding 
guidelines

• From 2012 a policy for share ownership guidelines has 

been introduced

• 50% of the net of tax value of any share award that 
vests must be retained until such time as the level of 
shareholding is equivalent to 100% of an executive 
director’s salary

For the LTPP award to be granted in 2012:

• the vesting of 50% of the award will be determined by the company’s EPS for 31 December 2014, as shown in chart (i) below. The EPS 

for 2010 is shown (black line) for reference

• the vesting of the remaining 50% will be determined by the company’s TSR performance from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2014 

against the constituents of the FTSE Small Cap Index (excluding investment trusts), as shown in chart (ii) below. The level of total 
shareholder return achieved against the FTSE Small Cap over the last three year cycle is shown (black line) for reference

(i)  EPS target range for 2012 award (50% of award)

(ii) TSR target range for 2012 award (50% of award)

Vesting schedule for 2012 awards        2011 EPS

TSR performance range        Actual result in last three year TSR cycle

100%

)

d
r
a
w
a

100%

)

d
r
a
w
a

f

o
%
0
5

(

g
n
i
t
s
e
v
d
r
a
w
a
S
P
E

f

o
%

75%

50%

25%

0%

f

o
%
0
5

(

g
n
i
t
s
e
v
d
r
a
w
a
R
S
T

f

o
%

115p 121.5p

150p

75%

50%

25%

0%

Median

Upper Quartile

1st Place

EPS target (pence) for FY ended 31 December 2014 for 2012 award

TSR ranking at end of 3 year performance period

38  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

Directors’ service contracts and appointment terms 
Executive directors have rolling service contracts terminable on no more than one year’s notice served by the company or the director.

There are no predetermined provisions for compensation on termination within executive directors’ service agreements, which exceed 
one year’s emoluments. In general the company seeks to apply the principles of mitigation, although in the event of early termination of 
the contracts, the company reserves the right to pay in lieu of notice an amount equivalent to basic salary, contractual benefits and annual 
bonus for the notice period. The remuneration committee recognises that it is unusual to pay an amount in lieu of annual bonus for the 
notice period but considers that the policy is appropriate for the following reasons: 

• salary forms a lower proportion of remuneration than in most other UK companies; 

• typically in the shipbroking industry, income from business conducted is received over a number of years in arrears (which means that 

for a departing executive they would receive rewards for performance in previous periods); 

• bonuses are only payable if profit thresholds and targets are achieved, i.e. there is no automatic entitlement to a bonus. 

Termination payments would not normally be made beyond contractual obligations, including any payment in respect of notice to which 
a director is entitled.

Details of the current executive directors’ service contracts  
are as follows:

Andi Case 

Jeff Woyda 

Details of the non-executive directors’ appointment terms  
are as follows: 

Bob Benton

James Morley

Ed Warner

Date of contract

Unexpired term at  
31 December 2011

Notice period

17 June 2008 

3 October 2006 

12 months 

12 months 

12 months 

12 months 

Date of appointment

Unexpired term at  
31 December 2011

Notice period

27 August 2008

5 November 2008

27 June 2008

28 months

34 months

 30 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

Non-executive directors are appointed by letter of appointment for a fixed term not exceeding three years, renewable on the agreement 
of both the company and the director and are subject to re-election at the AGM following appointment, and thereafter every three years. 
Each appointment can be terminated before the end of the three year period with three months’ notice due. 

Directors’ emoluments and compensation (Audited) 
Details of emoluments and compensation payable in their capacity as directors during the year are set out below:

Andi Case

Martin Stopford – retired 7 March 2012

Jeff Woyda

Bob Benton

James Morley

Ed Warner

Paul Wogan – resigned 10 February 2012

Basic salary 
and fees 
£000

Performance-
related 
bonuses 
£000

Total cash 
and benefits 
2011 
£000

Total cash  
and benefits  
2010 
£000

Benefits 
£000

550

225

250

117

65

65

65

43

39

12

–

–

–

–

3,930

472

838

–

–

–

–

4,523

736

1,100

117

65

65

65

4,991

795

1,204

114

62

62

62

1,337

94

5,240

6,671

7,290

In 2011 executive directors participated in an annual bonus scheme which was linked principally to the achievement of group profit targets 
with the balance based on personal performance. 

Included in the performance-related bonuses above are the total bonuses payable to executive directors. In line with higher earning 
employees up to 10% will be paid in the form of restricted shares which vest after four years. 

Benefits include cash allowances in lieu of company cars, pension supplements, healthcare insurance and club memberships.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  39

 
Directors’ remuneration report continued

Directors’ share incentives (Audited) 
The following share awards have been granted under the LTPP, subject to the EPS and TSR performance criteria (50% of the award each) 
detailed in the LTPP section of this report on page 38.

Andi Case

Martin Stopford

Jeff Woyda

Interests under 
plan at 
1 January 
2011

39,7601
100,9792
77,1753

 15,4214
41,3102
31,5723

17,1344
45,9002
35,0803

Awards 
granted 
in year

Awards 
vested 
in year

(39,760)

(15,421)

(17,134)

67,2375

27,5065

30,5625

Awards 
lapsed 
in year

Interests under 
plan at  
31 December 
2011

Grant date 

Vesting date

(1,591) 

(646) 

(718) 

– 
99,388 
77,175
67,237

– 
40,664 
31,572
27,506

– 
45,182
35,080
30,562

15 December 2009
23 December 2010
25 May 2011

15 December 2012
23 December 2013
25 May 2014

15 December 2009
23 December 2010
25 May 2011

15 December 2012
23 December 2013
25 May 2014

15 December 2009
23 December 2010
25 May 2011

15 December 2012
23 December 2013
25 May 2014

The share price on the date of the award was 1. £9.69, 2. £8.06, 3. £11.22, 4. £9.63, 5. £12.27.

The vesting of the awards will be based on the following criteria (applying to separate 50% parts of each award);

Earnings per share

Date of grant 

Threshold vesting level (25%)

Maximum vesting level (100%)

15 December 
 2009

23 December  
2010

87p

123p

95p

123p

Current level of achievement of performance condition based on 2011 EPS figure (max 100%)

96.9%

96.0%

25 May  
2011

108.5p

140.0p

56.0%

Awards vest pro-rata between the lower and upper targets.

The EPS thresholds were not achieved and therefore no awards vested under this EPS part of the LTPP in respect of awards granted in 
2007 and 2008. 

Total shareholder return
Awards under this element will vest dependent on Clarkson’s TSR over three years compared to the TSR of the companies in the FTSE 
Small Cap Index as at the start of the performance period. The performance period commences on 1 January in the financial year in 
which the award is made. 

Awards will vest pro rata between threshold and maximum performance.

Date of grant 

Threshold vesting level (25% of award)

Maximum vesting level (100% of award)

Current level of achievement of performance condition based on TSR performance  
as at 31 December 2011 (max 100%)

Directors’ interests in share options over ordinary shares are as follows:

15 December  
2009

23 December  
2010

25 May  
2011

Median

Upper quartile or above

100%

100%

100%

Options  
held at  
1 January 
2011

Options 
granted  
during the 
year

Options 
exercised 
during the 
year

Options 
lapsed  
during the 
year

Options  
held at  
31 December 
2011

Exercise 
Price 
£

Dates from 
which 
exercisable

Andi Case

25,000

–

–

–

25,000

9.91

These options are fully vested and were granted for nil consideration.

October 
2010

Expiry date

October 
2017

40  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

 
 
 
Directors’ interests in shares 
The beneficial interests of the directors in the share capital of the company at 31 December are as follows: 

Bob Benton

Andi Case

James Morley

Martin Stopford – retired 7 March 2012

Ed Warner

Paul Wogan – resigned 10 February 2012

Jeff Woyda

Our business
Our governance
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Other information

Number of ordinary shares

2011

4,7001
 633,6982
 4,500

 42,1312
 15,000

 10,000
 60,3912

2010

–

 552,5272
 2,500

 37,3102
 15,000

 10,000
 39,0122

1 The beneficial owner of these shares is Marianne Kingham and were acquired by her before her marriage to Bob Benton during the year. 

2 The above figures include restricted shares granted as part of annual bonuses as follows:

Andi Case

Martin Stopford – retired 7 March 2012

Jeff Woyda

Bonus year 
Vesting date

 Number of shares

2008 
April 2013

57,233

 5,469

18,937

2009 
April 2014

26,689

 3,203

 5,694

2010  
April 2015

34,971

 4,197

 7,461

Further restricted share awards will be made in 2012 in respect of up to 10% of the directors’ 2011 bonus.

Pensions (Audited) 
Andi Case and Jeff Woyda are members of the defined contribution scheme.

The company contribution for Andi Case is equivalent to 15% of base salary and comprises a scheme contribution limited to £50,000 
and the balance net of National Insurance as an allowance.

The company contribution to the scheme for Jeff Woyda is 15% of base salary.

Martin Stopford is not a member of the group pension scheme and receives an allowance equivalent to the company contribution 
of 15% of base salary net of National Insurance. 

No directors held any entitlement to benefits under the defined benefit scheme. 

Approval by shareholders 
At the AGM to be held on 11 May 2012 a resolution approving this report is to be proposed as an ordinary resolution.

This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf by:

Ed Warner Remuneration committee chairman

7 March 2012

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  41

Statement of directors’ responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report, 
the directors’ remuneration report and the financial statements 
in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Each of the directors, whose names and functions are set out in 
the corporate governance statement on pages 31 and 32 of this 
Annual Report confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements 
for each financial year. Under that law the directors have prepared 
the group and parent company financial statements in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as 
adopted by the European Union. Under company law the directors 
must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied 
that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the group 
and the company and of the profit or loss of the group for that 
period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are 
required to:

• the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared 
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, 
give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position 
and profit of the group and company; and

• the business and financial reviews include a fair review of the 

development and performance of the business and the position 
of the group and company, together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

On behalf of the board

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

Bob Benton Chairman

consistently;

7 March 2012

• make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent;

• state whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the European 
Union have been followed, subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time 
the financial position of the company and the group and enable 
them to ensure that the financial statements and the directors’ 
remuneration report comply with the Companies Act 2006 and, 
as regards the group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS 
Regulation. They are also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the company and the group and hence for taking 
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud 
and other irregularities.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity 
of the company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom 
governing the preparation and dissemination of financial 
statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

42  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Independent auditors’ report  
to the members of Clarkson PLC

We have audited the financial statements of Clarkson PLC for the 
year ended 31 December 2011 which comprise the consolidated 
income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income, the consolidated and parent company balance sheets, 
the consolidated and parent company statements of changes 
in equity, the consolidated and parent company cash flow 
statements and the related notes. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable 
law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) 
as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the parent 
company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

Respective responsibilities of directors 
and auditors 
As explained more fully in the statement of directors’ 
responsibilities set out on page 42, the directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility 
is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements 
in accordance with applicable law and International Standards 
on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to 
comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards 
for Auditors. 

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and 
only for the company’s members as a body in accordance with 
Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other 
purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume 
responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to 
whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come 
save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements 
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts 
and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free 
from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. 
This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting 
policies are appropriate to the group’s and the parent 
company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied 
and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant 
accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall 
presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all 
the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report 
to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial 
statements. If we become aware of any apparent material 
misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications 
for our report.

Opinion on financial statements 
In our opinion: 

• the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state 

of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 
31 December 2011 and of the group’s profit and group’s 
and parent company’s cash flows for the year then ended;

• the group financial statements have been properly prepared 

in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; 

• the parent company financial statements have been properly 

prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European 

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the 
Companies Act 2006; and

• the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards 
the group financial statements, Article 4 of the lAS Regulation. 

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the 
Companies Act 2006 
In our opinion: 

• the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited has 
been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2006;

• the information given in the report of the directors for the financial 
year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent 
with the financial statements; and

• the information given in the corporate governance statement 
set out on pages 31 to 34 with respect to internal control and 
risk management systems and about share capital structures 
is consistent with the financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report 
by exception 
We have nothing to report in respect of the following: 

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report 
to you if, in our opinion: 

• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent 

company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 
received from branches not visited by us; or 

• the parent company financial statements and the part of the 

directors’ remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement 
with the accounting records and returns; or 

• certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law 

are not made; or

• we have not received all the information and explanations 

we require for our audit; or

• a corporate governance statement has not been prepared 

by the parent company. 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review: 

• the directors’ statement, set out on page 29, in relation to 

going concern;

• the parts of the corporate governance statement relating to 

the company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code specified for our review; and

• certain elements of the report to shareholders by the board 

on directors’ remuneration.

Andrew Paynter (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors

London

7 March 2012

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  43

Consolidated income statement 
For the year ended 31 December

Continuing operations

Revenue
Cost of sales

Trading profit
Administrative expenses 

Operating profit
Finance revenue 

Finance costs 

Other finance revenue – pensions 

Profit before taxation
Taxation 

Profit for the year

Attributable to: 
Equity holders of the parent 

Earnings per share 
Basic

Diluted

2011

Before 
exceptional 
item 
£m

Exceptional 
item 
(note 5) 
£m

After 
exceptional 
item 
£m

194.6

(3.4)

191.2

(161.0)

30.2

1.0

(0.2)

1.2

32.2

(9.5)

22.7

–

–

–

3.2

3.2

–

–

–

3.2

(0.8)

2.4

194.6

(3.4)

191.2

(157.8)

33.4

1.0

(0.2)

1.2

35.4

(10.3)

25.1

2010  
£m

202.6

(8.0)

194.6

(160.1)

34.5

0.8

(3.3)

0.4

32.4

(8.9)

23.5

22.7

2.4

25.1

23.5

121.5p

120.3p

134.1p

132.8p

125.4p

124.7p

Notes

3, 4 

3, 4 

3

3

3, 21

6

7

7

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
For the year ended 31 December

Profit for the year

  Other comprehensive income:

  Actuarial (loss)/gain on employee benefits – net of tax 

  Foreign exchange differences on retranslation of foreign operations 

  Foreign currency hedge – net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Total comprehensive income attributable to: 
Equity holders of the parent 

Notes

21

23

23

2011  
£m

25.1

(7.3)

(0.9)

(0.7)

16.2

Group

2010  
£m

23.5

2.9

0.3

(1.1)

25.6

16.2

25.6

44  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Consolidated and parent company balance sheets
As at 31 December

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment

Investment property

Intangible assets

Trade and other receivables

Investments

Investments in subsidiaries

Deferred tax asset

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables

Income tax receivable

Investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Trade and other payables

Income tax payable

Provisions

Net current assets

Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Provisions

Employee benefits

Deferred tax liability

Net assets

Capital and reserves 
Share capital

Other reserves

Retained earnings

Clarkson PLC group shareholders’ equity 

Approved by the board on 7 March 2012, and signed on its behalf by:

Bob Benton Chairman 

Jeff Woyda Finance director

Registered number: 1190238

Notes

2011  
£m

Group

2010 
£m

Company

2010 
£m

2011 
£m

9

10

11

13

14

15

6

13

14

16

17

18

19

18

19

21

6

22

23

8.4

0.4

40.3

0.4

1.9

–

12.1

63.5

37.5

0.6

–

132.9

171.0

–

(95.5)

(4.2)

(0.2)

(99.9)

71.1

(1.2)

(1.6)

(6.6)

(1.9)

(11.3)

123.3

4.7

37.5

81.1

123.3

8.7

0.4

32.7

0.5

1.8

–

12.0

56.1

28.4

0.5

11.4

176.3

216.6

(44.0)

(100.3)

(5.3)

(0.3)

(149.9)

66.7

(1.1)

(1.4)

(0.8)

(3.1)

(6.4)

116.4

4.7

40.0

71.7

116.4

4.0

0.4

–

0.1

0.2

53.7

4.0

62.4

23.7

1.5

–

24.9

50.1

–

(34.2)

–

–

(34.2)

15.9

–

(1.6)

(6.6)

–

(8.2)

70.1

4.7

31.8

33.6

70.1

4.3

0.4

–

0.2

0.2

54.4

2.7

62.2

11.9

2.0

11.4

46.1

71.4

(44.0)

(15.2)

–

–

(59.2)

12.2

–

(1.4)

(0.8)

(1.1)

(3.3)

71.1

4.7

31.3

35.1

71.1

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  45

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December

Group  
Attributable to equity holders of the parent

Notes

Share  
capital  

£m

4.7

Other  
reserves  
£m

40.0

21

23

23

23

23

6

8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4.7

–

–

(0.9)

(0.7)

(1.6)

(1.4)

0.5

–

–

–

(0.9)

37.5

Retained 
earnings  
£m

71.7

25.1

Total  
equity  
£m

116.4

25.1

(7.3)

(7.3)

–

–

17.8

–

–

(0.2)

0.8

(9.0)

(8.4)

81.1

(0.9)

(0.7)

16.2

(1.4)

0.5

(0.2)

0.8

(9.0)

(9.3)

123.3

Group  
Attributable to equity holders of the parent

Notes

Share  
capital  
£m

4.7

Other  
reserves  
£m

40.6

21

23

23

23

23

6

8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4.7

–

–

0.3

(1.1)

(0.8)

1.4

(1.2)

–

–

0.2

40.0

Retained 
earnings  
£m

51.5

23.5

2.9

–

–

26.4

–

(0.1)

2.2

(8.3)

(6.2)

71.7

Total  
equity  
£m

96.8

23.5

2.9

0.3

(1.1)

25.6

1.4

(1.3)

2.2

(8.3)

(6.0)

116.4

Balance at 1 January 2011
Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income:

  Actuarial loss on employee benefit schemes – net of tax

  Foreign exchange differences on retranslation  

  of foreign operations

  Foreign currency hedge – net of tax

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year 
Transactions with owners:

  Net ESOP shares acquired

  Share-based payments

  Tax on other employee benefits

  Profit on ESOP shares

  Dividend paid

Balance at 31 December 2011

Balance at 1 January 2010

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income:

  Actuarial gain on employee benefit schemes – net of tax

  Foreign exchange differences on retranslation  

  of foreign operations

  Foreign currency hedge – net of tax

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year 

Transactions with owners:

  Net ESOP shares utilised

  Share-based payments

  Tax on other employee benefits

  Dividend paid

Balance at 31 December 2010

46  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

 
 
Parent company statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

Balance at 1 January 2011 
Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income:

  Actuarial loss on employee benefit schemes – net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year 
Transactions with owners:

  Share-based payments

  Profit on ESOP shares

  Dividend paid

Balance at 31 December 2011

Balance at 1 January 2010 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income:

  Actuarial gain on employee benefit schemes – net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Transactions with owners:

  Share-based payments

  Tax on other employee benefits

  Dividend paid

Balance at 31 December 2010 

Company  
Attributable to equity holders of the parent

Notes

Share  
capital  
£m

4.7

Other 
reserves  
£m

31.3

21

23

8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4.7

–

–

–

0.5

–

–

0.5

31.8

Retained 
earnings  
£m

35.1

12.9

(7.3)

5.6

–

1.9

(9.0)

(7.1)

33.6

 Total  
equity  
£m

71.1

12.9

(7.3)

5.6

0.5

1.9

(9.0)

(6.6)

70.1

Company  
Attributable to equity holders of the parent

Notes

Share  
capital  
£m

4.7

Other  
reserves 
£m

32.5

21

23

8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4.7

–

–

–

(1.2)

–

–

(1.2)

31.3

Retained 
earnings 
£m

32.0

8.3

2.9

11.2

(0.1)

0.3

(8.3)

(8.1)

35.1

 Total  
equity  
£m

69.2

8.3

2.9

11.2

(1.3)

0.3

(8.3)

(9.3)

71.1

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  47

 
 
Consolidated and parent company cash flow statements
For the year ended 31 December

Notes

2011  
£m

Group

2010  
£m

Company

2010  
£m

2011  
£m

35.4

32.4

11.3

(3.2)
2.3
1.1
0.1
–
–

(2.9)
(1.0)
0.2
(1.2)
(3.9)
(7.3)
(1.6)
0.1
18.1
(10.9)
7.2

0.5
(2.3)
0.4
10.7
(8.7)
–
1.8
–
0.5
2.9

(0.2)
(9.0)
(43.6)
(1.5)
(54.3)
(44.2)
176.3
0.8
132.9

(1.5)
2.9
1.2
–
0.6
–

(1.6)
(0.8)
3.3
(0.4)
0.3
13.6
(1.9)
0.3
48.4
(6.1)
42.3

0.4
(1.3)
4.6
–
–
–
–
0.1
0.4
4.2

(1.6)
(8.3)
(4.7)
–
(14.6)
31.9
143.2
1.2
176.3

–
0.6
1.1
–
–
0.5

(2.9)
(19.6)
0.2
(1.2)
(10.0)
(2.9)
21.8
0.2
(0.9)
2.3
1.4

0.2
(0.3)
–
10.7
–
–
–
–
19.6
30.2

(0.2)
(9.0)
(43.6)
–
(52.8)
(21.2)
46.1
–
24.9

3

3,9

20

15

3

3

3

19

3

9

11

15

11

3

3

8

16

5.0

(0.7)
0.6
1.2
–
–
–

(1.6)
(16.8)
3.3
(0.4)
33.5
1.7
(6.2)
0.3
19.9
2.3
22.2

0.3
–
–
–
–
(0.7)
–
–
16.5
16.1

(1.6)
(8.3)
(4.7)
–
(14.6)
23.7
22.3
0.1
46.1

Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit before tax 
Adjustments for:
  Foreign exchange differences
  Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
  Share-based payment expense
  Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

Impairment of investments
Impairment of investments in subsidiaries
 Difference between ordinary pension contributions paid and  
  amount recognised in the income statement

  Finance revenue
  Finance costs
  Other finance revenue – pensions

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 
(Decrease)/increase in bonus accrual 
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables 
Increase in provisions 

Cash generated/(utilised) from operations 
Income tax (paid)/received
Net cash flow from operating activities 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Interest received 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of investments
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Investment in subsidiaries
Cash acquired on acquisitions
Dividends received from associates and joint ventures
Dividends received from investments
Net cash flow from investing activities 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Interest paid 
Dividend paid
Repayments of borrowings
ESOP shares acquired
Net cash flow from financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
Net foreign exchange differences
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

48  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business
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Our accounts
Other information

Basis of consolidation
The group’s consolidated financial statements incorporate the 
results and net assets of Clarkson PLC and all its subsidiary 
undertakings made up to 31 December each year. 

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial 
statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies 
used into line with those used by the group. 

All inter-group transactions, balances, income and expenses 
are eliminated on consolidation, however for the purposes of 
segmental reporting, internal arm’s-length recharges are included 
within the appropriate segments.

2.2 Changes in accounting policy and disclosures
New and amended standards adopted by the group
There are no IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are effective for the 
first time for the financial year beginning on or after 1 January 2011 
that would be expected to have a material impact on the group.

New standards, amendments and interpretations 
issued but not effective for the financial year beginning 
1 January 2011 and not early adopted
IAS 1, ‘Financial statement presentation’ regarding other 
comprehensive income. The effective date is for annual periods 
beginning on or after 1 July 2012. The main change resulting 
from these amendments is a requirement for entities to group 
items presented in Other Comprehensive Income on the basis 
of whether they are potentially reclassifiable to profit or loss 
subsequently (reclassification adjustments). The amendments 
do not address which items are presented in Other 
Comprehensive Income.

IAS 19, ‘Employee benefits’ was amended in June 2011. The 
impact on the group will be as follows: to eliminate the corridor 
approach and recognise all actuarial gains and losses in OCI as 
they occur; to immediately recognise all past service costs; and 
to replace interest cost and expected return on plan assets with 
a net interest amount that is calculated by applying the discount 
rate to the net defined benefit liability (asset). The effective date 
is for annual reports beginning on or after 1 January 2013. 
The group is yet to assess the full impact of the amendments.

Notes to the financial statements

1 Corporate information 
The group and parent company financial statements of Clarkson 
PLC for the year ended 31 December 2011 were authorised for 
issue in accordance with a resolution of the directors on 7 March 
2012. Clarkson PLC is a Public Limited Company, listed on the 
London Stock Exchange, registered in England and Wales and 
domiciled in the UK.

The term ‘company’ refers to Clarkson PLC and ‘group’ refers 
to the company, its consolidated subsidiaries and the relevant 
assets and liabilities of the share purchase trusts.

Copies of the Annual Report will be circulated to all shareholders 
and will also be available from the registered office of the company 
at St. Magnus House, 3 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6HE.

2 Statement of accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation
The accounting policies which follow set out those policies which 
apply in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 
31 December 2011.

The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling and all 
values are rounded to the nearest one hundred thousand pounds 
sterling (£0.1m) except when otherwise indicated.

These notes form an integral part of the financial statements 
on pages 44 to 48.

Statement of compliance
The financial statements of Clarkson PLC have been prepared 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union, IFRIC Interpretations 
and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting 
under IFRSs.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared 
under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation 
of land and buildings, available-for-sale financial assets, and 
financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative 
instruments) at fair value through profit or loss.

The company has elected to take the exemption under section 
408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present the parent 
company income statement, or the parent company statement 
of comprehensive income.

The accounting policies set out below have been applied 
consistently to all periods presented in these group and company 
financial statements. 

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  49

Notes to the financial statements continued

2.3 Accounting judgements and estimates
The preparation of the group’s financial statements requires 
management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions 
that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets 
and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities, at the 
reporting date. However, uncertainty about these assumptions 
and estimates could result in outcomes that could require 
a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the asset 
or liability affected in the future. 

Impairment of non-financial assets
The group assesses whether there are any indicators of 
impairment for all non-financial assets at each reporting date. 
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually and at other times 
when such indicators exist. Other non-financial assets are tested 
for impairment when there are indicators that the carrying 
amounts may not be recoverable. When value-in-use calculations 
are undertaken, management must estimate the expected future 
cash flows from the asset or cash-generating unit and choose 
a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value 
of those cash flows. Further details are given in note 12.

Share-based payments
The group measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with 
employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments 
at the date at which they are granted. Estimating fair value 
requires determining the most appropriate valuation model for 
a grant of equity instruments, which is dependent on the terms 
and conditions of the grant. This also requires determining 
the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model including 
the expected life of the option, volatility and dividend yield and 
making assumptions about them. 

2 Statement of accounting policies continued
IFRS 9, ‘Financial instruments’, addresses the classification, 
measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial 
liabilities. IFRS 9 was issued in November 2009 and October 2010. 
It replaces the parts of IAS 39 that relate to the classification and 
measurement of financial instruments. IFRS 9 requires financial 
assets to be classified into two measurement categories: those 
measured as at fair value and those measured at amortised cost. 
The determination is made at initial recognition. The classification 
depends on the entity’s business model for managing its financial 
instruments and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the 
instrument. For financial liabilities, the standard retains most of the 
IAS 39 requirements. The main change is that, in cases where the 
fair value option is taken for financial liabilities, the part of a fair 
value change due to an entity’s own credit risk is recorded in other 
comprehensive income rather than the income statement, unless 
this creates an accounting mismatch. The group is yet to assess 
IFRS 9’s full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 9 no later than the 
accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2013, subject 
to endorsement by the EU.

IFRS 10, ‘Consolidated financial statements’ builds on existing 
principles by identifying the concept of control as the 
determining factor in whether an entity should be included 
within the consolidated financial statements of the parent 
company. The standard provides additional guidance to assist 
in the determination of control where this is difficult to assess. 
The group is yet to assess IFRS 10’s full impact and intends 
to adopt IFRS 10 no later than the accounting period beginning 
on or after 1 January 2013, subject to endorsement by the EU. 

IFRS 12, ‘Disclosures of interests in other entities’ includes the 
disclosure requirements for all forms of interests in other entities, 
including joint arrangements, associates, special purpose vehicles 
and other off balance sheet vehicles. The group is yet to assess 
IFRS 12’s full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 12 no later than 
the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2013, 
subject to endorsement by the EU.

IFRS 13, ‘Fair value measurement’, aims to improve consistency 
and reduce complexity by providing a precise definition of fair value 
and a single source of fair value measurement and disclosure 
requirements for use across IFRSs. The requirements, which are 
largely aligned between IFRSs and US GAAP, do not extend the 
use of fair value accounting but provide guidance on how it should 
be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other 
standards within IFRSs or US GAAP. The group is yet to assess 
IFRS13’s full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 13 no later than 
the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2013, 
subject to endorsement by the EU.

There are no other IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are not 
yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact 
on the group.

50  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Pensions
The cost of defined benefit pension plans is determined 
using actuarial valuations. Actuarial valuations involve making 
assumptions about discount rates, expected rates of return 
on assets, future salary increases, mortality rates and future 
pension increases. Due to the long-term nature of these plans, 
such estimates are subject to significant uncertainty. Further 
details are given in note 21.

Trade receivables
The provision for impairment of receivables represents 
management’s best estimate at the balance sheet date.

2.4 Property, plant and equipment
Land held for use in the production or supply of goods or 
services, or for administrative purposes, is stated on the balance 
sheet at its historic cost. 

Fleet interests, freehold and long leasehold properties, leasehold 
improvements, office furniture and equipment and motor vehicles 
are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and any 
recognised impairment loss. 

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is charged 
on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life (after allowing 
for estimated residual value based on current prices) of the asset, 
and is charged from the time an asset becomes available for its 
intended use. Estimated useful lives are as follows: 

Freehold and long leasehold  
  properties
Leasehold improvements
Office furniture and equipment
Motor vehicles

60 years
Over the period of the lease
4–10 years
4 years

Estimates of useful lives and residual scrap values are 
assessed annually. 

At each balance sheet date, the group reviews the carrying 
amounts of its property, plant and equipment to determine 
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered 
an impairment loss. 

2.5 Investment properties 
Land and buildings held for long-term investment and to earn 
rental income are classified as investment properties. Investment 
properties are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and 
any recognised impairment loss. 

Depreciation is charged on a straight-line basis over the 
estimated useful life of the asset, and is charged from the time an 
asset becomes available for its intended use. Estimated useful 
lives are as follows: 

Investment properties 

60 years 

Our business
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Other information

2.6 Business combinations and goodwill 
Business combinations are accounted for using the 
purchase method. 

Goodwill is initially measured at cost being the excess of the cost 
of the business combination over the group’s share in the net 
fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and 
contingent liabilities.

All transaction costs related to business combinations are 
expensed in the income statement. 

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any 
accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of impairment 
testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the 
acquisition date, allocated to each of the group’s cash-generating 
units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the 
combination. 

Goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to the date of transition 
to IFRSs has been retained at the previous UK GAAP amount 
subject to being tested for impairment at that date. Goodwill 
written off to reserves under UK GAAP prior to transition has 
not been reinstated and will not be included in determining 
any subsequent profit or loss on disposal. 

2.7 Intangible assets 
Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial 
recognition at cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired in 
a business combination is the fair value as at the date of 
acquisition. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are 
carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any 
accumulated impairment losses.

The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed to be three years.

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over the useful life 
and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that 
the intangible asset may be impaired. The amortisation period 
and the amortisation method for an intangible asset with a finite 
useful life are reviewed at least at each financial year-end. 
Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of 
consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset 
are accounted for by changing the amortisation period or method, 
as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting 
estimates. The amortisation expense on intangible assets with 
finite lives is recognised in profit or loss in the expense category 
consistent with the function of the intangible asset.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  51

 
Notes to the financial statements continued

2.9 The parent company’s investments in subsidiaries
In its separate financial statements the parent company recognises 
its investments in subsidiaries at cost less provision for impairment. 
Income is recognised from these investments in relation to 
distributions received.

2.10 Investments and other financial assets
Classification
Financial assets within the scope of IAS 39 are classified as 
financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, loans and 
receivables, held-to-maturity investments, or available-for-sale 
financial assets, as appropriate. When financial assets are 
recognised initially, they are measured at fair value, plus, in 
the case of investments not at fair value through profit or loss, 
directly attributable transaction costs.

The group determines the classification of its financial assets 
on initial recognition and, where allowed and appropriate, 
re-evaluates this designation at each financial year-end.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss includes 
financial assets held for trading and financial assets designated 
upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial assets are classified as held for trading if they are 
acquired for the purpose of selling in the near term. Gains or 
losses on investments held for trading are recognised in profit 
or loss.

Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with 
fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active 
market. After initial measurement loans and receivables are 
carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method less 
any allowance for impairment. Gains and losses are recognised 
in profit or loss when the loans and receivables are derecognised 
or impaired, as well as through the amortisation process.

Available-for-sale financial investments
Available-for-sale financial assets are those non-derivative 
financial assets that are designated as available-for-sale or are 
not classified in any of the two preceding categories or held-to-
maturity investments. After initial measurement, available-for-sale 
financial assets are measured at fair value with unrealised gains 
or losses recognised directly in equity until the investment is 
derecognised or determined to be impaired at which time the 
cumulative gain or loss previously recorded in equity is 
recognised in profit or loss.

2 Statement of accounting policies continued
2.8 Impairment of non-financial assets 
The group assesses at each reporting date whether there is an 
indication that an asset may be impaired. If any such indication 
exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required, 
the group estimates the asset’s recoverable amount. An asset’s 
recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or cash-generating 
unit’s fair value less costs to sell and its value-in-use and is 
determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not 
generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from 
other assets or groups of assets. Where the carrying amount of 
an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered 
impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. 
In assessing value-in-use, the estimated future cash flows are 
discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate 
that reflects current market assessments of the time value of 
money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair 
value less costs to sell, an appropriate valuation model is used. 
These calculations are corroborated by valuation multiples, or 
other available fair value indicators.

Impairment losses of continuing operations are recognised in 
profit or loss in those expense categories consistent with the 
function of the impaired asset.

For assets excluding goodwill, an assessment is made at each 
reporting date as to whether there is any indication that previously 
recognised impairment losses may no longer exist or may have 
decreased. If such indication exists, the group makes an estimate 
of recoverable amount. A previously recognised impairment loss 
is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates 
used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last 
impairment loss was recognised. If that is the case the carrying 
amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount. 
That increased amount cannot exceed the carrying amount 
that would have been determined, net of depreciation, 
had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior 
years. Such reversal is recognised in profit or loss unless the asset 
is carried at revalued amount, in which case the reversal is treated 
as a revaluation increase.

The following criteria are also applied in assessing impairment 
of specific assets:

Goodwill
The group assesses whether there are any indicators that 
goodwill is impaired at each reporting date. Goodwill is tested 
for impairment annually.

Impairment is determined for goodwill by assessing the 
recoverable amount of the cash-generating units to which the 
goodwill relates. Where the recoverable amount of the cash-
generating units is less than their carrying amount an impairment 
loss is recognised. Impairment losses relating to goodwill cannot 
be reversed in future periods. The group performs its annual 
impairment test of goodwill as at 31 December.

52  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
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Other information

Recognition and measurement
Fair value 
The fair value of investments that are actively traded in organised 
financial markets is determined by reference to quoted market 
bid prices at the close of business on the balance sheet date. 
For investments where there is no active market, fair value is 
determined using valuation techniques, unless these are not 
reliable in which case the investments are shown at cost. Such 
valuation techniques include using recent arm’s-length market 
transactions; reference to the current market value of another 
instrument which is substantially the same; discounted cash flow 
analysis or other valuation models.

Amortised cost
Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost. This is 
computed using the effective interest method less any allowance 
for impairment. The calculation takes into account any premium 
or discount on acquisition and includes transaction costs and 
fees that are an integral part of the effective interest rate.

2.11 Impairment of financial assets
The group assesses at each balance sheet date whether a 
financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired.

Assets carried at amortised cost
If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on assets 
carried at amortised cost has been incurred, the amount of the 
loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying 
amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows 
(excluding future expected credit losses that have not been 
incurred) discounted at the financial asset’s original effective 
interest rate (i.e. the effective interest rate computed at initial 
recognition). The carrying amount of the asset is reduced 
through use of an allowance account. The amount of the loss 
is recognised in profit or loss.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss 
decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an 
event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the 
previously recognised impairment loss is reversed, to the 
extent that the carrying value of the asset does not exceed its 
amortised cost at the reversal date. Any subsequent reversal 
of an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.

In relation to trade receivables, a provision for impairment is made 
when there is objective evidence that the group will not be able 
to collect all of the amounts due under the original terms of the 
invoice. The carrying amount of the receivable is reduced through 
use of an allowance account. Impaired debts are derecognised 
when they are assessed as uncollectable.

Available-for-sale financial investments
If an available-for-sale asset is impaired, an amount comprising 
the difference between its cost (net of any principal payment and 
amortisation) and its current fair value, less any impairment loss 
previously recognised in profit or loss, is transferred from equity 
to profit or loss. Reversals in respect of equity instruments 
classified as available-for-sale are not recognised in profit or loss. 
Reversals of impairment losses on debt instruments are reversed 
through profit or loss, if the increase in fair value of the instrument 
can be objectively related to an event occurring after the 
impairment loss was recognised in profit or loss. 

2.12 Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are recognised initially at fair value 
and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method less provision for impairment.

2.13 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call 
deposits with an original maturity of between one day and 
three months. 

2.14 Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
The group uses various financial instruments to reduce exposure 
to foreign exchange movements. These can include forward 
foreign exchange contracts and currency options. All derivative 
financial instruments are initially recognised on the balance sheet 
at their fair value adjusted for transaction costs.

The fair values of financial instrument derivatives are determined  
by reference to quoted prices in an active market. Where no 
such active market exists, the fair value is determined using 
appropriate valuation techniques from observable data, including 
discounted cash flow analysis and the Black-Scholes option 
pricing model.

The method of recognising the movements in the fair value of 
the derivative depends on whether the instrument has been 
designated as a hedging instrument and, if so, the cash flow 
being hedged. To qualify for hedge accounting, the terms of the 
hedge must be clearly documented at inception and there must 
be an expectation that the derivative will be highly effective in 
offsetting changes in the cash flow of the hedged risk. Hedge 
effectiveness is tested throughout the life of the hedge and if at 
any point it is concluded that the relationship can no longer be 
expected to remain highly effective in achieving its objective, the 
hedge relationship is terminated.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  53

Notes to the financial statements continued

2 Statement of accounting policies continued
Gains and losses on financial instrument derivatives which 
qualify for hedge accounting are recognised according to the 
nature of the hedge relationship and the item being hedged.

Cash flow hedges: derivative financial instruments are classified 
as cash flow hedges when they hedge the group’s exposure to 
changes in cash flows attributable to a particular asset or liability 
or a highly probable forecast transaction. Gains or losses on 
designated cash flow hedges are recognised directly in equity, 
to the extent that they are determined to be effective. Any 
remaining portion of the gain or loss is recognised immediately 
in the income statement. On recognition of the hedged asset or 
liability, any gains or losses that had previously been recognised 
directly in equity are included in the initial measurement of the fair 
value of the asset or liability. When a hedging instrument expires 
or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge 
accounting, any cumulative gain or loss in equity remains there 
and is recognised in the income statement when the forecast 
transaction is ultimately recognised. When a forecast transaction 
is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss 
that was reported in equity is immediately transferred to the 
income statement.

Where financial instrument derivatives do not qualify for hedge 
accounting, changes in the fair market value are recognised 
immediately in the income statement.

2.15 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at fair value 
less directly attributable transaction costs and have not been 
designated as ‘at fair value through profit and loss’.

After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method.

2.16 Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the group has a present 
obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it 
is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic 
benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable 
estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Where 
the group expects some or all of a provision to be reimbursed, 
for example under an insurance contract, the reimbursement 
is recognised as a separate asset but only when the 
reimbursement is virtually certain. The expense relating to any 
provision is presented in profit or loss net of any reimbursement. 
If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are 
discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, where 
appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. Where discounting 
is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time 
is recognised as a finance cost.

2.17 Pensions
The group operates two defined benefit pension plans, both 
of which may require contributions to be made to separately 
administered funds. The cost of providing benefits under the 
defined benefit plans is determined separately for each plan using 
the projected unit credit actuarial valuation method. Actuarial gains 
and losses are recognised in full in the period in which they 
occur; they are presented in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income.

The past service costs are recognised immediately to the extent 
that the benefits are already vested. Otherwise, they are 
amortised on a straight-line basis over the period until the 
benefits become vested.

The defined benefit asset or liability comprises the present value 
of the defined benefit obligation less past service cost not yet 
recognised and less the fair value of plan assets out of which the 
obligations are to be settled directly. The value of any asset is 
restricted to the sum of any past service cost not yet recognised 
and the present value of any economic benefits available in the 
form of refunds from the plan or reductions in the future 
contributions to the plan.

2.18 Share-based payment transactions
Employees (including senior executives) of the group receive 
remuneration in the form of share-based payment transactions, 
whereby employees render services as consideration for equity 
instruments (‘equity-settled transactions’).

Equity-settled transactions
The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is 
measured by reference to the fair value at the date on which they 
are granted. The fair value of the element of these awards which 
have a Total Shareholder Return performance condition was 
valued using a stochastic model. All other elements of awards 
were valued using a Black-Scholes model.

The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together 
with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in which 
the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled, ending on 
the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled 
to the award (‘the vesting date’). The cumulative expense 
recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting 
date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which the vesting 
period has expired and the group’s best estimate of the number 
of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The profit or loss 
charge or credit for a period represents the movement in 
cumulative expense recognised as at the beginning and end 
of that period.

No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, 
except for awards where vesting is conditional upon a market 
condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether 
or not the market condition is satisfied, provided that all other 
performance and/or service conditions are satisfied.

The dilutive effect of outstanding options is reflected as additional 
share dilution in the computation of earnings per share 
(further details are given in note 7). 

54  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

2.19 Share capital 
Ordinary shares are recognised in equity as share capital at their 
nominal value. The difference between consideration received and 
the nominal value is recognised in the share premium account.

Company shares held in trust in connection with the group’s 
employee share schemes are deducted from consolidated 
shareholders’ equity. Purchases, sales and transfers of the 
company’s shares are disclosed as changes in consolidated 
shareholders’ equity. The assets and liabilities of the trusts are 
consolidated in full into the group’s consolidated financial 
statements.

2.20 Revenue recognition 
Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the 
economic benefits will flow to the group and the revenue can 
be reliably measured. 

Broking
Revenue consists of commission receivable from broking and 
is recognised by reference to the stage of completion. Stage 
of completion is measured by reference to the underlying 
commercial contract. 

Financial
Futures broking commissions are recognised when the services 
have been performed. Fees relating to our financial and investment 
services businesses are recognised as services are performed.

Support
Port service income is recognised on vessel load or discharge 
completion date and store rent on a time basis. Agency income 
is recognised when vessels arrive in port. Rental income arising 
from operating leases on properties is accounted for on a 
straight-line basis over the lease term.

Research
Revenue comprises fees, which are recognised as and when 
services are performed, and sales of shipping publications 
and other information, which is recognised when products 
are delivered.

Interest income
Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the 
principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable. 

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

2.21 Segment reporting 
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the 
internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. 
The group considers the executive members of the company’s 
board to be the chief operating decision-maker.

2.22 Foreign currencies
Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are 
recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the date of the 
transaction. At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and 
liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are 
retranslated at the rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. 
Gains and losses arising on retranslation are included in the 
income statement.

Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost 
in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as at 
the date of the initial transactions. Non-monetary items measured 
at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange 
rates as at the date when the fair value was determined.

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the group’s 
overseas operations are translated into pounds sterling at 
exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Income 
and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates 
for the period as an approximation of rates prevailing at the date 
of the transaction unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly. 
Exchange differences arising, if any, are classified as equity 
and transferred to the group’s currency translation reserve. 
Such translation differences are recognised as income or expense 
in the period in which an operation is disposed of. Cumulative 
translation differences have been set to zero at the date of 
transition to IFRSs.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of 
a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign 
entity and translated at the closing rate.

2.23 Taxation
Current income tax
Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior 
periods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered 
from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax 
laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted 
or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. 

Current income tax relating to items recognised directly in equity 
is recognised in equity and not in profit or loss.

Deferred income tax
Deferred income tax is provided using the liability method on 
temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the 
tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts 
for financial reporting purposes.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  55

Notes to the financial statements continued

Deferred income tax relating to items recognised directly in equity 
is recognised in equity and not in profit or loss.

Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities 
are offset, if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current 
tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred 
income taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same 
taxation authority.

2.24 Leases
Where the group is a lessee, operating lease payments  
are recognised as an expense in the income statement on a 
straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease incentive payments 
are amortised over the lease term.

2.25 Exceptional items
Exceptional items are significant items of a non-recurring nature 
and considered material in both size and nature. These are 
disclosed separately to enable a full understanding of the group’s 
financial performance.

2 Statement of accounting policies continued
Deferred income tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable 
temporary differences, except:

• where the deferred income tax liability arises from the initial 

recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction 
that is not a business combination and, at the time of the 
transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable 
profit or loss; and

• in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with 
investments in subsidiaries, associates and interests in joint 
ventures, where the timing of the reversal of the temporary 
differences can be controlled and it is probable that the 
temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised for all deductible 
temporary differences, carry forward of unused tax credits and 
unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable 
profit will be available against which the deductible temporary 
differences, and the carry forward of unused tax credits and 
unused tax losses can be utilised except:

• where the deferred income tax asset relating to the deductible 
temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of an 
asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business 
combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither 
the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and

• in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with 
investments in subsidiaries, associates and interests in joint 
ventures, deferred income tax assets are recognised only to 
the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences 
will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will 
be available against which the temporary differences can 
be utilised.

The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed 
at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is 
no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available 
to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilised. 
Unrecognised deferred income tax assets are reassessed at 
each balance sheet date and are recognised to the extent that 
it has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the 
deferred tax asset to be recovered.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the 
tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is 
realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) 
that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance 
sheet date.

56  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

3 Revenues and expenses

Revenue
Rendering of services 

Rental income 

Sale of goods 

Finance revenue
Bank interest income 

Income from available-for-sale financial assets 

Finance costs 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Loss on revaluation of fair value through profit or loss investments

Other finance revenue – pensions 
Expected return on plan assets 

Interest cost on benefit obligation 

Operating profit 
Operating profit from continuing operations represents the results from operations before finance revenues and finance costs. 
This is stated after charging/(crediting): 

Included in administrative expenses 
Depreciation 

Operating leases – land and buildings 

Net foreign exchange gains 

2011  
£m

2.3

5.9

(3.2)

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

2011  
£m

2010  
£m

184.1

193.2

3.8

6.7

3.8

5.6

194.6

202.6

0.5

0.5

1.0

(0.2)

–

(0.2)

8.0

(6.8)

1.2

0.4

0.4

0.8

(1.6)

(1.7)

(3.3)

7.6

(7.2)

0.4

2010  
£m

2.9

5.1

(1.5)

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  57

Notes to the financial statements continued

3 Revenues and expenses continued

Auditors’ remuneration 
Fees payable to the company’s auditor for the audit of the company’s accounts

Fees payable to the company’s auditor and its associates for other services:

  The auditing of accounts of subsidiaries of the company pursuant to legislation

  Other services pursuant to legislation – review of interim report

  Taxation services

  All other services

Employee compensation and benefits expense
Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Expense of share-based payments

Pension costs – defined contribution plans

2011  
£000

2010  
£000

85

205

30

202

155

677

82

209

30

254

145

720

2011  
£m

2010  
£m

107.4

10.9

1.1

2.9

104.1

11.6

1.2

2.9

122.3

119.8

The numbers above include remuneration and pension entitlements for each director. Details are included in the directors’ remuneration 
report in the directors’ emoluments and compensation table on page 39. 

The average number of persons employed by the group during the year including executive directors is analysed below: 

Broking 

Financial 

Support

Research

2011  
Number

2010  
Number

683

64

51

69

867

609

60

60

66

795

4 Segmental information
The chief operating decision-maker is the executive member of the company’s board. Management has determined the operating 
segments based on the information reviewed by the board.

Clarksons’ broking division represents shipowners and charterers in the transportation by sea of a wide range of cargoes. 

The financial division includes a futures broking operation which arranges principal-to-principal cash settled contracts for differences 
based upon standardised freight contracts and a financial and investment services division representing the provision of advice to clients 
on the financial aspects of a range of shipping-related transactions. 

Support includes port and agency services representing ship agency services provided throughout the UK and property services 
regarding the provision of accommodation. 

Research services encompass the provision of shipping-related information and publications. 

All areas of the business work closely together to provide the best possible service to our clients. Occasionally revenue is shared between 
different segments to reflect relative contributions to a particular transaction. Internal arm’s-length recharges are included within the 
appropriate segments. 

58  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Business segments 

Continuing operations 

Broking 

Financial

Support

Research

Less property services revenue arising within the group, included under Support

Segment revenue/results 

Head office costs 

Operating profit before exceptional item

Exceptional item

Operating profit after exceptional item

Finance revenue 

Finance costs 

Other finance revenue – pensions 

Profit before taxation 

Taxation 

Profit after taxation 

Business segments

Broking

Financial 

Support

Research

Segment assets/liabilities 

Unallocated assets/liabilities 

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

Revenue

Results

2011  
£m

163.6

12.1

13.9

8.1

197.7

(3.1)

194.6

2010  
£m

169.6

11.2

18.0

7.0

205.8

(3.2)

202.6

2011  
£m

160.3

14.4

16.1

5.1

195.9

38.6

234.5

Assets

2010  
£m

170.6

23.1

13.7

6.5

213.9

58.8

272.7

2011  
£m

35.9

(2.3)

1.7

2.0

37.3

(7.1)

30.2

3.2

33.4

1.0

(0.2)

1.2

35.4

(10.3)

25.1

2011  
£m

75.6

1.9

6.6

3.3

87.4

23.8

111.2

2010  
£m

41.3

(4.3)

0.5

1.5

39.0

(4.5)

34.5

–

34.5

0.8

(3.3)

0.4

32.4

(8.9)

23.5

Liabilities

2010  
£m

76.3

4.6

3.9

3.2

88.0

68.3

156.3

Unallocated assets predominantly relate to head office cash balances and tax assets. Unallocated liabilities include the pension scheme 
deficit, tax liabilities and head office loans and borrowings.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  59

Notes to the financial statements continued

4 Segmental information continued
Business segments 

Non-current asset additions

Depreciation

Broking 

Financial 

Support

Geographical segments – by origin of invoice 

Continuing operations

Europe, Middle East and Africa

Americas 

Asia Pacific

Geographical segments – by location of assets 

Europe, Middle East and Africa 

Americas 

Asia Pacific

*Non-current assets exclude deferred tax assets.

Property, 
plant and 
equipment 
2011  
£m

Intangible 
assets  
2011  
£m

Property,  
plant and 
equipment 
2010  
£m

Intangible 
assets  
2010  
£m

1.0

–

1.3

2.3

7.0

0.2

0.7

7.9

0.6

0.1

0.6

1.3

–

–

–

–

2011  
£m

0.7

0.1

1.5

2.3

2011  
£m

140.0

23.9

30.7

194.6

2010  
£m

0.8

0.2

1.9

2.9

Revenue

2010  
£m

151.4

14.0

37.2

202.6

Non-current assets*

2011  
£m

47.8

2.5

1.1

51.4

2010  
£m

40.5

2.1

1.5

44.1

5 Exceptional item
In November 2011 Clarksons announced that the Court of Appeal in London had decided to deny the claimant (Yuri Nikitin) leave to 
appeal in the cases between Mr Nikitin and H. Clarkson & Co. Limited (HCL), previously highlighted in the contingencies note in Clarksons’ 
financial statements.

HCL has been awarded costs relating to the matters appealed, and has credited its profits with an amount of £3.2m that it has received 
on account of those legal costs. The discussions related to the costs of this matter are now concluded.

60  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

6 Taxation
Tax charged in the group income statement is as follows:

Continuing operations

Current income tax 

UK corporation tax

Foreign tax

Total current income tax 

Deferred tax 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Total tax charge in the income statement

Tax relating to items charged or credited to equity is as follows:

Current tax credit: pension benefit

Deferred tax (credit)/charge: Pension benefit 

Deferred tax credit: Foreign currency hedge

Deferred tax charge/(credit): Other employee benefits

Total tax credit in the statement of comprehensive income

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

2011  
£m

2010  
£m

5.1

4.8

9.9

0.4

10.3

2011  
£m

(0.7)

(1.9)

(0.2)

0.2

(2.6)

6.9

1.4

8.3

0.6

8.9

2010  
£m

–

1.2

(0.5)

(2.2)

(1.5)

Reconciliation of tax charge 
The tax expense in the income statement for the year is higher (2010: lower) than the average standard rate of corporation tax in the UK 
of 26.5% (2010: 28%). The differences are reconciled below: 

Accounting profit before income tax 

Accounting profit at UK average standard rate of corporation tax of 26.5% (2010: 28%) 

Effects of: 

  Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 

  Non-taxable income 

  Lower tax rates on overseas earnings 

  Adjustments relating to prior year 

  Tax losses not recognised

  Adjustments relating to changes in tax rates

  Other adjustments 

Total tax charge reported in the income statement 

2011  
£m

35.4

9.4

1.7

(0.2)

(0.1)

(1.0)

0.4

0.3

(0.2)

10.3

2010  
£m

32.4

9.1

1.6

(0.2)

(0.7)

(0.8)

–

0.2

(0.3)

8.9

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  61

Notes to the financial statements continued

6 Taxation continued
Deferred tax
Deferred tax included in the group income statement is as follows:

Employee benefits  – on pension benefit liability

– other employee benefits

Movement on fair value through profit or loss investments

Tax losses not recognised

Other temporary differences

Deferred tax charge in the income statement

Deferred tax included in the balance sheet is as follows:

Deferred tax asset
Employee benefits – on pension benefit liability

– other employee benefits

Foreign currency contracts

Other temporary differences

Deferred tax asset

Deferred tax liability
Unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries

Movement on fair value through profit or loss investments

Foreign currency contracts

Intangible assets recognised on acquisition

Other temporary differences

Deferred tax liability

All deferred tax movements arise from the origination and reversal of temporary differences.

2011 
£m

0.4

0.2

(1.0)

0.4

0.4

0.4

2011 
£m

1.7

2.0

–

0.3

4.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

2010  
£m

0.5

0.7

(0.4)

–

(0.2)

0.6

Company

2010  
£m

0.2

1.9

–

0.6

2.7

–

(1.0)

–

–

(0.1)

(1.1)

2011 
£m

1.7

9.3

0.1

1.0

12.1

(1.3)

–

–

(0.3)

(0.3)

(1.9)

Group

2010  
£m

0.2

9.7

–

2.1

12.0

(1.6)

(1.0)

(0.1)

–

(0.4)

(3.1)

62  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

 
 
Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

7 Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing net profit for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent 
by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. 

Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, plus the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would 
be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares. 

The following reflects the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations: 

Net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (excluding share purchase  

trusts’ shares) for basic earnings per share

Dilutive effect of share options

Dilutive effect of performance share awards

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (excluding share purchase  

trusts’ shares) adjusted for the effect of dilution

2011 
£m

25.1

2010  
£m

23.5

2011  
Number

2010  
Number

18,652,357 18,697,835
40,000

6,344

188,190

72,317

18,846,891 18,810,152

The share awards relating to directors, where the performance conditions have not yet been met at the balance sheet date, are not 
included in the above numbers. The weighted average number of these shares were 269,132 (2010: 332,016).

8 Dividends

Declared and paid during the year:

Final dividend for 2010 of 30p per share (2009: 27p per share)

Interim dividend for 2011 of 18p per share (2010: 17p per share)

Dividend paid

Proposed for approval at AGM (not recognised as a liability at 31 December):

Final dividend for 2011 proposed of 32p per share (2010: 30p per share)

2011  
£m

2010  
£m

5.6

3.4

9.0

6.1

5.1

3.2

8.3

5.6

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  63

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

Freehold  
and long  
leasehold  
properties  
£m

Fleet  
interests  
£m

Leasehold  
improvements  
£m

Office  
furniture and 
equipment  
£m

Motor  
vehicles  
£m

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3.8

–

–

–

3.8

0.9

0.1

–

1.0

2.8

1.0

0.2

–

–

1.2

0.6

0.2

(0.1)

0.7

0.5

15.3

1.9

0.1

(0.7)

16.6

10.7

1.8

(0.5)

12.0

4.6

1.4

0.2

0.1

(0.7)

1.0

0.6

0.2

(0.3)

0.5

0.5

Freehold  
and long  
leasehold  
properties  
£m

Fleet  
interests  
£m

Leasehold  
improvements  
£m

Office  
furniture and 
equipment  
£m

Motor  
vehicles  
£m

8.8

–

(9.2)

0.4

–

4.2

0.3

(4.7)

0.2

–

–

3.7

–

–

0.1

3.8

0.6

0.3

–

–

0.9

2.9

0.9

0.2

(0.1)

–

1.0

0.5

0.2

(0.1)

–

0.6

0.4

15.4

0.9

(1.0)

–

15.3

9.7

1.9

(0.9)

–

10.7

4.6

1.2

0.2

(0.2)

0.2

1.4

0.4

0.2

(0.1)

0.1

0.6

0.8

Group

Total  
£m

21.5

2.3

0.2

(1.4)

22.6

12.8

2.3

(0.9)

14.2

8.4

Group

Total  
£m

30.0

1.3

(10.5)

0.7

21.5

15.4

2.9

(5.8)

0.3

12.8

8.7

9 Property, plant and equipment
31 December 2011

Original cost

At 1 January 2011

Additions 

Arising on acquisitions

Disposals

At 31 December 2011

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2011

Charged during the year

Disposals

At 31 December 2011

Net book value at 31 December 2011

31 December 2010

Original cost

At 1 January 2010

Additions 

Disposals 

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 December 2010

Accumulated depreciation

At 1 January 2010

Charged during the year

Disposals

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 December 2010

Net book value at 31 December 2010

64  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

 
 
31 December 2011

Original cost
At 1 January 2011

Additions

At 31 December 2011

Accumulated depreciation

At 1 January 2011

Charged during the year

At 31 December 2011

Net book value at 31 December 2011

31 December 2010

Original cost

At 1 January and 31 December 2010

Accumulated depreciation

At 1 January 2010

Charged during the year

At 31 December 2010

Net book value at 31 December 2010

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

Freehold  
and long  
leasehold  
properties  
£m

Leasehold  
improvements  
£m

Office  
furniture and 
equipment  
£m

1.9

–

1.9

0.2

–

0.2

1.7

0.5

–

0.5

0.3

0.1

0.4

0.1

6.5

0.3

6.8

4.1

0.5

4.6

2.2

Freehold  
and long  
leasehold  
properties  
£m

Leasehold  
improvements  
£m

Office  
furniture and 
equipment  
£m

1.9

0.2

–

0.2

1.7

0.5

0.2

0.1

0.3

0.2

6.5

3.6

0.5

4.1

2.4

Company

Total  
£m

8.9

0.3

9.2

4.6

0.6

5.2

4.0

Company

Total  
£m

8.9

4.0

0.6

4.6

4.3

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  65

Notes to the financial statements continued 

10 Investment property 
31 December 2011

Cost 
At 1 January and 31 December 2011

Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 January and 31 December 2011

Net book value at 31 December 2011

The fair value of the investment property at 31 December 2011 was £0.6m (2010: £0.7m). This valuation was carried out by an 
independent valuer.

Group and  
company  
£m

0.6

0.2

0.4

Group and  
company  
£m

0.6

0.2

0.4

Total  
£m

51.8

7.9

(0.2)

59.5

19.1

0.1

19.2

40.3

Intangibles 
£m

Goodwill  
£m

6.8

1.1

–

7.9

6.8

–

6.8

1.1

45.0

6.8

(0.2)

51.6

12.3

0.1

12.4

39.2

Intangibles 
£m

Goodwill  
£m

Total  
£m

6.8

–

6.8

6.8

–

6.8

–

43.6

1.4

45.0

11.1

1.2

12.3

32.7

50.4

1.4

51.8

17.9

1.2

19.1

32.7

31 December 2010

Cost 

At 1 January and 31 December 2010

Accumulated depreciation 

At 1 January and 31 December 2010

Net book value at 31 December 2010

11 Intangible assets 
31 December 2011

Cost
At 1 January 2011

Additions

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 December 2011

Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2011

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 December 2011

Net book value at 31 December 2011

31 December 2010

Cost

At 1 January 2010

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 December 2010

Amortisation and impairment

At 1 January 2010

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 December 2010

Net book value at 31 December 2010

66  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
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Other information

Acquisitions
EnShip
On 30 November 2011, the group acquired 100% of the share capital of EnShip Limited (EnShip), via its Port Services company, 
Clarkson Port Services Limited (CPS). EnShip is an Aberdeen-based shipping agency and marine industry logistics specialist with 23 staff. 

The acquisition complements CPS’ strategy to expand its geographical reach and broaden its services to existing and new customers 
in bulk shipping and the offshore and renewable industries. The goodwill of £0.7m is attributable to the acquired team and the synergies 
that will arise as a part of the acquisition. None of the goodwill recognised is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Consideration is payable in both cash and Clarkson PLC shares. On the acquisition date, £1.8m was paid in cash and £0.2m was 
payable in Clarkson PLC shares. A further £0.4m cash consideration is deferred, payable in 2012. 

The fair value of the ordinary shares issued as part of the consideration paid for EnShip was £10.76, based on the Clarkson PLC 
share price on the acquisition date.

Acquisition-related costs of £0.1m have been charged to administration expenses in the consolidated income statement for the year 
ended 31 December 2011.

In addition, a further £1.3m cash payment will be made to key employees contingent on them remaining in employment for three years. 
An additional cash sum up to £0.6m will also be payable in three years subject to the same service conditions and EnShip achieving 
certain earnings targets over the three years. For both of the above, the cost will be charged to the consolidated income statement 
over the service period.

Boxton/Bridge
On 16 December 2011, the group acquired 100% of the share capital of Boxton Holding AS (Boxton) and Bridge Maritime AS (Bridge) via 
Clarkson Norway AS. Both are Oslo-based shipbroking businesses with extensive experience in sale and purchase, newbuilding, leasing 
and project broking across all shipping markets, and particularly strong client relationships within the container, tanker, gas and offshore 
markets, with 8 staff.

The acquisition complements Clarksons’ strategy to build its presence in Scandinavia. Supported by Clarksons’ unrivalled global reach 
and breadth of broking and capital market services, the enlarged team at Clarkson Norway will be able to significantly expand the offering 
to our clients. The goodwill of US$8.9m (£5.9m) is attributable to the acquired team and the increased market share in the sector. None of 
the goodwill recognised is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Consideration is payable in cash totalling US$11.0m (£7.1m). On the acquisition date, US$10.4m (£6.7m) was paid, the remaining US$0.6m 
(£0.4m) is contingent on the performance of a pre-acquisition contract.

On acquisition, management performed a fair value exercise on the identifiable assets and liabilities. A valuation was performed on the 
cash flows expected from the existing forward order book of both Boxton and Bridge, discounted where necessary based on factors 
such as the timing of cash flows and the potential for counterparty default. As a result of this assessment, a total of US$1.7m (£1.1m) was 
identified as being an intangible asset acquired as a part of the business combination. The intangible asset will be amortised over the 
useful life, which is deemed to be three years.

Acquisition-related costs of US$0.6m (£0.4m) have been charged to administration expenses in the consolidated income statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2011.

In addition, a further US$2.7m (£1.7m) will be payable to key employees, by way of ordinary shares in Clarkson PLC, contingent on 
them remaining in employment for four years. The cost of these shares will be charged to the consolidated income statement over the 
service period.

Other
On 2 February 2011 the group acquired 100% of the share capital of SFL Securities, LLC for cash consideration of US$0.3m (£0.2m). 
The name of the company was changed to CIS Capital Markets, LLC post-acquisition. There were no net assets identified on acquisition.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  67

Notes to the financial statements continued 

11 Intangible assets continued
The following table summarises the consideration paid for the principal acquisitions, the fair value of the assets acquired and the 
liabilities assumed:

Recognised amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

EnShip  
£m

Boxton/ 
Bridge  
£m

Total  
£m

Intangible assets*

Property, plant and equipment 

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets
Trade and other payables

Income tax payable

Deferred tax liability*

Total liabilities

Total identifiable net assets
Goodwill

Total consideration

Consideration:
Cash

Equity instruments

Total consideration

–

0.2

3.3

1.1

4.6

2.6

0.3

–

2.9

1.7

0.7

2.4

2.2

0.2

2.4

1.1

–

0.3

0.7

2.1

0.5

0.1

0.3

0.9

1.2

5.9

7.1

7.1

–

7.1

1.1

0.2

3.6

1.8

6.7

3.1

0.4

0.3

3.8

2.9

6.6

9.5

9.3

0.2

9.5

*Fair value adjustments made on acquisition.

EnShip
The revenue included in the consolidated income statement since 30 November 2011 contributed by EnShip was £0.4m. EnShip also 
contributed profit of £0.1m over the same period.

Boxton/Bridge
No revenue and profit are included in the consolidated income statement for Boxton and Bridge.

Pro forma information
Had EnShip and Boxton/Bridge been consolidated from 1 January 2011, the consolidated income statement would show revenue of 
£201.7m and profit, before exceptional items including acquisition related costs, of £33.8m. This information is not necessarily indicative 
of the 2011 results of the combined group had the purchases actually been made at the beginning of the period presented, or indicative 
of the future consolidated performance given the nature of the businesses acquired.

68  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
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Other information

12 Impairment testing of goodwill
Goodwill is allocated to the group’s cash-generating units (CGUs) identified according to operating segment.

Goodwill acquired through business combinations has been allocated to the attributable CGUs for impairment testing as follows:

• Dry bulk chartering

• Specialised products chartering

• Gas chartering

• Sale and purchase broking

• Port and agency services

• Research services

• Investment services

The carrying amount of goodwill allocated to each CGU is as follows:

Dry bulk chartering

Specialised products chartering

Gas chartering

Sale and purchase broking

Port and agency services

Research services

Investment services

2011  
£m

12.0

12.2

2.7

7.7

1.1

3.3

0.2

2010  
£m

12.3

12.2

2.7

1.8

0.4

3.3

–

39.2

32.7

The movement in the aggregate carrying value is analysed in more detail in note 11.

Goodwill is allocated to CGUs which are tested for impairment at least annually. The goodwill arising in each CGU is similar in nature and 
thus the testing for impairment uses the same approach. It is considered that the cost of capital for each CGU is not materially different.

The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are assessed using a value-in-use model. Value-in-use is calculated as the net present value 
of the projected risk-adjusted cash flows of the CGU to which the goodwill is allocated. The groups of CGUs for which the carrying 
amount of goodwill is deemed significant are dry bulk chartering, specialised products chartering and, following the recent acquisitions, 
sale and purchase broking. The key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations are as follows:

• the pre-tax discount rate used is based on the group’s WACC and adjusted for risks within each CGU. As all CGUs have operations that 
are global in nature and similar risk profiles, the same pre-tax discount rate was applied to each unit. The group pre-tax discount rate 
is 12% (2010: 12%);

• the cash flow predictions are based on financial budgets and strategic plans approved by the board extrapolated over a five year period. 

These are based on both past performance and expectations for future market development;

• key drivers in the plans are revenue growth, margin and operating profit percentage; and

• cash flows beyond this five year period are calculated applying a multiple which does not exceed the amount if calculated using the 

long-term average growth rate for businesses operating in the same segment as the CGUs.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  69

Notes to the financial statements continued 

13 Trade and other receivables

Non-current
Other receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

Current
Trade receivables

Foreign currency contracts

Other receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

Owed by group companies 

2011  
£m

0.3

0.1

0.4

28.1

–

3.2

6.2

–

37.5

Group

2010  
£m

Company

2010  
£m

2011  
£m

0.3

0.2

0.5

21.3

0.4

2.8

3.9

–

28.4

–

0.1

0.1

–

–

0.1

–

23.6

23.7

–

0.2

0.2

–

–

0.1

–

11.8

11.9

Further details of related party receivables are included in note 27.

Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on terms payable within 90 days.

As at 31 December 2011, group trade receivables at nominal value of £13.0m (2010: £14.4m) were impaired and fully provided for. 
The amount of the provision equates to the total amount of impaired debt. The provision is based on ongoing market information about 
the credit-worthiness of counterparties. The company has no trade receivables (2010: none). 

Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables were as follows:

At 1 January

(Credit)/charge for the year

At 31 December

As at 31 December, the ageing analysis of trade receivables is as follows:

2011
2010

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not include any impaired items.

Individually impaired

2011 
£m

14.4

(1.4)

13.0

2010 
£m

12.3

2.1

14.4

Neither  
past due  
nor impaired  
£m

Past due  
not impaired
> 90 days  
£m

25.5
19.2

2.6
2.1

Total 
£m 

28.1
21.3

70  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

  
14 Investments

Non-current
Available-for-sale financial assets

Current
Fair value through profit or loss investments

Our business
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Other information

2011  
£m

1.9

–

Group

2010  
£m

1.8

11.4

Company

2010  
£m

0.2

11.4

2011  
£m

0.2

–

Available-for-sale financial assets consist of investments in unlisted ordinary shares and are shown at cost. There are no reasonable 
pricing alternatives to be able to give a range of fair value to these assets.

In 2010 fair value through profit or loss investments represented an investment in the Clarkson Shipping Hedge Fund of £8.5m and the 
Clarkson Freight Fund of £2.9m. The company redeemed both investments in 2011. 

15 Investments in subsidiaries 

Cost at 1 January

Recapitalisation of existing subsidiary

Pre-acquisition reserves dividend from subsidiary

Impairment of investment in subsidiary

At 31 December

Company

2010  
£m

53.7

0.7

–

–

54.4

 2011  
£m

54.4

–

(0.2)

(0.5)

53.7

2011
During the year the company received a dividend out of pre-acquisition reserves of a subsidiary. 

The investment in Clarkson Fund Management Limited has been impaired following closure of the hedge funds so that the carrying value 
represents the fair value of the remaining net assets recoverable.

2010
During the year the company subscribed for an additional £0.5m of share capital in Clarkson Fund Management Limited and an additional 
£0.2m of share capital in Clarkson Investment Services Limited.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  71

Notes to the financial statements continued 

16 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand

Short-term deposits

2011  
£m

117.9

15.0

132.9

Group

2010  
£m

121.9

54.4

176.3

2011  
£m

13.0

11.9

24.9

Company

2010  
£m

24.9

21.2

46.1

Cash at bank and in hand earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits are made for varying 
periods between one day and three months, depending upon the immediate cash requirements of the group, and earn interest at the 
respective short-term deposit rates. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is £132.9m (2010: £176.3m).

17 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost

Current
US$18,000,000 bank loan

£32,485,000 bank loan

2011  
£m

–

–

–

Group

2010  
£m

11.5

32.5

44.0

Company

2010  
£m

2011  
£m

–

–

–

11.5

32.5

44.0

Due to high levels of cash generation in the business, all outstanding bank borrowings were repaid in full in February 2011. At the same 
time, the multicurrency revolving credit facility was reduced from £50m to £25m, and renewed for a term of three years. The facility is 
secured over certain of the group’s assets and is subject to a cross-guarantee between certain group companies. There are no current 
plans to draw down on this facility.

72  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

18 Trade and other payables

Current

Trade payables 

Other payables 

Owed to group companies

Other tax and social security 

Deferred consideration

Foreign currency contracts

Accruals and deferred income 

Non-current 
Other payables 

Terms and conditions of the financial liabilities:

• trade payables are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on demand;

• other payables are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on demand; and

• further details of related party payables are included in note 27.

19 Provisions
31 December 2011

Current 
At 1 January 2011

Utilised during the year

At 31 December 2011

Non-current
At 1 January 2011

Arising during the year

At 31 December 2011

A provision is recognised for the dilapidation of various leasehold premises.

31 December 2010

Current
At 1 January and 31 December 2010

Non-current
At 1 January 2010

Arising during the year

At 31 December 2010

A provision is recognised for the dilapidation of various leasehold premises. 

Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

2011  
£m

–

0.1

24.7

–

–

–

9.4

34.2

–

–

Company

2010  
£m

–

0.2

1.5

–

–

–

13.5

15.2

–

–

2011  
£m

11.6

1.3

–

2.4

0.8

0.5

78.9

95.5

1.2

1.2

Group

2010 
£m

10.5

1.0

–

2.0

–

–

86.8

100.3

1.1

1.1

Group

Company

Dilapidation  
of leasehold 
premises  
£m

Dilapidation 
of leasehold  
premises  
£m

0.3

(0.1)

0.2

1.4

0.2

1.6

–

–

–

1.4

0.2

1.6

Group

Company

Dilapidation  
of leasehold 
premises  
£m

Dilapidation of 
leasehold  
premises  
£m

0.3

1.1

0.3

1.4

–

1.1

0.3

1.4

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  73

Notes to the financial statements continued 

20 Share-based payment plans

Expense arising from equity-settled share-based payment transactions

Group and Company

2011  
£m

1.1

2010  
£m

1.2

The share-based payment plans are described below. There have been no cancellations or modifications to any of the plans during 2011 
or 2010.

Long Term Incentive Plan
Details of the Long Term Incentive Plan are included in the directors’ remuneration report on page 38. Awards made to the directors are 
given in the directors’ remuneration report on page 40.

During 2010, certain share awards lapsed due to performance conditions not being met. As a result, £2.2m of amounts previously 
expensed were reversed in the 2010 income statement.

Share options
Movements in the year
The following table illustrates the number and weighted average exercise prices (WAEP) of, and movements in, share options during  
the year:

Outstanding at 1 January

Lapsed during the year

Outstanding at 31 December

Exercisable at 31 December

Number

40,000

–

40,000

40,000

2011

WAEP

£9.91

Number

90,000

–

(50,000)

£9.91

£9.91

40,000

40,000

2010

WAEP

£10.04

(£10.15)

£9.91

£9.91

The exercise price for all the options outstanding at the end of 2011 was £9.91 (2010: £9.91).

During 2010, 50,000 options lapsed due to service conditions not being met. The contractual life of the remaining options is six years. 
There are no cash settlement alternatives. There were no options granted during 2011 (2010: none).

Other employee incentives
During the year, 528,273 shares (2010: 313,396 shares) at a weighted average price of £12.61 (2010: £9.50) were awarded to employees 
in settlement of 2010 (2009) cash bonuses. There was no expense in 2011 as a result of these awards.

The fair value of the above shares was determined based on the market price at the date of grant.

As disclosed in note 11, US$2.7m (£1.7m) will be payable to key employees of an acquired group in the form of ordinary shares in 
Clarkson PLC. This is contingent on the employees remaining in employment for four years. The cost of these shares will be charged 
to the consolidated income statement over the service period. 

74  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
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Other information

21 Employee benefits
The group’s two defined benefit pension schemes are in the UK and all financial information provided in this note relates to the sum 
of the two separate schemes.

Defined benefit pension schemes
The group operates two defined benefit pension schemes, being the Clarkson PLC scheme and the Plowrights scheme, which are 
funded by the payment of contributions to separately administered trust funds. The schemes’ assets are invested in a range of pooled 
pension investment funds managed by professional fund managers.

Defined benefit pension arrangements give rise to open ended commitments and liabilities for the sponsoring company. As a 
consequence the company closed its original defined benefit section of the Clarkson PLC scheme to new entrants on 31 March 2004. 
This section was closed to further accrual for all existing members as from 31 March 2006. The Plowrights scheme was closed to further 
accrual from 1 January 2006.

Every three years, a pension scheme must obtain from an actuary a report containing a valuation and a recommendation on rates 
of contribution. Triennial valuations for both schemes have been prepared based on the position as at 31 March 2010.

• The valuation of the Clarkson PLC scheme showed a pension deficit on the original scheme of £4.2m as at 31 March 2010. 

• The valuation of the Plowrights scheme showed a pension deficit of £4.6m as at 31 March 2010. 

It has been agreed between Clarkson PLC and both sets of Trustees that the company will fund each deficit over a period of five years 
commencing 1 April 2010. The company agreed to make initial contributions into each scheme before the end of March 2011; a £1.0m 
contribution was made into the Clarkson PLC scheme in December 2010; a £1.0m contribution was paid into the Plowrights scheme 
in March 2011. Thereafter the company will make regular monthly contributions to fund the deficits of the two schemes at a combined  
rate of £1.9m per annum. 

Other pension arrangements
Overseas defined contribution arrangements have been determined in accordance with local practice and regulations.

The group also operates various other defined contribution pension arrangements. Where required the group also makes contributions 
into these schemes.

The group incurs no material expenses in the provision of post-retirement benefits other than pensions.

The following tables summarise amounts recognised in the consolidated and company balance sheet and the components of net benefit 
income recognised in the consolidated income statement:

Benefit liability 

Fair value of schemes’ assets

Present value of funded defined benefit obligations

Unrecognised asset in relation to the Plowrights scheme

Minimum funding requirement in relation to the Plowrights scheme

Liability recognised on the balance sheet

A deferred tax asset on the above recognised liability amounting to £1.7m (2010: £0.2m) is shown in note 6.

Recognised in the income statement

Expected return on schemes’ assets (recognised in other finance revenue – pensions) 

Interest cost on benefit obligation (recognised in other finance revenue – pensions)

Net benefit income

Group and Company

2011  
£m

138.0

(141.0)

(3.0)

(1.1)

(2.5)

(6.6)

2010  
£m

131.9

(132.7)

(0.8)

–

–

(0.8)

Group and Company

2011  
£m

8.0

(6.8)

1.2

2010  
£m

7.6

(7.2)

0.4

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  75

Notes to the financial statements continued 

21 Employee benefits continued 
Taken to the statement of comprehensive income 

Actual return on schemes’ assets

Less: expected return on schemes’ assets

Actuarial gains on schemes’ assets

Actuarial losses on defined benefit obligations

Actuarial (losses)/gains recognised in the statement of comprehensive income

Tax credit/(charge) on actuarial losses/gains

Unrecognised asset in relation to the Plowrights scheme

Tax credit on unrecognised asset

Minimum funding requirement in relation to the Plowrights scheme

Tax credit on minimum funding requirement

Net actuarial (losses)/gains on employee benefit obligations

Cumulative amount of actuarial losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income

Schemes’ assets
The assets of the schemes and the expected rates of return are as follows:

Group and Company

2011  
£m

9.9

(8.0)

1.9

(8.2)

(6.3)

1.6

(1.1)

0.3

(2.5)

0.7

(7.3)

(13.9)

2010  
£m

14.2

(7.6)

6.6

(2.5)

4.1

(1.2)

–

–

–

–

2.9

(7.6)

Equities

Government bonds

Corporate bonds

Property

Cash and other assets

Benefit asset

Group and Company

Percentage  
of total  
2011 
%

Expected 
rate of 
return 
2011 
% pa

43.1

37.2

14.6

4.1

1.0

100.0

6.65

2.90

4.30

5.65

1.80

Percentage  
of total  
2010 
%

46.2

34.5

13.9

4.2

1.2

2011  
£m

59.4

51.3

20.2

5.7

1.4

138.0

100.0

Expected 
rate of 
return 
2010 
% pa

8.05

4.30

5.20

7.05

1.50

2010  
£m

61.0

45.5

18.3

5.5

1.6

131.9

The overall expected rate of return on assets is determined based on market prices applicable to the period over which the obligation is to 
be settled.

Changes in the fair value of schemes’ assets are as follows:

Group and Company

At 1 January

Expected return on assets

Contributions

Insurance income for insured pensioners

Benefits paid

Actuarial gains

At 31 December

2011  
£m

131.9

8.0

2.7

0.2

(6.7)

1.9

2010 
£m

121.6

7.6

1.4

0.2

(5.5)

6.6

138.0

131.9

The group expects, based on the valuations and funding requirements including expenses, to contribute £1.9m to its defined benefit 
pension schemes in 2012 (2011: £2.9m). 

76  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Defined benefit obligations
The principal valuation assumptions are as follows:

Rate of increase in pensions in payment

Price inflation (RPI)

Price inflation (CPI)

Discount rate for scheme liabilities

Our business
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Other information

2011  
%

Group and Company

2010  
%

2.80 – 3.10

3.10 – 3.40

3.20

2.20

4.60

3.60

2.70

5.30

The mortality assumptions used to assess the defined benefit obligation at 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2010 are based on 
the ‘SAPS Light’ standard mortality tables published by the actuarial profession. These tables have been adjusted to allow for anticipated 
future improvements in life expectancy. Examples of the assumed future life expectancy are given in the table below:

Post-retirement life expectancy on retirement at age 65:

Pensioners retiring in the year 

– male

– female

Pensioners retiring in twenty year’s time  – male

– female

Group and Company

2011  
Additional  
years

2010  
Additional  
years

23.6

24.6

25.0

26.2

23.5

24.5

25.0

26.1

Changes in the fair value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:

Group and Company

At 1 January

Interest costs

Actuarial losses

Benefits paid

At 31 December

Historical comparative information

Fair value of schemes’ assets

Defined benefit obligation

Unrecognised asset

Minimum funding requirement

(Deficit)/surplus

Experience adjustments on schemes’ assets

Experience adjustments on schemes’ liabilities

2011  
£m

132.7

6.8

8.2

(6.7)

141.0

2010  
£m

128.5

7.2

2.5

(5.5)

132.7

Group and Company

2011  
£m

138.0

(141.0)

(1.1)

(2.5)

(6.6)

1.9

(0.3)

2010  
£m

131.9

(132.7)

–

–

(0.8)

6.6

0.8

2009  
£m

121.6

(128.5)

–

–

(6.9)

5.5

(0.2)

2008  
£m

114.6 

(104.9)

– 

– 

9.7 

(19.5)

(0.5)

2007 
£m

132.6 

(122.3)

(0.4)

–

9.9 

(3.4)

0.4 

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

22 Share capital 

Ordinary shares of 25p each:

At 1 January and at 31 December

There were no shares issued during the year.

23 Other reserves 
31 December 2011

  At 1 January 2011

Total comprehensive income

Net ESOP shares acquired

Share-based payments

At 31 December 2011

31 December 2010

At 1 January 2010

Total comprehensive income

Net ESOP shares utilised

Share-based payments

At 31 December 2010

2011  
Number

2010  
Number

2011  
£m

2010  
£m

Group and Company

18,984,691 18,984,691

4.7

4.7

Share  
premium  
£m

27.8

–

–

–

27.8

Share  
premium  
£m

27.8

–

–

–

27.8

ESOP  
reserve  
£m

Employee  
benefits  
reserve 
£m

Capital 
redemption 
reserve  
£m

Hedging 
reserve  
£m

Currency 
translation 
reserve  
£m

(0.6)

–

(1.4)

–

(2.0)

ESOP  
reserve  
£m

(2.0)

–

1.4

–

(0.6)

1.5

–

–

0.5

2.0

2.0

–

–

–

0.3

(0.7)

–

–

2.0

(0.4)

9.0

(0.9)

–

–

8.1

Employee  
benefits 
reserve  
£m

Capital 
redemption 
reserve  
£m

Hedging 
reserve  
£m

Currency 
translation 
reserve  
£m

2.7

–

–

(1.2)

1.5

2.0

–

–

–

2.0

1.4

(1.1)

–

–

0.3

8.7

0.3

–

–

9.0

Group

Total  
£m

40.0

(1.6)

(1.4)

0.5

37.5

Group

Total  
£m

40.6

(0.8)

1.4

(1.2)

40.0

78  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

31 December 2011

At 1 January 2011

Share-based payments

At 31 December 2011 

31 December 2010

At 1 January 2010

Share-based payments

At 31 December 2010 

Our business
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Other information

Share  
premium  
£m

27.8

–

27.8

Employee  
benefits 
reserve  
£m

Capital  
redemption  
reserve  
£m

1.5

0.5

2.0

2.0

–

2.0

Share  
premium  
£m

27.8

–

27.8

Employee  
benefits 
reserve  
£m

Capital  
redemption  
reserve  
£m

2.7

(1.2)

1.5

2.0

–

2.0

Company

Total  
£m

31.3

0.5

31.8

Company

Total  
£m

32.5

(1.2)

31.3

Nature and purpose of other reserves 
ESOP reserve – group 
The ESOP reserve in the group represents 288,798 shares (2010: 202,608 shares) held by the share purchase trusts to meet obligations 
under various incentive schemes. The shares are stated at cost. The market value of these shares at 31 December 2011 was £3.3m 
(2010: £2.3m). At 31 December 2011 none of these shares were under option (2010: none). 

Employee benefits reserve – group and company
The employee benefits reserve is used to record the value of equity-settled share-based payments provided to employees. Further details 
are included in note 20.

Capital redemption reserve – group and company 
The capital redemption reserve arose on previous share buy-backs by Clarkson PLC. 

Hedging reserve – group
The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments relating to hedged transactions that 
have not yet occurred.

Currency translation reserve – group 
The currency translation reserve represents the currency translation differences arising from the consolidation of foreign operations. 

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  79

Notes to the financial statements continued 

24 Financial commitments and contingencies
Operating lease commitments – group as lessee
The group has entered into commercial leases in relation to land and buildings and other assets on the basis that it is not in the group’s 
best interests to purchase these assets. The leases have an average life of between one and nine years with renewal terms included 
in the contracts. Renewals are at the option of the specific entity that holds the lease. There are no restrictions placed upon the lessee 
by entering into these leases.

Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases as at 31 December are as follows:

Within one year

After one year but not more than five years

After five years

2011  
£m

6.1

15.0

0.3

21.4

Group

2010  
£m

5.1

18.5

–

23.6

2011  
£m

4.3

12.9

–

17.2

Company

2010 
£m

4.3

17.2

–

21.5

The group and company has sublet space in certain properties. The future minimum sublease payments expected to be received 
under non-cancellable sublease agreements as at 31 December 2011 is £13.9m (2010: £17.4m).

Contingencies
The group and company have given no financial commitments to suppliers (2010: none).

The group and company have given no guarantees (2010: none).

From time to time the group may be engaged in litigation in the ordinary course of business. The group carries professional indemnity 
insurance. There are currently no liabilities expected to have a material adverse financial impact on the group’s consolidated results 
or net assets.

25 Financial risk management objectives and policies
The group’s principal financial liabilities comprise trade payables, deferred consideration, foreign currency contracts and loans given.  
The company’s principal financial liabilities comprised bank loans, which have been repaid in full during the year. The main purpose 
of these financial liabilities is to finance the group’s operations. The group and company have various financial assets such as trade 
receivables and cash and short-term deposits, which arise directly from its operations.

The group and company have not entered into derivative transactions other than the forward currency contracts explained later in 
this section. It is, and has been throughout 2011 and 2010, the group’s policy that no trading in derivatives shall be undertaken for 
speculative purposes.

The main risks arising from the group and company’s financial instruments are credit risk, liquidity risk, foreign exchange risk, interest 
rate risk and investment risk. The board of directors reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks which are 
summarised below.

Credit risk
The group seeks to trade only with recognised, creditworthy third parties. Receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis 
and any potential bad debts identified at an early stage. The maximum exposure is the carrying amounts as disclosed in note 13. 
There are no significant concentrations of credit risk within the group and company.

With respect to credit risk arising from the other financial assets of the group, which comprise cash and cash equivalents, fair value 
through profit or loss investments and available-for-sale financial investments, the group’s exposure to credit risk arises from default 
of the counterparty, with a maximum exposure equal to the carrying amount of these instruments.

Liquidity risk
The group monitors its risk to a shortage of funds using projected cash flows from operations. The group’s objective is to maintain 
a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of bank facilities.

80  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
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Other information

The tables below summarise the maturity profile of the group’s financial liabilities at 31 December based on contractual undiscounted 
payments.

Year ended 31 December 2011

Group

Trade and other payables

Deferred consideration

Foreign currency contracts

Provisions

Year ended 31 December 2010

Group

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Less than  
3 months  
£m

3 to 12  
months  
£m

On  
demand  
£m

12.9

–

–

–

12.9

–

0.4

–

–

0.4

On  
demand  
£m

Less than  
3 months  
£m

–

11.5

–

11.5

–

–

–

–

–

0.4

0.5

0.2

1.1

3 to 12  
months  
£m

44.0

–

0.3

44.3

1 to 5  
years  
£m

1.2

–

–

1.6

2.8

1 to 5  
years  
£m

–

1.1

1.4

2.5

Over 
5 years 
£m

–

–

–

–

–

Over 
5 years 
£m

–

–

–

–

Total  
£m

14.1

0.8

0.5

1.8

17.2

Total  
£m

44.0

12.6

1.7

58.3

The company has no undiscounted interest-bearing loans and borrowings (2010: £44.0m payable in 3 to 12 months) and undiscounted 
provisions totalling £1.6m (2010: £1.4m) which are payable in 1 to 5 years (2010: 1 to 5 years).

Foreign exchange risk
The group has transactional currency exposures. Such exposure arises from sales or purchases by an operating unit in currencies other 
than the unit’s functional currency. Approximately 80% of the group’s sales are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency 
of the operating unit making the sale, whilst approximately 90% of costs are denominated in the unit’s functional currency.

The group uses foreign currency contracts only to reduce exposure to variations in the US dollar exchange rate and to meet local 
currency expenditure in the ordinary course of business. 

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in the US dollar exchange rate, with all other variables 
held constant, of the group’s profit before tax and equity (due to changes in the fair value of monetary assets and liabilities). 

2011

2010

Strengthening/ 
(weakening) in 
US dollar rate

Effect on  
profit  
before tax  
£m

Effect on  
equity  
£m

5%

(5%)
5%

(5%)

1.1

(1.0)
0.7

(0.7)

2.4

(2.2)
1.9

(1.7)

Derivative financial instruments
It is the group’s policy to cover or hedge a proportion of its transactional US dollar exposures with foreign currency contracts. 
Where these are designated and documented as hedging instruments in the context of IAS 39 and are demonstrated to be effective, 
mark-to-market gains and losses are recognised directly in equity (see note 23) and transferred to the income statement upon receipt 
of cash and conversion to sterling of the underlying item being hedged.

The fair value of foreign currency contracts at 31 December are as follows:

Foreign currency contracts

2011  
£m

–

Assets

2010  
£m

0.4

Liabilities

2010  
£m

–

2011  
£m

0.5

At 31 December 2011 the group had US$62.5m outstanding forward contracts due for settlement in 2012 and 2013 (2010: US$70m for 
settlement in 2011 and 2012).

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  81

Notes to the financial statements continued 

25 Financial risk management objectives and policies continued
Interest rate risk
The group and company’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the group and company’s cash 
and short-term deposits and debt obligations with floating interest rates. In February 2011, all bank loans and borrowings were repaid 
in full thereby eliminating the risk of increased charges arising from a rise in interest rates, assuming no amounts are drawn down.

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in interest rates, with all other variables held constant, 
of the group and company’s profit before tax (through the impact on cash balances and floating rate borrowings). The effect on equity 
is the same as profit before tax.

2011
Sterling

US dollars

2010

Sterling

US dollars

Euros

Group

Company

Effect on  
profit  
before tax  
£m

Effect on  
profit  
before tax  
£m

Increase in  
basis points

+100

+100

+100

+100

+100

0.6

0.5

0.9

0.4

0.1

0.2

–

0.1

(0.1)

–

Investment risk
During the year, the seed capital was withdrawn from the Clarkson Shipping Hedge Fund and the Clarkson Freight Fund, thereby 
eliminating the risk of any further deterioration in the value of both funds. 

Capital management
The primary objective of the group’s capital management is to ensure that it maintains a strong credit rating and healthy capital ratios 
in order to support its business and maximise shareholder value.

The group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, in light of changes in economic conditions. To maintain or adjust 
the capital structure, the group may adjust the dividend payment to shareholders, return capital to shareholders or issue new shares.

No changes were made in the objectives, policies or processes during the years ended 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2010.

A number of the group’s trading companies are subject to regulation by the FSA in the UK, FINRA in the US and DFSA in Dubai. All such 
companies complied with their regulatory capital requirements throughout the year.

The group monitors capital using a gearing ratio, which is normally defined as net debt divided by total capital plus net debt. The group 
includes within net funds, cash and cash equivalents and interest-bearing loans and borrowings. Capital comprises equity attributable 
to the equity holders of the parent.

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Cash and short-term deposits

Net funds

Gearing ratio

2011  
£m

–

132.9

132.9

–%

2010  
£m

(44.0)

176.3

132.3

–%

82  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

 
Our business
Our governance
Our accounts
Other information

26 Financial instruments
Fair values
IFRS 7 requires disclosure of fair value measurements by level of the following fair value measurement hierarchy:

• quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1);

• inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) 

or indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (level 2); and

• inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (level 3).

The following table presents the group’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value at 31 December 2011.

Assets
Fair value through profit or loss investments

Foreign currency contracts

Liabilities
Foreign currency contracts

2011  
Level 2  
£m

2010 
Level 2  
£m

–

–

0.5

11.4

0.4

–

27 Related party transactions
During the year the group and company entered into transactions, in the ordinary course of business, with related parties. 

Those transactions, and balances outstanding at 31 December, are as follows: 

Management fees charged to related party 

Interest received from related party 

Amounts owed by related party 

Amounts owed to related party 

Subsidiaries  
2011  
£m

Company

Subsidiaries  
2010  
£m

0.9

0.1

23.6

24.7

0.9

0.2

11.8

1.5

Compensation of key management personnel (including directors) 
There were no key management personnel in the group and company apart from the Clarkson PLC directors. Details of their 
compensation can be found in the directors’ emoluments and compensation table on page 39. Share-based payments relating 
to the Clarkson PLC directors amounted to £1.0m (2010: £0.9m). 

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  83

Notes to the financial statements continued

28 Subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 
Principal subsidiaries 
Country of incorporation and operation

Company

Percentage of equity shares

UK 

Australia

China

United Arab Emirates 

France

Germany

Greece 

India

Italy 

Norway

Singapore 

South Africa

Switzerland

USA

H Clarkson & Company Limited 

Clarkson Port Services Limited*

Clarkson Financial Services Limited

Clarkson Investment Services Limited

Clarkson Legal Services Limited

Clarkson Overseas Shipbroking Limited

Clarkson Property Holdings Limited

Clarkson Research Holdings Limited

Clarkson Research Services Limited

Clarkson Securities Limited

Clarkson Shipbroking Group Limited

Clarkson Shipping Investments Limited

Clarkson Valuations Limited

EnShip Limited*

Genchem Holdings Limited* 

LNG Shipping Solutions Limited

Clarkson Australia (Pty) Limited*

Clarkson Asia Limited*

Clarkson Shipbroking Shanghai Co Limited*

Clarkson SL (Asia) Limited*

Clarkson DMCC*

Clarkson Investment Services (DIFC) Limited*

Clarkson Paris SAS*

Clarkson (Deutschland) GmbH*

Clarkson (Hellas) Limited 

Clarkson Shipping Services India Private Limited*

Clarkson Italia Srl 

Boxton Holding AS*

Boxton Maritime AS*

Bridge Maritime AS*

Clarkson Norway AS*

Clarkson Asia Pte Limited 

Clarkson South Africa (Pty) Limited*

Afromar Properties (Pty) Limited*

Clarkson Shipbroking Switzerland SA*

CIS Capital Markets, LLC*

Clarkson Shipping Services USA, Inc.* 

100

100
100†
100†

100

100
100†
100†

100
100†
100†
100†

100

100
100†

100

100 

100

100

100

100

100
100†

100

100

100
100†

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

*Not audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and associates. 
†Held by Clarkson PLC.

All the companies in this note are engaged in the provision of shipping and shipping-related services. 

The group also holds investments in other subsidiaries which are either not trading or not significant. In compliance with section 410 of the 
Companies Act 2006, a complete list of subsidiaries will be annexed to the company’s next annual return.

84  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

 
 
Glossary

Aframax 

Ballast voyage 

Bareboat charter 

Bulk cargo 

Bunkers 

Cabotage 

Capesize 

Cgt

Charterer 

Charter-party 

CIF 

ClarkSea Index

Clean oil 

COA 

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A tanker size range defined by Clarksons as between 80-120,000 dwt. 

 A voyage with no cargo on board to get a ship in position for the next loading port or docking. 
On voyage the ship is said to be in ballast. 

 The hire or lease of a vessel from one company to another (the charterer), which in turn provides 
crew, bunkers, stores and pays all operating costs. 

Unpackaged cargoes such as coal, ore and grain. 

The ship’s fuel. 

 Transport of goods between two ports or places located in the same country, often restricted 
to domestic carriers. 

Bulk ship size range defined by Clarksons as 100,000 dwt or larger. 

 Compensated gross tonnage. This unit of measurement was developed for measuring the 
level of shipbuilding output and is calculated by applying a conversion factor, which reflects 
the amount of work required to build a ship, to a vessel’s gross registered tonnage.

Cargo owner or another person/company who hires a ship. 

Transport contract between shipowner and shipper of goods. 

 Cost, insurance and freight. Delivery of goods is the seller’s responsibility to the port of 
discharge. The freight is paid for by the supplier of goods. 

 A weighted average index of earnings for the main vessel types where the weighting is based 
on the number of vessels in each fleet sector.

Refined oil products such as naphtha. 

 Contract of Affreightment. An agreement to transport a defined amount of cargo at an agreed 
freight rate, with the shipowner choosing the ship. 

Combination carrier 

 Ship capable of carrying oil or dry bulk cargoes, thereby increasing the productivity of the vessel. 
Typically termed OBO or Ore/Oiler. 

Crude oil 

Unrefined oil. 

Daily operating costs 

 The costs of a vessel’s technical operation, crewing, insurance and maintenance, but excluding 
costs of financing, referred to in the industry as opex.

Demurrage 

Dirty oil 

Dry (market) 

 Money paid to shipowner by charterer, shipper or receiver for failing to complete loading/
discharging within time allowed according to charter-party. 

Less refined oil products such as fuel oil. 

Generic term for the bulk market. 

Dry cargo carrier 

A ship carrying general cargoes or sometimes bulk cargo. 

Dry docking 

Dwt 

 To put a vessel into a dry dock for inspection, repair and maintenance. Normally done on 
a regular basis. 

 Deadweight ton. A measure expressed in metric tons (1,000 kg) or long tons (1,016 kg) of 
a ship’s carrying capacity, including bunker oil, fresh water, crew and provisions. This is the 
most important commercial measure of the capacity. 

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  85

Glossary continued

FFA 

FOB 

FOB (estimate) 

FOSVA 

Freight rate 

 A Forward Freight Agreement is a cash contract for differences requiring no physical delivery 
based on freight rates on standardised trade routes. 

 Free on Board. Cost of the delivery of goods is the seller’s responsibility only up to the port 
of loading. The freight is paid for by the buyer of the goods. 

 Forward Order Book represents estimated commissions collectable over the duration of the 
contract as principal payments fall due. The forward order book is not discounted.

 Forward Ship Value Agreement. An FFA based product designed specifically for the sale and 
purchase market. 

 The agreed charge for the carriage of cargo expressed per ton(ne) of cargo (also Worldscale 
in the tanker market) or as a lump sum. 

Handysize/Handymax 

 Bulk ship size ranges of ships defined by Clarksons as 10-40,000 dwt and 40-  60,000 dwt. 

IMO 

ISM code 

LGC

LNG 

LPG 

MGC

MOA 

OBO 

Oil tanker 

Panamax 

Parcel tanker 

Product tanker 

Reefer 

Ro-Ro 

Shipbroker 

Shuttle tanker 

Spot business 

Spot market 

International Maritime Organisation: a United Nations agency devoted to shipping. 

 International Safety Management code for the safe operation of ships and for pollution prevention 
as adopted by the IMO. 

Large Gas Carrier. Vessel defined by Clarksons as 40-60,000 cbm. 

Liquefied Natural Gas. 

Liquefied Petroleum Gas. 

Mid-sized Gas Carrier. Vessel defined by Clarksons as 20-40,000 cbm. 

Memorandum of Agreement. 

Oil, Bulk, Ore carrier (see combination carrier). 

Tanker carrying crude oil or refined oil products. 

 Bulk ship size range defined by Clarksons as 60-100,000 dwt. Strictly speaking the largest 
ship capable of navigating in the Panama Canal. 

Tanker equipped to carry several types of cargo simultaneously. 

Tanker that carries refined oil products. 

A vessel capable of handling refrigerated cargoes such as meat, fish and fruit. 

 An abbreviation for roll-on roll-off, describing vessels where vehicles drive onto and off of 
the vessels. 

 A person/company who on behalf of shipowner/shipper negotiates a deal for the transportation 
of cargo at an agreed price. Shipbrokers also act on behalf of shipping companies in negotiating 
the purchasing and selling of ships, both secondhand tonnage and newbuilding contracts. 

Tanker carrying oil from offshore fields to terminals. 

Broker commission negotiated and invoiced within the same business year. 

 Short-term contracts for voyage, trip or short-term time charters, normally no longer than three 
months in duration. 

Suezmax 

A tanker size range defined by Clarksons as 120-200,000 dwt. 

86  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our business
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Other information

Supramax 

TEU 

Time charter (t/c) 

A modern class of Handymax dry bulk carrier defined by Clarksons as 50-60,000 dwt.

 Twenty foot Equivalent Units. The unit of measurement of a standard twenty foot long container. 

 An arrangement whereby a shipowner places a crewed ship at a charterer’s disposal for a 
certain period. Freight is customarily paid periodically in advance. The charterer also pays for 
bunker, port and canal charges.

Time Charter Equivalent (TCE)

 Gross freight income less voyage costs (bunker, port and canal charges), usually expressed 
in US$ per day. 

Ton/Tonne 

Imperial/Metric ton of 2,240 lbs/1,000 kilos (2,204 lbs). 

ULCC 

VLCC 

VLGC 

Voyage charter 

Voyage costs 

Wet (market) 

Worldscale (WS) 

Ultra Large Crude Carrier. Tanker of more than 320,000 dwt. 

Very Large Crude Carrier. Tanker between 200-320,000 dwt. 

Very Large Gas Carrier. Vessel defined by Clarksons as more than 60,000 cbm. 

 The transportation of cargo from port(s) of loading to port(s) of discharge. Payment is normally 
per ton(ne) of cargo, and the shipowner pays for bunker, port and canal charges. 

Costs directly related to a specific voyage (e.g. bunker, port and canal charges). 

Generic term for the tanker market. 

 An international index of freight for tankers. Worldscale is a schedule of freight rates for a 
standard ship in US dollars per tonne of oil for an array of oil routes. The rates listed in the table 
are designated as Worldscale Flat or WS100 and are revised annually.

Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011  |  87

Five year financial summary

Income statement

Continuing operations

Revenue 

Cost of sales

Trading profit

Administrative expenses 

Impairment of intangible assets

Operating profit

Profit before taxation 

Taxation 

Profit for the year 

* Before exceptional item.

Cash flow

2011* 
£m

194.6

(3.4)

191.2

(161.0)

–

30.2

32.2

(9.5)

22.7

2010  
£m

202.6

(8.0)

194.6

(160.1)

–

34.5

32.4

(8.9)

23.5

2009
£m

176.7

(8.3)

168.4

(145.8)

–

22.6

22.5

(5.6)

16.9

2008*
£m

250.3

(7.5)

242.8

(190.9)

(13.9)

38.0

39.2

(16.4)

22.8

2007*
£m

173.4

(3.3)

170.1

(143.7)

–

26.4

31.6

(10.2)

21.4

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

2011  
£m

7.2

2010  
£m

42.3

2009  
£m

(18.0)

2008  
£m

57.9

2007  
£m

52.4

Balance sheet

Non-current assets

Trade and other receivables (including income tax receivable)

Current asset investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Net assets

Statistics

Earnings per share – basic

Dividend per share 

**After exceptional item.

2011  
£m

63.5

38.1

–

132.9

(99.9)

(11.3)

123.3

2010  
£m

56.1

28.9

11.4

176.3

(149.9)

(6.4)

116.4

2009  
£m

74.8

30.6

–

143.2

(90.5)

(61.3)

96.8

2008  
£m

87.2

55.2

–

184.4

(159.0)

(65.4)

102.4

2007  
£m

98.9

44.2

–

115.3

(106.3)

(68.1)

84.0

2011

2010

134.1p**

125.4p

50p

47p

2009

90.0p

43p

2008

2007

41.9p**

101.9p**

42p

40p

88  |  Clarkson PLC  |  Annual Report 2011

Our	business
	Group	performance

01	
04	 Chairman’s	review
08	 Chief	executive’s	review
12	 Business	review

12	 Divisional	performance
14	 Broking
18	 Financial
19	 Support
20	 Research

21	 Financial	review
23	 Risk	management

Our	governance
26	 Board	of	directors
28	 Report	of	the	directors
31	 Corporate	governance	statement
35	 Directors’	remuneration	report
42	 Statement	of	directors’	responsibilities
43	

Independent	auditors’	report

Our	accounts

44	 Consolidated	income	statement
44	
45	
46	
47	
48	
49	 Notes	to	the	financial	statements

	Consolidated	statement	of comprehensive	income
	Consolidated	and	parent	company	balance	sheets
	Consolidated	statement	of	changes	in equity
	Parent	company	statement	of	changes	in	equity
	Consolidated	and	parent	company	cash	flow	statements

Other	information

85	 Glossary
88	 Five	year	financial	summary
IBC	 Principal	trading	offices

Principal trading offices

United Kingdom
London
Registered office  
Clarkson PLC 
St. Magnus House 
3 Lower Thames Street 
London 
EC3R 6HE 
United Kingdom
Registered number: 1190238
Contact: Andi Case 
Tel: +44 20 7334 0000 
www.clarksons.com
Ipswich
Maritime House 
19a St. Helens Street 
Ipswich 
IP4 1HE 
United Kingdom
Contact: David Rumsey 
Tel: +44 1473 297321
Ledbury
15 The Homend 
Ledbury  
Herefordshire 
HR8 1BN 
United Kingdom
Contact: Shaun Sturge 
Tel: +44 1531 634 561
Aberdeen
56–58 Bon Accord Street 
Aberdeen 
Aberdeenshire 
AB11 6EL 
United Kingdom
Contact: Kathy Gay 
Tel: +44 1224 576 900
70 St Clement Street 
Aberdeen 
Aberdeenshire 
AB11 5BD 
United Kingdom
Contact: Donald Grant 
Tel: +44 1224 211 500
Australia
Brisbane
PO Box 2592 
Wellington Point 
Brisbane 
QLD 4160 
Australia
Contact: John Coburn 
Tel: +61 7 3822 4660

Melbourne
Level 12 
636 St Kilda Road 
Melbourne 
VIC 3004 
Australia
Contact: Ronny Kilian/Murray Swan 
Tel: +61 3 9867 6800
Perth
Level 10 
16 St Georges Terrace 
Perth 
WA 6000 
Australia
Contact: Mark Rowland 
Tel: +61 8 6210 8700 
Sydney
12th Floor 
157 Walker Street 
North Sydney 
NSW 2060 
Australia
Contact: Peter Cookson 
Tel: +61 2 9954 0200
China
Hong	Kong
1706–1716 Sun Hung Kai Centre 
30 Harbour Road 
Wanchai 
Hong Kong
Contact: Martin Rowe 
Tel: + 852 2866 3111
Shanghai
Room 2603–2605 
Wheelock Square 
Shanghai 
China 
200040
Contact: Cheng Yu Wang 
Tel: +86 21 6103 0100
Germany
Johannisbollwerk 20, 5. fl 
Hamburg 
20459 
Germany
Contact: Jan Aldag 
Tel: +49 40 3197 66 110
Greece
62 Kiffissias Avenue 
15125 Marousi 
Greece
Contact: George Margaronis 
Tel: +30 210 458 6700
India
124–125 Rectangle 1 
D–4 Saket Business District 
New Delhi 
110017 
India
Contact: Amit Mehta 
Tel: +91 11 4777 4444

This annual report is printed on HannoArt silk. Both the paper mill and printer involved in the production support the growth of responsible forest 
management and are both accredited to ISO 14001 which specifies a process for continuous environmental improvement and both are FSC® 
certified. If you have finished reading this report and no longer wish to retain it, please pass it on to other interested readers or dispose of it in your 
recycled paper waste. 

Thank you.

This report is available at: www.clarksons.com

Italy
Piazza Rossetti 3A 
16129 Genoa 
Italy
Contact: Massimo Dentice 
Tel: +39 0 10 55401
Norway
Godt Haab 
Strandveien 50 
N–1366 Lysaker 
Norway
Contact: Jakob Tolstrup-Møller/ Karl Ekerholt 
Tel: + 47 67 10 2300
Singapore
8 Shenton Way 
# 25–01 Temasek Tower 
Singapore 068811
Contact: Giles Lane/Ken Michie 
Tel: +65 6 339 0036
South Africa
Heron House 
33 Wessel Road 
Rivonia 
Johannesburg 2128 
South Africa
Contact: Simon Lester 
Tel: +27 11 803 0008
Switzerland
Rue de la Fontaine 1 
1204 
Geneva 
Switzerland
Contact: David Collins 
Tel: +41 22 308 9900
United Arab Emirates
Office 2604 
Reef Tower 
Jumeirah Lakes Towers 
Sheikh Zayed Road 
Dubai 
UAE 
PO Box 102929
Contact: Esam Balla 
Tel: +971 4 450 9400
Liberty House 
c/o Dubai International Financial Center 
Office No. 615, 616 & 617 
Dubai 
UAE 
PO Box 506827
Contact: John Sinders 
Tel: +971 4 403 7000
USA
Houston
1333 West Loop South 
Suite 1525 
Houston 
Texas 77027 
USA
Contact: Roger Horton 
Tel: +1 713 235 7400
New	York
745 Fifth Avenue 
16th Floor 
New York 
NY 10151 
USA
Contact: Magnus Fyhr 
Tel: +1 212 796 4400

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
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Clarkson PLC  
St. Magnus House  
3 Lower Thames Street  
London EC3R 6HE  
+44 (0) 20 7334 0000

www.clarksons.com

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Clarkson PLC

 Annual Report 2011

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