Clarkson PLC
Annual Report 2015
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Clarksons is the world’s
leading provider of integrated
shipping services.
Through our ‘best in class’ service offer we
bring unique industry connections and expertise
to our ever-wider and increasingly diverse client
base across all sectors of the shipping and
offshore industries, providing unrivalled
professionalism and support in the markets
in which they operate.
Our values are:
Integrity
Clarksons is a business built
on long-term relationships and
trust. Our clients and other
stakeholders have always
known that we will ‘do the right
thing’. We say what we mean
and stand by those words,
taking responsibility for our
actions at all times.
Excellence
Second best has no place
at Clarksons. We aim to excel
in every way – helping our
clients achieve their objectives,
no matter how challenging,
by applying our unrivalled
breadth, reach, experience
and expertise to each project.
We deliver innovative solutions
to complex problems and
our challenge is to exceed
our clients’ expectations at
all times, on every aspect
of every project.
Fairness
Every person and business
we encounter is treated equally.
We are fair to our clients, in
the terms we propose and
the level of service each party
can expect, and fair to our
own people. As a PLC, we
consistently reinvest profits
in training and development,
even through the downturns,
supporting every member
of Clarksons to fulfil
their potential.
Transparency
Like many of our clients,
we are a publicly listed
company and we share
many of the same drivers,
challenges and concerns.
Our PLC status requires us
to adhere to high standards
of governance throughout
the company.
Please visit
www.clarksons.com
for more information
Challenge
Opportunity
Clarksons’ 164 year heritage
means that we’ve seen
challenging markets before –
indeed we’ve survived and
thrived, investing in the
opportunities that these
markets present to support
long-term growth
Revenue
£301.8m
2014: £237.9m
Underlying profit before taxation
£50.5m
2014: £33.8m
Reported profit before taxation
£31.8m
2014: £25.2m
Dividend per share
62p
2014: 60p
Contents
Strategic report
Financial highlights and chairman’s review
2 Overview
3 Group at a glance
4
6 Our strategy
8 Our business model
10 Chief executive’s review
14 Business review
30 Financial review
32 Risk management
34 Corporate and social responsibility
Governance
38 Board of directors
40 Corporate governance statement
43 Directors’ remuneration report
58 Audit committee report
60 Directors’ report
61 Directors’ responsibilities statement
62
Independent auditors’ report (consolidated)
Financial statements
68 Consolidated income statement
68 Consolidated statement of comprehensive
income
69 Consolidated balance sheet
70 Consolidated statement of changes in equity
71 Consolidated cash flow statement
72 Notes to the consolidated financial statements
105
Independent auditors’ report (parent company)
107 Parent company balance sheet
108 Parent company statement of changes in equity
109 Parent company cash flow statement
110 Notes to the parent company financial statements
Other information
125 Glossary
128 Five year financial summary
IBC Principal trading offices
Please see
our financial
highlights
for more
information
1
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Shipping powers the
global economy
Ships transport raw materials and finished goods into
homes, plants and factories worldwide. Around 85%
of world trade is carried by sea – equivalent to more
than a tonne of cargo for every individual on the
planet, every year.
Our global
reach
4.2bn
tonnes of dry
cargo seaborne
trade in 2015
2,500
different grades
of cargo
transported
by chemical
tankers globally
1.7bn
tonnes of
containerised
cargo moved
in 2015
2.9bn
tonnes of oil
and oil products
transported
in 2015 by deep
sea tankers
200%
expected increase
in US LPG export
capacity between
2013-2017
140m
tonnes of
production under
construction, LNG
trade to increase
by 50% by 2020
World trade and population
growth 1990 – 2015
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Major dry cargo
Minor dry cargo
Crude oil
Oil products
Chemicals
Liquefied gas
Containers
Other dry cargo
World population
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
We are an integral part in the
transport of world trade...
As the world’s leading provider
of integrated shipping services,
we work with our clients to
achieve their business objectives
across all aspects of this
complex and dynamic industry.
164
years
6
continents
46
offices
20
countries
1,379
employees
The strategic report on pages 2 to 37 was approved
by the board on 4 March 2016, and signed on its behalf by:
Jeff Woyda
Chief financial officer and chief operating officer
Please see
our business
review on
pages 14-27
for more
information
3
www.clarksons.com
...with unique breadth
With an industry-leading range of products and services
that spans the maritime, offshore and financial markets, we
are uniquely placed to deliver the best, bespoke commercial
solutions to all our clients – large or small. We are the ‘best
in class’ intermediary across all aspects of the shipping and
offshore sectors.
Sector
What we do
Our services
Revenue
Broking
Clarksons’ shipbroking
services are unrivalled –
in terms of the number and
calibre of our brokers, our
breadth of market coverage,
geographical spread and
depth of intelligence resources.
Containers
Tankers
Dry cargo
Gas
LNG
Offshore
Petrochemical gas
Sale and purchase
Shortsea
Specialised
products
Market analysis
Futures*
US$365.3m (£239.5m)
365.3
313.2
238.8
259.4
* Futures is now reported under broking, having previously been included
under financial. Comparatives have been restated to reflect this.
Financial
From full investment banking
services to project finance and
tailored debt solutions, we help
our clients fund transactions and
conclude deals that would often
be impossible via other, more
traditional routes.
Securities
Project finance
Debt and leasing
solutions
Support
Research
Our teams provide the highest
levels of support with 24/7
attendance at a wide range
of strategically located ports
in the UK and Egypt, offering
port services support, agency,
freight forwarding, supplies
and tools for the marine and
offshore industries.
Port and agency
services
Freight forwarding
Tools and supplies
Property services
Offshore and energy
Shipping and trade
Valuations
Clarksons Research is the market
leader in providing timely and
authoritative information on all
aspects of shipping. We provide
data on over 100,000 vessels
and 6,000 offshore fields, 20,000
companies and 600 shipyards
as well as extensive trade and
commercial data and over
100,000 time series.
2013
2012
2015
80% of 2015 revenue
2014
US$43.8m (£28.7m)
43.8
1.8
9.7
14.3
2012
2013
2015
10% of 2015 revenue
2014
£22.5m
28.6
22.5
16.0
16.4
2013
2012
2015
7% of 2015 revenue
2014
£11.1m
9.2
9.7
11.1
10.4
2012
2013
2015
3% of 2015 revenue
2014
Strategic report
Financial highlights
Revenue
£301.8m
Revenue
US$460.4m
Revenue
£301.8m
460.4
391.7
301.8
237.9
313.3
280.7
310.0
194.6
176.2
198.0
Underlying profit before
taxation
£50.5m
Reported profit before
taxation
£31.8m
Underlying earnings
per share
121.9p
Reported earnings
per share
68.2p
Dividend per share
62p
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Profit before taxation*
£50.5m
Profit before taxation**
£31.8m
50.5
35.4
31.8
22.9
22.0
25.2
32.2
33.8
25.1
20.0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Earnings per share*
121.9p
Dividend per share
62p
121.5
134.2
121.9
98.0
74.8
60
62
56
50
51
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
* before exceptional items and acquisition costs
** after exceptional items and acquisition costs
Strategic report
Strategic report
Chairman’s review
Through the acquisition we have
combined two leading businesses
and highly experienced and proven
management teams to create a fully
integrated offer across shipping and
offshore, broking and banking.
4
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 Overview
Whilst shipping and offshore markets have seen some
good opportunities during 2015, overall there have
been unprecedented challenges, so we are very pleased
Clarksons has once again delivered a robust performance.
Key to this has been sticking to our strategy of ‘best in
class’ service offer, underpinned by unique breadth, global
reach and the expertise of our people. Without losing sight
of the really important day-to-day service, difficult times
often require new solutions. The integrated tool box now
available to clients, combined with real execution expertise,
has been key to these results and is also essential for the
way forward.
On 2 February 2015 we completed the acquisition of
RS Platou ASA (Platou), a leading international broker and
investment bank, focused on the offshore and shipping
markets. Through this acquisition we have combined two
leading businesses and highly experienced and proven
management teams to create a fully integrated offer across
shipping and offshore, broking and banking. The board
firmly believes that this deal sets new standards in the
broking industry. The integration of our two businesses has
continued at great pace over the course of the year and
is now effectively complete. On behalf of the board I would
like to congratulate the entire team across the business
on this significant achievement.
Results
The results in 2015 include 11 months’ contribution
from Platou.
Underlying profit before taxation was £50.5m (2014:
£33.8m). Profit before taxation was £31.8m (2014: £25.2m).
Underlying earnings per share was 121.9p (2014: 134.2p)
resulting in basic earnings per share of 68.2p (2014: 91.9p).
Dividend
Clarksons has increased the dividend every year since
2002 in line with its progressive dividend policy, and in 2015
again Clarksons intends to raise the dividend paid to our
shareholders. The board is recommending a final dividend of
40p (2014: 39p). The interim dividend was 22p (2014: 21p),
resulting in a 3% increase in the total dividend for the year
to 62p (2014: 60p). The dividend will be payable on 3 June
2016 to shareholders on the register at 20 May 2016,
subject to shareholder approval.
People
The most important core strength of the group is the quality
of our people, who constitute the heart of everything we do,
and I am delighted to confirm that the integration process
has gone well. The combined team now fields experts
across the globe in every part of our business: shipping
and offshore, banking and broking, research and support.
Board
Following completion of the Platou acquisition, and as
highlighted in my report last year, Peter M. Anker and Birger
Nergaard joined the board. Their contribution and breadth
of experience has been of great value.
During the course of the year we were delighted to
announce the appointment of Jeff Woyda as chief operating
officer of the group in addition to his role as chief financial
officer. Jeff joined Clarksons in 2006 and has played a major
role in the growth and development of the business in the
last nine years. The board believes this appointment better
reflects Jeff’s remit and role within the business.
Outlook
The challenges witnessed across the global shipping
markets have continued into 2016. The macro-economic
environment remains very uncertain and as such we do
not anticipate any changes to our markets in the near term.
Despite this backdrop, growth remains a central plank
of our strategy. Market turbulence continues to drive a flight
to quality which, as the market leader, we have benefited
from. It has also encouraged the consolidation we have
seen in the industry in recent years and of which we have
been at the forefront. Over the course of 2015 we have
taken significant strides to strengthen the fully integrated
Clarksons’ offer with the very best people supported by
valued research and unique technology, positioning our
business for the long-term.
Please see our business review on
pages 14-27 for more information
5
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Our strategy
Our purpose
to maintain and
extend our industry
leadership...
Our mission is to grow value for
our shareholders, building on
our strong financial performance
and supporting our progressive
dividend policy by maintaining
and developing our position as
the world’s leading shipping
services group.
...is underpinned by
our key drivers...
Breadth
Reach
We provide a wide
range of integrated
services
With an industry-leading range of
products and services that spans
the maritime and financial markets,
we are uniquely placed to deliver the
best, bespoke commercial solutions
to all our clients – large or small.
We are the ‘best in class’ intermediary
across every sector of maritime trade
– and no single company is our lead
competitor in more than one market.
We support our clients
in all the world’s
key regions
Ours is a global presence, enabling
us to meet client needs wherever
and whenever they arise. With
46 offices in 20 countries, we share
understanding, culture, IT platforms
and high standards of corporate
governance across our business –
a fine example of how joined-up
thinking can deliver a truly local
service, worldwide.
...and reinforced by
our values
Integrity
Excellence
6
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 Our proven and robust strategy is focused
on the development of our ‘best in class’ fully
integrated service offer across the global shipping
and offshore, broking and banking, research and
support markets. We have delivered a consistently
profitable and cash generative performance which
bears comparison, not only in the shipping sector
but across the FTSE.
Trust
Understanding
People
We are the trusted
source of essential
shipping information
The industry’s leading providers
of data and market intelligence on
the shipping and offshore industries,
our research team is the largest
commercially-led unit in the maritime
world. Our databases track over
100,000 ships and 6,000 offshore
fields and our Shipping Intelligence
Network is viewed more than three
million times per year.
We build long-term
relationships with
clients
From oil majors, raw material
producers and other multinationals
to long-established shipowning
families, our client base is second
to none. We have worked with
many of these clients for generations,
building a deep understanding of their
businesses and providing the services
that have helped them to prosper.
We empower everybody
at Clarksons to fulfil
their potential
We want Clarksons to be recognised
as the place where the best people
are empowered to do their best work.
We hire the brightest talents and give
them the tools to shine – including
leading edge IT systems, high quality
training and development as well as
financial reward.
Fairness
Transparency
See inside
front cover
for more
information
on our values
7
www.clarksons.comOther informationFinancial statementsGovernanceStrategic report Strategic report
Our business model
Clarksons’ business model provides an unrivalled
level of service and information that creates value
from being the heart of global shipping…
...to enabling global trade.
Our key inputs
Financial
We have no bank
borrowings and have
cash available to
fund the growth of
the business.
Intellectual
Our research team
is acknowledged as
the market leader in
providing validated and
accurate data across
all shipping sectors.
We continually invest in
both research staff and
the technology we use
to capture and deliver
our market intelligence.
People
We aim to recruit and
retain the best in the
industry. Our people
are one of our most
important assets across
all parts of the business
from information
providers to those
who deal with clients.
Client relationships
We work ethically and build
strong client relationships
where our knowledge
builds trust.
Trade
The world relies upon
the movement of trade –
from raw materials,
foodstuffs and household
goods. It’s simply what
keeps the world moving
and developing.
Our outputs
Financial
We aim to reward
shareholders with
dividends whilst
maintaining a good
financial standing and
strong balance sheet.
62p
dividend
per share
Intellectual
By ensuring that our
clients receive the best
information through
a range of innovative
technological solutions,
we provide them with the
tools they need to make
key business decisions.
14,000
vessel positions
updated every
minute
People
Our skills and knowledge
ensure that world trade
continues to flow in the
most effective manner,
that countries receive
the raw materials to build
and develop and people
have the food and goods
they need.
1,379
employees
Client relationships
We encourage a responsible
approach to business,
and foster close long-term
mutually beneficial
relationships with our
customers.
5,234
multinational
companies
as clients
Trade
We enable global trade.
An essential part of the
supply chain, we have
the necessary skills and
information at our fingertips
to ensure we know what
commodities need moving
to where and when and
the best solutions for this.
100,000+
vessels in the
world fleet
8
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 G lobal trade
Assets
Broking
shipping
o
g
r
a
C
Support
Research
Financial
O
w
n
e
r
s
Broking
offshore
Freight
9
www.clarksons.comOther informationFinancial statementsGovernanceStrategic report Strategic report
Chief executive’s review
Challenge and opportunity have been our watchwords
in 2015. The global shipping and offshore markets have
faced severe challenges throughout the course of the year
as the shift in oil and other commodity prices, coupled
with the macro-economic environment, gave rise to a
consequential change in the demand/supply balance in
many market sub-sectors. Whilst these dynamics have
regularly made global news headlines in 2015 and their
impact has undoubtedly been felt by all connected to the
sector, we must remember that ours is an industry which
has experienced unparalleled market volatility over the
years. At Clarksons, our long-standing strategic focus on
developing ‘best in class’ client service, coupled with our
unique product breadth and global reach, has allowed
us to face these headwinds again and continue to invest
in our business, ensuring we are positioned for future
opportunity in whichever marine market it shows.
Despite the turbulent market environment, we have
remained focused on our strategy for long-term growth
and at the start of 2015 we were delighted to announce
the completion of the transformational acquisition of
RS Platou ASA (Platou) which has taken our capability and
client offer to a new level. Both businesses are incredibly
complementary with very little overlap in terms of service
offer and geographic reach. The pace of integration has
been good and over the course of the year we have
successfully integrated our two businesses. Where each
company had operations in the same city; Oslo, New York,
Singapore and Dubai, we have brought together our teams
into one office. We now have international reach across
20 countries through 46 offices, underpinning our ability
to provide clients with invaluable global reach and insight
at a local level.
As our business stands today our truly integrated service
spans broking, financial, support and research in all the
key global shipping and offshore sectors and across all
areas of financing; public equity, private equity, debt capital
markets, M&A, restructuring project finance and bank debt
advisory. During the year we completed the rebranding of
our broking and financial services operations as Clarksons
Platou to reflect the strength of both brands in their
respective marketplaces. This has further enhanced our
‘best in class’ position as we are now a market leader
in each of our operations.
In the multi-cyclical shipping markets, this breadth of
product offer is vital as our performance in 2015 has shown.
The dry cargo markets have remained severely depressed,
reflecting the slowdown in Chinese economic output, and
the low oil price continues to put offshore operators under
significant pressure. However, in contrast, the tankers,
specialised products and gas markets have all performed
well and the Clarksons teams have been at the forefront of
market activity, once again taking increased market share.
As we highlighted over the course of the year, activity
levels in the maritime capital markets have been negatively
impacted. These markets became increasingly difficult in the
second half of 2015 and volumes across Clarksons Platou
Securities were substantially down on 2014. However, our
teams have worked hard to maintain their leading positions
for capital raising in the energy and maritime industries and
completed a significant proportion of the corporate activity
which took place in the sector. It is encouraging to see that
even in these very difficult markets we have still been able to
leverage our product portfolio and work closely with clients
from our broking and support businesses, supporting them
on the execution of their overall strategies.
Our strong client relationships have been built through
many years of being the market-leading provider. In tighter,
more difficult markets there is often a move to work with the
teams who have the expertise, market understanding and
placing power to execute in the most difficult of markets and
can fully support clients across all their service requirements.
Research and analysis continue to play a crucial role
in underpinning our full service client offer. We are the
industry’s leading provider of data and market intelligence
on the shipping and offshore industries and our trusted
research team is by far the largest commercially-led unit
in the maritime world. Despite the challenging markets,
the increasing strength of our research business reflects
the importance we and our clients place on this valuable
market insight.
Our long-standing focus and investment in technology
has also ensured that the wealth of information across
our business can be shared globally, further strengthening
the quality of the offer and services that we can provide
to our clients on a local basis. This is evident throughout
all of our offices where open plan design and technology
infrastructure is designed to facilitate the sharing of
knowledge and expertise across both our different business
divisions and global network to ensure a totally integrated
and consistent global offer.
We are a people business. The quality of the people in
our business is exceptional and the integration of the
Platou team has strengthened that further. The ‘Can Do’
attitude of our combined team, their professionalism,
dedication, commitment and sheer determination has been
remarkable and allowed us to seize opportunities even in
difficult markets and I would like to thank each and every
one of them for their hard work over the course of the year.
As we look forward to 2016, the market outlook remains
suppressed and the challenges in the dry cargo and
offshore markets continue to dominate overall sentiment.
However, our business model has proven to be robust
and the strategic advances and investments we have
continued to make ensure that we are ‘fit for the future’.
As we continue to see building blocks for the creation
of healthier shipping markets, we feel best placed to
capitalise on new opportunities.
10
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 At Clarksons, our long-standing strategic
focus on developing ‘best in class’ client
service, coupled with our unique product
breadth and global reach, has allowed us
to face these headwinds again and continue
to invest in our business, ensuring we are
positioned for future opportunity.
11
www.clarksons.comOther informationFinancial statementsGovernanceStrategic report Breadth Depth
We offer a truly integrated service spanning
broking, financial, support and research in all
the key global shipping and offshore sectors
and across all areas of financing; public equity,
private equity, debt capital markets, project
finance and bank debt advisory. We are the
‘best in class’ intermediary across every sector
of maritime trade and no single company is our
lead competitor in more than one market.
Darin Wong
Sale and purchase broker
Singapore
Strategic report
Business review
Broking
Revenue
US$365.3m
2014: US$313.2m
Revenue
£239.5m
2014: £190.2m
Segment result
£49.1m
2014: £34.6m
Forward order
book for 2016
US$151m*
At 31 December 2014
for 2015: US$110m*
* Directors’ best estimate of deliverable FOB
Dry cargo
The dry cargo market endured one of its most difficult years
in 2015, experiencing lows not seen since the mid-1980s.
The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) established a new all-time low
in February 2015 which has since dropped further in 2016.
Charter rates across all four main vessel segments hovered
around cash operating costs, causing a substantial decline
in fleet valuations and exerting pressure on shipowner
balance sheets.
The main cause of the weakness has been the slowdown in
industrial activity within China, which has had a pronounced
impact on the seaborne trade of dry commodities. China
represents nearly 40% of the major bulk trade of iron ore,
coal and grain and accounts for two-thirds of the iron ore
trade alone. In 2015 total global dry cargo trade is estimated
to have remained flat with levels from 2014, a material
change from the 5-7% growth rate seen during the previous
four years.
The dry cargo fleet grew by a net 3% in 2015 after taking
into account a relatively high 4-5% of scrapping. Charter
rates remained at low levels, irrespective of this scrapping,
as the lack of any demand growth meant additional
newbuilding tonnage could not be absorbed.
Against incredibly challenging trading conditions, the
Clarksons Platou dry cargo team have worked hard to
increase fixture volumes and build market share. Following
the smooth and successful integration, we have further
strengthened our combined team to ensure we have
the right people to compete in what is a very challenging
marketplace. Encouragingly we have also seen greater
interaction between our teams across our expanded office
network and this has been evidenced by the increasing
number of deals co-broked between offices.
Dry cargo ships on the water
>10,600
14
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 Tankers
The tanker market in 2015 had its best year since 2008.
VLCC spot earnings averaged US$60,000/day, above the
2009-2014 average of US$23,000/day, and comparable
to the 2003-2008 ‘bull market’ average of US$68,000/day.
There are several key drivers behind this market strength,
some of which are expected to continue for 2016. Lower oil
prices have catalysed demand with global oil consumption
growing at an estimated 2% compared to 1% on average
annually during the previous 10 years. Oil consumption in
China is estimated to have grown over 5% in 2015, despite
the general slowdown in its economy, as lower oil prices
appear to have had a positive impact on demand.
Other key factors supporting the tanker market have been
higher refining margins, increased long-haul trade from the
Middle East and Atlantic Basin, a persistent contango in the
oil futures curve supporting inventory-building and a lack of
meaningful tonnage additions.
Crude tanker demand is estimated to have grown by
4-5% during 2015 compared to fleet growth of just 1-2%,
causing a substantial increase in fleet utilisation. The clean
products market saw demand increase by an estimated 6%,
in line with the 6% supply growth. The combination of higher
refining margins worldwide and new refinery capacity in the
Middle East and Asia supported product carrier earnings.
Stronger crude tanker rates helped drive product carrier
rates higher—especially considering the switching capability
between the crude aframax and clean aframax LR2 classes.
LR2s averaged US$30,000/day in 2015, double the
earnings average seen since the financial crisis while MRs
earned US$21,500/day (also double the annual averages
since 2008).
Containers
2015 was another difficult year for the container shipping
market, with volumes growing 2-3% compared to over
5% growth during 2014. Although boxship charter market
earnings registered increases in the first half of the year, the
second half saw earnings trend back down to historically
low levels.
In early 2015, the more positive charter market was driven
by limited supply side growth in the small and medium
sized containership fleets. The key driver of the deterioration
in the charter rate environment in the second half of 2015,
however, was the significant slowdown in demand growth.
In addition, sentiment weakened with regard to charterers’
vessel demand, and idle capacity increased once again,
reaching around 7% of the fleet late in the year.
The box freight market across 2015 was not only volatile
but also subject to severe downward pressure, significantly
impacting liner company performance. At the end of
December 2015, the spot freight rate on the key Far
East-Europe trade stood at US$313/TEU, 73% lower
than the 2014 full year average, with rates having hit levels
around historical lows on more than one occasion during
the year.
On the demand side, the outlook has softened considerably.
Global container trade growth is estimated at 2.5% in 2015,
significantly down on original expectations. Volumes on the
key Far East-Europe trade have contracted on the back of
weak European economic performance, reduced Russian
volumes and cutbacks in inventory stocking. Meanwhile,
growth in intra-Asian volumes has slowed to around 3%
due to slowing economic expansion in China and weaker
economic progress elsewhere in Asia. Global container
trade is expected to expand by around 4% in 2016, but
this is clearly subject to downside risk.
On the supply side, the fully cellular fleet stood at 19.7
million TEU at the end of 2015 having grown by 8.1% in
the full year. The order book of 3.8 million TEU represented
19% of fleet capacity at the end of 2015.
In this challenging trading environment the Clarksons Platou
container team leveraged its truly global network to drive
fixing volumes. Following the integration with our colleagues
from Platou, we have seen greater interaction with our
expanded securities business which has broadened our
offer to our corporate clients. We have also strengthened
the team further and expanded into Japan.
Global containership capacity
expansion in 2015
Growth in crude tanker fleet
>8%
2.2%
15
www.clarksons.comOther informationFinancial statementsGovernanceStrategic report Strategic report
Business review continued
Broking continued
Tankers continued
There has been a sizable increase in long-haul trade
as OPEC has publicly sought to maintain and increase
its market presence. Looking ahead there are signs of
production risk in the US, with non-OPEC supply in 2016
projected to decline for the first time since 2008. This is
supportive of continued long-haul movements on both
crude tankers and product carriers. Potential output
declines also position the US as a growing importer
of oil after several years of declining imports.
Crude vessel additions are projected to increase
meaningfully in 2016 as the fleet is expected to grow by
5-6% compared to 1-2% for 2015. Product carrier fleet
growth is expected at 5%, below the 6% for 2015. While
crude tanker supply growth increases in 2016, demand is
projected to maintain pace with 2015 and thus the market
outlook remains positive.
International agreements allowing for potentially higher Iran
oil volumes are expected to lend some support while there
are increasing geo-political risks particularly within the
Middle East following the recent tensions between Saudi
Arabia and Iran. It is early to provide a proper assessment
but this is a development requiring close attention.
The Clarksons Platou tanker team has been at the forefront
of all activity across the sector, leveraging its leading market
position, unrivalled global market coverage and scale.
16
Specialised products
Despite volatile commodity markets and an uncertain
economic outlook, we have seen overall improvements
in seaborne cargo volumes within the specialised
products industry.
Whilst the Clarksons Platou specialised products Spot
Chemicals Index recorded an average decrease of 2%
year-on-year and the Spot Edible Oils Index posted a
gain over the same period of just 5%, the average price
of 380 CST fuel oil has also fallen by 49%. The drop in the
price of crude oil and the effect on marine fuel pricing has
significantly reduced the cost base for our industry, with
those owners operating predominantly on the spot charter
markets gaining the most immediate benefit. The interlinked
period charter markets experienced an increased appetite
from market participants as they sought to gain access to
the improved returns on offer. As a result, average one year
time charter rates for benchmark units increased by 11%
in 2015 when compared to 2014.
The fall in crude oil price has had numerous ramifications
for chemical producers around the globe. Those producers
using naphtha as a feedstock, primarily in Europe and Asia,
have experienced lower feedstock costs but also lower
end-product prices and therefore typically maintained their
margins. Other key regions, such as the US, have seen their
competitive advantage eroded somewhat as input costs
for shale gas fed crackers have remained largely unchanged
over the period. Whilst these shifts have resulted in some
projects stalling in the planning phase, the region remains
extremely competitive on a global scale and there have been
a number of new project announcements in recent times.
The fleet of available specialised products tankers has
seen moderate growth in 2015 of 4% to 47.9m dwt when
compared to 2014. The end of year scheduled order book
has now reduced from 14.6% of the in-service fleet by
dwt in 2014 to 12.3% at the end of 2015. There have been
pockets of fresh contracting activity, but in many cases
this is now for vessels which are part of strategic tonnage
replacement programmes by established operators, rather
than new entrants into the marketplace.
The Clarksons Platou specialised products team has had
a busy year and 2015 has seen us develop and expand
our service offer in this market. The integration of the
Platou team has played a key role in this with their strong
relationships bringing new growth opportunities. Over the
course of the year we also strengthened the team further
with key hires.
New investment in US chemical
projects as a result of shale gas
US$145bn
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 Gas
The biggest factor underpinning the strength of the
market was the continued growth in US export volumes
which ran at very close to terminal capacity levels to hit
20.8m mt from a base of 14.7m mt in 2014. Throughput
of existing facilities was expanded as new terminal
capacity commenced production.
Having broken previous market highs in 2014, the VLGC
sector enjoyed another strong year. The continued fall in
oil prices and bunkers served to further boost earnings
with time charter equivalent earnings averaging over
US$2.7m a month compared with US$2.3m last year.
Despite the addition of 35 newbuildings during the course
of the year, strong growth in LPG trade volumes combined
with an increase in the percentage share of US exports
headed for Asia (most notably China) continued to support
tonne-mile demand growth. This strength was largely
mirrored in the sizes below, particularly the LGCs.
The midsizes continued to benefit from the growth in LPG
export volumes despite trade growth in ammonia proving
fairly unsensational in 2015. The combination of minimal
deliveries (three in the year), rising US exports and growing
import demand in the Med and South America helped
continue to underpin midsize requirements. The handysize
sector, however, did not fare so well as there have been
more additions, both in number and cubic size, to the fleet.
Smaller sized gas carriers have not performed as well as the
larger units as the sector has been hit by the dual effects of
fleet growth and a slowdown in trade. The exception to this
has been the smaller semi-refrigerated and ethylene sectors
which have performed better.
The Clarksons Platou gas team continued to grow and
increase market share during 2015.
LNG
The expectation at the start of 2015 was for global LNG
demand to grow by around 6% on the back of the new
supply coming from Australia and Papua New Guinea.
However, a decline in production from Yemen and Algeria
resulted in a modest growth of approximately 2%. This
meant that trade volume remained almost unchanged
since 2011 in the range of 240-250 mt of LNG.
With the northern hemisphere experiencing its third
consecutive mild winter, the consumer demand for heating
and power generation remained low, adversely impacting
LNG imports to key markets in the Far East. Japan and
Korea, by far the largest importers of LNG, maintained very
high inventories throughout the year and have therefore
been all but absent from the spot market.
Nevertheless, the market has by no means been static.
A number of new importing markets emerged in 2015 which
were actively seeking new supply and thus impacted the
dynamics in the spot shipping and trading marketplaces.
Floating storage and regasification units played a major role
in unlocking these new markets, which proved the centres
for demand growth in 2015.
The spot market once again saw increased activity of
approximately 30% from 2014 levels and 80% from 2013
levels. The decline in LNG imports in the Far East and the
lower tonne-mile demand due to the closer proximity of
new supply to the consumers, combined with the tonnage
oversupply, pushed charter rates down. The spot market for
modern tri-fuel carriers averaged approximately US$36,000/
day, while steam powered LNG carriers on average earned
approximately US$26,000/day (decline of approximately
50% from 2014 average in both segments). Modern
tonnage dominated the spot market, with approximately
75% of fixtures concluded with modern tri-fuel tonnage,
whilst steam turbine ships competed in a limited number
of trades.
In 2015, the fleet expanded by approximately 7% with
around a third of this expansion being speculative, adding
pressure on the charter market. However, most of the
speculative tonnage ordered in the 2011/2012 period has
now been delivered, which should start easing pressure
on rates going forward. Around 35 vessels are scheduled
for delivery in 2016, of which only three remain without
a charter.
Against this backdrop, the Clarksons Platou LNG team
have worked hard to significantly increase volumes,
despite the poor freight rates, and have taken market share
in the sector.
Seaborne trade in 2015
Spot fixtures concluded in 2015
c.79m mt
30%
17
www.clarksons.comOther informationFinancial statementsGovernanceStrategic report Newbuilding
The Clarksons Platou newbuilding team performed well
in 2015. Integration post-merger brought a number of key
opportunities and the enlarged team delivered growth in
new market sectors whilst at the same time continuing
to drive heritage relationships.
Ordering volume globally fell year-on-year by some 30%.
This was partly in response to an incredibly challenging dry
cargo market but also a reduced appetite from the capital
markets backed players that were responsible for driving
significant volume into the global order book over the past
two years.
Key industrial and end user relationships within the group
were, however, capitalised upon and a number of notable
projects were concluded. Clarksons Platou placed 25%
of the global LPG order book in 2015, by capitalising on
established project structures with major participants, and
the continuing development of key private relationships.
Similarly in the tanker segments, the group was the major
service provider to the prominent Korean builders.
Looking forward, we expect that 2016 will continue to be
challenging as regulatory shifts put pressure on shipyards
to manage their cost base in an environment that is
becoming increasingly price sensitive. It is likely that the
market will need some time to adjust and re-establish
fundamentals, but the team is well positioned to capitalise
on all opportunities that present themselves.
Strategic report
Business review continued
Broking continued
Sale and purchase
Secondhand
With dry cargo freight rates in the doldrums and the
tanker markets (both crude and clean) continuing at firm
levels, the secondhand sale and purchase markets were
challenging for wet and dry over the course of 2015 but
for differing reasons.
The complete disconnect between the performance of
the wet and dry sale and purchase markets in all sizes is
historically very unusual. Tonnage oversupply caused pain
in dry cargo whilst at the same time the collapsing price
of crude oil drove tanker rates back to historic highs.
Surprisingly this has translated into more sale and purchase
activity within dry cargo than perhaps we might have
expected. Poor charter rates coincided with traditional
shipping banks coming under increased pressure to reduce
their loan books and private equity seemingly unwilling to
continue to plug the gap. The result in some instances has
been forced decisions, as so-called ‘distressed sellers’ have
had to exit their investments at any price or risk having their
vessels taken by their lenders, who are becoming more
active as the weeks go by.
Some of our more traditional, private family-owned clients
have seen this as an opportunity to purchase modern
assets at knockdown prices and so volatility has produced
liquidity and those with cash reserves have been leveraging
their strength at the expense of those without. We have
been able to conclude a good number of transactions, albeit
at reduced price levels, and have enjoyed growth in market
share. There is no doubt that the increased level of
information we have enjoyed from our new merged team
has supported this.
In addition, 2015 saw a dramatic increase in the levels of
tonnage being scrapped. Our market share in this sector
has increased due to our specialist demolition desk where
revenues have doubled.
For the tanker markets it has been more difficult as the
lack of pressure on sellers, due to improved earnings,
has resulted in them asking for higher prices throughout
the year. These have become ever harder to achieve,
with buyers questioning how long they might be able to
enjoy these very positive earnings. Long-term uncertainty
has had a negative effect on activity levels as buyers
found themselves unable to find period employment
beyond two years at anything close to the spot market.
Nevertheless, we have once again concluded some
very high value transactions.
Reported value of secondhand vessel
sales in 2015
Shipyard deliveries in 2015
US$23.6bn
96.8m dwt
18
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 Offshore
2015 was a challenging year for the offshore market
as charter and spot rates continued to fall.
The year started with falling utilisation and increasing
availability of vessels as contracts came to an end.
This trend continued and was exacerbated as contracts
were terminated and renegotiated. Oil companies were
aiming for 20-30% cost reduction across the board and
continue to be relentless in their pursuit of these cost
savings. Those national oil companies that are managing
to maintain activity levels are more than offset by those
state-owned companies which are struggling and super
majors who are cutting back.
Towards the end of the year, the reduced oil price increased
demand and this trend is expected to continue for 2016.
Whilst much of the growth is being met by increased
onshore and shallow water offshore production by Saudi
Arabia and US shale gas, it is not clear how much further
this can continue. If Iran becomes a significant supplier, it
may create further demand for replacement offshore assets.
On the supply side, utilisation rates fell as increasing
numbers of rigs and OSVs have been stacked up.
As a result, we saw multiple bidders and as many as
30 rigs being offered for one job, implying further downward
pressure on rates. The subsequent financial cost of not
having regular revenues on assets is resulting in rig and
OSV players having to restructure, to the potential benefit
of the securities team. There are also some signs that
owners are being more realistic about asset prices which
may create opportunities for sale and purchase transactions.
Although not immune to the challenging markets, the
Clarksons Platou offshore team has fared comparatively
well. We have worked hard to further build and strengthen
our significant share of the OSV chartering market and
have seen good sale and purchase activity levels, albeit
at comparatively low values. The strength of our teams
coupled with our high quality analysis and research has
positioned us to take advantage of the flight to quality in
our markets and wherever there have been signs of activity
the scale of our team and placing power has meant we
have been at the forefront.
Futures
2015 started with levels very close to historic lows.
The cape index opened at US$3,580 and, despite a brief
move upwards in late January, maintained an average over
the first half of the year below US$5,000. The panamaxes
similarly averaged below US$5,000 for the same period
whilst the supramaxes provided the only surprise in
performing best over the first six months of all sizes at
close to US$6,600.
Q3 provided some relief from the negativity of the first half
and values on capes rose to nearly US$19,500 in August,
whilst panamaxes peaked at US$9,403 and supramaxes at
US$9,770. The anticipated spike in Q4 failed to materialise
and the cape Q4 index declined steadily to end the year
at US$4,028. Average value for the year on capes was
US$6,996 whilst panamaxes averaged US$5,560 and
supramaxes averaged US$6,965.
Volumes on freight swaps were generally similar to
2014 but the options market proved more interesting
with volumes growing 68%.
Disappointing though the market was in 2015, we
continued to build market share in the options market and
offset some of the difficulties in the swaps market, where
we continue to have a strong market share in all sizes.
Iron ore market volumes grew and ended the year at
844,119,300 mt (up 70.32% on 2014). Values deteriorated
steadily with the year starting at US$71.20 for TSI 62%
and ending the year at US$42.90. By comparison, 2014
values fell from an open of US$135 to a close of US$71.20.
Our swaps volume in this growing area has improved and
we have recently entered the iron ore options market where
we expect further growth.
In these challenging markets we continue to see a
flight to quality as clients want reassurance that they
are working with expert teams at highly credible and
sustainable brokerages.
Offshore proportion of the world’s
oil production
Freight options growth in 2015
25%
68%
19
www.clarksons.comOther informationFinancial statementsGovernanceStrategic report Our team boasts some of
the most experienced and
knowledgeable people in the
industry. We have invested
heavily in research and
technology to ensure they have
the best tools at hand to enable
them to offer the best client
service, wherever they may
be across our global network.
Experts Expertise
Hans Lund
Securities credit analyst –
Clarksons Platou Securities AS
Oslo
Strategic report
Business review continued
Financial
Revenue
US$43.8m
2014: US$14.3m
Revenue
£28.7m
2014: £8.7m
Segment result
£1.2m profit
2014: £1.9m loss
Securities
The global stock markets have been severely depressed
over the course of 2015 reflecting the tumbling oil price and
broader global economic uncertainty. Investors’ confidence
by the end of 2015 was drained. Developments across
various asset classes in the US and European financial
markets were largely influenced by international factors,
including a weakening global growth outlook and falling
commodity prices.
The first half of 2015 was dedicated to integrating the
former Clarkson Capital Markets (CCM) with the Platou
markets group, establishing the Clarksons Platou securities
group located in Oslo, New York and Houston. Our enlarged
team has a strong sales force covering investors globally
focused on energy and maritime industries, in addition to
a strong research team providing industry leading research
to our customers.
Corporate finance revenues in 2015 were driven by equity
capital markets transactions, however the markets became
increasingly difficult during the second half. Although
volumes were substantially down from 2014, the securities
group has strong market share in our core segments. We
have maintained our leading position in raising capital for the
energy and maritime industries, raising a total of US$1bn for
companies within our core sectors. We have also continued
to hold a very strong position in global shipping transactions
working with the most active issuers listed in the US. On
the fixed income side, securities has been one of the most
active restructuring and divestment advisors, a position
maintained during 2015. Commission from the secondary
trading of equities has also increased compared to 2014.
Companies covered globally
within maritime sectors
180
22
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 Debt and leasing solutions
2015 started with a wave of optimism from the debt and
leasing markets. Many of the financial institutions that had
slowed their lending in the wake of the financial crisis and
enhanced regulatory pressure were showing signs of using
their balance sheets with renewed vigour. However, as the
year moved on, the traditional debt and leasing structures
began to slow again and by the third quarter there was a
very noticeable caution around the market. By the end of
the year the traditional lenders were essentially inactive and
looking into 2016, the outlook remains tight.
Against this challenging trading environment, we delivered
a satisfactory trading performance, whilst rebranding our
business as Clarksons Platou Debt and Leasing Solutions.
The enlarged team focused on continuing the development
of our excellent relations with alternative shipping lenders
and Asia Pacific banks (in particular China). The new and
enhanced relationships are allowing the desk to provide
viable funding solutions to our clients and add further
value to the Clarksons Platou platform.
Project finance
The first half of 2015 was an active year in shipping project
finance, with special focus on the tanker and feeder
container segments. In the dry cargo market, the recent
drop in secondhand and vessel resale values has once
again created interesting opportunities for asset play
projects that can be financed using 100% equity, as today’s
charter rates are not high enough to cover debt servicing
as well as operating expenses.
The traditional shipping banks’ appetite to look at new
transactions has slowed down noticeably, as their exposure
in offshore, container and dry cargo is challenging loan-to-
values and earnings in the spot market are only enough
to cover operating costs. In projects with newer vessels,
long underlying time charters or bareboat charters to large
owners, debt financing for projects is still available.
Over the course of 2015 we have grown our team with a
new project sales desk designated to focus on increasing
both our investor base and the liquidity of shares in the
secondhand market within shipping/offshore and real estate.
Our real estate team had a very busy year in 2015 and
delivered a strong performance. The Nordic real estate
market reached all-time highs in the first half of the year, and
yields on prime assets are under pressure from institutional
funds seeking stable dividends in stable macro-economies
like the Nordic.
Foreign investors have had an increasing appetite for
the Norwegian market over recent years, and we saw this
trend continue in 2015 with the year ending with record high
transaction volumes. For the first time the Norwegian market
outperformed the Swedish market, that has traditionally
been one of the top five in Europe.
2015 total KS market transaction
volume (shipping)
US$462m
Marine finance loans in 2015
US$104.7bn
23
www.clarksons.comOther informationFinancial statementsGovernanceStrategic report Our extensive geographic
coverage spans 20 countries
through 46 offices, underpinning
our ability to provide clients
with invaluable global support
at a local level.
Global
Local
Innes Cameron
Director – Port Services
Aberdeen
Strategic report
Business review continued
Support
We have seen a growing confidence in offshore renewables,
and an increased level of activity in preparation for new wind
farm projects. CPS is well positioned for securing contracts
in this sector during 2016.
Our newest acquisition in Belfast had an excellent year,
performing well above expectations and supporting
several oil rig and offshore projects in conjunction with their
traditional bulk business. For 2016, we anticipate several
opportunities for this success to continue.
Gibb Tools and Opex Industrial Supplies (Opex)
Gibb Tools and Opex had a weaker year than originally
anticipated due to the low oil price and a market reluctance
to invest, which affected our supply business.
However, our team has focused on preparations for the
merger of these two supply-based businesses into a single
headquarters in Aberdeen.
Stevedoring
Our stevedoring operation in Ipswich had a slow start to
the year caused by markedly reduced grain export volumes.
This was exacerbated by the weak euro making shortsea
destinations unattractive. In contrast, the second half of the
year saw much higher volumes giving us strong results for
the year overall.
We won further customer support over the course of 2015,
allowing us to expand our operations and take additional
storage from the Ipswich Port Authority. We now have
storage capacity for approximately 40,000 mt of bulk cargo.
Freight forwarding
Despite a good start to the year, our freight forwarding
operation in Great Yarmouth suffered from lower volumes
in the second half, primarily caused by lower activity
levels from our major oil rig owners. As with other areas
of our business, this is linked to reduced operations in
the North Sea.
Property services
Included within the support segment are the revenues
and profits derived from property services.
In 2014, the group signed a 15 year lease for a new
flagship head office at Commodity Quay, St. Katharine
Docks, commencing from the last quarter of 2014. The
group moved into this new head office on 20 July 2015.
During the year, our teams in Oslo and Singapore moved
into new premises, having signed leases for 12 and 5
years respectively.
The group also owns a number of freehold properties which
are either owner-occupied or let on a full commercial rent.
East Anglian grain shipping
exporters using Clarksons’
stevedoring facilities in 2015
<90%
Revenue
£22.5m
2014: £28.6m
Segment result
£3.3m
2014: £4.0m
Port services
2015 was a good year for all our port services activities
linked to conventional bulk shipping, although this has
been heavily tempered by the downturn in the oil and
gas market, which has negatively impacted the overall
performance for the year. We continue to explore avenues
away from oil and gas, whilst ensuring we are in a strong
position to react when this market shows signs of recovery.
Agency
The southern Clarkson Port Services (CPS) offices
performed well in 2015. Although shipments of grain were
slow in the first half, they increased significantly in the
second half, giving a strong result for the year. We have
seen a return to our traditional mix of short and deep sea
activity, and have benefited from taking over grain export
agency business at the Tilbury grain terminal. Imports of
animal feed have remained steady, supporting our Ipswich
and west coast UK offices.
In contrast, the performance of our northern CPS offices
has continued to be impacted by the weak oil price
which has depressed industry activity in this region.
Coal import volumes have remained low, and the
indication is that they will continue at this level in 2016
due to the closure or reduced operations of several coal
fired power stations. Biomass has now largely replaced
our coal volumes, with a notable new contract being
awarded in Liverpool.
26
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 Research
The majority of Clarksons Research sales are derived from
annuity revenue, with high customer retention levels. The
client base is broad and diversified with excellent market
penetration across the financial, asset owning, insurance,
equipment supplier, governmental, private equity, energy,
commodity, shipyard, fabrication and oil service sectors.
There is also broad geographical spread and a strong
position in expanding markets, with sales to the Asia Pacific
region growing by over 24% in 2015. We continue to
broaden our geographic footprint, with the expansion of
operations in both Shanghai and Singapore during 2015.
Research derived its income from the following
principal areas:
Digital
Sales from digital products increased by an encouraging
9% during the year. Our flagship maritime commercial
database, Shipping Intelligence Network, has benefited from
the roll out of a major upgrade during 2015 which has been
well received by our client base. There was robust growth from
our market-leading online vessel register, World Fleet Register,
with further innovations to the system planned for 2016.
Our digital offering across offshore, including World Offshore
Register, continues to gain traction and our position as the
leading provider of offshore data to the insurance market has
been consolidated. Clarksons Research continues to develop
new proprietary data areas within their offering including the
utilisation of AIS data, additional company information, trade
and commodity flows, the tracking of capital market activity,
machinery and environmental packages on board ships and
subsea and pipeline infrastructure.
Publications
Clarksons Research produces weekly, monthly, quarterly
and annual publications, registers and maps, available both in
print and within our digital offering. In 2015 our well-established
shipping range was supplemented by new publications
covering global trade and the capital markets. Our
comprehensive offshore offering, including Offshore Drilling
Rig Monthly and Offshore Support Vessel Monthly, continues
to gain traction. Publications remain an important aspect
of our overall offering, besides generating important
provenance and profile.
Services
Clarkson Research continues to expand its provision of
customer service contracts to a range of large corporate
and institutional clients in both the shipping and offshore
industries. A specialist team concentrates on managing
retainers and providing bespoke research, consultancy,
valuations and data for banks, shipyards, fabricators,
engineering companies, insurers, governments, asset
owners and other corporates. Clarkson Research continues
to be a leading provider of data to clients, producing capital
market prospectuses across a range of issuance types and
exchanges. Clarksons Valuations has been expanded and
remains the leading provider of asset valuation services to
the industry, including to many of the world’s leading ship
finance banks and public listed shipping companies, and
performed particularly strongly across 2015.
Revenue
£11.1m
2014: £10.4m
Segment result
£3.4m
2014: £3.5m
Research revenues grew strongly in 2015, reaching
£11.1m (2014: £10.4m) and continuing a consistent
long-term growth profile.
Despite challenging markets, underlying sales grew by 7%
during the year, supported by demand for our market-leading
shipping products, growth of offshore digital sales and a strong
performance by our service contract and valuation business.
Across 2015 there has also been a trend towards annuity
based digital and service contract business, which has
increased the amount of overall revenue being deferred.
Clarksons Research is respected worldwide as a market-
leading provider of authoritative intelligence across shipping,
trade, offshore and energy. Activities focus primarily on the
collection, validation, management and analysis of integrated
data about the shipping and offshore markets. Including wide
ranging technical and commercial information in a fully
integrated and relational format, the coverage and depth of
the shipping research and trade database continues to expand
and now includes coverage on over 100,000 vessels, over
40,000 companies, over 25,000 machinery models, over 600
active shipyards and fabricators, over 600,000 fixtures and
over 100,000 time series.
The offshore and energy database provides comprehensive
coverage of all offshore fields, projects, platforms, subsea
infrastructure, rigs, support vessels and construction vessels,
wholly integrated within a Geographical Information System.
Clarksons Research continues to invest heavily to expand its
wide ranging proprietary database, to develop and enhance
its product offering and to support and promote the Clarksons
group across the global shipping and offshore industries.
The provision of data to the expanded Clarksons group was
also enhanced during 2015.
27
www.clarksons.comOther informationFinancial statementsGovernanceStrategic report Clarkson Research Services
is the largest commercially-led
research unit in the maritime
world, providing historical
intelligence through registers,
databases, periodicals and on
a more bespoke level through
validation and consulting.
Not only do we have a research
team dedicated to publishing and
consulting, but also dedicated
analysts within every commercial
team across the enlarged group.
This quality and depth of
research is unique and central
to the group’s strategy.
Ideas
Insights
Henriette van Niekerk
Director – Dry cargo analysis
London
Strategic report
Financial review
The group has delivered revenue growth
of 27% to £301.8m and reported profit
before taxation growth of 26% for 2015.
We remain strongly cash generative and
the balance sheet quality continues to
improve, supporting long-term growth
and investment in our business.
30
Results
The increase in group revenue of 27% to £301.8m
(2014: £237.9m) reflects a consistent performance within
the underlying business from higher transactional volumes,
and is augmented by the inclusion of 11 months of trading
from Platou, following completion of the acquisition in
February 2015. Administrative expenses increased by 27%
to £242.0m (2014: £191.3m), however post-acquisition
cost synergies arising from integration will amount to an
annualised benefit of some £4.0m. An additional interim
dividend of £1.4m was received from The Baltic Exchange
in December 2015. Underlying profit before taxation was
£50.5m (2014: £33.8m), which, after acquisition costs of
£16.2m (2014: £7.0m) and £2.5m (2014: £1.6m) of
exceptional items, resulted in a reported profit before
taxation of £31.8m (2014: £25.2m).
Please see our financial highlights
for more information
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 Balance sheet effects of the
Platou acquisition
The acquisition of the Platou group was completed
during the first quarter. The balance sheet now combines
the assets and liabilities of both Clarksons and Platou.
The purchase price allocation has confirmed that a major
proportion of the acquisition price, adjusted to the fair value
at closing, relates to goodwill. A number of specifically
identifiable intangible assets amounting to £21.9m were
recognised on acquisition and are subject to amortisation
over a two to four year period. Long-term interest-bearing
bank loans and all bank overdrafts held by Platou have
been repaid. Deferred consideration, in the form of vendor
loan notes, is held on the balance sheet, repayable in two
instalments in June 2016 and June 2017. Overall, the net
assets of the group have increased by £173.6m. Merger
relief was applied to the new shares issued by Clarkson
PLC, resulting in an increase in other reserves.
Acquisition costs
Acquisition costs of £16.2m (2014: £7.0m) are shown in
the income statement. The increase over 2014 reflects the
costs incurred in respect of the acquisition of Platou and
amortisation of the separately identifiable intangible assets.
Estimated acquisition costs for 2016 will amount to £8.2m.
Exceptional items
Exceptional items comprise the additional rent and
associated costs for Commodity Quay in London and
the onerous lease provision for an office in Singapore.
Also included are costs associated with the restructuring
and integration of the two businesses. The release of the
unutilised portion of the St. Magnus House dilapidation
provision has been treated as exceptional other income.
Taxation
The group’s effective tax rate, before exceptional
items and acquisition costs, was 24.9% (2014: 25.9%).
After exceptional items and acquisition costs, the rate
was 29.8% (2014: 32.0%), which reflects the disallowable
nature of certain acquisition costs.
Earnings per share (EPS)
Underlying basic EPS was 121.9p (2014: 134.2p).
After exceptional items and acquisition costs, the basic
EPS was 68.2p (2014: 91.9p).
Dividends
The board is recommending a final dividend of 40p
(2014: 39p), which will be paid on 3 June 2016 to
shareholders on the register at the close of business on
20 May 2016. The interim dividend was 22p (2014: 21p)
which, subject to shareholder approval, would give a
total dividend of 62p (2014: 60p). In taking its decision,
the board took into consideration the 2015 performance,
the strength of the group’s balance sheet and its ability to
generate cash and the forward order book. The dividend
is covered 1.1 times by basic EPS (2014: 1.5 times).
Foreign exchange
The average sterling exchange rate during 2015 was
US$1.53 (2014: US$1.65). At 31 December 2015 the
spot rate was US$1.47 (2014: US$1.56).
Cash and borrowings
The group remains cash generative, ending the year with
cash balances of £168.4m (2014: £152.9m). A further
£5.4m (2014: £25.3m) was held in short-term deposit
accounts, classified as current investments on the balance
sheet. After deducting amounts accrued for performance-
related bonuses, which are generally paid during the first half
of 2016, net cash and available funds amounted to £91.6m
(2014: £92.3m).
Balance sheet
Net assets at 31 December 2015 were £340.9m
(2014: £167.3m). The balance sheet remains strong with
net current assets and investments exceeding non-current
liabilities (excluding pension provisions) by £36.2m
(2014: £113.8m). The overall provision for impairment
of trade receivables was £12.3m (2014: £9.9m) and the
underlying US dollar balance increased by US$2.7m. The
group’s pension schemes have a combined liability before
deferred tax of £4.1m (2014: £10.3m). This decrease is a
result of the discount rate increasing from 3.4% to 3.8%,
which is partially offset by the addition of the Stewarts
scheme in the year.
Key performance indicators (KPIs)
The KPIs used in the management of the business are
all financial in nature and included on pages 3, 4 and 14.
These include revenue, profit before taxation, earnings per
share and the forward order book.
Net assets
£340.9m
340.9
167.3
137.7
Dividend per share
62p
60
62
56
Underlying profit before taxation
£50.5m
50.5
33.8
25.1
2013
2014
2015
2013
2014
2015
2013
2014
2015
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Risk management
As the world’s leading provider of integrated shipping
services, we have a clear strategy to maintain and extend
our industry leadership. It is imperative that the integrity
and reputation of the Clarksons brand is preserved through
effective risk management, which underpins the successful
delivery of this strategy. The breadth of products and
services that we offer to our clients all over the world span
the maritime and financial markets and has the potential
to expose us to a number of business specific risks.
Details of the board and audit committee’s responsibilities
are shown on pages 40 to 42.
Risk management approach
Managing risk to deliver opportunities is a key element of
the company’s business activities, and is undertaken using a
practical and flexible framework which provides a consistent
and sustained approach to risk evaluation.
Our risk assessment is formed in stages:
1. Identify the risks facing the group, analysed by
business sector;
2. Assess the likelihood of each risk;
3. Evaluate the impact on the group over different aspects
of the business;
4. Determine the strength and adequacy of the controls
operating over the risk;
5. Assess the effect of any mitigating procedures;
6. Monitor the above periodically.
Our objective is to maintain an embedded control
approach which is instilled in our employees from induction.
This is done through an integration of culture and
compliance where our objectives and values are clearly
communicated and our training, systems, processes and
internal controls are developed in accordance with our risk
management model.
Please see our audit committee report
on pages 58 to 59 for more information
Our robust risk management assessment process is
dynamic, incorporating changes in our strategies and
the external risk drivers in the global market in which we
operate. It continues to be enhanced and developed to
ensure it meets the needs of the group.
Viability statement
In accordance with provision C.2.2 of the 2014 revision of the Code, the
board has assessed the prospects of the group over a longer period than
the 12 months that has been the focus of the ‘going concern’ provision.
In carrying out their assessment, the directors have considered the resilience
of the group (with reference to its current position, prospects and strategy),
the board’s risk appetite and the group’s principal risks and the effectiveness
of mitigating actions. This robust assessment considers the potential impact
of the group’s principal risks on its strategy, business model, future
operational and financial performance, solvency and liquidity over the period.
In determining the period over which to provide its viability statement, the
board took into consideration revenues, cash flows, funding requirements,
profits, long-term time charters, the average construction period of
newbuilding contracts, triennial valuations of pension schemes and the
majority of the forward order book. The board concluded that a period
of three years was appropriate.
Based on their assessment of prospects and viability, the directors confirm
that they have a reasonable expectation that the group will be able to
continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the three
year period ending 31 December 2018.
Going concern
The directors also considered it appropriate to prepare the financial
statements on the going concern basis, as explained in note 2.1.
Review of principal risks
The following risks are not exhaustive, but rather a
summary of those principal risks which have the potential
to materially affect the achievement of the group’s strategic
objectives and impact its financial performance, reputation
and brand integrity.
Principal risk
How we manage risk
Commentary
Strategic – Our priority is to ensure strategic decisions achieve our objectives
Failure to achieve
strategic objectives
Our decisions are founded on experience,
due diligence and external expert advisors
where necessary.
The strategic moves we have made have been
into core business areas where we have a good level
of understanding and built up knowledge.
The Platou acquisition was a transformational deal, a
unique opportunity to combine two leading businesses,
generating significant organic revenue and margin
growth potential and creating shareholder value over
the medium-term.
Our strong balance sheet ensures we are well placed
to make further investments as and when they arise.
32
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 Principal risk
How we manage risk
Commentary
Reputational – We remain focused on maintaining and constantly strengthening our relationships with stakeholders
Negative perception
of the group as a result
of employee conduct
Our commitment to training and an ethical work
environment continues to promote high standards,
consistency and a unified approach.
The group has built an enviable reputation over the
past 164 years, and the protection of the Clarksons
name is fundamental to our position as a market leader.
Investment in compliance, quality assurance and
legal functions act to ensure that best practices
are applied throughout the group.
No events arose during the year which adversely
affected the reputation of the group.
Operational – Our reputation is built on strong execution of service
Loss of regulatory licence
Suitably trained and qualified management
across all regulated businesses are supported by
compliance officers in London, New York and Oslo.
Additionally we have an internal audit function for
our securities business in Norway. External advisors
are regularly consulted.
The proportion of the business covered by regulation
has increased and we have entered new jurisdictions
in our regulatory reporting requirements.
All licences were maintained throughout the year.
Financial loss or
operational disruption
caused by a cyber event
The group’s IT processes include penetration
testing, a variety of security access controls and
business continuity planning.
Continued investment in physical controls and
increased awareness through regular internal
communications has enabled us to identify and
avoid actual cyber events.
We have identified a number of attempts to
access or compromise our systems during the
year. None of these attempts have been successful.
Challenging market
conditions
We are well diversified in the breadth of our global
offering across multi-cyclical shipping markets
putting us in the best possible position to mitigate
downturns in specific markets.
Our results show the effectiveness of our strategy
and business model against a backdrop of volatility
in our markets, particularly those affected by falling
commodity prices.
People – Our people are the assets of our business and are essential to our success
Loss of key personnel
Competitive remuneration, extensive tools for
trade, a good working environment and good career
opportunities help us to retain staff. Teamwork
on deals is actively encouraged.
Cross-training, succession planning and
documentation of key procedures is carried
out to minimise the impact of losing personnel.
Our relative position in volatile markets and overall
trading performance makes us appealing as an employer.
Following the integration of the two businesses,
significant synergies have been achieved. No key
members of staff left to join a competitor and we
continue to make significant hires.
Financial – We seek to maintain the strength of our balance sheet and results
Adverse movements in
foreign exchange rates
Adverse financial
commitments relating
to pensions
The group has policies for hedging currency
exposures, including forward sale of US dollar
revenues. We also sell US dollars on the spot
market to meet local currency expenditure.
We continually assess rates of exchange, non-sterling
balances and asset exposures by currency.
During the year, the group has applied its hedging
policy consistently. Details of the outstanding forward
contracts is given in note 26.
All defined benefit schemes are closed to new entrants.
The group has three defined benefit schemes.
Full details of the position at the year-end are set
out in note 22.
We have in-house and outsourced global pension
experts to help manage the schemes in place,
including monitoring fund manager performance.
Diversification of the investment funds which hold
our schemes’ assets reduces the impact of fund
performance volatility.
Regular review of pension fund liability to ensure any
deficit is appropriately forecast and future funding
requirements can be planned.
Financial loss arising
from a failure of a client
to meet its obligations
We regularly monitor both local and global client
debt levels using information from a range of sources.
There were no unexpected losses arising from
a client failure during the year.
The trade receivables at the year-end relate
to a considerable number of clients, with limited
concentration of exposure to the group.
33
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Corporate and
social responsibility
As the world’s leading provider of integrated shipping
services, Clarksons has an enviable, hard-earned reputation
for integrity, excellence, fairness and transparency built over
164 years of servicing the international maritime markets.
These four key principles form our corporate values,
detailed in the group’s Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics, which are delivered by our employees in their
dealings with our clients, investors, colleagues and
suppliers. This approach is mirrored by our commitment
to corporate responsibility – aligning responsible business
practices with a sustainable business model to deliver best
value to all our stakeholders.
Our people
Our people are our business. Without enthusiastic and
engaged employees we simply could not do our job
delivering the highest quality service to our clients.
Employees are expected to use good judgement and
act in the best interests of Clarksons and our clients
at all times so that we conduct our business in an ethical,
honest and professional manner wherever we operate.
We aim to create a working culture that is inclusive for
all and to maintain high standards and good employee
relations. We believe that it is vital to look after our
employees by making sure that they have a safe and
suitable workplace. High standards of health and safety
are maintained and designed to minimise the risk of
injury and ill health of all employees and any other parties
involved in the conduct of our business operations.
Clarksons is an employer that depends on the maintenance
of its reputation and market lead by entrusting it to more
than 1,370 highly motivated employees around the world.
For decades we have evolved a system in which
advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.
We have a wide range of different people with different life
experiences and perspectives working throughout our
global organisation. Our employees have a right to fair
practices and behaviour in the workplace. They are
protected from discriminatory issues and have a fair and
equal chance to develop within the group. We seek to
appoint the best candidate for each and every vacancy.
All appointments within the group are based on merit, and
candidates are considered against fair and objective criteria.
We give full and fair consideration to all applications for
employment and ensure that any reasonable adjustments
are made to our interviewing processes, job content or
workplace to accommodate an individual’s relevant merits
and capabilities.
As at 4 March 2016, there were eight directors of
Clarkson PLC. Of the 1,379 employees within the group
at 31 December 2015, 361 or 26% were female (299 or
28% in 2014). There were 271 managers within the group,
of which 29 or 11% were female which is an increase of
nine or 2% year-on-year on 2014. From new hires made
in 2015, 30% were female.
34
We are a global business with an international workforce
and the combination of languages, cultures and ideas brings
a high level of diversity and cultural richness. Clarksons’
employees represent 63 nationalities globally and in a
reflection of this cultural diversity, our management team
represents 23 of those nationalities. Our international
presence also means that we can offer our employees the
opportunity for mobility and development throughout the
Clarksons group globally.
Management team by nationality
Australia
China
Denmark
Germany
Greece
India
Norway
Singapore
United Kingdom
USA
Others
Clarksons has undergone significant growth over the last
decade, including the Platou acquisition in 2015, which
means that many staff have been employed for less than
ten years. Nevertheless, we are proud that 20% of our
workforce have been with the organisation for more than
ten years and we now have up to five generations working
together. This demonstrates that there is continuity of
approach throughout the organisation and an understanding
of people.
Participation in the company’s ShareSave scheme
allows UK employees to become more engaged in the
company’s performance, and offers the opportunity
on maturity of the scheme, for employees to become
shareholders in the company and to participate in its
continued growth and success.
Communicating with employees is an important priority.
Our management structure means that any employee
has direct access to the senior management team, with
divisional managing directors working side-by-side with
the trainees they recruit. All employees have access to our
intranet, which contains current news, details of company
policies and other relevant information. Employees are
encouraged to attend briefings about the company’s
business and Clarkson News, the company’s in-house
magazine, provides current and former employees with
information about the company’s operations and colleagues
around the world. Employees also have access to the
company’s financial and regulatory publications, which are
available on the company’s corporate website.
Nationalities represented across
the group
63
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 Our investment in our people
We want to be recognised as the place where people are
empowered to do their best work. We hire the brightest
talents and give them the tools to shine – including leading
edge IT systems, high quality training and development as
well as financial reward. Clarksons is committed to investing
in talent retention and staff development, ensuring that as
we grow (both organically and through acquisition) the right
people are identified and developed.
Employees are encouraged to maximise their career potential
at Clarksons. We hold training events and seminars throughout
our global offices. These seminars and events are led by
in-house experts and/or external speakers, covering a wide
range of topics on either an area of Clarksons’ business or
an area of personal development. All employees, regardless
of department, are encouraged to attend these seminars as
they provide a forum for interested individuals to further their
knowledge of a subject.
continued development of female role models within the
business and identification of talented women in junior roles for
future leadership. Of the nine high potential graduates recruited
between 2014 - 2015 for the purpose of development into
future leaders, four are female.
Our local community
and charity support
Clarksons has a well-established history of supporting the
communities in which its global offices are based as well as
projects further afield. We fulfil our commitment to corporate
responsibility in a number of ways including sponsorship
and patronage of museums and sporting events, supporting
employees’ endeavours through sponsorship, supporting
those employees who wish to volunteer their time and with
direct donations to individual charities.
Clarksons’ support has continued in 2015, where special
attention has focused particularly on:
Our training blends the collective skilled counsel
and guidance of our staff with the tutelage of external
experts from all areas of the shipping, trading and
commodity markets.
Our Trainee Broker Scheme is open to graduates and
non-graduates. Trainees can expect excellent support
and tuition so that they can acquire the necessary skills
to perform at the highest level.
In addition to our Trainee Broker Scheme, we offer a number
of internships to students each year. Through long-standing
relationships with schools and academies we are able to
offer regular work experience opportunities in our broking
and research divisions.
Successful development of future leaders requires a talent pool
from which to select the best individuals. Clarksons operates
a prominent recruitment process which attracts in excess of
2,500 applications annually from graduates and non-graduates
who wish to be considered for fast-track development roles.
Our own analysis has determined that the ratio of male to
female applicants is circa 70:30.
New hires by gender in 2015
Male 70%
Female 30%
Female executives with an interest in senior executive roles in
shipping related businesses are in short supply, which is why
Clarksons has taken steps to improve gender balance. We
know that organisations globally are challenged with a lack of
women in leadership positions. This is particularly true of the
shipping industry which has historically been male dominated.
However, shipping is the quintessential global industry and its
multiculturalism has always been a benefit to career-minded
individuals. Steps taken to tackle gender balance include the
– Maritime causes;
– Children’s charities; and
– Charities representing health issues.
During the year, donations were made to:
Marie Curie – UK
Founded more than 65 years ago, Marie Curie provides
care and support for people living with any terminal illness
and their families. Each year they care for more than 40,000
people across the UK. Marie Curie offers hospice care,
in-home nursing and support, both via its Support Line and
online community.
Clarksons chose to support Marie Curie in a number
of ways during the year, following the loss of a colleague
in early 2015.
As well as a direct donation from the company, individual
employees have completed their own challenges. Three
Gibbs’ Tools employees participated in the Ben Nevis
Challenge and raised the Clarksons flag at the summit.
35
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Corporate and social responsibility continued
Peace Matunda School & Orphanage – Tanzania
Tanzania is listed by the UN as one of the 50 poorest and
most underdeveloped countries in the world. Founded in
2005, the Peace Matunda School is a primary day school
for over 200 children. The Peace Matunda Orphanage
provides a home and positive family environment for 24
permanent residential children who are without the support
of family. Clarksons’ donation assisted with the provision
of teaching and support staff.
Maritime London Officer
Cadet Scheme (MLOCS) – UK
Founded in 1992, MLOCS’ objectives are to support the
training of UK-based mariners, to recognise and promote
improvements and standards of expertise on merchant
vessels and to provide a pool of UK seafarers who might
look to the City of London for careers when coming ashore.
Clarksons’ sponsorship of a trainee cadet has continued
for the second year running.
Kids Cancer Charity – UK
For more than 25 years, Kids Cancer Charity has been
caring for and supporting families with teenagers affected
by cancer. Today, the charity has a small service team who
cover the UK assisted by many part-timers and volunteers.
The charity is probably best known for the Holiday
Programme which gives families a chance to get away
from the pressures of hospital appointments and treatments.
The aim of the charity is to provide memories that will last
a lifetime for the families. Clarksons was pleased to support
the Kids Cancer Charity through direct donation this year.
Salaam Baalak Trust – India
Inspired by Mira Nair’s film ‘Salaam Bombay’ in 1988,
the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT) grew out of Nukkad –
a street based intervention programme that began working
with street children in and around New Delhi Railway
Station. SBT is dedicated to the care and protection
of neglected street children. SBT has supported children
from all over India. Core to SBT’s work is detoxification
of children addicted to drugs and provision of educational
facilities to children who are out of school. Clarksons’
donation helped to finance the SBT’s detoxification and
education programme.
Cardiac Risk in the Young – UK
One of the largest charitable projects undertaken by
Clarksons during 2015 was to raise funds for Cardiac Risk
in the Young following the death of an employee in late 2014
from a heart attack as a result of peripheral arterial disease.
A variety of fundraising events took place during 2015,
the largest of which was ‘Row for Roger’. This was an
international effort – 10 teams from London, Singapore,
Dubai and Houston went head-to-head to beat a container
ship transiting the Panama Canal. Teams rowed against
the clock, and each other, to cover the 77,000m distance
in fewer than eight hours. The winning team completed the
challenge in four hours, 35 minutes and 30 seconds.
Sailors’ Society – International
Founded in 1818, the Sailors’ Society is one of the largest
and most comprehensive international seafarers’ support
charities. In April 2015, colleagues from Clarksons Platou
Debt and Leasing Solutions completed the Virgin London
Marathon, to raise funds for the Sailors’ Society.
Norwegian Maritime Museum – Norway
Clarksons Platou is a patron of Norway’s Maritime Museum
in Oslo which focuses on important traits of Norwegian and
international shipping throughout history. Platou was also
involved in developing an interactive shipbroking exhibit at
the museum.
As ever, both corporately and individually, Clarksons
employees have contributed to a long list of charities by
running, swimming, cycling, boxing, climbing and paddling
through all weathers.
Some of the organisations benefiting from this incredible
effort include:
– Parkinson’s UK
– Childhood First
– Scope
– Cancer Research
– Help for Heroes
– Seafarers
– British Lung Foundation
– Leukaemia and Lymphoma
Research
– Macmillan
– Make a Wish Foundation
– Action Medical
– Honeypot
– Genetic Disorders UK
– Art for Cure
36
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 Environment
At Clarksons we recognise the importance of environmental
issues and the impact they have on our business and
our stakeholders.
We are seeking to reduce our own environmental impact
and improve our energy efficiency and, by moving our
London head office into a new location at Commodity
Quay in July 2015, we hope to have achieved that. The
new office at Commodity Quay has been designed to
a high specification including:
– video conferencing facilities being installed in all
meeting rooms;
– food waste being kept to a minimum by installation
of a food digester;
– multiple waste/recycling points on all floors;
– water supplies to kitchens and toilets are controlled
by PIR devices to minimise wastage;
– photocell operation integrated into the lighting control
systems; and
– secure bike storage and showers to encourage
employees to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Whilst the new head office building provides excellent
facilities for the business, the company has not been able
to obtain actual consumption data for the building to date
and as a result the period from July to December 2015 had
to be estimated. We continue to pursue improved data and
expect we might have to restate the emissions associated
with our London head office in the future.
The February 2015 Platou acquisition meant that the
following offices have reported emissions in 2015 for the
first time: Cairo, Rotterdam, New York, Johannesburg, Cape
Town, Casablanca, Rio de Janeiro, Moscow and Uppsala
(Sweden). Our reporting has also included some very small
sites within the Clarkson Port Services division in the UK
for the first time.
This section includes the company’s mandatory reporting
of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) pursuant to the
Companies Act 2006 (strategic report and the directors’
report) regulations 2013 for which our reporting year is
from 1 January to 31 December 2015.
The method we have used to calculate GHG emissions
is the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting
Standard (revised edition), using the location-based scope
2 calculation method, together with the latest emission
factors from recognised public sources including, but not
limited to, Defra, the International Energy Agency, the US
Energy Information Administration, the US Environmental
Protection Agency and the Intergovernmental panel on
Climate Change.
The company reports all material emission sources
which we deem ourselves to be responsible for using an
operational control approach to define our organisational
boundary. These sources align with our operational control.
We do not have responsibility for any emission sources
that are beyond the boundary of our operational control
(we have not included business travel as it falls under
Scope 3 emissions).
Global greenhouse gas emissions data
Tonnes of CO2e
2015
% of
Total
2014
922
27% 1,067
2,349
68% 3,294
Scope 1 –
Clarksons control directly
Combustion of fuel & operation
of facilities (Gas, vehicle fleet)
Scope 2 –
Clarksons control indirectly
(Electricity, heat, steam and
cooling purchased for own use)
Scope 3 –
Clarkson influences
(T&D losses from electricity)
195
5%
278
Intensity metric –
tonnes CO2e/FTE
2.51
4.74
Intensity ratio
We have significantly reduced our scope 1 & 2 emissions
from 4,361 tCO2e in 2014 to 3,271 tCO2e in 2015. This
change is mainly due to a substantial reduction in reported
emissions for the London head office. We are confident
that the new London head office will deliver lower carbon
emissions as a result of a lower occupied floor area,
improved efficiency in heating and cooling systems and
refurbishment designed to minimise the buildings
environmental impact. However, at the time of this report,
primary consumption data is not available and therefore the
emissions associated with the building have been estimated.
Reduced emissions from the London head office have been
partially offset by two factors:
– Integration following the Platou acquisition to form
Clarksons Platou which has resulted in a small number
of new offices and a rise in staffing numbers.
– Improved reporting which includes a number of smaller
Clarkson Port Services sites in the UK and smaller
international offices which have not previously
been reported.
In order to express our annual emissions in relation to a
quantifiable factor associated with our activities, we have
used full-time equivalent employees as our intensity ratio
which gives an indication of our growth and provides for the
best comparative measure over time.
The company’s most critical environmental and sustainability
impact areas include carbon emissions linked to energy use
and travel.
Carbon emissions by continent (tCO2e)
Australasia
Asia
Africa
Europe
North America
South America
Middle East
Russia
37
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Board of directors
James Hughes-Hallett, CMG
Chairman (66)
Andi Case
Chief executive (49)
Andi Case was appointed to the board as chief executive
on 17 June 2008, having previously been Clarksons’ chief
operating officer.
Andi joined Clarksons in 2006 as managing director of the
group’s shipbroking arm, H Clarkson & Company Limited.
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
and purchase and newbuildings.
James Hughes-Hallett was appointed as a director on
20 August 2014 and became chairman on 1 January 2015.
James is a non-executive director of John Swire & Sons
Limited and chairman of United States Cold Storage Inc.
He is also chairman of the Courtauld Institute and of the
Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. James was chairman of John
Swire & Sons Limited until the end of 2014 and chairman
of Cathay Pacific Airways Limited and Swire Pacific Limited.
Earlier in his career James was also the managing director
and chairman of The China Navigation Company and of
Swire Pacific Offshore, and chairman of the Hong Kong
Shipowners Association. He served as a non-executive
director of HSBC Holdings PLC from 2005 to 2014.
James is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants
in England and Wales and an honorary fellow of the
University of Hong Kong and of Merton College, Oxford.
James is chair of the nomination committee and a member
of the remuneration committee.
Jeff Woyda
Chief financial officer and chief operating officer (53)
Peter M. Anker
President of broking and investment banking (58)
Jeff Woyda was appointed to the board on
1 November 2006.
Jeff qualified with KPMG and before joining Clarksons was
a member of the executive committee of Gerrard Group
PLC. Jeff also spent 13 years at GNI where he was chief
operating officer. Jeff serves as a non-executive director
of the International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC).
Peter M. Anker joined the board on 2 February 2015.
Peter has been chief executive and managing partner of
RS Platou Shipbrokers AS since 1987 and has also served
as head of the Platou group and offshore division. He
previously served as vice president of RS Platou (USA) Inc.
from 1982 to 1986.
38
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 Peter Backhouse
Senior independent director (64)
Ed Warner, OBE
Non-executive director (52)
Peter Backhouse was appointed to the board on
16 September 2013 and became senior independent
director on 5 November 2013.
Peter is chairman of the Supervisory Board of HES
International B.V, a leading provider of port services in dry
and liquid bulk handling, and a member of the Advisory
Board of US private equity firm Riverstone Energy Partners.
Peter has over 40 years’ experience in the international
energy business. At British Petroleum he was chairman
and chief executive of BP Europe, executive vice-president
of global refining and marketing, and head of both North
Sea oil development and global mergers and acquisitions.
He served as a non-executive director of BG Group plc,
the international energy group, between 2000 and 2014.
Peter is a member of the audit, remuneration and
nomination committees.
Ed Warner was appointed to the board on 27 June 2008.
Ed is chairman of derivatives exchange LMAX Limited,
the Standard Life European Private Equity Trust PLC, the
Blackrock Commodities Income Investment Trust PLC, UK
Athletics, the sports governing body, and investment bank
Panmure Gordon. He is also a non-executive director of
Grant Thornton UK LLP, a leading accountancy and advisory
practice, and SafeCharge International Group. Ed was
previously chief executive of IFX Group PLC and Old Mutual
Financial Services UK, head of Pan European Equities at
BT Alex Brown, and head of global research at Dresdner
Kleinwort Benson.
Ed is chairman of the remuneration committee and
a member of the audit and nomination committees.
James Morley
Non-executive director (67)
Birger Nergaard
Non-executive director (64)
James Morley was appointed to the board on
5 November 2008.
James is senior independent director of Costain Group PLC
and a director of Minova Insurance Holdings Limited. James
has served as chief operating officer of Primary Insurance
Group, group finance director of Cox Insurance Holdings
and Arjo Wiggins Appleton PLC, group executive director
(finance) at Guardian Royal Exchange, deputy chief
executive and group finance director at AVIS Europe PLC,
and was a non-executive director of The Bankers
Investment Trust PLC, W S Atkins PLC, Trade Indemnity
Group PLC, The Innovation Group PLC and Speedy Hire
PLC. James is a chartered accountant.
James is chairman of the audit committee and a member
of the remuneration and nomination committees.
Birger Nergaard joined the board on 2 February 2015 and
has been deputy chairman of the board of Clarksons Platou
AS (formerly RS Platou ASA) since 2008.
Birger established Four Seasons Venture (today Verdane
Capital) in 1985 and was the company’s chief executive until
2006. He is currently a director of Verdane Capital’s funds V,
VI, VII and VIII, a director of Clarksons Platou Securities AS,
Nergaard Investment Partners AS and an advisor to the
P/E fund Advent International in Norway. Birger was
awarded King Harald’s gold medal in 2006 for pioneering
the Norwegian venture capital industry. Birger holds a law
degree from the University of Oslo.
Birger was appointed to the remuneration committee on
5 January 2016.
39
www.clarksons.comOther informationFinancial statementsGovernanceStrategic report Governance
Governance
Corporate governance statement
Corporate governance statement
Principles statement
Good corporate governance underpins the company’s objectives, strategy
and business model, as set out in the strategic report on pages 2 to 37.
The board is committed to maintaining a high standard of corporate
governance, which is critical to retaining investor trust in the company
and in the board as custodian of the company’s assets and values.
Powers of the board
The board meets regularly with at least four scheduled meetings each
year plus additional meetings to address matters that arise other than
in the normal course of business. The non-executive directors serve
on a number of committees established by the board. More information
regarding board and committee meetings can be found on page 42.
Statement of compliance
The statement of corporate governance practices set out on pages 38
to 67 and information incorporated by reference, constitutes the Clarkson
PLC corporate governance report setting out how the company has
applied the principles of the 2014 UK Corporate Governance Code
(the Code), which is applicable to the company for the financial year ended
31 December 2015. We are compliant with the Code with the exception
of the requirement to have an externally facilitated board evaluation every
three years. For further explanation please refer to page 41.
Further information on the Code can be found on the Financial Reporting
Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk.
Leadership
The board of directors comprises James Hughes-Hallett, Andi Case,
Peter M. Anker, Jeff Woyda, Peter Backhouse, Birger Nergaard, James
Morley and Ed Warner. Biographies of the directors in office at the date
of signing the financial statements are set out on pages 38 to 39.
The board, supported by its committees, is responsible for ensuring
leadership and setting strategic direction with the aim of delivering
sustainable shareholder value. It is imperative that the combined
experience and knowledge represented by the board of directors is
appropriate to lead the company in maintaining its market leading
position and achieving its strategic objectives. Following completion of
the acquisition of RS Platou ASA on 2 February 2015 (Platou acquisition),
Peter M. Anker, the chief executive of Platou, and Birger Nergaard,
the deputy chairman of Platou, joined the board of Clarkson PLC as
executive director and non-executive director respectively.
On appointment, the chairman and the non-executive directors met the
independence criteria set out under the Code and confirmed that they
have sufficient time available to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
They are appointed for an initial three year term, subject to re-election by
shareholders at each annual general meeting (AGM), after which their
appointment may be extended, subject to mutual agreement. All members
of the board will retire and seek re-election by shareholders at this year’s
AGM in accordance with the Code. The continuing independence of each
non-executive director is assessed regularly.
The roles of chairman and chief executive are not exercised by the same
individual. There is a clear division of responsibilities:
Chairman
– Leading the board
– Ensuring board effectiveness
– Promoting high standards of
corporate governance
Chief executive
– Running day-to-day business
– Implementing board strategy
The non-executive directors have a vital role in ensuring that the strategies
proposed by the executive directors are appropriately discussed and
constructively challenged. They help scrutinise the performance of
management against the agreed goals and strategic objectives of the
board and monitor the integrity of the company’s financial information and
systems of risk control and management. In addition, they are responsible
for considering and approving executive remuneration. The chairman
maintains direct communication with each of the non-executive directors
without the executive directors present where necessary.
The board has the powers and duties as set out in all relevant laws
and the company’s articles of association (Articles). Amendments to
the company’s Articles may be made in accordance with the provisions
of the Companies Act 2006. The board has adopted a formal schedule
of matters it reserves for its own decision making, such as decisions
relating to:
– strategy and management
– financial reporting and controls
– shareholder communications
– executive remuneration
– the group’s corporate and capital structure
– material contracts
– board and other senior management appointments and membership
of board committees
– corporate governance procedures and other group policies
Procedure to deal with directors’ conflicts of interest
A director has a duty to avoid a situation in which he or she has a direct
or indirect interest that conflicts, or may conflict, with the interests of the
company. The board may authorise any potential conflicts, where
appropriate, in accordance with the company’s Articles. The company
has established comprehensive procedures for the disclosure of any such
conflicts by directors, and for the consideration and authorisation of these
by the board. The board considers each conflict on its particular facts and
in the context of the other duties owed by the director to the company.
The board regularly reviews and monitors potential conflicts of interest.
Ed Warner, a non-executive director, is also non-executive chairman of
Panmure Gordon, the company’s joint stockbroker. Jeff Woyda, chief
financial officer and chief operating officer, is a non-executive director of
the International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC).
Where a potential or possible conflict of interest arises, both directors
declare their interest and remove themselves from the decision making
process in respect of the relevant business.
Effectiveness
Succession planning
There are currently eight directors on the board of Clarkson PLC.
The structure of the board is regularly reviewed as we seek to appoint
the best candidate for each vacancy.
The board oversees the group’s senior management succession plan,
including the procedure for the appointment of new directors to the
board to ensure that there are appropriate skills and experience within
the company and on the board.
The process for board appointments is led by the nomination committee
which, in accordance with its terms of reference, evaluates the balance of
skills, experience, independence and knowledge on the board and makes
recommendations for appointments to the board.
Non-executive directors are appointed for a specific term. Details of their
service contracts can be found on page 49. A report on the work carried
out by the nomination committee during the year is set out below.
Director induction, training and support
The audit committee is responsible for the independent review and
A careful assessment is made of the time commitment required from
challenge of the adequacy and effectiveness of the risk management
the chairman and the non-executive directors to discharge their roles
approach and for reporting its findings to the board.
properly and, on appointment, new directors are provided with a tailored
induction programme relating to the company’s business. All directors
are encouraged to regularly update and refresh their skills and knowledge
by attending seminars and training sessions. During the annual board
evaluation process the directors have the opportunity to highlight any
areas in which they feel professional development would be beneficial,
either individually or as a unit. The board has access to the company
secretary who provides advice on corporate governance matters.
The company secretary is responsible for ensuring that the board
has access to the information it requires and that such information
is supplied in a timely manner and is of appropriate quality to enable
directors to discharge their duties effectively. In addition, directors may
take independent professional advice at the company’s expense if
necessary, in the course of discharging their duties.
The senior independent director provides a sounding board for the
chairman and serves as an intermediary for other directors when required.
The company purchased and maintained directors’ and officers’ liability
insurance throughout 2015 and this cover has been renewed for 2016.
Performance evaluation
Risk management and internal control
Managing risk to deliver opportunities is a key element of the
company’s business activities, which is undertaken using a practical
and flexible framework, providing a consistent and sustained approach
to risk evaluation.
The board has established policies and risk management procedures
together with key controls, which are reviewed in accordance with
applicable regulations and best practice guidelines, to ensure that they
continue to be effective and protect the company’s stakeholders.
The company’s internal control system encompasses controls over areas
including financial reporting, operations, compliance and risk management
procedures. Such a system is designed to evaluate and manage rather
than eliminate risk and can only provide reasonable and not absolute
assurance against material misstatement or loss.
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 in order to mitigate risks
associated with financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated
financial statements. An established compliance, legal and governance
At the end of 2015, the board conducted an internal evaluation of
process is in place to monitor regulatory developments and to ensure
its own performance, its committees and that of individual directors.
that all existing and forthcoming regulations are complied with.
The chairman’s performance was evaluated by each of the other non-
executive directors. A questionnaire was circulated to all directors seeking
their evaluation of a number of matters, including board culture, balance,
meetings and processes. The principal conclusions were then presented
to the board and key points and actions discussed. The board, having
carefully considered all matters arising out of the performance review,
concluded that the board operates effectively and in an open manner.
Following the Platou acquisition, the board considered it appropriate to
defer an external performance evaluation until the integration period had
concluded. It is intended for the external performance evaluation to take
place during 2016.
Appointment of directors
Following amendment at the 2015 AGM, the Articles now provide that
all directors shall retire from office and subject to satisfactory performance
are put forward for re-election at each AGM. Shareholders are provided
with comprehensive information about the directors who are subject to
election and re-election, including their commitment to the role, in the
notice of AGM.
Ed Warner and James Morley will be approaching nine years on the
board in 2017. The board believes that both directors continue to be
fully independent in character and judgement.
Accountability
The board is responsible for promoting the long-term success of the
company for the benefit of shareholders, assessing the company’s
position and prospects, and for ensuring that the information presented
to shareholders is fair, balanced and understandable. Further details of
directors’ responsibilities for preparing the company’s financial statements
are set out in the directors’ responsibilities statement on page 61.
The board is responsible for:
The company issues a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, to which
all staff are expected to adhere, in order to maintain Clarksons’ status as
a responsible and trustworthy business.
All employees are responsible for ensuring compliance with group policies
and for identifying risks within their business areas and to ensure that these
risks are controlled and monitored in the appropriate way.
The board has established arrangements by which employees of the
company may, in confidence, raise concerns about possible improprieties
or wrongdoing in financial reporting or other matters. The audit committee
regularly reviews this arrangement.
The board, with advice from the audit committee, has carried out an
annual review of the effectiveness of the system of internal control and
risk management and confirms that the ongoing process for identifying,
evaluating and managing the group’s principal risks has operated
throughout the year and up to the date of the approval of this annual
report. Please refer to pages 32 to 33 of the annual report for more details
on the principal risks facing the business and the mitigation in place.
Board engagement with investors and
relations with shareholders
The AGM gives all shareholders the opportunity to communicate directly
with the board and encourages their participation. The company’s
AGM will be held on 6 May 2016. Further details of the business to be
addressed at the meeting can be found in the notice of meeting.
The executive directors meet regularly with the company’s major
shareholders and make presentations to analysts, institutional investors
and investment managers following the announcement of the interim
and full year results. The non-executive directors are fully briefed on the
opinions of investors after such meetings.
The senior independent director is available to meet with shareholders
The primary means of communication with our shareholders are via the
company’s annual and interim reports and website on which the company
publishes its trading updates and other news released to the London
Stock Exchange. For shareholder information see page 60 or visit
www.clarksons.com/investors.
– determining the nature and extent of the risks it is willing to take in
and institutional investors as required.
achieving its strategic objectives;
– maintaining the company’s system of internal controls and risk
management; and
– reviewing the effectiveness of these systems annually.
40
40
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
www.clarksons.com
41
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Director induction, training and support
A careful assessment is made of the time commitment required from
the chairman and the non-executive directors to discharge their roles
properly and, on appointment, new directors are provided with a tailored
induction programme relating to the company’s business. All directors
are encouraged to regularly update and refresh their skills and knowledge
by attending seminars and training sessions. During the annual board
evaluation process the directors have the opportunity to highlight any
areas in which they feel professional development would be beneficial,
either individually or as a unit. The board has access to the company
secretary who provides advice on corporate governance matters.
The company secretary is responsible for ensuring that the board
has access to the information it requires and that such information
is supplied in a timely manner and is of appropriate quality to enable
directors to discharge their duties effectively. In addition, directors may
take independent professional advice at the company’s expense if
necessary, in the course of discharging their duties.
The senior independent director provides a sounding board for the
chairman and serves as an intermediary for other directors when required.
The company purchased and maintained directors’ and officers’ liability
insurance throughout 2015 and this cover has been renewed for 2016.
Performance evaluation
At the end of 2015, the board conducted an internal evaluation of
its own performance, its committees and that of individual directors.
The chairman’s performance was evaluated by each of the other non-
executive directors. A questionnaire was circulated to all directors seeking
their evaluation of a number of matters, including board culture, balance,
meetings and processes. The principal conclusions were then presented
to the board and key points and actions discussed. The board, having
carefully considered all matters arising out of the performance review,
concluded that the board operates effectively and in an open manner.
Following the Platou acquisition, the board considered it appropriate to
defer an external performance evaluation until the integration period had
concluded. It is intended for the external performance evaluation to take
place during 2016.
Appointment of directors
Following amendment at the 2015 AGM, the Articles now provide that
all directors shall retire from office and subject to satisfactory performance
are put forward for re-election at each AGM. Shareholders are provided
with comprehensive information about the directors who are subject to
election and re-election, including their commitment to the role, in the
notice of AGM.
Ed Warner and James Morley will be approaching nine years on the
board in 2017. The board believes that both directors continue to be
fully independent in character and judgement.
Accountability
The board is responsible for promoting the long-term success of the
company for the benefit of shareholders, assessing the company’s
position and prospects, and for ensuring that the information presented
to shareholders is fair, balanced and understandable. Further details of
directors’ responsibilities for preparing the company’s financial statements
are set out in the directors’ responsibilities statement on page 61.
The board is responsible for:
– determining the nature and extent of the risks it is willing to take in
achieving its strategic objectives;
– maintaining the company’s system of internal controls and risk
management; and
– reviewing the effectiveness of these systems annually.
The audit committee is responsible for the independent review and
challenge of the adequacy and effectiveness of the risk management
approach and for reporting its findings to the board.
Risk management and internal control
Managing risk to deliver opportunities is a key element of the
company’s business activities, which is undertaken using a practical
and flexible framework, providing a consistent and sustained approach
to risk evaluation.
The board has established policies and risk management procedures
together with key controls, which are reviewed in accordance with
applicable regulations and best practice guidelines, to ensure that they
continue to be effective and protect the company’s stakeholders.
The company’s internal control system encompasses controls over areas
including financial reporting, operations, compliance and risk management
procedures. Such a system is designed to evaluate and manage rather
than eliminate risk and can only provide reasonable and not absolute
assurance against material misstatement or loss.
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 in order to mitigate risks
associated with financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated
financial statements. An established compliance, legal and governance
process is in place to monitor regulatory developments and to ensure
that all existing and forthcoming regulations are complied with.
The company issues a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, to which
all staff are expected to adhere, in order to maintain Clarksons’ status as
a responsible and trustworthy business.
All employees are responsible for ensuring compliance with group policies
and for identifying risks within their business areas and to ensure that these
risks are controlled and monitored in the appropriate way.
The board has established arrangements by which employees of the
company may, in confidence, raise concerns about possible improprieties
or wrongdoing in financial reporting or other matters. The audit committee
regularly reviews this arrangement.
The board, with advice from the audit committee, has carried out an
annual review of the effectiveness of the system of internal control and
risk management and confirms that the ongoing process for identifying,
evaluating and managing the group’s principal risks has operated
throughout the year and up to the date of the approval of this annual
report. Please refer to pages 32 to 33 of the annual report for more details
on the principal risks facing the business and the mitigation in place.
Board engagement with investors and
relations with shareholders
The AGM gives all shareholders the opportunity to communicate directly
with the board and encourages their participation. The company’s
AGM will be held on 6 May 2016. Further details of the business to be
addressed at the meeting can be found in the notice of meeting.
The executive directors meet regularly with the company’s major
shareholders and make presentations to analysts, institutional investors
and investment managers following the announcement of the interim
and full year results. The non-executive directors are fully briefed on the
opinions of investors after such meetings.
The senior independent director is available to meet with shareholders
and institutional investors as required.
The primary means of communication with our shareholders are via the
company’s annual and interim reports and website on which the company
publishes its trading updates and other news released to the London
Stock Exchange. For shareholder information see page 60 or visit
www.clarksons.com/investors.
www.clarksons.com
41
41
www.clarksons.comOther informationFinancial statementsGovernanceStrategic report
Governance
Governance
Corporate governance statement continued
Clarkson PLC board
James Hughes-Hallett (Chair)
Peter Backhouse (Senior independent director)
Directors’ biographies – see pages 38 to 39
Audit committee
James Morley (Chair)
Peter Backhouse
Ed Warner
Nomination committee
James Hughes-Hallett (Chair)
Ed Warner
Peter Backhouse
James Morley
Remuneration committee
Ed Warner (Chair)
Peter Backhouse
James Morley
James Hughes-Hallett
Birger Nergaard
Board committees
The board is supported by the audit, nomination and remuneration
committees. The responsibilities of each committee are set out in their
respective terms of reference, which are approved by the board and
published on the company’s website.
The attendance of members of the board at board and committee
meetings during the year was as follows:
Board
Audit
committee
Remuneration
committee
Nomination
committee
Total number of
meetings held
in the year
James Hughes-Hallett1
Peter Backhouse
Andi Case
Peter M. Anker2
Birger Nergaard2
James Morley
Ed Warner
Jeff Woyda
8
8
8
8
7
6
8
7
8
3
3*
3
1*
–
–
3
3
3*
3
2
2
3*
–
–
3
3
2*
1
1
1
1*
–
–
1
1
1*
* Attends by invitation only.
1 Appointed as a chairman of the board on 1 January 2015.
2 Appointed to the board on 2 February 2015.
Audit committee
The members of the audit committee are James Morley, Peter Backhouse
and Ed Warner. James Morley chairs the committee and has been
determined by the board to have recent and relevant financial experience.
The committee assists the board in monitoring the integrity of the group’s
financial statements, reviews the effectiveness of the group’s systems
of internal control and risk management and monitors the objectivity,
effectiveness and performance of the external auditors. It examines the
adequacy and security of the company’s arrangements for employees
to raise concerns, in confidence, about possible wrongdoing in financial
reporting. It reviews the company’s systems and controls for the
prevention of bribery and assesses a report from the Compliance and
Money Laundering Officer annually.
The chairman of the board, the chief executive, chief financial officer
and chief operating officer and other senior managers may be invited to
attend meetings when appropriate and the external auditors are invited
to attend on a regular basis. The committee meets privately on a regular
basis with the external auditors in the absence of management. Further
details on the work of the audit committee are shown in the audit
committee report on pages 58 to 59. The committee’s terms of reference
are available on the company’s website.
Remuneration committee
The members of the remuneration committee are Ed Warner, Peter
Backhouse, James Morley, James Hughes-Hallett and, from 5 January
2016, Birger Nergaard. The committee is chaired by Ed Warner and is
responsible for determining with the board the policy on remuneration of
the chairman, chief executive, executive directors and certain other senior
staff. The remuneration of the non-executive directors is decided by the
chairman and executive directors. Further details on the work of this
committee are contained within the directors’ remuneration report on
pages 43 to 57. The committee’s terms of reference are available on the
company’s website.
Nomination committee
The nomination committee comprises the chairman James Hughes-
Hallett, Ed Warner, Peter Backhouse and James Morley. The chairman
of the board does not chair the committee when it is dealing with the
matter of succession to the chairmanship.
The committee regularly reviews the structure, size and composition of the
board (including the skills, knowledge and experience), leads the process
for board and committee appointments, and makes recommendations
to the board based on the balance of skills and experience of board
membership. The committee gives full consideration to future succession
planning for the board, in particular for the key roles of chairman and chief
executive, and other senior executives.
Clarksons recognise and embrace the benefits of a diverse board.
As part of the annual performance evaluation, the nomination committee
reviews the composition of the board, the committees and the individual
directors. The committee will consider suitable candidates for any board
appointments on the basis of a wide range of criteria including personal
merit, ability, knowledge, experience and independence. This is to ensure
that we are appointing the best possible candidate for each vacancy and
to ensure a well-balanced board.
The committee’s terms of reference are available on the company’s
website.
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Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Governance
Directors’ remuneration report
Directors’ remuneration report
Annual statement
I am pleased to introduce the directors’ remuneration report for the year ended 31 December 2015.
The report is split into three sections, namely:
(i)
this annual statement;
(ii)
the remuneration policy (as approved by shareholders at the 2014 AGM). Although the disclosure of this part of the remuneration report is not
required this year, it has been repeated in line with best practice; and
(iii) the annual report on remuneration (explaining payments made in the year under review and how the policy will be operated for 2016).
Remuneration policy
Our employees are central to the company’s ongoing success and in setting the remuneration policy at Clarksons our objective is to attract and retain
the best talent in our markets. At the same time the remuneration committee seeks to ensure that executive pay is aligned to the corporate plan and
business goals as well as supporting the interests of shareholders. We have had a consistent policy since 2006 and believe that it has served the
company’s shareholders well since then.
Remuneration policy across the group is consistently applied, as are bonus plans which are operated group wide.
Executive directors are shareholders in Clarksons and accordingly understand the imperative to deliver long-term returns for the company’s owners.
Their short-term rewards are directly aligned to the profitability of the company.
Performance and reward for 2015
At the beginning of 2015, following the acquisition of RS Platou ASA, the executive bonus scheme was amended so as to ensure that earnings per
share on the enlarged shareholding was no lower than it would have been prior to the acquisition at each tranche level of executive remuneration. The
executive directors sacrificed 5% of the bonuses they were eligible to receive, for the purposes of providing additional reward to other senior employees.
Strong growth in both the earnings per share and total shareholder return over the three years to 31 December 2015 will result in a 70% vesting of the
2013 grant of LTIP awards in May 2016.
While the base salary level of executive directors was frozen for the eighth year in a row, an adjustment was made to Jeff Woyda’s salary to reflect his
mid-year appointment as chief operating officer in addition to his role as chief financial officer to correspond with the significant increase and the size
and complexity of his role. No other salary adjustments were made during 2015 or from 1 January 2016.
Policy for 2016
The remuneration committee is not proposing to make any changes to the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 2014 AGM. As such:
– base salary levels were not increased from 1 January 2016;
– the annual bonus will continue to be based on a bonus pool derived from group profit before tax;
– consistent with the policy applied to the majority of senior employees, 90% of the annual bonus payable will be paid in cash with 10% voluntarily
deferred into shares for four years and clawback provisions will continue to apply; and
– LTIP awards will be granted in 2016 as part of the normal annual grant policy and will continue to be based on a combination of earnings per share
and relative total shareholder return targets.
The remuneration committee believes these continue to be correct principles for a business such as Clarksons and I commend this remuneration policy
to you. 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 Remuneration committee chairman
4 March 2016
www.clarksons.com
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www.clarksons.comOther informationFinancial statementsGovernanceStrategic report
Governance
Governance
Directors’ remuneration report continued
Directors’ remuneration policy
This remuneration policy report was put to a binding shareholder vote at the 2014 AGM and, following its approval, became effective from that date.
No changes for 2016 are proposed.
How the remuneration committee operates to set the remuneration policy
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; and
– approving the design of, and recommending targets for, any performance-related pay schemes the company operates for senior executives.
The remuneration committee encourages dialogue with shareholders and engages with the company’s major shareholders on a regular basis.
Major shareholders will be consulted on a timely basis on any material changes proposed for the remuneration policy.
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. We maintain a strong focus
on ensuring that executives are incentivised to drive economic profit as well as being rewarded for creating sustainable value.
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.
Consideration of shareholder views
The company is committed to maintaining good communication with investors. The remuneration committee considers the AGM to be an opportunity
to meet and communicate with investors, giving shareholders the platform to raise any issues or concerns they may have. In addition, the remuneration
committee would engage directly with major shareholders should any material changes be made to the directors’ remuneration policy.
Details of the votes cast in respect of the resolutions to approve last year’s remuneration report and any matters discussed with shareholders during
2015 are set out in the annual report on remuneration on page 57.
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Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Remuneration policy report
Key elements of remuneration policy are set out below:
Base salary
Purpose and link to strategy
– To attract and retain high
performing executive
directors who are critical
for the business
– Set at a level to provide a
core reward for the role and
cover essential living costs
Operation
– Reviewed periodically
– Paid monthly
– Salaries are determined
taking into account:
– the experience,
responsibility, effectiveness
and market value of the
executive
– the pay and conditions in
the workforce
Benefits
– To provide a market
– Taxable benefits include:
standard suite of basic
benefits in kind to ensure
the executive directors’
well-being
– car allowance
– healthcare insurance
– club membership
– Participation in ShareSave
– Other benefits may be
payable where appropriate
Maximum opportunity
– There is no prescribed
Performance framework
n/a
maximum annual increase.
The committee is guided by
the general increase for the
broader workforce but on
occasion may recognise an
increase in certain
circumstances, such as
assumed additional
responsibility or an increase in
the scale or scope of the role
n/a
– A car allowance in line with
market norm. The value of
other benefits is based on the
cost to the company and is
not predetermined
– ShareSave up to prevailing
HMRC limits
Annual bonus
(including
deferred
shares)
– To reward significant
– 90% of the bonus is paid in
– In line with Clarksons’
peers, the annual bonus
is not subject to a formal
individual cap
annual profit performance
– To ensure that the bonus
plan is competitive with our
peers. As a result, bonus
forms a significant proportion
of the remuneration package
cash and although they have
no contractual obligation, the
directors have agreed that
10% of annual bonus payable
is deferred in shares, vesting
after four years
– To ensure that if there is a
reduction in profitability, the
level of bonus payable falls
away sharply
– Directors have voting rights
and receive dividends on
deferred shares
– Performance criteria are
reviewed and re-calibrated
carefully each year to ensure
they are linked to strategic
business goals, take full
account of economic
conditions and are sufficiently
demanding to control the
total bonus pool and
individual allocations
– Clawback provision operates
for overpayments due to
misstatement or error
– Bonus is determined
by group performance
measured over one year
on the following basis:
– below a ‘profit floor’ set by
the committee each year
no bonus is triggered
– above the floor, an
escalating percentage
of profits is payable into
a bonus pool for
progressively higher profit
before tax performance
– profit for bonus calculations
may be adjusted by the
remuneration committee
where appropriate and
does not include mark-
to-market valuations or
business that has not
been invoiced
– for the chief executive
a further key determinant
of his annual bonus is
the significant broking
revenues generated by
him personally
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Remuneration policy report continued
Long term
incentives
Purpose and link to strategy
– To incentivise and reward
significant long-term financial
performance and share price
performance relative to the
stock market
– To encourage share
ownership and provide
further alignment with
shareholders
Operation
– Awards are performance-
related and are normally
structured as nil cost options
– Awards are granted each year
following the publication of
annual results
– Clawback provision operates
for overpayments due to
misstatement or error
Maximum opportunity
– Annual maximum limit of
150% of basic salary for
awards subject to long-term
performance targets (200%
of basic salary in exceptional
circumstances)
– Dividend equivalents
(in cash or shares) may
accrue between grant
and vesting, to the extent
that shares under award
ultimately vest
Performance framework
– The awards are subject to
performance conditions
measured on a combination
of three year EPS growth
and relative TSR
– Normally measured over a
three year performance period
– 25% of an award will vest for
achieving threshold
performance, increasing
pro-rata to full vesting for
the achievement of stretch
performance targets
Pension
– To provide a market
competitive pension
arrangement
Non-executive
directors’
fees
– To attract and retain high
calibre non-executive
directors through the
provision of market
competitive fees
– Executive directors participate
in a company defined
contribution pension scheme
and/or receive a cash
allowance in lieu of pension
contributions
– Reviewed annually
– Paid monthly
– Fees are determined taking
into account:
– the experience,
responsibility, effectiveness
and time commitments of
the non-executive
– the pay and conditions in
the workforce
– Employer contributions are
up to 15% of basic salary or
an equivalent cash allowance
net of employer’s NI
n/a
– As for the executive directors
n/a
there is no prescribed
maximum annual increase.
Fee increases are guided by
the general increase for the
broader workforce but on
occasion may recognise
an increase in certain
circumstances, such as
assumed additional
responsibility or an increase in
the scale or scope of the role
1 A description of how the company intends to implement the above policy for 2016 is set out in the annual report on remuneration on page 50.
2 The annual bonus performance measures are focused on profit before tax to reflect how successful the company has been in managing its operations.
The LTIP performance measures, EPS and TSR, reward significant long-term returns to shareholders and long-term financial growth. EPS growth is derived from the audited
financial statements while TSR performance is monitored on the remuneration committee’s behalf by New Bridge Street.
Targets are set on a sliding scale that takes account of internal strategic planning and external market expectations for the company. Only modest rewards are available
for achieving threshold performance with maximum rewards requiring substantial out-performance of challenging strategic plans approved at the start of each year.
3 The committee operates the annual bonus and LTIP plans according to their respective rules, and in accordance with the Listing Rules and HMRC rules where relevant.
Consistent with market practice, the committee retains flexibility and discretions in a number of key areas.
4 The remuneration policy for the executive directors is designed with regard to the policy for employees across the group as a whole and is consistent between the executive
directors and the remainder of the workforce. In particular, there has been a widespread salary freeze for all employees earning salaries of £100,000 p.a. or more. In contrast,
salaries for lower paid employees have generally increased (on average across the population) each year. The annual bonus plan operates on a similar profit-driven basis
across the group and there is a relatively high level of employee share ownership. The key differences in policy for executive directors relate to participating in the LTIP awards,
which have strict vesting conditions. This is considered appropriate to provide a link for a proportion of performance pay with the longer term strategy thereby creating stronger
alignment of interest with shareholders. The committee does not formally consult with employees in respect of the design of the company’s executive director remuneration
policy, although the committee will keep this under review.
5 For the avoidance of doubt, in approving this directors’ remuneration policy, authority was given to the company to honour any commitments entered into with current or
former directors (such as, the payment of a pension or the vesting or exercise of past share awards) that have been in previous remuneration reports. Details of any payments
to former directors will be set out in the annual report on remuneration as they arise.
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Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Directors’ remuneration scenarios
The company’s remuneration policy results in a proportionate breakdown of total remuneration such that, in line with most other wholesale brokerage
and agency companies, a very high proportion of the package is performance-related.
The charts below show an estimate of the potential remuneration payable for the executive directors in office on 1 January 2016 at different levels of
performance. The charts highlight that the performance-related elements of the package comprise a highly significant portion of the executive directors’
total remuneration at target and maximum performance.
Directors’ remuneration scenarios
The company’s remuneration policy results in a proportionate breakdown of total remuneration such that, in line with most other wholesale brokerage
and agency companies, a very high proportion of the package is performance-related.
The charts below show an estimate of the potential remuneration payable for the executive directors in office on 1 January 2016 at different levels of
performance. The charts highlight that the performance-related elements of the package comprise a highly significant portion of the executive directors’
total remuneration at target and maximum performance.
Chief executive
Chief financial officer
and chief operating officer
President of broking
and investment banking
Fixed pay
Annual bonus
LTIP
Fixed pay
Annual bonus
LTIP
Fixed pay
Annual bonus
LTIP
£000
xx
£000
xx
Minimum
100%
632
Minimum
100%
414
Minimum
100%
On target
12%
80%
8%
5,390
On target
25%
59%
16%
1,601
On target
25%
59%
16%
Maximum
10%
77%
13%
6,558
Maximum
20%
54%
26%
2,032
Maximum
15%
66%
19%
£000
401
1,601
2,762
1 Basic salary levels applying on 1 January 2016.
2 The value of taxable benefits is estimated.
3 The value of the pension receivable is up to 15% of basic salary.
4 - Minimum performance assumes no award is earned under the annual bonus plan and no vesting is achieved under the LTIP;
- on-target performance assumes an annual bonus calculated by reference to market expectations at the start of 2016 and 50% being achieved under the LTIP; and
- maximum performance assumes profit before taxation outperforms consensus and full vesting under the LTIP. It should, however, be noted that there is in fact no upper
limit as explained on page 45 and the above charts are purely for illustrative purposes.
5 Share price movement has been excluded from the above analysis.
Directors’ recruitment and promotions
The remuneration committee has the objective to attract and retain the best talent in our markets, while at the same time ensuring executive pay is
aligned to the corporate plan and business goals as well as supporting the interests of shareholders.
If a new executive director was appointed, the company would seek to align the remuneration package with the remuneration policy approved by
shareholders, including the maximum limit for the LTIP and an annual bonus pool entitlement in line with that of the other executive directors. However,
flexibility would be retained to offer remuneration on appointment in respect of deferred remuneration arrangements forfeited on leaving a previous
employer. The committee will look to replicate the arrangements being forfeited as closely as possible and in doing so, will take account of relevant
factors including the nature of the deferred remuneration, performance conditions and the time over which they would have vested or been paid.
1 Basic salary levels applying on 1 January 2016.
The initial notice period for a service contract may be longer than the policy of one year, provided it reduces to one year within a short space of time.
2 The value of taxable benefits is estimated.
For an internal appointment, any ongoing remuneration obligations existing prior to appointment may continue.
3 The value of the pension receivable is up to 15% of basic salary.
The remuneration committee may also agree that the company will meet certain relocation and incidental expenses as appropriate.
4 - Minimum performance assumes no award is earned under the annual bonus plan and no vesting is achieved under the LTIP;
- on-target performance assumes an annual bonus calculated by reference to market expectations at the start of 2016 and 50% being achieved under the LTIP; and
- maximum performance assumes profit before taxation outperforms consensus and full vesting under the LTIP. It should, however, be noted that there is in fact no upper
limit as explained on page 45 and the above charts are purely for illustrative purposes.
5 Share price movement has been excluded from the above analysis.
Directors’ recruitment and promotions
The remuneration committee has the objective to attract and retain the best talent in our markets, while at the same time ensuring executive pay is
aligned to the corporate plan and business goals as well as supporting the interests of shareholders.
www.clarksons.com
If a new executive director was appointed, the company would seek to align the remuneration package with the remuneration policy approved by
shareholders, including the maximum limit for the LTIP and an annual bonus pool entitlement in line with that of the other executive directors. However,
flexibility would be retained to offer remuneration on appointment in respect of deferred remuneration arrangements forfeited on leaving a previous
employer. The committee will look to replicate the arrangements being forfeited as closely as possible and in doing so, will take account of relevant
factors including the nature of the deferred remuneration, performance conditions and the time over which they would have vested or been paid.
47
The initial notice period for a service contract may be longer than the policy of one year, provided it reduces to one year within a short space of time.
For an internal appointment, any ongoing remuneration obligations existing prior to appointment may continue.
The remuneration committee may also agree that the company will meet certain relocation and incidental expenses as appropriate.
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Directors’ service contracts and payments for loss of office
The remuneration committee reviews the contractual terms for executive directors in light of developments in best practice and trends in our sector.
The remuneration related elements of the current contracts for executive directors are shown in the table below:
Provision
Detailed terms
Notice period
One year by the company or the director.
Termination payment Chief executive:
The company may elect to pay in lieu of notice:
– an amount equivalent to 12 months’ base salary plus the cost of contractual benefits; plus
– an amount equivalent to 50% of the last bonus received.
In addition:
– if not already paid, any bonus in respect of the prior year is payable (if not agreed, an amount equal to the last bonus
received); and
– a pro-rated bonus for the period of the year worked is payable.
Chief financial officer and chief operating officer:
The company may elect to pay in lieu of notice:
– an amount equivalent to base salary, benefits and bonus for the relevant period of notice.
President of broking and investment banking:
The company may elect to pay in lieu of notice:
– an amount equivalent to base salary and contractual benefits only.
The remuneration committee recognises that it is unusual in the context of listed PLCs to pay an amount in lieu of annual
bonus for the notice period to the chief executive and chief financial officer and chief operating officer 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;
– bonuses are only payable if profit thresholds and targets are achieved i.e. there is no automatic entitlement to a bonus; and
– unvested awards under the LTIP are capable of vesting subject to performance.
For unvested entitlements to share awards under the 2004 Clarkson LTIP which reached the end of its ten year life in
May 2014, the rules contain discretionary provisions setting out the treatment of awards where a participant ceases to
be employed by the Clarksons group for designated reasons. In the case of the participant’s injury, disability, statutory
redundancy, retirement, a sale of their employing company or business in which they were employed or for any other reason
at the discretion of the committee, the participant’s awards will not be forfeited but will vest on the date of cessation of
employment, subject to the satisfaction of the relevant performance conditions. In the case of a participant’s death, any
unvested awards will vest in full on the date of cessation.
For unvested entitlements to share awards under the 2014 Clarkson LTIP, where a participant ceases to be employed by the
Clarksons group due to ill-health, injury, disability, redundancy, retirement, a sale of his employing company or business or for
any other reason at the discretion of the committee (good leaver circumstance), then he will be entitled to keep his award as
described below:
– performance-related awards will normally vest on the normal vesting dates (unless the remuneration committee determines
that they should vest upon cessation) subject to the satisfaction of the relevant performance conditions and time pro-rating
(unless the remuneration committee decides to disapply time pro-rating). In the case of a death or ill-health, awards will vest
at cessation subject to the relevant performance conditions; and
– deferred bonus awards will vest in full.
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Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
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Provision
Detailed terms
Change of control
Chief executive:
If, within 18 months of a change of control, the company gives the chief executive notice (except for reasons of gross
misconduct or material breach of contract) or the chief executive gives notice as a result of a material breach of his contract or
the company limits his ability to earn future bonuses, the chief executive will, within 30 days of termination, receive an amount
equivalent to one year’s basic salary, 150% of the last annual bonus received and the gross annual value of contractual
benefits (pro-rated). In these circumstances, the chief executive’s notice period is reduced to four weeks.
Chief financial officer and chief operating officer:
Within one year of a change of control the executive or the company may give notice (of not less than four weeks in the case
of the former) whereupon the executive will receive immediately an amount equivalent to one year’s basic salary, contractual
benefits, employer pension contributions and annual bonus.
President of broking and investment banking:
No change of control provisions exist.
All unvested awards under the 2004 Clarkson LTIP would vest, to the extent that any performance conditions attaching
to the relevant award have been achieved.
All unvested awards under the 2014 Clarkson LTIP would vest, to the extent that any performance conditions attaching
to the relevant award have been achieved. To the extent that any performance conditions have been met, the committee
will consider whether time pro-rating should apply.
In August 2008 it was however contractually agreed with the current chief financial officer and chief operating officer,
Jeff Woyda, that no time pro-rating will be applied to his LTIP awards.
The remuneration committee recognises that it is now unusual, in the context of listed PLCs, for service contracts to contain
change of control provisions and will therefore seek to avoid such provisions for future executive appointments to the board.
Details of the current executive directors’ service contracts
are as follows:
Andi Case
Jeff Woyda
Peter M. Anker1
Date of contract
Unexpired term
Notice period
17 June 2008
3 October 2006
27 November 2014
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
Service contracts are available for inspection at the company’s registered office.
Details of the non-executive directors’ appointment terms
are as follows:
James Hughes-Hallett
Peter Backhouse
Ed Warner
James Morley
Birger Nergaard1
Date of appointment
20 August 2014
16 September 2013
27 June 2008
5 November 2008
2 February 2015
Unexpired term at
31 December 2015
Notice period
20 months
9 months
18 months
23 months
26 months
3 months
3 months
3 months
3 months
3 months
1 Peter M. Anker and Birger Nergaard were appointed to the board with effect from 2 February 2015 upon the completion of the RS Platou ASA acquisition.
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, subject to re-election at each AGM. Each appointment can be terminated before the end of the three year period with three
months’ notice due.
Fees payable for a new non-executive director appointment will take into account the experience of the individual and the current fee structure.
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Directors’ remuneration report continued
Annual report on remuneration
Implementation of the remuneration policy for 2016
Base salary
Andi Case
Jeff Woyda
Peter M. Anker1
1 January 2016
£000
1 January 2015
(or appointment if later)
£000
550
350
350
550
250
350
% change
0%
40%
n/a
1 Peter M. Anker was appointed to the board on 2 February 2015 upon the completion of the RS Platou ASA acquisition.
While the base salary level of executive directors was frozen for the eighth year in a row, an adjustment was made to Jeff Woyda’s salary to reflect his
mid-year appointment as chief operating officer in addition to his role as chief financial officer to correspond with the significant increase and the size and
complexity of his role. No other salary adjustments were made during 2015 or from 1 January 2016.
Annual bonus for 2016
For 2016, the annual bonus opportunity will remain uncapped and will continue to be based on a bonus pool derived from group profit before tax
as follows:
– below a ‘profit floor’ set by the committee no bonus is triggered; and
– above the floor, an escalating percentage of profits is payable into a bonus pool for progressively higher profit before tax performance.
Profit for bonus calculations may be adjusted by the remuneration committee where appropriate and does not include mark-to-market valuations or
business that has not been invoiced.
The profit floor and challenges for 2016 have not been disclosed on a prospective basis as these are considered to be commercially sensitive, although
disclosure will be provided retrospectively.
Consistent with the policy applied to the majority of senior employees, 90% of the bonus payable will be paid in cash with 10% voluntarily deferred into
shares for four years and clawback provisions will continue to apply.
Long term incentive awards to be granted in 2016
Consistent with past practice, it is envisaged that:
– executive directors will receive LTIP awards over shares worth up to 150% of salary in 2016.
– the vesting of 50% of awards will be determined by the company’s EPS for 31 December 2018, as shown in chart (i) below. The EPS for 2015
is shown (black line) for reference; and
– the vesting of the remaining 50% will be determined by the company’s TSR performance from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018 against the
constituents of the FTSE 250 Index (excluding investment trusts), as shown in chart (ii) below. The level of total shareholder return achieved against
the FTSE 250 Index over the last three year cycle is shown (black line) for reference.
EPS and relative TSR are considered to be the most appropriate measures of long-term performance for the group, in that they ensure executives are
incentivised and rewarded for the earnings performance of the group as well as returning value to shareholders.
The awards will be subject to clawback provisions.
EPS target range for 2016 award (50% of award)
TSR target range for 2016 award (50% of award)
Vesting schedule for 2016 awards
2015 EPS
TSR performance range
Actual result in last three year TSR cycle
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%
)
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
%
50
50
xx
122p
140p
190p
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%
)
d
r
a
w
a
f
o
%
0
5
(
g
n
i
t
s
e
v
d
r
a
w
a
R
S
T
f
o
%
xx
Median
Upper Quartile
1st Place
EPS target (pence) for FY ended 31 December 2018 for 2016 award
TSR ranking at end of 3 year performance period
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Directors’ remuneration (audited)
Details of emoluments and compensation payable in their capacity as directors during the year are set out below:
2015
Executive directors
Andi Case
Jeff Woyda
Peter M. Anker4
Non-executive directors
James Hughes-Hallett
Peter Backhouse
Ed Warner
James Morley
Birger Nergaard4
2014
Executive directors
Andi Case
Jeff Woyda
Non-executive directors
Bob Benton1
James Hughes-Hallett1
Peter Backhouse
Ed Warner
James Morley
Philip Green1
Basic salary
and fees
£000
Benefits2
£000
Pension3
£000
Performance-
related
bonus5
£000
Total
remuneration
before LTIP6
£000
Long term
incentives
£000
Total
remuneration
£000
550
308
309
140
73
73
73
50
26
12
22
–
–
–
–
–
74
40
5
–
–
–
–
–
3,495
753
655
–
–
–
–
–
4,145
1,113
991
140
73
73
73
50
827
346
–
–
–
–
–
–
4,972
1,459
991
140
73
73
73
50
1,576
60
119
4,903
6,658
1,173
7,831
Basic salary
and fees
£000
Benefits
£000
Pension
£000
Performance-
related
bonus
£000
Total
remuneration
before LTIP
£000
Long term
incentives
£000
Total
remuneration
£000
550
250
120
20
69
69
69
43
22
12
–
–
–
–
–
–
74
33
–
–
–
–
–
–
3,420
730
4,066
1,025
904
411
4,970
1,436
–
–
–
–
–
–
120
20
69
69
69
43
–
–
–
–
–
–
120
20
69
69
69
43
1,190
34
107
4,150
5,481
1,315
6,796
We consider key management personnel to be Clarkson PLC directors.
1 Philip Green and Bob Benton stepped down from the board on 9 May 2014 and 1 January 2015 respectively. James Hughes-Hallett was appointed to the board on 20
August 2014 and became chairman on 1 January 2015. The last payment that Bob Benton received was made on 31 December 2014.
2 Benefits include cash allowances in lieu of company cars, healthcare insurance and club memberships.
3 Pension includes pension contributions and cash supplements where relevant.
4 Peter M. Anker and Birger Nergaard joined the board from 2 February 2015.
5 Annual bonus for 2015 was based on the allocation of the following pool:
Underlying profit before taxation and bonus
If profit < £26.46m
If profit > £26.47m then £0m – £52.92m
If profit > £52.93m then £52.93m – £61.70m
If profit > £61.71m then on profits > £61.71m
Actual underlying profit before taxation
Actual bonus pool
% of pool allocated to executive directors
% of pre-bonus profit
0%
11%
16%
18%
£50.5m
£6.3m
77%
The bonus is paid 90% in cash and, although they have no contractual obligation, the directors have agreed that 10% of the bonus will be deferred in shares, vesting after four
years. Both the cash and share element of the bonus are subject to clawback where overpayments may be reclaimed in the event of misstatement or error.
6 Long term incentives relate to awards granted on 10 May 2013 which vest in May 2016 based on performance for the year ended 31 December 2015. The performance
conditions attached to this award and actual performance against these conditions are as follows:
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Directors’ remuneration report continued
Directors’ remuneration (audited) continued
Performance measure
Performance condition
Threshold target
Stretch target
Actual
% vesting
Earnings per share
(out of 50%)
Total shareholder return
(out of 50%)
25% of award vesting at
threshold up to 100% of
award vesting at stretch
on straight-line basis
25% vesting of award at
threshold up to 100% of
award vesting at stretch
on straight-line basis
Total vesting (out of 100%)
The award details for the executive directors are as follows:
105p
150p
121.7p
26%
Median
Upper quartile
99%
44%
70%
(max 100%)
Estimated value of
vested shares*
£000
827
346
n/a
Executive
directors
Andi Case
Jeff Woyda
Peter M. Anker
Number of
shares granted
Number of
shares to vest
Number of
shares to lapse
51,434
23,379
n/a
36,004
16,365
n/a
15,430
7,014
n/a
* The estimated value of the vested shares is based on the average share price during the three month period from 1 October to 31 December 2015 of £22.96. These shares
will vest on the third anniversary of grant, subject to continued employment.
Comparative LTIP values were based on the 2012 awards which vested in 2015 based on performance to 31 December 2014 and were based on
a three month price to 31 December 2014 of £21.15. The actual share price at vesting was £23.00. 2014 LTIP amounts in the single figure table have
not been restated.
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Fees for the non-executive directors
Non-executive director fee levels are as follows:
Chairman
Non-executive director
Chair of committee*
Senior independent director*
* Incremental fees above base non-executive director fee.
2016
£000
160
55
18
18
2015
£000
140
55
18
18
% change
14%
0%
0%
0%
Directors’ outstanding share incentives (audited)
The table below sets out details of outstanding share awards held by the executive directors. The share awards have been granted as nil cost options
under the LTIP, subject to the EPS and TSR performance criteria (50% of the award each) detailed in the LTIP section of this report on page 46.
Awards
granted
in the year
Awards
exercised
in the year
Awards
lapsed
in the year
Interests
under
plan at 31
December
2015
Face
value at 31
December
2015
£
% vesting at
threshold
performance
End of
performance
period
Grant
date
Vesting
date
Date
exercisable
until
Interests
under
plan at
1 January
2015
99,3881
36,5812
33,6183
42,7194
51,4345
31,6826
Andi Case
Jeff Woyda
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
36,7487
15,2813
19,4184
23,3795
14,4006
–
–
–
–
–
16,7037
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(15,430)
–
–
–
–
99,388 2,237,224
25% 16 Dec 09
Dec 11 15 Dec 12 15 Dec 19
36,581
33,618
823,438
756,741
25% 24 Dec 10
Dec 12 23 Dec 13 23 Dec 20
25% 25 May 11
Dec 13 24 May 14 24 May 21
42,719*
961,605
25% 11 May 12
Dec 14 10 May 15 10 May 22
36,004
31,682
810,450
713,162
25% 10 May 13
Dec 15
9 May 16
25% 5 Jun 14
Dec 16
4 Jun 17
36,748
827,197
25% 17 Apr 15
Dec 17 16 Apr 18
–
–
–
15,281
343,975
25% 25 May 11
Dec 13 24 May 14 24 May 21
19,418*
437,099
25% 11 May 12
Dec 14 10 May 15 10 May 22
(7,014)
16,365
368,376
25% 10 May 13
Dec 15
9 May 16
–
–
14,400
324,144
25% 5 Jun 14
Dec 16
4 Jun 17
16,703
375,985
25% 17 Apr 15
Dec 17 16 Apr 18
–
–
–
* Vested during the year.
The share price on the date of the award was 1. £8.06, 2. £11.22, 3. £12.05, 4. £13.50, 5. £16.50, 6. £24.99, 7. £22.16.
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Directors’ remuneration report continued
Directors’ interests in shares
The company requires executive directors to build a shareholding equivalent to 100% of the executive directors’ salary. Until this is attained they are
required to retain 50% of any share award that vests.
The beneficial interests of the directors in the share capital of the company at 31 December 2015 were as follows:
Number of ordinary shares
31 December 20153
31 December 2014
% of salary required
to be held in shares under
the shareholding guidelines
Guideline met?
James Hughes-Hallett
Andi Case
Jeff Woyda
Peter M. Anker1
Peter Backhouse
Ed Warner
James Morley
Birger Nergaard1
1 Appointed on 2 February 2015.
2 This figure includes restricted stock units.
–
645,9104
93,1494
529,1442
3,500
15,000
4,500
205,869
–
646,324
92,585
–
3,500
15,000
4,500
–
n/a
100%
100%
100%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Yes
Yes
Yes
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
3 There was no change in the beneficial interests of the directors in the share capital of the company between 31 December 2015 and 3 March 2016, being the last practicable
date before the signing of this report.
4 These figures include restricted shares and restricted stock units granted as part of annual bonus as follows:
Bonus year
Vesting date
2011
April 2016
29,241
6,235
n/a
Number of shares
2012
April 2017
13,103
2,795
n/a
2013
June 2018
9,924
2,117
n/a
2014
June 2019
15,233
3,249
2,667*
Andi Case
Jeff Woyda
Peter M. Anker
*Restricted stock units.
Further restricted share awards will be made in 2016 in respect of up to 10% of the directors’ 2015 bonus.
Directors’ interests in share options over ordinary shares are as follows:
Executive
directors
Options
held at
1 January
2015
Options
granted
during
the year
Options
exercised
during
the year
Options
lapsed
during
the year
Options
held at
31 December
2015
Exercise
price
£
Andi Case Other options
25,000¹
ShareSave
ShareSave
ShareSave
Jeff Woyda ShareSave
ShareSave
ShareSave
831
426
–
831
426
–
–
–
–
993
–
–
993
–
(831)
–
–
(831)
–
–
–
–
(426)2
–
–
(426)2
–
25,000¹
–
–
993
–
–
993
9.91
10.82
21.11
18.12
10.82
21.11
18.12
1 These options are fully vested and were granted for nil consideration.
2 These ShareSave contracts were closed on 9 September 2015.
Date from which
exercisable
Expiry date
26 October 2010
25 October 2017
1 July 2015
31 December 2015
1 July 2017
31 December 2017
1 July 2018
31 December 2018
1 July 2015
31 December 2015
1 July 2017
31 December 2017
1 July 2018
31 December 2018
Pensions (audited)
Pension contributions were £nil (2014: £nil) for Andi Case and £nil (2014: £3,125) for Jeff Woyda, with the balance for both Andi Case and Jeff Woyda
(up to 15% of salary) paid as a cash supplement in lieu of pension (net of employer’s NI) and included in the table on page 51 as pension. Peter M.
Anker’s pension contribution was NOK 66,000.
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Payment to former directors (audited)
No payments were made to past executive directors during the year ended 31 December 2015.
Payments for loss of office (audited)
No payments were made in respect of loss of office during the year ended 31 December 2015.
Performance graph
This graph shows Total Shareholder Return (TSR) (that is, share price growth assuming re-investment of any dividends) of the company over the last
seven financial years compared to the FTSE SmallCap Index, which the committee considers an appropriate index for comparison purposes, and
compared to the total remuneration of the chief executive.
Total Shareholder Return
Clarkson PLC
FTSE SmallCap Index
CEO Remuneration
xx
e
u
a
V
l
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
31-Dec-08
31-Dec-09
31-Dec-10
31-Dec-11
31-Dec-12
31-Dec-13
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-15
This graph shows the value, by 31 December 2015, of £100 invested in Clarkson PLC on 31 December 2008 compared with the value of £100 invested in the FTSE SmallCap
Index and the remuneration of the chief executive for each year, rebased from 100 units from 31 December 2008. The other points plotted are the values at intervening financial
year-ends.
Source: Thomson Reuters
The LTIP award vesting level as a percentage of the maximum opportunity for the chief executive for each of the last seven years is as follows:
LTIP vesting %
2015
70%
2014
69%
2013
50%
2012
47%
2011
98%
2010
44%
2009
50%
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Directors’ remuneration report continued
Percentage change in remuneration levels
The table below shows the movement in salary, benefits and annual bonus for the chief executive between the 2014 and 2015 financial years, compared
to the average for all employees:
Chief executive
Salary and benefits
Bonus
All employees
Salary and benefits
Bonus
% change
+0.6%
+2.2%
+2.5%
-5.0%
Relative importance of spend on pay
The following table sets out the percentage change in profit, dividends and overall spend on pay in 2015 compared to 2014:
Underlying profit for the year
Dividends
Employee remuneration costs, of which:
Executive directors’ total pay excluding LTIP (continuing)
Executive directors’ annual bonus (continuing)
2015
£m
37.9
18.2
2014
£m
25.1
10.8
186.1
147.9
6.2
4.9
5.1
4.1
% change
+51%
+69%
+26%
+27%
+19%
Remuneration committee
During the year the remuneration committee comprised the following non-executive directors: James Hughes-Hallett, Peter Backhouse, Ed Warner,
James Morley and from 5 January 2016, Birger Nergaard. The committee continues to be 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. The 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 below. The
committee also held informal discussions as required.
Number of meetings attended out of potential maximum
James Hughes-Hallett
Peter Backhouse
Ed Warner
James Morley
2 out of 3
2 out of 3
3 out of 3
3 out of 3
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.
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External advisors
Following a rigorous and competitive tender process in 2006, New Bridge Street (NBS), part of Aon plc, were 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. The committee is satisfied that the quality of advice received during the year
was sufficient and that NBS remain objective and independent. Neither NBS nor Aon plc has any other connection with the company.
The fees paid by the company to NBS during the financial year for advice on share plans and to the remuneration committee were £55,121 (2014:
£77,179). No additional fees were paid by the group to Aon plc in respect of other services.
NBS is a signatory to the Remuneration Consultants’ Code of Conduct which requires its advice to be objective and impartial.
Statement of shareholder voting at AGM
At the 2015 AGM, the directors’ remuneration report received the following votes from shareholders:
For
Against
Discretion
Total
Withheld
Total number of votes
% of votes cast
18,945,574
2,754,694
1,458,668
23,158,936
94,799
81.81%
11.89%
6.30%
100%
–
At the AGM to be held on 6 May 2016 a resolution approving this report is to be proposed as an ordinary resolution.
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.
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf by:
Ed Warner Remuneration committee chairman
4 March 2016
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Audit committee report
Audit committee report
The primary function of the audit committee is to assist the board in
fulfilling its oversight responsibilities for:
– scrutinising the robustness and integrity of the group’s financial
reporting, including accounting issues and judgements;
– monitoring and reviewing the group’s internal control and risk
management systems, including internal financial reporting controls,
and identifying any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in
their operation; and
– monitoring and reviewing the activities and performance of the external
auditors, and notifying the board of any significant concerns arising from
their audit work.
In addition to the above responsibilities, the committee has reviewed
the processes for the prevention, detection and reporting of fraud and
the group’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
The committee’s terms of reference are reviewed on a regular basis
to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Code and are also
published on the company’s website.
The committee met three times during 2015 and addressed three main
areas in the year – (1) financial reporting and significant issues, (2) internal
control, internal audit and risk management, and (3) external auditors.
1 Financial reporting and significant issues
The audit committee reviewed and considered the following areas in respect of financial reporting and preparation of the interim and annual
financial statements:
– the appropriateness of accounting policies used;
– compliance with internal and external financial reporting standards and policies;
– principal judgemental accounting matters, based on reports from management and external auditors; and
– whether or not the annual report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders
to assess the company’s performance, business model and strategy.
The committee also reviews reports by the external auditors on the full year and half year results which highlight any issues with respect to the work
undertaken on the audit. The issues and how they were addressed by the committee are set out below:
Issue
Area of focus
How the issue was addressed by the committee
Recoverability of
trade receivables
A number of judgements are made in the calculation of the
provision, primarily the age of the invoice, the existence of
any disputes, recent historical payment patterns and the
debtor’s financial position.
The committee discussed with management the results of its
review, the internal controls and the composition of the related
financial information. The committee also discussed with the
external auditors their review of the provision.
Revenue
recognition
Classification
and recognition
of adjusting items
Acquisition
accounting for
Platou
The committee is satisfied that the judgements made by
management are reasonable and that appropriate disclosures
have been included in the financial statements.
In the broking and financial segments, the group’s
entitlement to commission revenue usually depends on
third party obligations being fulfilled. Since the group has
no control over this, it is important to recognise revenue at
the appropriate time.
The committee considered the revenue recognition processes
in place for all four business segments with management and
cut-off procedures with the external auditors.
The committee is satisfied with the control environment and that
revenue has been recognised in the correct periods.
Exceptional items are those which are non-recurring in
nature and considered to be material in size. In 2015, this
column in the consolidated income statement represents
onerous property lease expenses, costs associated with
the restructuring and integration of the two businesses and
the release of a provision for dilapidations.
The ‘acquisition costs’ column includes the amortisation
of intangible assets, the expensing of the cash and share
based elements of consideration linking to ongoing
employment obligations on acquisitions along with the
fees payable on completion of the Platou acquisition.
Accounting for the acquisition required a fair value exercise
to assess the assets and liabilities acquired, including
valuing any separately identifiable intangible assets, both
of which can be subjective.
Management utilised an external expert to support them
with quantifying fair values of identified intangible assets
in respect of Platou’s forward order book, customer
relationships and brand.
The committee considered the reasons behind showing these
items separately and therefore excluding the costs from the
‘underlying’ earnings measures.
The committee agreed that to include these items in ‘underlying’
earnings would be misleading to the users of the financial
statements due to their nature and size.
The committee is satisfied that the existing format is consistent
with the group’s accounting policy.
The committee reviewed the external report used by management.
It also compared the completeness of the intangible assets
identified against the external auditors’ expectations.
The committee is satisfied that management has identified the
relevant intangible assets and has valued them appropriately.
Following the acquisition of Platou, the audit committee has
reviewed and monitored business integration, IT integration and
the implementation of a unified control environment.
The committee is satisfied that the integration has been successful
and that reporting and control mechanisms are now integrated
across both business lines and corporate entities.
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During the year the auditors provided tax advisory and compliance
services and other assurance services with fees of £0.1m and
£0.1m respectively.
The committee meets privately on a regular basis with the external
auditors in the absence of management.
The committee has discussed the requirements of the Code and
the final order published by the Competition and Markets Authority in
respect of tendering the group’s external audit and has recommended
to the board that it does not carry out a tender process for 2016;
the next tender process is due in 2019. In making this assessment,
the committee has considered the performance of the current external
auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), who have served since
2009. The committee does not consider that PwC’s independence
or effectiveness is impaired. Accordingly the audit committee has
recommended to the board that PwC be reappointed as auditor
and that a resolution be put to shareholders at the AGM.
James Morley Audit committee chairman
4 March 2016
Please see risk management on
pages 32 to 33 for more information
2 Internal control, internal audit
and risk management
The audit committee undertakes an annual review of the group’s
internal controls, including financial, operational, compliance and risk
management and reviews the external auditors’ report in relation to
internal control observations.
The audit committee is responsible for reviewing the adequacy and
effectiveness of the group’s risk management systems and processes.
Further details of risk management are shown on pages 32 to 33.
The company continually seeks to improve and update existing
procedures and to introduce new controls where necessary. The risk
management system is designed to identify principal risks and to provide
assurance that these risks are fully understood and managed. As an
ongoing process, the audit committee 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 counteract the risks to which the company is exposed.
No significant control deficiencies were identified during the year.
The need for an internal audit function is reviewed regularly by the
board and the audit committee. After taking into account the size and
structure of the group, including the changes following the completion
of the Platou acquisition, the audit committee concludes that it was
appropriate in view of the scale and regulatory nature of its operations to
establish an internal audit function for the banking and finance operations
headquartered in Norway, and has appointed Ernst & Young to perform
this function on an outsourced basis. The committee have concluded
that there is no immediate requirement for an internal audit function in
respect of the group’s other activities, but will continue to keep this issue
under consideration.
The audit committee, in conjunction with the board, has established
arrangements by which employees of the group may, in confidence,
raise concerns about possible improprieties or wrongdoing.
3 External auditors
The committee reviews and makes recommendations to the board
regarding the re-appointment and remuneration of the external auditors.
The audit committee considered the following:
– quality and effectiveness of the audit for the prior year;
– external audit strategy for the current year;
– overall work plan;
– terms of engagement;
– external auditors’ overall performance and independence;
– effectiveness of the overall audit process;
– length of appointment as external auditors (current length: seven
years); and
– level of non-audit and audit fees.
To ensure that the auditors maintain their independence and objectivity,
the audit committee has implemented a policy which is designed to
ensure that the provision of non-audit services does not have an impact
on the external auditors’ independence and objectivity. It restricts the
engagement of the auditor in relation to non-audit services, whilst
recognising that there are some types of work, such as accounting
and tax advice, where a detailed understanding of the company’s
business is advantageous.
It also requires that individual engagements above a certain fee level
may only be undertaken with appropriate authority from the committee
or the committee chairman.
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Directors’ report
Directors’ report
The directors’ report required under the Companies Act 2006, together
with the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015,
comprises sections of the annual report incorporated by reference as set
out below which, taken together, contain the information to be included
in the annual report, where applicable, under Listing Rule 9.8.4.
– pursuant to the company’s share dealing practices whereby the
directors and designated employees require approval to deal in the
company’s shares;
– certain restrictions on securities arising from company acquisitions
(including the Platou acquisition); and
Page 32
– under the company’s employee long term incentive plans.
Going concern
Board membership
Dividends
Directors’ long-term incentives
Waiver of directors’ emoluments
Corporate governance report
Pages 38 39
Page 31
Pages 43 57
Page 43
Pages 40 42
Future developments of the business of the group
Pages 10 29
Employee equality, diversity and involvement
Pages 34 36
Carbon emissions
Information to the independent auditor
Dividend waiver
Financial risk management
Subsidiaries
Page 37
Page 61
Page 99
Pages 101 103
Pages 121 124
Shareholder information
Share capital and control
Details of the company’s share capital are shown in note 23 to the financial
statements. The rights and obligations attaching to the ordinary shares are
set out in the Articles, copies of which can be obtained free of charge from
the Companies House website at http://www.gov.uk/get-information-
about-a-company.
The executive directors are expected to maintain a shareholding equivalent
of 100% of their respective salaries.
A transfer of shares is only permitted for shares which are fully paid up.
A transfer form must be duly stamped (if required) and made out in favour
of a single transferee or no more than four joint transferees. The transfer
form must be delivered to the company’s registrars, Computershare,
accompanied by the share certificate to which it relates or such other
evidence that proves the title of the transferor. Please contact
Computershare on +44 (0) 370 707 1055 or online at:
http://www.clarksons.com/investors/registrar/.
The holders of ordinary shares have the right to:
– receive dividends when declared;
– receive the company’s report and financial statements;
– attend and speak at general meetings of the company; and
– appoint proxies and exercise voting rights at general meetings.
There are no restrictions or special conditions regarding voting rights
and control of the company. Major shareholders have the same voting
rights per share as all other shareholders. Shareholders who wish to
appoint a proxy to exercise their voting rights at the AGM are required
to submit a proxy voting form to the company no later than 48 hours
prior to the time of the meeting using the following link:
http://www.investorcentre.co.uk/eproxy.
Shares acquired through Clarksons’ share schemes rank equally with
other shares in issue and have no special rights.
Restrictions on transfer of shares
There are no restrictions on transfers of ordinary shares in the company
other than:
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.
Details of the executive directors’ service contracts, including contractual
arrangements in connection with a change of control of the company,
are set out in the directors’ remuneration report on pages 48 to 49.
Upon a change of control, all unvested awards under the 2004 Clarkson
PLC LTIP would vest to the extent that any performance conditions
attaching to the relevant award have been achieved.
All unvested awards under the 2014 Clarkson PLC LTIP shall vest on
the date of such event. In the case of performance awards, the number
of shares to vest will be determined by the committee subject to the
performance or any other conditions and/or pro rata reduction in the
case of leavers.
Notifiable interests in share capital
The following interests have been disclosed to the company by major
shareholders under Rule 5 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules
(DTR) as at the end of the financial year and at 3 March 2016 (being the
last practicable date prior to the date of this report):
Franklin Templeton Investment
Management Limited
RS Platou Holdings AS
Heronbridge Investment Management LLP
Legal & General Investment
Management Limited
31-Dec-15
3-Mar-16
5.11%
7.10%
5.01%
12.33%
7.10%
5.01%
< 5%
< 5%
Information provided to the company pursuant to the DTR is published
on a Regulatory Information Service and on the company’s website at:
www.clarksons.com/news.
In addition, as at 3 March 2016, employees directly held 27.58 %
of the company’s share capital and 5.34 % was held by employee
share trusts for use under the company’s various incentive schemes.
Interests in the shares of the company or derivatives or any other
financial instrument relating to those shares, conducted by the directors
of the company on their own account, notified to the company pursuant
to Rule 3 of the DTR, are set out in the directors’ remuneration report on
pages 53 to 54.
At the 2015 AGM the company’s shareholders authorised the company,
for the purposes of Section 701 of the Companies Act 2006, to make
market purchases of its own shares up to a maximum aggregate amount
of 3,011,675 shares (representing 10% of the company’s share capital as
at 2 April 2015). This authority is due to expire at the end of the 2016 AGM
and a resolution will be put to shareholders at that meeting to extend the
authority for a further period. The company has not acquired or disposed
of any interests in its own shares.
By order of the board
– certain restrictions which may from time to time be imposed by laws
Penny Watson Company secretary
or regulations such as those relating to insider dealing;
4 March 2016
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Directors’ responsibilities statement
Directors’ responsibilities statement
The following statement, which should be read in conjunction with
the auditors’ statement of their responsibilities set out in their reports on
pages 62 to 67 and 105 to 106, is made to distinguish the respective
responsibilities of the directors and of the auditors in relation to the
financial statements.
The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report, the
directors’ remuneration report and the financial statements in accordance
with applicable law and regulations.
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 (IFRS) 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:
– select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
– make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable
and prudent;
– state whether applicable IFRS as adopted by the European Union
have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and
explained in the financial statements; and
– prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is
inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
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.
In accordance with Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006, each director
at the time of approval of this report confirms that so far as he is aware,
there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditors are
unaware, and the director has taken all the steps that he ought to have
taken as a director in order to make himself aware of relevant audit
information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
The group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its
future development, performance and position, are set out in the strategic
report on pages 2 to 37. The financial position of the group, its cash
flows and liquidity position are described in the financial review. The risk
management section of the strategic report and note 26 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 and liquidity risks.
The group has considerable financial resources available and a strong
balance sheet, as explained in the financial review on pages 30 to 31.
As a result of this, the directors believe that the group is well placed to
manage its business risks successfully despite the challenging market
backdrop. The directors have a reasonable expectation that the group
has sufficient resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future.
For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in
preparing the financial statements.
Each of the directors, whose names and functions are listed on pages
38 to 39 of this annual report, confirm that:
– to the best of their knowledge, the consolidated financial statements,
which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by
the European Union, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities,
financial position and profit of the group;
– to the best of their knowledge, the strategic report includes a fair
review of the development and performance of the business and the
position of the group, together with a description of principal risks and
uncertainties that it faces; and
– they consider the annual report, taken as a whole, to be fair, balanced
and understandable and provides the information necessary for
shareholders to assess the company’s position and performance,
business model and strategy.
On behalf of the board
James Hughes-Hallett Chairman
4 March 2016
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Governance
Independent auditors’ report to
Independent auditors’ report to
the members of Clarkson PLC
the members of Clarkson PLC
Report on the consolidated financial statements
Our opinion
In our opinion, Clarkson PLC’s consolidated financial statements (the financial statements):
– give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s affairs as at 31 December 2015 and of its profit and cash flows for the year then ended;
– have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union; and
– have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
What we have audited
The financial statements, included within the annual report, comprise:
– the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2015;
– the consolidated income statement and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended;
– the consolidated cash flow statement for the year then ended;
– the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended; and
– the notes to the financial statements, which include a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Certain share-based payment and directors’ remuneration disclosures which are required by the financial reporting framework have been presented
elsewhere in the annual report, rather than in the notes to the financial statements. These are cross-referenced from the financial statements in notes 21
and 28 respectively and are identified as audited.
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the
European Union.
Our audit approach
Overview
Materiality
Audit scope
Areas of
focus
Materiality
– Overall group materiality: £2.5m which represents 5% of profit before taxation, adjusted for exceptional
items and acquisition costs.
Audit scope
– We performed audit work over the complete financial information for reporting units which accounted for
approximately 91% (2014: 81%) of the group’s revenue and 93% (2014: 92%) of the group’s profit before
taxation adjusted for exceptional items and acquisition costs. These reporting units comprised certain
operating businesses and centralised functions.
– Conducted specific audit procedures on certain balances and transactions in respect of a number of other
reporting units.
Areas of focus
– Acquisition accounting for RS Platou ASA;
– Recoverability of trade receivables;
– Revenue recognition; and
– Classification and recognition of the adjusting items (exceptional items and acquisition costs).
The scope of our audit and our areas of focus
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (ISAs (UK & Ireland)).
We designed our audit by determining materiality and assessing the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. In particular, we looked
at where the directors made subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and
considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits, we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls,
including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.
The risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on our audit, including the allocation of our resources and effort, are identified as ‘areas
of focus’ in the table below. We have also set out how we tailored our audit to address these specific areas in order to provide an opinion on the financial
statements as a whole, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures should be read in this context. This is not a complete list of all risks
identified by our audit.
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Area of focus
How our audit addressed the area of focus
Acquisition accounting for RS Platou ASA (Platou)
Refer to page 58 (audit committee report), note 12 of the financial
statements and note 2.3 for the directors’ disclosures of the related
accounting policies, judgements and estimates for further information.
The group acquired RS Platou ASA on 2 February 2015 for consideration
of £249.9m. Accounting for the acquisition required a fair value exercise
to assess the assets and liabilities acquired, including valuing any separately
identifiable intangible assets and goodwill. The valuation of intangibles can
be a particularly subjective process.
Fair value adjustments
Management engaged an external expert to support them with quantifying
fair values of identified intangibles. Management identified £21.9m of
intangible assets in respect of Platou’s forward order book, customer
relationships and brand.
The fair value of these intangible assets was judgemental as it required
management assumptions including on customer attrition rates,
recoverability of the forward order book and growth rates for existing
customer revenues. The determination of the discount rate applied to
the fair value models was also judgemental as it required the calculation
of a risk adjusted weighted average cost of capital.
Carrying value at 31 December 2015
Given the quantum of goodwill and intangible asset additions in the year
(£254.5m) and the current economic backdrop (as described by the
directors in the business review section of this annual report and in the
3 November 2015 market trading update), we also focused on the
goodwill and intangible asset impairment assessment at the year-end,
including the related disclosures made by management. No impairment
charge has been recorded by management against these balances at
31 December 2015.
We assessed the completeness and quantum of intangible assets identified
by management against our own expectations, formed from review of the
due diligence reports prepared by management’s professional advisors
during the acquisition, and disclosures surrounding the rationale for the
transactions. We determined that the analysis prepared by management
from these reports appropriately reflects the fair value exercise based on
our understanding of Platou’s particular circumstances and our knowledge
and experience of the industry.
We assessed the work performed on the purchase price allocation by
management’s external expert, utilising our in-house expertise to evaluate
the purchase price allocation. In doing so we evaluated the professional
competence and objectivity of that expert and performed the following:
– in relation to the forward order book, we compared assumptions made
on attrition and recoverability with historical patterns in the business to
verify that assumptions were reasonable;
– we challenged management on the completeness of customer
relationships and whether these existed in other areas of the business
not included in the determined fair value; and
– we sensitised the discount rate and other key inputs and assumptions
to ascertain the extent of change that would be required for the fair value
to be materially misstated.
From our procedures, we concluded that the identified intangibles were
complete and the arising values were within a materially reasonable range.
In forming this conclusion, we considered the level of resulting goodwill as
a proportion of the total consideration paid and benchmarked this against
similar transactions in the market. We discussed the results of this analysis
with management and management’s expert and ensured appropriate
disclosure was included within the annual report which describe the nature
of the arising goodwill.
Based on the work performed in this area, we have determined that
the relevant intangible assets and goodwill had been identified and
valued appropriately.
In addition, we verified that the basis for allocating the Platou-acquired
goodwill and intangibles to both functional currency and CGUs is
reasonable and consistent with internal management reporting and,
where relevant, the purchase price allocation exercise described above.
We found the allocation exercise was carried out satisfactorily.
At the year-end, we evaluated the directors’ future cash flow projections
for all CGUs and the process by which they were drawn up, including
testing the underlying calculations. We found no exceptions. Based on
the work performed in this area we have determined that management’s
impairment assessment has been carried out appropriately and that the
disclosure made in note 12 appropriately highlights the current market risk.
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Independent auditors’ report to the members of Clarkson PLC continued
The scope of our audit and our areas of focus continued
Area of focus
How our audit addressed the area of focus
We tested aged balances where no provision was recognised to check that
there were no indicators of impairment. This included verifying if payments
had been received since the year-end, reviewing historical payment patterns
and any correspondence with customers on expected settlement dates.
We selected a sample of the larger trade receivable balances where
a provision for impairment of trade receivables was recognised and
understood the rationale behind management’s judgement. In order to
evaluate the appropriateness of these judgements we verified whether
balances were overdue, the customer’s historical payment patterns and
whether any post year-end payments had been received up to the date
of completing our audit procedures.
We also obtained corroborative evidence including correspondence
supporting any disputes between the parties involved, attempts by
management to recover the amounts outstanding and on the credit
status of significant counterparties where available.
By performing the procedures mentioned above we also considered
management’s rationale where provisions were recognised on transactions
that were not overdue as at the balance sheet date and verified these were
appropriately supported. In assessing the appropriateness of the overall
provision for impairment we considered the consistency of management’s
application of policy for recognising provisions with the prior year and in
the context of the current macro-economic challenges. Specifically
we considered:
i) how much of prior years’ provisions had been utilised for bad debt write
offs during the year; and
ii) prior year provision amounts released where a customer had paid.
Releases of the provision during the year as disclosed in note 14, included
some infrequent payments of overdue amounts from customers where a
provision continues to be recognised for new invoices raised. Despite these
payments, management continues to provide for such customers on the
basis there still remains ongoing uncertainty over their underlying financial
condition as indicated by the ad hoc timing of payments beyond dates due.
From the work we have performed we consider the level of provisioning to
be consistent with the evidence obtained.
For the sale and purchase, offshore and securities transactions near the
year-end, we tested that revenue cut-off was appropriately determined.
We selected a sample of transactions and agreed the details of these
transactions to underlying contractual information or other supporting
documents which demonstrated the timing of when obligations had been
fulfilled by the parties to the transaction.
From the evidence obtained, we found no material instances of revenue
being recognised in the incorrect period.
Recoverability of trade receivables
Refer to page 58 (audit committee report), note 14 of the financial
statements and note 2.3 for the directors’ disclosures of the related
accounting policies, judgements and estimates for further information.
At the year-end the group had trade receivables of £62.1m before
provisions for impairment of £12.3m. As set out in the business review
section of the strategic report, the shipping industry has faced a
challenging year and the global shipping market continues to be impacted
by certain macro-economic factors such as oil prices and certain freight
rates. Accordingly, the group experienced uncertainty over the collectability
of trade receivables from specific customers.
The determination as to whether a trade receivable is collectable involves
management judgement. Specific factors management considers include
the age of the balance, location of customers, existence of disputes,
recent historical payment patterns and any other available information
concerning the creditworthiness of the counterparty.
Management uses this information to determine whether a provision
for impairment is required either for a specific transaction or for a
customer’s balance overall. We focused on this area because it requires
a high level of management judgement and due to the materiality of the
amounts involved.
Revenue recognition
Refer to page 58 (audit committee report), notes 3 and 4 of the financial
statements and note 2.3 for the directors’ disclosures of the related
accounting policies, judgements and estimates for further information.
The group’s entitlement to commission revenue in the broking and
financial segments is dependent upon the fulfilment of certain obligations,
for example stage completion of a vessel build in broking or formal
approval of a debt or equity transaction in securities between two or
more third parties over which the group has no control.
Consideration is therefore required as to whether the parties’ obligations
have been fulfilled and the commission revenue can be recognised.
Some of these transactions, such as within the sale and purchase,
offshore or corporate finance revenue streams, are individually significant
in value. Consistent with the prior year, we therefore focused on these
areas, particularly around the year-end, where there is a risk that large
transactions may be recorded in the incorrect period.
The other revenue streams, such as support and research, involve
limited judgement and are comparatively less significant. Revenue in
respect of these streams is recognised when the service is completed
or when the products are despatched, as explained further in note 2
of the financial statements. There is therefore less risk of a material
cut-off error in these streams.
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Area of focus
How our audit addressed the area of focus
Classification and recognition of adjusting items (exceptional items
and acquisition costs)
Refer to page 58 (audit committee report), note 2.1 (basis of preparation)
of the financial statements and note 2.3 for the directors’ disclosures
of the related accounting policies, judgements and estimates for
further information.
The group excludes adjusting items (exceptional and acquisition costs)
from its ‘underlying’ earnings measure. The directors believe that
alternative or additional performance measures can provide the users
of the financial statements with a better understanding of the group’s
underlying financial performance and strategy, if properly used. If improperly
used and presented these measures could mislead the users of the
financial statements by obscuring the real profitability and financial position
of the group.
Management judgement is required as to what items qualify for this
classification. There can also be judgement as to the point at which
costs should be recognised and the amount to record.
Included in adjusting items were:
– Exceptional items: £2.3m in respect of the group’s head office move
inclusive of £1.9m overlapping rent, reorganisation costs of £1.2m and
a £1.3m dilapidation provision release in respect of St. Magnus House.
Exceptional items are explained further in note 5.
– Acquisition costs: £9.2m in respect of amortisation of intangibles acquired
as part of the Platou and other prior acquisitions, £1.1m finance costs in
respect of loan notes issued in respect of the Platou acquisition, £2.8m
cash and share-based payment charges linked to acquisition-related
employee service and £3.1m transaction costs. Acquisition costs are
explained further in note 6.
We focused on the accuracy of charges included in adjusting items, which
are presented consistent with prior periods.
We assessed the nature of these exceptional items to confirm they are
non-recurring in nature and recognised and presented in accordance
with the group’s disclosed accounting policy.
With respect to the inclusion of the dilapidation provision release as an
exceptional item, we considered FRC guidance on the presentation and
consistency of reporting exceptional items, which requires a consistent
treatment for income statement items from one year to the next. As the
provision was established through underlying earnings, it could be argued
that this treatment as exceptional appeared inconsistent. Management’s
view was that, whilst the charge was historically in underlying earnings,
this was spread across 10 years but the release in one year which is more
material to understanding the 2015 performance. Separating the items
provides users with clearer visibility. We accepted this view as the FRC
guidance has been considered and there is clear disclosure of the item
in the annual report.
In relation to overlapping rent we examined lease agreements, confirmed
office vacation dates and verified the accuracy of management’s
computation of the amount of overlapping rent.
We tested directly attributable transaction and subsequent restructuring
costs to supporting invoices, payroll records and agreements with advisors
to verify these related to the Platou acquisition and were incurred during
the year.
In respect of other adjusting items we verified that management’s
computations of the costs were accurate by agreeing to corroborating
documentation and, where applicable, re-performing management’s
calculations. We have also assessed the extent to which ‘underlying’
financial information is given prominence in the annual report, whether
it is clearly, accurately and consistently applied and whether the ‘underlying’
financial information is not otherwise misleading in the form and context
in which it appears in the annual report. From the evidence obtained, we
found no material exceptions to the presentation of adjusting items as
adopted by management, in line with the disclosed accounting policy.
How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole,
taking into account the geographic structure of the group, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which the group operates.
The financial statements are a consolidated number of reporting units, comprising the group’s operating businesses and centralised functions.
In establishing the overall approach to the group audit, we determined the type of work that needed to be performed at the reporting units by us, as the
group engagement team, or by component auditors of other PwC network firms and other firms operating under our instruction. Where the work was
performed by component auditors, we determined the level of involvement we needed to have in the audit work at those reporting units to be able to
conclude whether sufficient appropriate audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the financial statements as a whole.
We identified 7 reporting units, 3 of which were significant due to their size. These comprised certain operating business and centralised functions which
required an audit of their complete financial information. We also conducted specific audit procedures on certain balances and transactions in respect of
a number of other reporting units. This gave us coverage of 93% of the group’s profit before taxation adjusted for exceptional items and acquisition costs
and 91% of revenue, and, together with the additional procedures performed at the group level, including testing the consolidation process, gave us the
evidence we needed for our opinion on the financial statements as a whole.
Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together with qualitative
considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the individual financial statement
line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually and on the financial statements as a whole.
Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:
Overall group materiality
How we determined it
Rationale for benchmark applied
£2.5m (2014: £1.7m).
5% of profit before taxation, adjusted for exceptional items and acquisition costs.
In arriving at this judgement we have had regard to profit before taxation, adjusted for exceptional items and
acquisition costs, because, in our view, this represents the most appropriate measure of underlying
performance.
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Independent auditors’ report to the members of Clarkson PLC continued
Materiality continued
We agreed with the audit committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £125,000 (2014: £170,000) as well
as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.
Going concern
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the directors’ report, set out on page 60, in relation to going concern. We have nothing to report having
performed our review.
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if we have anything material to add or to draw attention to in relation to the directors’ report
about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. We have nothing material to add
or to draw attention to.
As noted in the directors’ report, the directors have concluded that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
The going concern basis presumes that the group has adequate resources to remain in operation, and that the directors intend it to do so, for at least
one year from the date the financial statements were signed. As part of our audit we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis
is appropriate. However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, these statements are not a guarantee as to the group’s ability to
continue as a going concern.
Other required reporting
Consistency of other information
Companies Act 2006 opinion
In our opinion:
– the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report 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 40 to 42 with respect to internal control and risk management systems
and about share capital structures is consistent with the financial statements.
ISAs (UK & Ireland) reporting
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
– information in the annual report is:
– materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or
– apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the group acquired in
the course of performing our audit; or
– otherwise misleading.
We have no exceptions
to report.
– the explanation given by the directors on page 61, in accordance with provision C.1.1 of the UK Corporate
Governance Code (the Code), as to why the annual report does not include a statement that they consider the
annual report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for
members to assess the group’s position and performance, business model and strategy is materially inconsistent
with our knowledge of the group acquired in the course of performing our audit.
We have no exceptions
to report.
– the section of the annual report on page 58, as required by provision C.3.8 of the Code, describing the work of the
audit committee does not appropriately address matters communicated by us to the audit committee.
We have no exceptions
to report.
The directors’ assessment of the prospects of the group and of the principal risks that would threaten the solvency
or liquidity of the group
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if we have anything material to add or to draw attention to in relation to:
– the directors’ confirmation on page 32 of the annual report, in accordance with provision C.2.1 of the Code, that
they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the group, including those that would threaten
its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.
We have nothing material to
add or to draw attention to.
– the disclosures in the annual report that describe those risks and explain how they are being managed or mitigated.
We have nothing material to
add or to draw attention to.
– the directors’ explanation on page 32 of the annual report, in accordance with provision C.2.2 of the Code, as to how
they have assessed the prospects of the group, over what period they have done so and why they consider that
period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the group will be
able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any
related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.
We have nothing material to
add or to draw attention to.
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the directors’ statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the
group and the directors’ report in relation to the longer-term viability of the group, set out on page 32. Our review was substantially less in scope than an
audit and only consisted of making inquiries and considering the directors’ process supporting their statements; checking that the statements are in
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alignment with the relevant provisions of the Code; and considering whether the statements are consistent with the knowledge acquired by us in the course
of performing our audit. We have nothing to report having performed our review.
Adequacy of information and explanations received
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion we have not received all the information and explanations we require for
our audit. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not
made. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Corporate governance statement
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part of the corporate governance statement relating to ten further provisions of the Code. We have
nothing to report having performed our review.
Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 61, 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 ISAs (UK & 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 parent 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.
What an audit of financial statements involves
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 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.
We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the directors’ judgements against available evidence, forming our own judgements, and evaluating
the disclosures in the financial statements.
We test and examine information, using sampling and other auditing techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to provide a reasonable basis for us
to draw conclusions. We obtain audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls, substantive procedures or a combination of both.
In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the annual report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements
and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of
performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.
Other matter
We have reported separately on the parent company financial statements of Clarkson PLC for the year ended 31 December 2015 and on the information
in the directors’ remuneration report that is described as having been audited.
John Waters Senior statutory auditor
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London
4 March 2016
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Financial statements
Financial statements
Consolidated income statement
Consolidated income statement
Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 December
for the year ended 31 December
Before
Before
exceptional
exceptional
items and
items and
acquisition
acquisition
costs
costs
£m
£m
Exceptional
Exceptional
items
items
(note 5)
(note 5)
£m
£m
Acquisition
Acquisition
costs
costs
(note 6)
(note 6)
£m
£m
2015
2015
After
After
exceptional
exceptional
items and
items and
acquisition
acquisition
costs
costs
£m
£m
Before
Before
exceptional
exceptional
item and
item and
acquisition
acquisition
costs
costs
£m
£m
Exceptional
Exceptional
item
item
(note 5)
(note 5)
£m
£m
Acquisition
Acquisition
costs
costs
(note 6)
(note 6)
£m
£m
2014
2014
After
After
exceptional
exceptional
item and
item and
acquisition
acquisition
costs
costs
£m
£m
Notes
Notes
3, 4
3, 4
3, 4
3, 4
3
3
3
3
3, 22
3, 22
7
7
301.8
301.8
(10.3)
(10.3)
291.5
291.5
–
–
(242.0)
(242.0)
49.5
49.5
2.5
2.5
(1.1)
(1.1)
(0.4)
(0.4)
50.5
50.5
(12.6)
(12.6)
37.9
37.9
35.3
35.3
2.6
2.6
37.9
37.9
–
–
–
–
–
–
1.3
1.3
(3.8)
(3.8)
(2.5)
(2.5)
–
–
–
–
–
–
(2.5)
(2.5)
0.6
0.6
(1.9)
(1.9)
(1.9)
(1.9)
–
–
(1.9)
(1.9)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(15.1)
(15.1)
(15.1)
(15.1)
–
–
(1.1)
(1.1)
–
–
(16.2)
(16.2)
2.5
2.5
(13.7)
(13.7)
(13.7)
(13.7)
–
–
(13.7)
(13.7)
301.8
301.8
(10.3)
(10.3)
291.5
291.5
1.3
1.3
237.9
237.9
(13.3)
(13.3)
224.6
224.6
–
–
(260.9)
(260.9)
(191.3)
(191.3)
31.9
31.9
2.5
2.5
(2.2)
(2.2)
(0.4)
(0.4)
31.8
31.8
(9.5)
(9.5)
22.3
22.3
19.7
19.7
2.6
2.6
22.3
22.3
33.3
33.3
0.7
0.7
–
–
(0.2)
(0.2)
33.8
33.8
(8.7)
(8.7)
25.1
25.1
25.1
25.1
–
–
25.1
25.1
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(1.6)
(1.6)
(1.6)
(1.6)
–
–
–
–
–
–
(1.6)
(1.6)
0.3
0.3
(1.3)
(1.3)
(1.3)
(1.3)
–
–
(1.3)
(1.3)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(7.0)
(7.0)
(7.0)
(7.0)
–
–
–
–
–
–
(7.0)
(7.0)
0.4
0.4
(6.6)
(6.6)
(6.6)
(6.6)
–
–
(6.6)
(6.6)
237.9
237.9
(13.3)
(13.3)
224.6
224.6
–
–
(199.9)
(199.9)
24.7
24.7
0.7
0.7
–
–
(0.2)
(0.2)
25.2
25.2
(8.0)
(8.0)
17.2
17.2
17.2
17.2
–
–
17.2
17.2
91.9p
91.9p
89.6p
89.6p
Revenue
Revenue
Cost of sales
Cost of sales
Trading profit
Trading profit
Other income
Other income
Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses
Operating profit
Operating profit
Finance revenue
Finance revenue
Finance costs
Finance costs
Other finance costs – pensions
Other finance costs – pensions
Profit before taxation
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Taxation
Profit for the year
Profit for the year
Attributable to:
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests
Profit for the year
Profit for the year
Earnings per share
Earnings per share
Basic
Basic
Diluted
Diluted
8
8
8
8
121.9p
121.9p
120.5p
120.5p
68.2p
68.2p
67.4p
67.4p
134.2p
134.2p
130.8p
130.8p
Consolidated statement of
Consolidated statement
Consolidated statement
comprehensive income
of comprehensive income
of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December
for the year ended 31 December
Profit for the year
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive loss:
Other comprehensive loss:
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Actuarial gain/(loss) on employee benefit schemes – net of tax
Actuarial gain/(loss) on employee benefit schemes – net of tax
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Foreign exchange differences on retranslation of foreign operations
Foreign exchange differences on retranslation of foreign operations
Foreign currency hedge – net of tax
Foreign currency hedge – net of tax
Other comprehensive loss
Other comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive income for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year
Attributable to:
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive income for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year
Notes
Notes
22
22
24
24
2015
2015
£m
£m
22.3
22.3
2014
2014
£m
£m
17.2
17.2
7.2
7.2
(8.2)
(8.2)
(20.4)
(20.4)
(1.1)
(1.1)
(14.3)
(14.3)
8.0
8.0
6.3
6.3
1.7
1.7
8.0
8.0
1.5
1.5
(3.4)
(3.4)
(10.1)
(10.1)
7.1
7.1
7.1
7.1
–
–
7.1
7.1
68
68
68
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015Financial statements
Consolidated balance sheet
Consolidated balance sheet
as at 31 December
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Intangible assets
Trade and other receivables
Investments
Deferred tax asset
Current assets
Inventories
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
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Trade and other payables
Employee benefits
Deferred tax liability
Net assets
Capital and reserves
Share capital
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Notes
10
11
12
14
15
7
16
14
15
17
18
19
20
18
19
22
7
23
24
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
The financial statements on pages 68 to 104 were approved by the board on 4 March 2016, and signed on its behalf by:
2015
£m
30.8
1.2
263.2
1.1
1.9
12.5
310.7
0.9
61.3
1.7
5.7
168.4
238.0
(23.1)
(139.3)
(5.9)
(0.2)
(168.5)
69.5
(23.0)
(8.1)
(4.1)
(4.1)
(39.3)
340.9
7.6
194.2
136.2
338.0
2.9
340.9
James Hughes-Hallett Chairman
Jeff Woyda Chief financial officer and chief operating officer
Registered number: 1190238
www.clarksons.com
2014
£m
7.7
0.3
40.4
0.4
1.9
15.0
65.7
1.4
42.7
1.5
25.3
152.9
223.8
–
(102.2)
(2.9)
(3.0)
(108.1)
115.7
–
(1.8)
(10.3)
(2.0)
(14.1)
167.3
5.2
35.5
126.6
167.3
–
167.3
69
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Financial statements
Consolidated statement
Consolidated statement of
of changes in equity
changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December
Attributable to equity holders of the parent
–
–
–
–
–
–
2.4
–
–
–
–
2.4
7.6
Balance at 1 January 2015
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
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 (loss)/income
for the year
Transactions with owners:
Employee share schemes
Share issues
Tax on other employee benefits
Tax on other items in equity
Acquisition of subsidiary
Dividend paid
Balance at 31 December 2015
Notes
22
24
24
24
23,24
7
7
12
9
Balance at 1 January 2014
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
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 (loss)/income for the year
Transactions with owners:
Net ESOP shares utilised
Gain on ESOP shares
Share-based payments
Share issues
Transfer
Tax on other employee benefits
Dividend paid
Balance at 31 December 2014
Share
capital
£m
5.2
Other
reserves
£m
35.5
Retained
earnings
£m
126.6
19.7
Non-
controlling
interests
£m
Total equity
£m
–
2.6
167.3
22.3
Total
£m
167.3
19.7
7.2
7.2
–
7.2
–
–
(19.5)
(1.1)
–
–
(19.5)
(1.1)
(0.9)
–
(20.4)
(1.1)
(20.6)
26.9
6.3
1.7
8.0
0.6
178.7
–
–
–
–
179.3
194.2
Notes
22
24
24
24
24
23, 24
24
7
9
0.3
–
0.7
(0.1)
–
(18.2)
(17.3)
136.2
0.9
181.1
0.7
(0.1)
–
(18.2)
164.4
338.0
–
–
–
–
10.8
(9.6)
1.2
2.9
0.9
181.1
0.7
(0.1)
10.8
(27.8)
165.6
340.9
Attributable to equity holders of the parent
Share
capital
£m
4.7
Other
reserves
£m
35.7
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.5
–
–
–
0.5
5.2
–
–
1.5
(3.4)
(1.9)
0.7
–
1.0
30.1
(30.1)
–
–
1.7
35.5
Retained
earnings
£m
97.3
17.2
(8.2)
–
–
9.0
–
0.9
–
–
30.1
0.1
(10.8)
20.3
126.6
Total
equity
£m
137.7
17.2
(8.2)
1.5
(3.4)
7.1
0.7
0.9
1.0
30.6
–
0.1
(10.8)
22.5
167.3
70
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Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015Financial statements
Consolidated cash flow statement
Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 December
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before taxation
Adjustments for:
Foreign exchange differences
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of investment property
Share-based payment expense
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Loss on sale of investments
Amortisation of intangibles
Impairment of intangibles
Impairment of investments
Difference between pension contributions paid and amount recognised in the income statement
Finance revenue
Finance costs
Other finance costs – pensions
Decrease/(increase) in inventories
Decrease in trade and other receivables
(Decrease)/increase in bonus accrual
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
(Decrease)/increase in provisions
Cash generated from operations
Income tax paid
Net cash flow from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of investments
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of investments
Transfer from/(to) current investments (funds on deposit)
Acquisition of subsidiaries, including settlement of deferred consideration
Net cash and cash equivalents acquired on acquisitions
Dividends received from investments
Net cash flow from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Interest paid
Dividend paid
Dividend paid to non-controlling interests
Repayment of borrowings
Proceeds from shares issued (net of transaction costs)
Net cash flow from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
Net foreign exchange differences
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December
www.clarksons.com
Notes
3
3, 10
3, 11
21
3, 12
3, 12
3
3
3
16
20
3
10
15
12
3
9
23
17
2015
£m
31.8
(1.9)
4.2
–
1.6
(0.1)
0.3
9.2
–
–
(2.3)
(2.5)
2.2
0.4
0.5
20.8
(11.1)
(12.5)
(2.8)
37.8
(13.1)
24.7
0.8
(24.4)
6.8
0.3
–
20.0
(26.5)
43.2
1.7
21.9
(1.1)
(18.2)
(1.7)
(12.8)
1.2
(32.6)
14.0
152.9
1.5
168.4
2014
£m
25.2
(4.4)
2.9
0.1
1.4
–
–
0.1
0.2
0.2
(1.9)
(0.7)
–
0.2
(0.5)
6.0
14.8
0.8
1.0
45.4
(7.6)
37.8
0.5
(1.8)
–
0.1
(0.2)
(0.1)
(4.5)
0.5
0.2
(5.3)
–
(10.8)
–
–
30.6
19.8
52.3
96.9
3.7
152.9
71
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated
Notes to the consolidated
financial statements
financial statements
1 Corporate information
The group and parent company financial statements of Clarkson PLC
for the year ended 31 December 2015 were authorised for issue in
accordance with a resolution of the directors on 4 March 2016. Clarkson
PLC is a Public Limited Company, listed on the London Stock Exchange,
incorporated and 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 Commodity
Quay, St. Katharine Docks, London E1W 1BF.
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 2015.
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.
The term ‘underlying’ excludes the impact of exceptional items and
acquisition costs.
The consolidated income statement is shown in columnar format to
assist with understanding the group’s results by presenting profit for the
period before exceptional items and acquisition costs. Items which are
non-recurring in nature and considered to be material in size are shown
as ‘exceptional items’. The column ‘exceptional items’ represents the
additional rent, onerous lease provision, dilapidation provision release
and reorganisation costs in relation to the Platou acquisition. The column
‘acquisition costs’ includes the amortisation of intangible assets, the
expensing of the cash and share-based elements of consideration linked
to ongoing employment obligations on acquisitions, acquisition-related
professional fees and interest on the loan note obligations. These notes
form an integral part of the financial statements on pages 68 to 71.
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, IFRS IC interpretations and the
Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRSs.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the going
concern basis, under the historical cost convention, as modified by
financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments)
at fair value through profit or loss.
The group has considerable financial resources available and a strong
balance sheet, as explained in the financial review on pages 30 to 31.
As a result of this, the directors believe that the group is well placed to
manage its business risks successfully, despite the challenging market
backdrop. The directors have a reasonable expectation that the group
has sufficient resources to continue in operation for the next 12 months.
For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in
preparing the financial statements.
The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently
to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.
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.
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the group has control. The group
controls an entity when the group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable
returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect
those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully
consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the group.
They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.
See note T to the parent company financial statements for full details
on subsidiaries.
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
The annual improvements (2011-2013) to existing standards which are
mandatory for the group for the first time for the financial year beginning
on or after 1 January 2015 have had no material impact on the group.
There were no other new IFRSs or interpretations issued by the IFRS
Interpretation Committee (IFRS IC) that had to be implemented during
the year that significantly affects these financial statements.
New standards, amendments and interpretations issued but not
yet effective for the financial year beginning 1 January 2016 and not
early adopted.
As at the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following
standards and interpretations were in issue but not yet effective (and in
some cases had not yet been adopted by the EU). The group has not
applied these standards and interpretations in the preparation of these
financial statements.
– Amendment to IAS 19 regarding defined benefit plans
– Amendment to IFRS 11, ‘Joint arrangements’ on acquisition of an
interest in a joint operation
– Amendment to IAS 16, ‘Property, plant and equipment’ and IAS 38,
‘Intangible assets’ on depreciation and amortisation
– Amendments to IFRS 10, ‘Consolidated financial statements’ and
IAS 28, ‘Investments in associates and joint ventures’
– IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’
– IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’
– Amendments to IFRS 9, ‘Financial instruments’, regarding general
hedge accounting
– Annual improvements (2010-2012) and (2012-2014)
– Amendment to IAS 1, ‘Presentation of financial statements’ on the
disclosure initiative
– IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
The impact on the group’s financial statements of the future adoption
of these and other new standards and interpretations is still under review.
The group does not expect, with the exception of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue
from contracts with customers’ and IFRS 16 ‘Leases’, that any of
these changes will have a material effect on the results or net assets
of the group.
There were no other new IFRSs or IFRS IC interpretations that are not yet
effective that would be expected to have a material impact on the group.
72
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Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015Financial statements
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.
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. Cost
includes the original purchase price of the asset.
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
10-60 years
Leasehold improvements
Over the period of the lease
Office furniture and equipment
Motor vehicles
2–10 years
4-5 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
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.
Trade receivables
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers in the ordinary course
of business. Trade receivables are classified as current assets if collection
is due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the
business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current assets.
The provision for impairment of receivables represents management’s
best estimate at the balance sheet date. A number of judgements are
made in the calculation of the provision, primarily the age of the invoice,
the existence of any disputes, recent historical payment patterns and the
debtor’s financial position.
Revenue recognition
The group’s entitlement to commission revenue in the broking and
financial segments is usually dependent upon the fulfilment of certain
obligations, for example stage completion of a vessel build in broking or
formal approval of a debt or equity transaction in finance, between two or
more third parties over which the group has no control. Consideration is
therefore required as to whether the parties’ obligations have been fulfilled
and the commission revenue can be recognised.
Classification and recognition of adjusting items
The group excludes adjusting items (exceptional items and acquisition
costs) from its ‘underlying’ earnings measure. The directors believe that
alternative or additional performance measures can provide the users
of the financial statements with a better understanding of the group’s
underlying financial performance and strategy, if properly used. If
improperly used and presented these measures could mislead the users
of the financial statements by obscuring the real profitability and financial
position of the group.
Management judgement is required as to what items qualify for this
classification. There can also be judgement as to the point at which
costs should be recognised and the amount to record.
Acquisition accounting for RS Platou ASA
The group acquired RS Platou ASA on 2 February 2015 for £249.9m
consideration. Accounting for the acquisition required a fair value
exercise to assess the assets and liabilities acquired, including valuing
any separately identifiable intangible assets, both of which can be a
particularly subjective process.
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73
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
2 Statement of accounting policies continued
2.6 Business combinations and goodwill
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition 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 are expensed in the income statement as incurred.
Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the group is recognised
at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value
of the contingent consideration that is deemed to be an asset or liability
is recognised in accordance with IAS 39 either in profit or loss or as a
change to other comprehensive income. Contingent consideration that is
classified as equity is not re-measured, and its subsequent settlement is
accounted for within equity.
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.
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.
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.
Trade name and non-contractual commercial relationships
Amortisation is calculated using estimates of revenues generated by
each asset over their estimated useful lives of between 2 and 5 years.
Forward order book on acquisition
Amortisation is calculated based on expected future cash flows estimated
to be three years.
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.
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.
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2.9 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, taking into account the purpose for which the financial assets
were acquired. Where allowed and appropriate, the group 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.
They are included in non-current assets unless the investment matures
within 12 months of the end of the reporting period. Available-for-sale
financial assets are measured at cost, since they are investments in
unlisted companies where the fair value cannot be determined.
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.
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.
Foreign exchange contracts are accounted for in accordance with
note 2.13.
2.10 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.
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
2.14 Trade and other payables
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have
been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts
payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year
or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the business if longer). If not,
they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
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 Employee benefits
The group operates various post-employment schemes, including both
defined contribution and defined benefit pension plans.
For defined contribution plans, the group pays contributions to publicly
or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory,
contractual or voluntary basis. The group has no further payment
obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are
recognised as employee benefit expense when they are due. Prepaid
contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund
or a reduction in the future payments is available.
Typically defined benefit plans define an amount of pension benefit that
an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more
factors such as age, years of service and compensation.
2 Statement of accounting policies continued
2.11 Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. It excludes
borrowing costs. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the
ordinary course of business, less applicable variable selling expenses.
2.12 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.
2.13 Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
The group uses various derivative 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.
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.
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The liability recognised in the balance sheet in respect of defined benefit
pension plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the
end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets. The defined
benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using
the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit
obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows
using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that have terms to
maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension obligation.
Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and
changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to equity in
other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise.
Past-service costs are recognised immediately in income.
The net interest cost is calculated by applying the discount rate to
the net balance of the defined benefit obligation and the fair value of
plan assets. This cost is included in employee benefit expense in the
income statement.
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 8).
The social security contributions payable in connection with the grant
of the share options is considered an integral part of the grant itself,
and the charge will be treated as a cash-settled transaction.
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, except when applying
the merger relief provision of the Companies Act 2006.
Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new ordinary shares
are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.
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.
Futures broking commissions are recognised when the services have
been performed.
Financial
Fees relating to our investment banking and other financial 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. Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when
the goods are physically despatched to the customer. 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. Subscriptions to periodicals
and other information are recognised over the subscription period.
Finance income
Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal
outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable.
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.
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
2 Statement of accounting policies continued
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 recognised in the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income 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
operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation 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 is recognised in the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income.
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.
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, 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, 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.
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, where there is an intention
to settle the balances on a net basis.
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.
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3 Revenue and expenses
Revenue
Rendering of services
Rental income
Sale of goods
Finance revenue
Bank interest income
Income from available-for-sale financial assets
2015
£m
288.0
2.2
11.6
301.8
2015
£m
0.8
1.7
2.5
2014
£m
213.6
3.7
20.6
237.9
2014
£m
0.5
0.2
0.7
Income from available-for-sale financial assets includes dividends from The Baltic Exchange. The increase in 2015 arose as a result of an additional
interim dividend.
Finance costs
Loan note interest
Loan interest
Overdraft interest
Other finance costs
Other finance costs – pensions
Net benefit charge
Operating profit
Operating profit from continuing operations is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation
Amortisation of intangible assets
Impairment of intangible assets
Operating lease expense – land and buildings
Operating sublease income – land and buildings
Net foreign exchange gains
www.clarksons.com
2015
£m
1.1
0.4
0.2
0.5
2.2
2015
£m
0.4
0.4
2015
£m
4.2
9.2
–
13.9
(2.2)
(1.9)
2014
£m
–
–
–
–
–
2014
£m
0.2
0.2
2014
£m
3.0
0.1
0.2
6.6
(3.7)
(4.4)
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
3 Revenue and expenses continued
Auditors’ remuneration
Fees payable to the company’s auditors for the audit of the company’s and group financial statements
Fees payable to the company’s auditors and their associates for other services:
The auditing of financial statements of subsidiaries of the company
Audit-related assurance services
Taxation compliance services
Taxation advisory services
All other services
2015
£000
232
322
50
18
102
–
724
2014
£000
98
200
40
47
175
871
1,431
In 2014, the level of non-audit fees exceeded audit fees which was mainly due to professional services provided by the auditor’s firm in respect of the
Platou acquisition.
Employee compensation and benefits expense
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Expense of share-based payments
Pension costs – defined contribution plans
2015
£m
165.8
15.5
1.6
3.2
186.1
2014
£m
130.3
13.2
1.4
3.0
147.9
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 51.
The average monthly number of persons employed by the group during the year including executive directors is analysed below:
Broking
Financial
Support
Research
2015
1,012
121
163
89
2014
810
37
149
83
1,385
1,079
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4 Segmental information
The group considers the executive members of the company’s board to be the chief operating decision-maker. Management has determined the
operating segments based on the information reviewed by the board.
Clarksons’ broking division represents services provided to shipowners and charterers in the transportation by sea of a wide range of cargoes. It also
represents services provided to buyers and sellers/yards relating to sale and purchase transactions. Also included is a futures broking operation which
arranges principal-to-principal cash-settled contracts for differences based upon standardised freight contracts. This division is now reported under the
broking segment, having previously been included under financial. The comparatives have been restated to reflect this.
The financial division represents full-service investment banking, specialising in the maritime, oil services and natural resources sectors. Clarksons also
provides debt and leasing solutions and structured projects in the shipping, offshore and real estate sectors.
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.
Business segments
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 items and acquisition costs
Exceptional items
Acquisition costs
Operating profit after exceptional items and acquisition costs
Finance revenue
Finance costs
Other finance costs – pensions
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Profit for the year
Revenue
Results
2015
£m
239.5
28.7
26.2
11.1
305.5
(3.7)
301.8
2014
£m
190.2
8.7
31.9
10.4
241.2
(3.3)
237.9
2015
£m
49.1
1.2
3.3
3.4
57.0
(7.5)
49.5
(2.5)
(15.1)
31.9
2.5
(2.2)
(0.4)
31.8
(9.5)
22.3
2014
£m
34.6
(1.9)
4.0
3.5
40.2
(6.9)
33.3
(1.6)
(7.0)
24.7
0.7
–
(0.2)
25.2
(8.0)
17.2
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
4 Segmental information continued
Business segments
Broking
Financial
Support
Research
Segment assets/liabilities
Unallocated assets/liabilities
2015
£m
348.1
130.8
38.8
9.6
527.3
21.4
548.7
Assets
2014
£m
162.7
15.3
27.0
8.8
213.8
75.7
289.5
2015
£m
102.2
22.2
6.3
4.6
135.3
72.5
207.8
Liabilities
2014
£m
72.5
4.6
9.4
3.5
90.0
32.2
122.2
Unallocated assets predominantly relate to head office cash balances and tax assets. Unallocated liabilities include the pension scheme deficit, tax
liabilities and loan notes.
Non-current asset additions
Depreciation Amortisation and impairment
Business segments
Broking
Financial
Support
Property,
plant and
equipment
2015
£m
4.8
0.2
19.4
24.4
Intangible
assets
2015
£m
148.6
105.9
–
254.5
Property,
plant and
equipment
2014
£m
0.3
0.1
1.4
1.8
Intangible
assets
2014
£m
–
–
0.4
0.4
2015
£m
1.6
0.3
2.3
4.2
2014
£m
0.6
0.1
2.3
3.0
Geographical segments – by origin of invoice
Europe, Middle East and Africa*
Americas
Asia Pacific
Geographical segments – by location of assets
Europe, Middle East and Africa*
Americas
Asia Pacific
* Includes revenue for the UK of £154.0m (2014: £146.7m) and non-current assets for the UK of £83.2m (2014: £44.6m).
** Non-current assets exclude deferred tax assets.
2015
£m
8.8
0.4
–
9.2
2015
£m
231.1
29.5
41.2
301.8
2014
£m
0.1
0.2
–
0.3
Revenue
2014
£m
176.3
26.5
35.1
237.9
Non-current assets**
2015
£m
277.0
2.8
18.4
298.2
2014
£m
47.2
2.4
1.1
50.7
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5 Exceptional items
2015
During 2014, Clarkson PLC signed a 15 year lease on a new flagship head office at Commodity Quay, St. Katharine Docks, London, commencing on
29 September 2014. The lease for the previous head office, St. Magnus House, London expired in December 2015. The additional rent and associated
costs in the year were £1.9m for Commodity Quay up to the relocation date, and £0.4m for St. Magnus House after relocation. An onerous lease
provision of £0.3m for a property in Singapore was also treated as an exceptional item. Costs associated with the reorganisation of the enlarged group
post-acquisition totalling £1.2m were treated as exceptional, as they are non-recurring. The release of the unutilised portion of the dilapidation provision
for St. Magnus House of £1.3m has been treated as exceptional other income.
2014
An onerous lease provision of £0.7m for St. Magnus House and the additional rent charge for Commodity Quay of £0.9m were treated as
exceptional items.
6 Acquisition costs
Included in acquisition costs are cash and share-based payment charges of £2.1m (2014: £2.8m) relating to previous acquisitions. These are contingent
on employees remaining in service and are therefore spread over the service period. Also included is £0.7m (2014: £nil) relating to the acquisition of the
remaining non-controlling interest in Clarksons Platou Tankers AS. The charge consists of cash and share-based payment charges which are linked to
future service of the employees and are therefore spread over a four year period.
Also included is £3.1m (2014: £4.1m) of legal and professional fees relating to the Platou and other acquisitions and £9.2m (2014: £0.1m) relating to
amortisation of intangibles acquired as part of the Platou and other prior acquisitions. Interest on the loan notes issued as part of the Platou acquisition
totalled £1.1m (2014: £nil).
7 Taxation
Tax charged/(credited) in the consolidated income statement is as follows:
Current tax
Tax on profits for the year
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Impact of change in tax rates
Total tax charge in the income statement
Tax relating to items charged/(credited) to equity is as follows:
Current tax
Employee benefits
– on pension benefit liability
– other employee benefits
Other items in equity
Deferred tax
Employee benefits
– on pension benefit liability
– other employee benefits
Foreign currency hedge
Total tax charge/(credit) in the statement of changes in equity
www.clarksons.com
2015
£m
9.1
0.5
9.6
0.1
(0.2)
(0.1)
9.5
2015
£m
(0.4)
(0.7)
0.1
(1.0)
2.3
–
(0.3)
2.0
1.0
2014
£m
8.4
1.0
9.4
(1.3)
(0.1)
(1.4)
8.0
2014
£m
(0.4)
(1.1)
–
(1.5)
(1.7)
1.0
(0.8)
(1.5)
(3.0)
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
7 Taxation continued
Reconciliation of tax charge
The tax charge in the income statement for the year is higher (2014: higher) than the average standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 20.25%
(2014: 21.49%). The differences are reconciled below:
Profit before taxation
Profit at UK average standard rate of corporation tax of 20.25% (2014: 21.49%)
Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Non-taxable income
Lower tax rates on overseas earnings
Tax losses recognised
Adjustments relating to prior year
Adjustments relating to changes in tax rates
Other adjustments
Total tax charge in the income statement
2015
£m
31.8
6.4
2.8
(0.3)
(0.1)
–
0.5
0.4
(0.2)
9.5
The standard rate of corporation tax in the UK decreased from 21% to 20% with effect from 1 April 2015. Accordingly, the UK’s profits for this
accounting year are taxed at an effective rate of 20.25%.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax charged/(credited) in the consolidated income statement is as follows:
Employee benefits
– on pension benefit liability
– other employee benefits
Tax losses recognised
Intangible assets recognised on acquisition
Other temporary differences
Deferred tax credit 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
Tax losses
Other temporary differences
Deferred tax liability
In relation to earnings of overseas subsidiaries
Intangible assets recognised on acquisition
Other temporary differences
2015
£m
0.9
0.1
0.5
(2.4)
0.8
(0.1)
2015
£m
0.7
10.6
0.3
–
0.9
12.5
(1.1)
(2.6)
(0.4)
(4.1)
2014
£m
25.2
5.4
2.5
–
(0.9)
0.4
0.6
(0.1)
0.1
8.0
2014
£m
–
(1.3)
0.4
–
(0.5)
(1.4)
2014
£m
2.1
10.4
–
0.5
2.0
15.0
(1.1)
(0.1)
(0.8)
(2.0)
Included in the above are deferred tax assets of £4.3m (2014: £4.8m) and deferred tax liabilities of £1.3m (2014: £nil) which are due within one year.
Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that the realisation of the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is probable.
All deferred tax movements arise from the origination and reversal of temporary differences. The group did not recognise a deferred tax asset of £1.4m
(2014: £0.8m) in respect of unused tax losses, which have no expiry date.
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8 Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing 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 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, 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:
Profit for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent
2015
£m
19.7
2014
£m
17.2
2015
2014
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (excluding share purchase trusts’ shares) for basic earnings per share
28,952,917
18,685,243
Dilutive effect of share options
Dilutive effect of performance share awards
Dilutive effect of acquisition-related shares
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (excluding share purchase trusts’ shares)
adjusted for the effect of dilution
30,763
299,599
870
89,349
250,018
137,499
29,284,149
19,162,109
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 was 99,533 (2014: 120,895).
9 Dividends
Declared and paid during the year:
Final dividend for 2014 of 39p per share (2013: 37p per share)
Interim dividend for 2015 of 22p per share (2014: 21p per share)
Dividend paid
Proposed for approval at the AGM (not recognised as a liability at 31 December):
Final dividend for 2015 proposed of 40p per share (2014: 39p per share)
2015
£m
11.7
6.5
18.2
2014
£m
6.9
3.9
10.8
12.1
11.7
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
10 Property, plant and equipment
31 December 2015
Original cost
At 1 January 2015
Additions
Arising on acquisitions
Disposals
Foreign exchange differences
At 31 December 2015
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2015
Charged during the year
Disposals
Foreign exchange differences
At 31 December 2015
Net book value at 31 December 2015
Freehold and
long leasehold
properties
£m
Leasehold
improvements
£m
Office furniture
and equipment
£m
Motor
vehicles
£m
4.8
2.6
0.3
(0.1)
–
7.6
(1.2)
–
–
0.1
(1.1)
6.5
1.9
14.9
0.9
(0.7)
0.1
17.1
(1.3)
(1.1)
0.7
(0.2)
(1.9)
15.2
19.8
6.7
2.1
(13.4)
(0.1)
15.1
(16.9)
(2.8)
13.4
(0.3)
(6.6)
8.5
1.1
0.2
0.1
(0.3)
–
1.1
(0.5)
(0.3)
0.3
–
(0.5)
0.6
Included within additions are amounts relating to the office moves in London, Oslo and Singapore.
31 December 2014
Original cost
At 1 January 2014
Additions
Arising on acquisitions
Disposals
At 31 December 2014
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2014
Charged during the year
Disposals
Foreign exchange differences
At 31 December 2014
Net book value at 31 December 2014
Freehold and
long leasehold
properties
£m
Leasehold
improvements
£m
Office furniture
and equipment
£m
Motor
vehicles
£m
4.7
0.1
–
–
4.8
1.1
0.1
–
–
1.2
3.6
1.8
0.1
–
–
1.9
1.1
0.2
–
–
1.3
0.6
17.9
1.5
0.5
(0.1)
19.8
14.4
2.4
(0.1)
0.2
16.9
2.9
1.2
0.1
0.1
(0.3)
1.1
0.5
0.2
(0.2)
–
0.5
0.6
Total
£m
27.6
24.4
3.4
(14.5)
–
40.9
(19.9)
(4.2)
14.4
(0.4)
(10.1)
30.8
Total
£m
25.6
1.8
0.6
(0.4)
27.6
17.1
2.9
(0.3)
0.2
19.9
7.7
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11 Investment property
Cost
At 1 January
Arising on acquisitions
At 31 December
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January
Charged during the year
At 31 December
Net book value at 31 December
2015
£m
2014
£m
0.6
0.9
1.5
0.3
–
0.3
1.2
0.6
–
0.6
0.2
0.1
0.3
0.3
The fair value of the investment properties at 31 December 2015 was £1.4m (2014: £0.7m). This was based on valuations from independent valuers
who have the appropriate professional qualifications and recent experience of valuing properties in the location and of the type being valued.
12 Intangible assets
31 December 2015
Cost
At 1 January 2015
Additions
Foreign exchange differences
At 31 December 2015
Accumulated amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2015
Charged during the year
Foreign exchange differences
At 31 December 2015
Net book value at 31 December 2015
None of the intangible assets are internally-generated.
Other
intangible
assets
£m
Goodwill
£m
52.7
232.6
(21.3)
264.0
12.3
–
–
12.3
251.7
7.8
21.9
(1.4)
28.3
7.8
9.2
(0.2)
16.8
11.5
Total
£m
60.5
254.5
(22.7)
292.3
20.1
9.2
(0.2)
29.1
263.2
Included within other intangible assets are £11.5m relating to customer relationships, forward order book and trade name which were identified as part of
the Platou acquisition. These have a remaining amortisation period of between two and four years.
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
12 Intangible assets continued
31 December 2014
Cost
At 1 January 2014
Additions
Foreign exchange differences
At 31 December 2014
Accumulated amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2014
Charged during the year
Impairment
At 31 December 2014
Net book value at 31 December 2014
None of the intangible assets are internally-generated.
Goodwill
£m
Other intangible
assets
£m
52.2
0.4
0.1
52.7
12.1
–
0.2
12.3
40.4
7.8
–
–
7.8
7.7
0.1
–
7.8
–
Total
£m
60.0
0.4
0.1
60.5
19.8
0.1
0.2
20.1
40.4
Acquisitions
2015
On 2 February 2015, Clarkson PLC acquired 100% of the share capital of RS Platou ASA (Platou), which subsequently changed its name to Clarksons
Platou AS.
Platou is a leading international broker and investment bank providing high value brokerage, financial and advisory services focused on the offshore and
shipping markets, operating from offices in 11 countries located in key global financial and shipping centres. The Platou group’s business comprises four
core divisions: offshore and shipbroking (included within the broking segment) and investment banking and project finance (included within the financial
segment), which are complemented by a variety of research capabilities.
The acquisition complements the group’s strategy to expand its geographical reach and broaden its offshore and project finance services to existing and
new customers. The goodwill of £232.6m represents the acquired workforce, as well as the potential new customer relationships and revenue expected
to be brought in by experienced brokers and senior management team members. It also represents the potential to achieve improved commercial
competitiveness and operational efficiency in the long-term. None of the goodwill recognised is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
The fair value of the consideration was £249.9m, of which £23.5m was paid in cash, £179.9m being the fair value of ordinary shares issued (based on
the Clarkson PLC share price on the acquisition date) and £46.5m comprised loan notes.
Under IFRS, the share price as at the acquisition date is applied to record the relevant proportion of the investment in Platou. The provisions of merger
relief under the Companies Act 2006 are applicable in relation to the shares issued as consideration such that no share premium is recorded, instead an
equivalent merger reserve is recorded, as required under IFRS and permitted by the Companies Act 2006.
The total consideration of £249.9m varies from the £281.2m stated in the circular dated 27 November 2014. The proposed fixed number of shares
to be issued was initially determined based on a share price of £22.15. On acquisition, the shares were issued at the closing market price of £18.90.
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The following table summarises the consideration paid, the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed relating to the acquisition of Platou:
Recognised amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Deferred tax
Investments
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings – bank overdraft
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings – bank loan
Trade and other payables
Income tax payable
Employee benefits
Deferred tax liability
Total liabilities
Total identifiable net assets
Non-controlling interests’ share of identifiable assets and liabilities
Goodwill
Total consideration
* Fair value adjustment made on acquisition.
£m
*21.9
3.4
0.9
1.8
7.4
46.2
54.0
135.6
(10.8)
(12.0)
(67.7)
(7.4)
(4.7)
*(4.9)
(107.5)
28.1
(10.8)
232.6
249.9
Intangible assets comprise customer relationships, forward order book and trade name identified on acquisition. The valuation of these was performed
by third party valuers.
The identified net assets and goodwill have been allocated to the appropriate foreign currencies of the Platou operation.
Net cash acquired was £43.2m, being the cash and cash equivalents of £54.0m and overdraft of £10.8m, included in interest-bearing loans
and borrowings.
The revenue included in the consolidated income statement since 2 February 2015 contributed by Platou was £65.8m. Platou contributed profit of
£12.8m over the same period.
Had Platou been consolidated from 1 January 2015, the consolidated income statement would show revenue of £308.2m and profit before taxation,
exceptional items and acquisition costs of £51.5m. This information is not necessarily indicative of the 2015 results of the combined group had the
purchase actually been made at the beginning of the year presented, or indicative of the future consolidated performance given the nature of the
business acquired.
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
12 Intangible assets continued
2014
In 2014, the group acquired 100% of the share capital of Belfast-based port agent Michael F. Ewings (Shipping) Limited (Ewings), via its port and agency
business, Clarkson Port Services Limited (CPS).
The acquisition extends the geographic coverage of CPS for vessel agency, broking and supply logistics into Northern Ireland and enables CPS to
broaden its services to existing and new customers.
The goodwill of £0.4m is attributable to the acquired team and the synergies that will arise as part of the acquisition. None of the goodwill recognised is
expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
Consideration is payable in cash totalling £1.4m. On the acquisition date £1.1m was paid, the remaining £0.3m was paid by January 2015.
In addition, a further £0.6m will be payable in cash to key employees contingent on them remaining in employment for three years. An additional sum up
to £0.5m will also be payable in three years subject to the same service conditions and Ewings 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.
Acquisition costs of £0.1m have been charged to administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 December 2014.
The following table summarises the consideration paid, the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed relating to the acquisition
of Ewings:
Recognised amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Property, plant and equipment*
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets
Trade and other payables
Income tax payable
Total liabilities
Total identifiable net assets
Goodwill
Total consideration payable in cash
* £0.3m fair value adjustment made on acquisition.
£m
0.6
3.1
0.5
4.2
(3.0)
(0.2)
(3.2)
1.0
0.4
1.4
The revenue included in the consolidated income statement since 12 June 2014 contributed by Ewings was £0.7m. Ewings contributed profit of £0.1m
over the same period.
Had Ewings been consolidated from 1 January 2014, the consolidated income statement would show revenue of £238.7m and profit before taxation,
the exceptional item and acquisition costs of £34.1m. This information is not necessarily indicative of the 2014 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
business acquired.
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13 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 cargo chartering
– Container chartering
– Specialised chartering
– Gas chartering
– Tankers chartering
– Sale and purchase broking
– Offshore broking
– Securities
– Port and agency services
– Research services
The carrying amount of goodwill allocated to each CGU is as follows:
Dry cargo chartering
Container chartering
Specialised chartering
Gas chartering
Tankers chartering
Sale and purchase broking
Offshore broking
Securities
Port and agency services
Research services
2015
£m
12.0
1.8
12.2
2.7
9.6
42.0
71.4
93.8
2.9
3.3
2014
£m
12.0
1.8
12.2
2.7
–
3.6
1.8
–
3.0
3.3
251.7
40.4
During the year, £1.8m of goodwill was reallocated from sale and purchase broking to offshore broking.
The movement in the aggregate carrying value is analysed in more detail in note 12.
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.
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 sale and purchase broking, offshore broking and securities. The key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations are as follows:
– the pre-tax discount rate used is based on the group’s weighted average cost of capital and adjusted for risks within each CGU. As all broking and
chartering CGUs have operations that are global in nature and similar risk profiles, the same pre-tax discount rate was applied to each unit. The
broking and chartering pre-tax discount rate is 12% (2014: 12%); port and agency and research services also use a pre-tax discount rate of 12%
(2014: 12%); the securities pre-tax discount rate is 11%;
– the cash flow predictions are based on financial budgets and strategic plans approved by the board extrapolated over a three 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 include conservative annual growth rates of 1.7%
(2014: between 0% and 5%) with effect from 2017; and
– cash flows beyond this three year period are calculated in perpetuity using the above mentioned rate of 1.7%. A change in this rate to 0% would
not result in impairment.
The results of the directors’ review of goodwill including sensitivity analyses for reasonable changes in assumptions still indicate remaining headroom.
Accordingly, no reasonably possible change is foreseen which gives rise to an impairment of goodwill.
In light of global macro-economic and geo-political uncertainty, the board keeps the carrying value of goodwill under constant review. In the event that
any of the markets in which we operate has a sustained downturn, an impairment of the relevant CGU’s goodwill may be required.
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
14 Trade and other receivables
Non-current
Other receivables
Current
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income
2015
£m
1.1
49.8
6.1
5.4
61.3
2014
£m
0.4
32.6
4.6
5.5
42.7
Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on terms payable within 90 days.
As at 31 December 2015, group trade receivables at nominal value of £12.3m (2014: £9.9m) were impaired and fully provided for. The amount of the
provision equates to the total amount of impaired debt. The provision is based on experience and ongoing market information about the credit-
worthiness of counterparties.
Movements in the provision for impairment of trade receivables were as follows:
At 1 January
Arising on acquisition
Provision release
Written off
New provision
Foreign exchange differences
At 31 December
The other classes within trade and other receivables do not include any impaired items.
As at 31 December, the ageing analysis of trade receivables is as follows:
Neither past due nor impaired
Past due not impaired > 90 days
The carrying amounts of the group’s trade receivables are denominated in the following currencies:
US dollar
Sterling
Norwegian Krone
Other currencies
2015
£m
9.9
2.1
(4.3)
(2.4)
6.4
0.6
12.3
2015
£m
43.9
5.9
49.8
2015
£m
32.4
10.0
6.6
0.8
49.8
2014
£m
9.7
–
(3.5)
(0.9)
4.0
0.6
9.9
2014
£m
29.7
2.9
32.6
2014
£m
24.4
7.1
0.5
0.6
32.6
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15 Investments
Non-current
Available-for-sale financial assets
Current
Funds on deposit
Available-for-sale financial assets
Held for trading investments
2015
£m
1.9
5.4
0.2
0.1
5.7
2014
£m
1.9
25.3
–
–
25.3
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.
The group held £5.4m (2014: £25.3m) in deposits with a maturity of 95 days at the year-end. These deposits are held with an A-rated financial institution.
During the year, treasury bills acquired as part of the Platou acquisition matured. The proceeds of the maturity are shown in the cash flow statement
under proceeds from sale of investments.
16 Inventories
Finished goods
The cost of inventories recognised as an expense and included in cost of sales amounted to £7.0m (2014: £9.8m).
17 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand
Short-term deposits
2015
£m
0.9
2015
£m
161.3
7.1
168.4
2014
£m
1.4
2014
£m
150.8
2.1
152.9
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 on 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 £168.4m (2014: £152.9m).
Included in cash at bank and in hand is £1.8m (2014: £nil) of restricted funds relating to employee tax.
18 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Current
Loan notes
Non-current
Loan notes
2015
£m
23.1
23.0
2014
£m
–
–
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings comprise the vendor loan notes issued as part of the consideration for the Platou acquisition. Interest is charged
at 12 month LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25%. The loan notes are repayable in two instalments, on 30 June 2016 and 30 June 2017.
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
19 Trade and other payables
Current
Trade payables
Other payables
Other tax and social security
Deferred consideration
Foreign currency contracts
Accruals and deferred income
Non-current
Other payables
Deferred consideration
Foreign currency contracts
Terms and conditions of the financial liabilities:
– trade payables are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on demand; and
– other payables are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on demand.
20 Provisions
Current
At 1 January
Transferred from non-current
Arising during the year
Utilised during the year
Released during the year
At 31 December
Non-current
At 1 January
Transferred to current
At 31 December
2015
£m
24.8
8.4
2.8
0.3
1.2
101.8
139.3
7.4
0.5
0.2
8.1
2015
£m
3.0
–
0.2
(1.7)
(1.3)
0.2
–
–
–
2014
£m
12.4
1.4
2.6
2.1
–
83.7
102.2
1.7
0.1
–
1.8
2014
£m
–
2.0
1.0
–
–
3.0
2.0
(2.0)
–
As at 31 December 2014, provisions were recognised for the dilapidation of various leasehold premises and the onerous lease on St. Magnus House.
During 2015 the St. Magnus House dilapidation provision and onerous lease were utilised with the excess released to the income statement. This release
has been treated as an exceptional item as set out in note 5.
21 Share-based payment plans
Expense arising from equity-settled share-based payment transactions
2015
£m
1.6
2014
£m
1.4
The share-based payment plans are described below. There have been no cancellations or modifications to any of the plans during 2015 or 2014.
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Share options
Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
Details of the LTIP are included in the directors’ remuneration report on page 46. Awards made to the directors are given in the directors’ remuneration
report on page 53. The fair value of the element of these awards, which have a TSR performance condition, was valued using a Stochastic model.
All other elements of the awards were valued using a Black-Scholes model.
ShareSave scheme
The ShareSave scheme is approved by HMRC and enables eligible employees to acquire options over ordinary shares of the company at a discount.
The fair value of these awards was valued using the Black-Scholes model.
Other options
These options were granted in 2007 to senior executives where the performance conditions have since been met. The fair value of the element of these
awards, which have a TSR performance condition, was valued using a Stochastic model. All other elements of the awards were valued using a Black-
Scholes model.
Movements in the year
The following table illustrates the number of, and movements in, share options during the year:
LTIP1
2012 ShareSave2
2013 ShareSave3
2014 ShareSave4
2015 ShareSave5
Other options6
LTIP1
2012 ShareSave2
2013 ShareSave3
2014 ShareSave4
Other options6
Outstanding at
1 January
2015
367,900
119,745
17,626
78,215
Granted
in year
53,451
–
–
–
–
138,229
40,000
623,486
Outstanding at
1 January
2014
411,581
132,955
18,964
40,000
603,500
–
–
Granted
in year
46,082
–
–
–
81,792
Lapsed
in year
(22,444)
(1,427)
(1,491)
(41,347)
(5,632)
–
Exercised
in year
Outstanding at
31 December
2015
Exercisable at
31 December
2015
–
398,907
247,005
(118,318)
–
(153)
–
–
–
16,135
36,715
132,597
40,000
624,354
–
–
–
–
40,000
287,005
Weighted
average
contractual life
Years
6.28
–
1.00
2.00
3.00
1.82
191,680
(72,341)
(118,471)
Lapsed
in year
(27,953)
(13,210)
(1,338)
(3,577)
–
Exercised
in year
(61,810)
–
–
–
–
Outstanding at
31 December
2014
Exercisable at
31 December
2014
Weighted
average
contractual life
Years
367,900
119,745
17,626
78,215
40,000
184,868
–
–
–
40,000
224,868
6.91
1.00
2.00
3.00
2.82
127,874
(46,078)
(61,810)
623,486
The exercise price is the same for each share option award, as follows: 1 £nil, 2 £10.82, 3 £13.03, 4 £21.11, 5 £18.12, 6 £9.91.
Other employee incentives
During the year, 439,648 shares (2014: 243,784 shares) at a weighted average price of £22.45 (2014: £25.04) were awarded to employees in settlement
of 2014 (2013) cash bonuses. There was no expense in 2015 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 part of a 2011 acquisition, US$2.7m (£1.7m) was payable to key employees in the form of ordinary shares in Clarkson PLC. This was contingent
on the employees remaining in employment for four years. The cost of these shares has been charged to the consolidated income statement over the
service period, which ended during the year. The 2015 charge in relation to these awards is £0.4m (2014: £0.4m).
On 1 September 2015, Clarksons Platou AS acquired the remaining non-controlling interest in Clarksons Platou Tankers AS. The share element of the
consideration is contingent on the employees remaining in employment for four years. The cost of these shares is being charged to the consolidated
income statement over the service period. The 2015 charge in relation to these amounts is £0.1m.
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
22 Employee benefits
The group’s three defined benefit pension schemes are in the UK and all financial information provided in this note relates to the sum of the three
separate schemes.
The group operates three defined benefit pension schemes, being the Clarkson PLC scheme, the Plowrights scheme and the Stewarts scheme, which
are funded by the payment of contributions to separate trusts administered by Trustees who are required to act in the best interests of the schemes’
beneficiaries. 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. The Stewarts
scheme was closed to further accrual on 1 January 2004.
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 all the schemes have been prepared.
The valuation of the Clarkson PLC scheme showed a pension deficit on the original scheme of £6.1m as at 31 March 2013. Clarkson PLC and the
Trustees agreed to continue the five year funding plan, which ended on 31 March 2015, at the rate of £1.0m per annum; they have further agreed to
continue to fund at this level to 31 December 2016.
The valuation of the Plowrights scheme showed a pension deficit of £2.9m as at 31 March 2013. Clarkson PLC and the Trustees agreed to continue
the funding plan, which ends on 28 February 2017 at the rate of £0.9m per annum.
The valuation of the Stewarts scheme showed a pension deficit of £2.4m as at 1 September 2012. Clarksons Platou (Offshore) Limited and the
Trustees to pay contributions to remove the deficit over a period of eight years and nine months from 1 September 2012 at the rate of £0.3m per annum.
The group is exposed to a number of risks, the most significant of which are detailed below:
Asset volatility
The scheme liabilities are calculated using a discount rate set with reference to corporate bond yields; if scheme assets underperform this yield, this will
create a deficit. All schemes hold a significant proportion of equities, which are expected to outperform corporate bonds in the long-term while providing
volatility and risk in the short-term.
Changes in bond yields
A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase scheme liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an increase in the value of the schemes’
bond holdings.
Inflation risk
Some of the group pension obligations are linked to inflation, and higher inflation will lead to higher liabilities. The majority of the schemes’ assets are
either unaffected by (fixed interest bonds) or loosely correlated with (equities) inflation, meaning that an increase in inflation will also increase the deficit.
Life expectancy
The majority of the schemes’ obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the member, so increases in life expectancy will result in an increase
in the schemes’ liabilities.
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.
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The following tables summarise amounts recognised in the consolidated balance sheet and the components of net benefit charge recognised in the
consolidated income statement:
Recognised in the balance sheet
Fair value of schemes’ assets
Present value of funded defined benefit obligations
Minimum funding requirement in relation to the Plowrights scheme
Benefit liability recognised in the balance sheet
A deferred tax asset on the above recognised liability amounting to £0.7m (2014: £2.1m) is shown in note 7.
Recognised in the income statement
Expected return on schemes’ assets – recognised in other finance costs - pensions
Interest cost on benefit obligation and minimum funding requirement – recognised in other finance costs - pensions
Service cost – recognised in administrative expenses (2014: other finance costs – pensions)
Net benefit charge recognised in the income statement
Recognised in the statement of comprehensive income
Actual return on schemes’ assets
Less: expected return on schemes’ assets
Actuarial (loss)/gain on schemes’ assets
Actuarial gain/(loss) on defined benefit obligations
Actuarial gain/(loss) recognised in the statement of comprehensive income
Tax (charge)/credit on actuarial gain/(loss)
Minimum funding requirement in relation to the Plowrights scheme
Tax credit/(charge) on minimum funding requirement
Net actuarial gain/(loss) on employee benefit obligations
2015
£m
170.1
(172.8)
(2.7)
(1.4)
(4.1)
2015
£m
5.8
(6.2)
(0.2)
(0.6)
2015
£m
3.3
(5.8)
(2.5)
13.0
10.5
(2.2)
(1.4)
0.3
7.2
2014
£m
163.0
(173.3)
(10.3)
–
(10.3)
2014
£m
6.9
(7.0)
(0.1)
(0.2)
2014
£m
17.1
(6.9)
10.2
(21.4)
(11.2)
2.3
0.9
(0.2)
(8.2)
Cumulative amount of actuarial losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income
(16.0)
(26.5)
Schemes’ assets
Equities*
Government bonds*
Corporate bonds*
Property
Cash and other assets
* Based on quoted market prices.
%
48.9
32.1
12.7
4.2
2.1
2015
£m
83.2
54.6
21.6
7.1
3.6
%
47.4
34.3
13.4
3.7
1.2
2014
£m
77.2
55.9
21.9
6.0
2.0
100.0
170.1
100.0
163.0
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
22 Employee benefits continued
Changes in the fair value of schemes’ assets are as follows:
At 1 January
Acquired on acquisition
Expected return on assets
Contributions
Service costs
Insurance income for insured pensioners
Benefits paid
Actuarial (loss)/gain
At 31 December
2015
£m
163.0
9.8
5.8
2.3
(0.2)
0.1
(8.2)
(2.5)
170.1
2014
£m
152.7
–
6.9
1.9
(0.1)
0.1
(8.7)
10.2
163.0
The group expects, based on the valuations and funding requirements including expenses, to contribute £2.2m to its defined benefit pension schemes in
2016 (2015: £1.9m).
Defined benefit obligations
Changes in the fair value of the defined benefit obligations are as follows:
At 1 January
Acquired on acquisition
Interest costs
Actuarial (gain)/loss
Benefits paid
At 31 December
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
2015
£m
173.3
14.5
6.2
(13.0)
(8.2)
172.8
2015
%
2014
£m
153.6
–
7.0
21.4
(8.7)
173.3
2014
%
2.8 – 7.0
2.8 – 7.0
3.2
2.2
3.8
3.2
2.2
3.4
The mortality assumptions used to assess the defined benefit obligation at 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014 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
Pensioners retiring in 20 years’ time
– male
– female
– male
– female
Additional years
2015
2014
24.4
25.6
26.2
27.5
24.4
25.6
26.1
27.5
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Historical comparative information
Fair value of schemes’ assets
Defined benefit obligations
Unrecognised asset
Minimum funding requirement
Benefit liability
Experience adjustments on schemes’ assets
Experience adjustments on schemes’ liabilities
* Restated for the effects of IAS 19 (revised).
2015
£m
170.1
(172.8)
–
(1.4)
(4.1)
(2.5)
13.0
2014
£m
163.0
(173.3)
–
–
(10.3)
10.2
(21.4)
2013
£m
152.7
(153.6)
–
(0.9)
(1.8)
8.5
1.4
2012*
£m
144.0
(152.1)
–
(1.3)
(9.4)
3.4
–
2011
£m
138.0
(141.0)
(1.1)
(2.5)
(6.6)
1.9
(0.3)
Sensitivities
The table below provides information on the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to changes to the most significant actuarial assumptions. The
table shows the impact of changes to each assumption in isolation although, in practice, changes to assumptions may occur at the same time and can
either offset or compound the overall impact on the defined benefit obligation. These sensitivities have been calculated using the same methodology as
used for the main calculations. The weighted average duration of the defined obligation is 16 years.
Discount rate for scheme liabilities
Price inflation (RPI)
Change in
assumption
Change in defined
benefit obligation
+0.5%
-0.5%
+0.5%
-0.5%
-7.5%
+8.3%
+5.7%
-5.4%
An increase of one year in the assumed life expectancy for both males and females would increase the defined benefit obligation by 4.1% (2014: 4.2%).
23 Share capital
Ordinary shares of 25p each:
At 1 January
Additions
At 31 December
2015
Number
2014
Number
20,598,389
18,984,691
9,633,378
1,613,698
30,231,767
20,598,389
2015
£m
5.2
2.4
7.6
2014
£m
4.7
0.5
5.2
On 2 February 2015, the company issued 9,518,369 shares at a nominal value of £2.4m as part of the acquisition of Platou, refer to note 12.
Throughout 2015, the company issued 115,009 shares at a total value of £1.2m relating to the 2012 ShareSave scheme. The difference between the
exercise price of £10.82 and the nominal value of £0.25 has been taken to the share premium account, see note 24.
On 27 November 2014, the company placed 1,613,698 ordinary shares in the capital of the company, raising gross proceeds of £31.5m. The proceeds
of £30.6m, net of £0.9m transaction costs, are shown in the statement of changes in equity.
Shares held by employee trusts
The trustees have waived their right to dividends on the shares held in the employee share trust.
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
24 Other reserves
31 December 2015
At 1 January 2015
Total comprehensive loss
Employee share schemes:
Share-based payments
expense
Transfer to profit and loss
on vesting
Net ESOP shares utilised
Total employee share
schemes
Share issues
At 31 December 2015
31 December 2014
At 1 January 2014
Total comprehensive
(loss)/income
Net ESOP shares utilised
Share-based payments
Share issues
Transfer
Share
premium
£m
27.8
ESOP
reserve
£m
(5.4)
–
–
–
–
–
1.2
29.0
–
–
0.7
0.4
1.1
–
(4.3)
Share
premium
£m
27.8
ESOP
reserve
£m
(6.1)
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.7
–
–
–
(5.4)
Employee
benefits
reserve
£m
Capital
redemption
reserve
£m
Hedging
reserve
£m
–
(1.1)
Currency
translation
reserve
£m
6.5
(19.5)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
2.0
–
–
–
–
–
–
2.0
(1.1)
(13.0)
4.6
–
1.6
(2.1)
–
(0.5)
–
4.1
Employee
benefits
reserve
£m
3.6
–
–
1.0
–
–
4.6
Capital
redemption
reserve
£m
2.0
–
–
–
–
–
2.0
Hedging
reserve
£m
3.4
(3.4)
–
–
–
–
–
Currency
translation
reserve
£m
5.0
1.5
–
–
–
–
6.5
Merger
reserve
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
177.5
177.5
Merger
reserve
£m
–
–
–
–
30.1
(30.1)
–
Total
£m
35.5
(20.6)
1.6
(1.4)
0.4
0.6
178.7
194.2
Total
£m
35.7
(1.9)
0.7
1.0
30.1
(30.1)
35.5
At 31 December 2014
27.8
Nature and purpose of other reserves
ESOP reserve
The ESOP reserve in the group represents 280,106 shares (2014: 411,920 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 2015 was £6.3m (2014: £7.8m). At 31 December
2015 none of these shares were under option (2014: none). During the year the share purchase trusts acquired 481,514 shares at a weighted average
price of £22.93 (2014: 215,082 shares at £26.10).
Employee benefits reserve
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 21.
Capital redemption reserve
The capital redemption reserve arose on previous share buy-backs by Clarkson PLC.
Hedging reserve
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
The currency translation reserve represents the currency translation differences arising from the consolidation of foreign operations.
Merger reserve
This comprises the premium on the share placing in November 2014 and the shares issued in February 2015 as part of the Platou acquisition.
No share premium is recorded in the financial statements, through the operation of the merger relief provisions of the Companies Act 2006.
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25 Financial commitments and contingencies
Operating lease commitments
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 a life of between one and 15 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
2015
£m
6.9
36.0
55.1
98.0
2014
£m
6.6
11.0
34.9
52.5
The group has sublet space in certain properties. The future minimum sublease payments expected to be received under non-cancellable sublease
agreements as at 31 December 2015 is £1.2m (2014: £3.5m).
Contingencies
The group has given no financial commitments to suppliers (2014: none).
The group has given no guarantees (2014: none).
From time to time the group is engaged in litigation in the ordinary course of business. The group carries professional indemnity insurance.
There is currently no litigation expected to have a material adverse financial impact on the group’s consolidated results or net assets.
The group also maintained throughout the financial year directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in respect of its directors.
26 Financial risk management objectives and policies
The group’s principal financial liabilities comprise trade payables, accruals and loan notes. The group has various financial assets such as trade
receivables, current asset investments and cash and short-term deposits, which arise directly from its operations.
The group has not entered into derivative transactions other than the forward currency contracts explained later in this section. It is, and has been
throughout 2015 and 2014, the group’s policy that no trading in derivatives shall be undertaken for speculative purposes.
The main risks arising from the group’s financial instruments are credit risk, liquidity risk and foreign exchange 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 14; based on experience and ongoing
market information about the credit-worthiness of counterparties, we reasonably expect to collect all amounts unimpaired. There are no significant
concentrations of credit risk within the group.
With respect to credit risk arising from the other financial assets of the group, which include cash and cash equivalents, current 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.
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
26 Financial risk management objectives and policies continued
Liquidity risk
The group monitors its risk to a shortage of funds using projected cash flows from operations.
The tables below summarise the maturity profile of the group’s financial liabilities at 31 December based on contractual undiscounted payments.
31 December 2015
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Trade and other payables
Deferred consideration
Provisions
31 December 2014
Trade and other payables
Deferred consideration
Provisions
On
demand
£m
Less than
3 months
£m
3 to 12
months
£m
23.4
–
–
0.2
23.6
–
–
0.3
–
0.3
Less than
3 months
£m
3 to 12
months
£m
–
0.1
–
0.1
–
2.0
3.0
5.0
–
33.2
–
–
33.2
On
demand
£m
13.8
–
–
13.8
1 to 5
years
£m
23.9
7.4
0.5
–
31.8
1 to 5
years
£m
1.7
0.1
–
1.8
Total
£m
47.3
40.6
0.8
0.2
88.9
Total
£m
15.5
2.2
3.0
20.7
Foreign exchange risk
The group has transactional currency exposures. Such exposure arises from revenues and expenses by any operation where these are in currencies
other than its functional currency, which can significantly impact our results, cash flows and financial position. Revenue for our broking and financial
segments is predominantly in US$ and in sterling for our support and research segments.
Our aim is to manage this risk by reducing the impact of any fluctuations. We use foreign currency contracts to reduce exposure to variations in the
US$ 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$ exchange rate, with all other variables held constant,
of the group’s profit before taxation and equity (due to changes in the fair value of monetary assets and liabilities).
2015
2014
Strengthening/
(weakening) in
US dollar rate
Effect on
profit before
taxation
£m
Effect on
equity
£m
5%
(5%)
5%
(5%)
1.6
(1.5)
1.4
(1.3)
1.7
(1.5)
3.1
(2.8)
The group has used its financial resources during 2015 to settle outstanding Norwegian Krone (NOK) denominated bank loans and overdrafts in Norway.
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in the NOK exchange rate, with all other variables held constant, of the
group’s profit before taxation and equity (due to changes in the fair value of monetary assets and liabilities).
2015
102
102
Strengthening/
(weakening) in
NOK rate
Effect on
profit before
taxation
£m
5%
(5%)
0.7
(0.6)
Effect on
equity
£m
0.7
(0.6)
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015Financial statements
Derivative financial instruments
It is the group’s policy to cover or hedge a proportion of its transactional US$ 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 24) 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
2015
£m
1.4
Liabilities
2014
£m
–
At 31 December 2015 the group had US$110m outstanding forward contracts due for settlement in 2016, 2017 and 2018 (2014: US$100m for
settlement in 2015 and 2016).
Capital management
The group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for
shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. Total capital is calculated
as equity as shown in the consolidated balance sheet.
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 2015 and 31 December 2014. These financial
statements are prepared on the going concern basis and the group continues to pay dividends.
A number of the group’s trading entities are subject to regulation by the Norwegian FSA, the FCA in the UK and NFA and FINRA in the US. Regulatory
capital at entity level depends on the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated. In each case, the approach is to hold an appropriate surplus over the local
minimum requirement. Each regulated entity complied with their regulatory capital requirements throughout the year.
27 Financial instruments
Fair values
IFRS 13 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.
Liabilities
Foreign currency contracts
The classification of financial assets and financial liabilities at 31 December is as follows:
Financial assets
2015
£m
1.4
Held for
trading
£m
Available
for sale
£m
Loans and
receivables
£m
–
0.1
–
–
–
0.1
–
2.1
–
–
4.3
6.4
7.2
5.4
49.8
168.4
–
230.8
2015
Total
£m
7.2
7.6
49.8
168.4
4.3
237.3
Available
for sale
£m
Loans and
receivables
£m
–
1.9
–
–
5.4
7.3
5.0
25.3
32.6
152.9
–
215.8
Other receivables
Investments
Trade receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
ESOP reserve
www.clarksons.com
Level 2
2014
£m
–
2014
Total
£m
5.0
27.2
32.6
152.9
5.4
223.1
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Financial statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
27 Financial instruments continued
Financial liabilities
Loan notes
Trade payables
Other payables
Foreign currency contracts
Other tax and social security
Deferred consideration
Accruals
Provisions
Amortised
cost
£m
46.1
24.8
15.8
1.4
2.8
0.8
98.3
0.2
190.2
2015
Total
£m
46.1
24.8
15.8
1.4
2.8
0.8
98.3
0.2
190.2
Amortised
cost
£m
–
12.4
3.1
–
2.6
2.2
80.5
3.0
103.8
2014
Total
£m
–
12.4
3.1
–
2.6
2.2
80.5
3.0
103.8
Loan notes were initially recognised at fair value and have not been designated as ‘fair value through profit or loss’. These are subsequently measured at
amortised cost using the effective interest method. The carrying value of the loan notes and other current and non-current financial assets and liabilities is
deemed to equate to the fair value at 31 December 2015.
28 Related party transactions
As in 2014, the group did not enter into any related party transactions during the year.
Compensation of key management personnel (including directors)
There were no key management personnel in the group apart from the Clarkson PLC directors. Details of their compensation are set out below.
Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payments
Full remuneration details are provided in the directors’ remuneration report on pages 43 to 57.
2015
£m
6.5
0.1
0.7
7.3
2014
£m
5.4
0.1
0.8
6.3
104
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Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015Financial statements
Independent auditors’ report
Independent auditors’ report to
to the members of Clarkson PLC
the members of Clarkson PLC
Report on the parent company financial statements
Our opinion
In our opinion, Clarkson PLC’s parent company financial statements (the financial statements):
– give a true and fair view of the state of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2015 and of its cash flows for the year then ended;
– have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and as
applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and
– have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
What we have audited
The financial statements, included within the annual report, comprise:
– the parent company balance sheet as at 31 December 2015;
– the parent company statement of changes in equity for the year then ended;
– the parent company cash flow statement for the year then ended; and
– the notes to the financial statements, which include a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Certain required disclosures have been presented elsewhere in the annual report, rather than in the notes to the financial statements. These are cross-
referenced from the financial statements and are identified as audited.
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the
European Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.
Other required reporting
Consistency of other information
Companies Act 2006 opinion
In our opinion, the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared
is consistent with the financial statements.
ISAs (UK & Ireland) reporting
Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (ISAs (UK & Ireland)) we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, information in the
annual report is:
– materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or
– apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the parent company acquired in the course of performing
our audit; or
– otherwise misleading.
We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Adequacy of accounting records and information and explanations received
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
– we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
– 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 financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.
We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Directors’ remuneration
Directors’ remuneration report Companies Act 2006 opinion
In our opinion, the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
Other Companies Act 2006 reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not
made. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
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Financial statements
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Clarkson PLC continued
Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 61, 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 ISAs (UK & 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 parent 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.
What an audit of financial statements involves
We conducted our audit in accordance with ISAs (UK & Ireland). 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 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.
We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the directors’ judgements against available evidence, forming our own judgements, and
evaluating the disclosures in the financial statements.
We test and examine information, using sampling and other auditing techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to provide a reasonable basis
for us to draw conclusions. We obtain audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls, substantive procedures or a combination of both.
In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the annual report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial
statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by
us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications
for our report.
Other matter
We have reported separately on the consolidated financial statements of Clarkson PLC for the year ended 31 December 2015.
John Waters Senior statutory auditor
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London
4 March 2016
106
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Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015Financial statements
Parent company balance sheet
Parent company balance sheet
as at 31 December
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
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
Provisions
Net current assets
Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Trade and other payables
Employee benefits
Net assets
Capital and reserves
Share capital
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity
Notes
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
I
J
M
N
O
2015
£m
19.2
0.3
302.5
3.7
325.7
63.7
2.7
5.4
0.1
71.9
(23.1)
(12.7)
–
(35.8)
36.1
(23.0)
(3.6)
(1.5)
(28.1)
333.7
7.6
212.5
113.6
333.7
2014
£m
1.9
0.3
54.0
5.7
61.9
44.9
2.6
25.3
32.1
104.9
–
(19.2)
(3.0)
(22.2)
82.7
–
(0.7)
(10.3)
(11.0)
133.6
5.2
33.1
95.3
133.6
The financial statements on pages 107 to 124 were approved by the board on 4 March 2016, and signed on its behalf by:
James Hughes-Hallett Chairman
Jeff Woyda Chief financial officer and chief operating officer
Registered number: 1190238
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Financial statements
Parent company statement
Parent company statement of
of changes in equity
changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December
Attributable to equity holders of the parent
Actuarial gain on employee benefit schemes – net of tax
M
Total comprehensive income for the year
N,O
Balance at 1 January 2015
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Transactions with owners:
Employee share schemes
Share issues
Tax on other employee benefits
Dividend paid
Balance at 31 December 2015
Balance at 1 January 2014
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive loss:
Actuarial loss on employee benefit schemes – net of tax
M
Total comprehensive income for the year
Transactions with owners:
Gain on ESOP shares
Share-based payments
Share issues
Transfer
Dividend paid
Balance at 31 December 2014
O
N,O
O
Notes
Share capital
£m
Other reserves
£m
5.2
33.1
Retained
earnings
£m
Total equity
£m
95.3
30.7
6.1
36.8
(0.7)
–
0.4
(18.2)
(18.5)
113.6
133.6
30.7
6.1
36.8
–
181.1
0.4
(18.2)
163.3
333.7
Retained
earnings
£m
Total equity
£m
46.9
36.4
(8.2)
28.2
0.9
–
–
30.1
(10.8)
20.2
95.3
84.1
36.4
(8.2)
28.2
0.9
0.6
30.6
–
(10.8)
21.3
133.6
–
–
–
–
2.4
–
–
2.4
7.6
–
–
–
0.7
178.7
–
–
179.4
212.5
–
–
–
–
–
0.5
–
–
0.5
5.2
–
–
–
–
0.6
30.1
(30.1)
–
0.6
33.1
Attributable to equity holders of the parent
Notes
Share capital
£m
Other reserves
£m
4.7
32.5
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Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015Financial statements
Parent company cash flow statement
Parent company cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 December
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before taxation
Adjustments for:
Foreign exchange differences
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of investment property
Share-based payment expense
Impairment of investments
Difference between pension contributions paid and amount recognised in the income statement
Finance revenue
Finance costs
Other finance costs – pensions
Increase in trade and other receivables
(Decrease)/increase in bonus accrual
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
(Decrease)/increase in provisions
Cash utilised from operations
Income tax received
Net cash flow from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Transfer from/(to) current investments (funds on deposit)
Acquisition of subsidiaries, including settlement of deferred consideration
Dividends received from investments
Net cash flow from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividend paid
Repayment of borrowings
Proceeds from shares issued (net of transaction costs)
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
Notes
B
C
K
B
D
N
H
2015
£m
28.9
(0.2)
1.5
–
0.7
4.6
(1.8)
(46.9)
1.1
0.3
(18.3)
(2.9)
(5.0)
(3.0)
(41.0)
2.8
(38.2)
0.1
(18.8)
20.0
(23.5)
46.9
24.7
(18.2)
(1.5)
1.2
(18.5)
(32.0)
32.1
–
0.1
2014
£m
33.5
(0.4)
0.9
0.1
0.8
0.2
(1.9)
(52.8)
–
0.2
(32.2)
4.1
3.0
1.0
(43.5)
2.5
(41.0)
0.2
–
(0.1)
–
52.6
52.7
(10.8)
–
30.6
19.8
31.5
0.6
–
32.1
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Financial statements
Notes to the parent company
Notes to the parent company
financial statements
financial statements
A Statement of accounting policies
The accounting policies applied in the preparation of the parent company financial statements are the same as those set out in note 2 to the consolidated
financial statements, and have been applied consistently to all periods, with the addition of the following:
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, IFRS IC interpretations and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRSs.
The parent company has elected to take the exemption under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present the parent company income
statement or statement of comprehensive income. The profit for the parent company for the year was £30.7m (2014: £36.4m).
Investments in subsidiaries
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.
B Property, plant and equipment
31 December 2015
Original cost
At 1 January 2015
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2015
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2015
Charged during the year
Disposals
At 31 December 2015
Net book value at 31 December 2015
31 December 2014
Original cost
At 1 January and 31 December 2014
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2014
Charged during the year
At 31 December 2014
Net book value at 31 December 2014
Freehold and
long leasehold
properties
£m
Leasehold
improvements
£m
Office
furniture and
equipment
£m
1.9
–
–
1.9
0.3
0.1
–
0.4
1.5
0.5
14.1
(0.5)
14.1
0.5
0.5
(0.5)
0.5
13.6
6.9
4.7
(6.6)
5.0
6.6
0.9
(6.6)
0.9
4.1
Freehold and
long leasehold
properties
£m
Leasehold
improvements
£m
Office
furniture and
equipment
£m
1.9
0.3
–
0.3
1.6
0.5
6.9
0.4
0.1
0.5
–
5.8
0.8
6.6
0.3
Total
£m
9.3
18.8
(7.1)
21.0
7.4
1.5
(7.1)
1.8
19.2
Total
£m
9.3
6.5
0.9
7.4
1.9
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Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015Financial statements
C Investment property
Cost
At 1 January and 31 December
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January
Charged during the year
At 31 December
Net book value at 31 December
2015
£m
2014
£m
0.6
0.3
–
0.3
0.3
0.6
0.2
0.1
0.3
0.3
The fair value of the investment property at 31 December 2015 was £0.6m (2014: £0.7m). This was based on valuations from an independent valuer
who has the appropriate professional qualification and recent experience of valuing properties in the location and of the type being valued.
D Investments in subsidiaries
Cost
At 1 January
Additions
Impairment
At 31 December
2015
£m
54.0
253.1
(4.6)
302.5
2014
£m
54.0
–
–
54.0
On 2 February 2015, the company acquired 100% of the share capital of RS Platou ASA (Platou), which subsequently changed its name to Clarksons
Platou AS, for £249.9m. See note 12 of the consolidated financial statements for further details. On 20 October 2015 the company acquired 100% of
the share capital of Clarkson Norway AS for £3.2m from its subsidiary Clarkson Overseas Shipbroking Limited, prior to a merger between Clarkson
Norway AS and Clarksons Platou AS.
During the year, the company impaired £4.6m of a direct investment in a subsidiary which has ceased all trading this year. The remaining carrying value
represents the fair value of the net assets recoverable of £0.8m which mainly comprises cash.
E Deferred tax asset
Employee benefits
– on pension benefit liability
– other employee benefits
Other temporary differences
2015
£m
0.3
3.0
0.4
3.7
2014
£m
2.1
2.9
0.7
5.7
Included in the above are deferred tax assets of £0.4m (2014: £0.6m) which are due within one year. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent
that the realisation of the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is probable.
All deferred tax movements arise from the origination and reversal of temporary differences.
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Financial statements
Notes to the parent company financial statements continued
F Trade and other receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income
Owed by group companies
The company has no trade receivables (2014: none).
2015
£m
0.1
0.3
63.3
63.7
2014
£m
–
0.3
44.6
44.9
As at 31 December 2015, the company did not provide for related party receivables (2014: £nil). Further details of related party receivables are included
in note S.
G Investments
Funds on deposit
2015
£m
5.4
The company held £5.4m (2014: £25.3m) in deposits with a maturity of 95 days at the year-end. These deposits are held with an A-rated
financial institution.
H Cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand
2015
£m
0.1
Cash at bank and in hand earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is £0.1m
(2014: £32.1m).
I Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Current
Loan notes
Non-current
Loan notes
2015
£m
23.1
23.0
2014
£m
25.3
2014
£m
32.1
2014
£m
–
–
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings comprise the vendor loan notes issued as part of the consideration for the Platou acquisition. Interest is charged
at 12 month LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25%. The loan notes are repayable in two instalments, on 30 June 2016 and 30 June 2017.
J Trade and other payables
Current
Other payables
Owed to group companies
Accruals and deferred income
Non-current
Other payables
Other payables are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on demand.
Further details of related party payables are included in note S.
2015
£m
–
1.5
11.2
12.7
2014
£m
0.4
5.9
12.9
19.2
3.6
0.7
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Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015Financial statements
K Provisions
At 1 January
Transferred from non-current
Arising during the year
Utilised during the year
Released during the year
At 31 December
2015
£m
3.0
–
–
(1.7)
(1.3)
–
As at 31 December 2014, provisions were recognised for the dilapidation of leasehold premises and the onerous lease on St. Magnus House.
During 2015 the dilapidation provision and onerous lease were utilised with the excess released to the income statement.
L Share-based payment plans
Expense arising from equity-settled share-based payment transactions
2015
£m
0.7
2014
£m
–
2.0
1.0
–
–
3.0
2014
£m
0.8
For more information on the parent company share-based payment plans, see note 21 of the consolidated financial statements.
M Employee benefits
The company 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. All financial information provided in this note relates to the sum of the two
separate schemes.
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 all the schemes have been prepared.
The valuation of the Clarkson PLC scheme showed a pension deficit on the original scheme of £6.1m as at 31 March 2013. Clarkson PLC and the
Trustees agreed to continue the five year funding plan, which ended on 31 March 2015, at the rate of £1.0m per annum; they have further agreed to
continue to fund at this level to 31 December 2016.
The valuation of the Plowrights scheme showed a pension deficit of £2.9m as at 31 March 2013. Clarkson PLC and the Trustees agreed to continue
the funding plan, which ends on 28 February 2017 at the rate of £0.9m per annum.
The company is exposed to a number of risks, the most significant of which are detailed below:
Asset volatility
The scheme liabilities are calculated using a discount rate set with reference to corporate bond yields; if scheme assets underperform this yield, this
will create a deficit. Both schemes hold a significant proportion of equities, which are expected to outperform corporate bonds in the long-term while
providing volatility and risk in the short-term.
Changes in bond yields
A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase scheme liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an increase in the value of the schemes’
bond holdings.
Inflation risk
Some of the company pension obligations are linked to inflation, and higher inflation will lead to higher liabilities. The majority of the schemes’ assets are
either unaffected by (fixed interest bonds) or loosely correlated with (equities) inflation, meaning that an increase in inflation will also increase the deficit.
Life expectancy
The majority of the schemes’ obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the member, so increases in life expectancy will result in an increase in the
schemes’ liabilities.
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Financial statements
Notes to the parent company financial statements continued
M Employee benefits continued
Other pension arrangements
The company also operates various other defined contribution pension arrangements. Where required the company also makes contributions into
these schemes.
The company incurs no material expenses in the provision of post-retirement benefits other than pensions.
The following tables summarise amounts recognised in the balance sheet and the components of net benefit expense recognised in the
income statement:
Recognised in the balance sheet
Fair value of schemes’ assets
Present value of funded defined benefit obligations
Minimum funding requirement in relation to the Plowrights scheme
Benefit liability recognised in the balance sheet
A deferred tax asset on the above recognised liability amounting to £0.3m (2014: £2.1m) is shown in note E.
Recognised in the income statement
Expected return on schemes’ assets – recognised in other finance costs – pensions
Interest cost on benefit obligation and minimum funding requirement – recognised in other finance costs – pensions
Service cost – recognised in administrative expenses (2014: other finance costs – pensions)
Net benefit charge recognised in the income statement
Recognised in the statement of comprehensive income
Actual return on schemes’ assets
Less: expected return on schemes’ assets
Actuarial (loss)/gain on schemes’ assets
Actuarial gain/(loss) on defined benefit obligations
Actuarial gain/(loss) recognised in the statement of comprehensive income
Tax (charge)/credit on actuarial gain/(loss)
Minimum funding requirement in relation to the Plowrights scheme
Tax credit/(charge) on minimum funding requirement
Net actuarial gain/(loss) on employee benefit obligations
2015
£m
160.1
(160.2)
(0.1)
(1.4)
(1.5)
2015
£m
5.4
(5.8)
(0.2)
(0.6)
2015
£m
3.2
(5.4)
(2.2)
11.0
8.8
(1.6)
(1.4)
0.3
6.1
2014
£m
163.0
(173.3)
(10.3)
–
(10.3)
2014
£m
6.9
(7.0)
(0.1)
(0.2)
2014
£m
17.1
(6.9)
10.2
(21.4)
(11.2)
2.3
0.9
(0.2)
(8.2)
Cumulative amount of actuarial losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income
(17.7)
(26.5)
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Schemes’ assets
Equities*
Government bonds*
Corporate bonds*
Property
Cash and other assets
* Based on quoted market prices.
Changes in the fair value of schemes’ assets are as follows:
At 1 January
Expected return on assets
Contributions
Service costs
Insurance income for insured pensioners
Benefits paid
Actuarial (loss)/gain
At 31 December
At 1 January
Interest costs
Actuarial (gain)/loss
Benefits paid
At 31 December
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
%
49.5
32.2
13.5
4.1
0.7
2015
£m
79.2
51.5
21.6
6.6
1.2
%
47.4
34.3
13.4
3.7
1.2
2014
£m
77.2
55.9
21.9
6.0
2.0
100.0
160.1
100.0
163.0
2015
£m
163.0
5.4
1.9
(0.2)
0.1
(7.9)
(2.2)
160.1
2015
£m
173.3
5.8
(11.0)
(7.9)
160.2
2015
%
2014
£m
152.7
6.9
1.9
(0.1)
0.1
(8.7)
10.2
163.0
2014
£m
153.6
7.0
21.4
(8.7)
173.3
2014
%
2.8 – 7.0
2.8 – 7.0
3.2
2.2
3.8
3.2
2.2
3.4
The company expects, based on the valuations and funding requirements including expenses, to contribute £1.9m to its defined benefit pension
schemes in 2016 (2015: £1.9m).
Defined benefit obligations
Changes in the fair value of the defined benefit obligations are as follows:
www.clarksons.com
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Financial statements
Notes to the parent company financial statements continued
M Employee benefits continued
The mortality assumptions used to assess the defined benefit obligation of 31 December 2015 and 2014 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
Pensioners retiring in 20 years’ time
– male
– female
– male
– female
Historical comparative information
Fair value of schemes’ assets
Defined benefit obligations
Unrecognised asset
Minimum funding requirement
Benefit liability
Experience adjustments on schemes’ assets
Experience adjustments on schemes’ liabilities
* Restated for the effects of IAS 19 (revised).
Additional years
2015
2014
24.4
25.6
26.2
27.5
2012*
£m
144.0
(152.1)
–
(1.3)
(9.4)
3.4
–
24.4
25.6
26.1
27.5
2011
£m
138.0
(141.0)
(1.1)
(2.5)
(6.6)
1.9
(0.3)
2015
£m
160.1
(160.2)
–
(1.4)
(1.5)
(2.2)
11.0
2014
£m
163.0
(173.3)
–
–
(10.3)
10.2
(21.4)
2013
£m
152.7
(153.6)
–
(0.9)
(1.8)
8.5
1.4
Sensitivities
The table below provides information on the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to changes to the most significant actuarial assumptions. The
table shows the impact of changes to each assumption in isolation although, in practice, changes to assumptions may occur at the same time and can
either offset or compound the overall impact on the defined benefit obligation. These sensitivities have been calculated using the same methodology as
used for the main calculations. The weighted average duration of the defined obligation is 16 years.
Discount rate for scheme liabilities
Price inflation (RPI)
Change in
assumption
Change in
defined benefit
obligation
+0.5%
-0.5%
+0.5%
-0.5%
-7.7%
+8.5%
+6.1%
-5.7%
An increase of one year in the assumed life expectancy for both males and females would increase the defined benefit obligation by 4.1% (2014: 4.2%).
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N Share capital
Ordinary shares of 25p each:
At 1 January
Additions
At 31 December
2015
Number
2014
Number
20,598,389
18,984,691
9,633,378
1,613,698
30,231,767
20,598,389
2015
£m
5.2
2.4
7.6
2014
£m
4.7
0.5
5.2
On 2 February 2015, the company issued 9,518,369 shares at a nominal value of £2.4m as part of the acquisition of Platou, refer to note 12 of the
consolidated financial statements.
Throughout 2015, the company issued 115,009 shares at a total value of £1.2m relating to the 2012 ShareSave scheme. The difference between the
exercise price of £10.82 and the nominal value of £0.25 has been taken to the share premium account, see note O.
On 27 November 2014, the company placed 1,613,698 ordinary shares in the capital of the company, raising gross proceeds of £31.5m. The proceeds
of £30.6m, net of £0.9m transaction costs, are shown in the statement of changes in equity.
O Other reserves
31 December 2015
At 1 January 2015
Employee share schemes:
Share-based payments expense
Transfer to profit and loss on vesting
Total employee share schemes
Share issues
At 31 December 2015
31 December 2014
At 1 January 2014
Share-based payments
Share issues
Transfer
At 31 December 2014
Share
premium
£m
27.8
–
–
–
1.2
29.0
Share
premium
£m
27.8
–
–
–
27.8
Employee
benefits
reserve
£m
Capital
redemption
reserve
£m
Merger
reserve
£m
3.3
1.0
(0.3)
0.7
–
4.0
2.0
–
–
–
–
2.0
Employee
benefits
reserve
£m
Capital
redemption
reserve
£m
2.7
0.6
–
–
3.3
2.0
–
–
–
2.0
–
–
–
–
177.5
177.5
Merger
reserve
£m
–
–
30.1
(30.1)
–
Total
£m
33.1
1.0
(0.3)
0.7
178.7
212.5
Total
£m
32.5
0.6
30.1
(30.1)
33.1
Nature and purpose of other reserves
Capital redemption reserve
The capital redemption reserve arose on previous share buy-backs by the company.
Merger reserve
This comprises the premium on the share placing in November 2014 and the shares issued in February 2015 as part of the Platou acquisition. No share
premium is recorded in the financial statements, through the operation of the merger relief provisions of the Companies Act 2006.
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Financial statements
Notes to the parent company financial statements continued
P Financial commitments and contingencies
Operating lease commitments
The company has entered into a commercial lease in relation to land and buildings on the basis that it is not in the company’s best interests to purchase
these assets. The lease has a life of 15 years with renewal terms included in the contract. There are no restrictions placed upon the company by entering
into this lease.
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
2015
£m
1.1
16.1
41.0
58.2
2014
£m
4.3
8.0
34.5
46.8
The company has sublet space in its property. The future minimum sublease payments expected to be received under non-cancellable sublease
agreements as at 31 December 2015 is £1.0m (2014: £3.5m).
Contingencies
The company has given no financial commitments to suppliers (2014: none).
The company has given no guarantees (2014: none).
From time to time the company may be engaged in litigation in the ordinary course of business. The company carries professional indemnity insurance.
There are currently no liabilities expected to have a material adverse financial impact on the company’s results or net assets.
The company purchased and maintained throughout the year directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in respect of itself and its directors.
Q Financial risk management objectives and policies
The company’s principal financial liabilities comprised loans from group companies and accruals. The company has various financial assets such as
current asset investments and cash, which arise directly from its operations.
The company has not entered into any derivative transactions.
The main risks arising from the company’s financial instruments are credit risk and liquidity risk.
Credit risk
With respect to credit risk arising from cash and cash equivalents and current investments, the company’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 company monitors its risk to a shortage of funds using projected cash flows from operations.
The tables below summarise the maturity profile of the company’s financial liabilities at 31 December based on contractual undiscounted payments.
31 December 2015
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Trade and other payables
31 December 2014
Trade and other payables
Provisions
On
demand
£m
Less than
3 months
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
On
demand
£m
Less than
3 months
£m
0.4
–
0.4
–
–
–
3 to 12
months
£m
23.4
–
23.4
3 to 12
months
£m
–
3.0
3.0
1 to 5
years
£m
23.9
3.6
27.5
1 to 5
years
£m
0.7
–
0.7
Total
£m
47.3
3.6
50.9
Total
£m
1.1
3.0
4.1
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R Financial instruments
The classification of financial assets and liabilities at 31 December is as follows:
Financial assets
Other receivables
Owed by group companies
Investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Financial liabilities
Loan notes
Other payables
Owed to group companies
Accruals
Provisions
Loans and
receivables
£m
0.1
63.3
5.4
0.1
68.9
Amortised
cost
£m
46.1
3.6
1.5
11.1
–
62.3
2015
Total
£m
0.1
63.3
5.4
0.1
68.9
2015
Total
£m
46.1
3.6
1.5
11.1
–
62.3
Loans and
receivables
£m
–
44.6
25.3
32.1
2014
Total
£m
–
44.6
25.3
32.1
102.0
102.0
Amortised
cost
£m
–
1.1
5.9
12.9
3.0
22.9
2014
Total
£m
–
1.1
5.9
12.9
3.0
22.9
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Financial statements
Notes to the parent company financial statements continued
S Related party transactions
During the year, the company entered into transactions, in the ordinary course of business, with related parties.
Transactions with subsidiaries during the year were as follows:
Management fees charged
Rent receivable
Dividends received
Impairment of investments in subsidiaries
Balances with subsidiaries at 31 December were as follows:
Amounts owed by related parties
Amounts owed to related parties
There were no terms or conditions attached to these balances.
2015
£m
2.7
2.1
46.9
(4.6)
2015
£m
63.3
(1.5)
2014
£m
1.8
–
52.6
–
2014
£m
44.6
(5.9)
Compensation of key management personnel (including directors)
There were no key management personnel in the company apart from the Clarkson PLC directors. Details of their compensation are set out in note 28 to
the consolidated financial statements.
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T Subsidiaries
The group had the following subsidiaries at 31 December 2015:
Company
Country of
incorporation
Principal activity
Clarkson Capital Markets LLC*
USA
Debt and equity underwritings, private placements,
equity trading and financial advisory services
Clarkson Morocco Sarl*
Morocco
Shipbroking
Clarkson Port Services Limited
England and Wales Provision of ship agency and port services
Clarkson Property Holdings Limited
England and Wales Provision of property-related services
Clarkson Research Services Limited
England and Wales Provision of research services and products relating to
Clarkson Shipbroking (Shanghai) Co
Limited
Clarkson Shipping Agency
Clarkson Shipping Services India Private
Limited
China
Egypt
India
shipping and offshore
Shipbroking
Provision of ship agency and port services
Shipbroking
Clarkson Valuations Limited
England and Wales Provision of valuation services to the shipping industry
Clarksons Platou (Africa) Limited
England and Wales Shipbroking
Clarksons Platou (Australia) Pty Limited
Australia
Clarksons Platou (Brasil) Ltda*
Brazil
Shipbroking
Shipbroking
Clarksons Platou (Hellas) Limited
Marshall Islands ***
Shipbroking
Clarksons Platou (Italia) Srl
Italy
Shipbroking
Clarksons Platou (Nederland) BV*
The Netherlands
Shipbroking
Clarksons Platou (Offshore) Limited
England and Wales Shipbroking
Clarksons Platou (South Africa) (Pty)
Limited*
Clarksons Platou (Sweden) AB*
Clarksons Platou AS
South Africa
Shipbroking
Sweden
Norway
Shipbroking
Shipbroking
Clarksons Platou Asia Limited
Hong Kong
Shipbroking
Clarksons Platou Asia Pte. Limited
Singapore
Shipbroking
Clarksons Platou Commodities USA LLC USA
Introducing broker for LPG swaps
Clarksons Platou Debt and Leasing
Solutions Limited
Clarksons Platou DMCC
Clarksons Platou Drift AS
UAE
Norway
shipping-related projects
Shipbroking
Provision of property-related services
England and Wales Provision of advice on finance structuring for
Direct or
indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Direct
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Direct
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Direct
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Direct
Indirect
Indirect
Clarksons Platou Futures Limited
England and Wales Brokerage of shipping-related derivative financial instruments Direct
Clarksons Platou Futures Pte. Limited
Singapore
Brokerage of shipping-related derivative financial instruments
Indirect
Clarksons Platou GmbH*
Germany
Shipbroking
Indirect
% of
equity
shares
100
100
100
100
100
100
**48
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
25
100
100
100
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Financial statements
Notes to the parent company financial statements continued
T Subsidiaries continued
Company
Country of
incorporation
Principal activity
Clarksons Platou Investor Services AS
Norway
Accounting services
Clarksons Platou Legal Services Limited England and Wales Provision of legal services to the shipping industry
Clarksons Platou Offshore (Asia) Pte.
Limited
Singapore
Shipbroking
Clarksons Platou Project Finance AS
Norway
Shipping and offshore project syndication
Clarksons Platou Project Sales AS
Norway
Equity placements for shipping, offshore and real estate
projects and secondary trading of project ownership
Clarksons Platou Property Management
AS
Norway
Provision of property-related services
Clarksons Platou Real Estate AS
Clarksons Platou Securities AS
Norway
Norway
Clarksons Platou Securities Inc
USA
Real estate project syndication
Equity and fixed income sales and trading, research and
corporate finance services, including equity and debt capital
markets and M&A transactions
Equity and fixed income sales and trading, research and
corporate finance services, including equity and debt capital
markets and M&A transactions
Direct or
indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
% of
equity
shares
50.02
100
100
50.02
31
25
31
100
Indirect
100
Clarksons Platou Securities Limited
England and Wales Provision of investment advice to the shipping industry
Direct
Clarksons Platou Shipbroking
(Switzerland) SA
Clarksons Platou Shipping Services
USA LLC
Switzerland
Shipbroking
USA
Shipbroking
Clarksons Platou Tankers AS
Norway
Shipbroking
Company Event Management Limited
England and Wales Event management services
Gibb Tools Limited
Scotland
Supply of tools for industrial, commercial and retail use
H. Clarkson & Company Limited
England and Wales Shipbroking
LNG Shipping Solutions Limited
England and Wales Shipbroking
Manfin Consult AS*
Norwegian Marine Services AS
Shiplease Management AS
Norway
Norway
Norway
Shipping and offshore project syndication
Shipping and offshore project syndication
Shipping and offshore project syndication
Clarkson Australia Holdings Pty Limited
Australia
Holding company
Clarkson Holdings Limited*
England and Wales Holding company
Clarkson Overseas Shipbroking Limited
England and Wales Holding company
Clarkson Research Holdings Limited
England and Wales Holding company
Clarkson Shipbroking Group Limited
England and Wales Holding company
Clarkson Shipping Investments Limited
England and Wales Holding company
Clarksons Platou (USA) Inc*
USA
Holding company
Clarksons Platou Offshore (Singapore)
Pte. Limited
Singapore
Holding Company
Genchem Holdings Limited
England and Wales Holding company
Afromar Properties (Pty) Limited*
South Africa
Non-trading
Bonus Plus Investments Limited
Hong Kong
Non-trading
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Direct
Direct
Direct
Indirect
Indirect
Direct
Indirect
Indirect
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
51.1
100
50.02
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
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Company
Boxton Holding AS
Country of
incorporation
Norway
Principal activity
Non-trading
Clarkson (BVI) Limited*
British Virgin Islands
Non-trading
Clarkson Logistics (HK) Limited
Clarkson New Zealand Limited*
Clarkson Paris
Clarkson Port Services Ireland Limited
Hong Kong
New Zealand
France
Ireland
Diligent Challenger Limited
Hong Kong
Rigships FZCO*
RS Platou (Hellas) Limited
RS Platou (USA) Inc*
RS Platou Africa Limited
RS Platou Energy LLP
UAE
Cyprus
USA
Jersey
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
Non-trading
England and Wales
Non-trading
RS Platou Finance Singapore Pte. Limited*
Singapore
RS Platou Houston Inc*
USA
Non-trading
Non-trading
RS Platou LLP
England and Wales
Non-trading
Stewart Offshore Ghana Limited
Ghana
Stewart Offshore Services (Jersey) Limited
Jersey
Non-trading
Non-trading
Calypso Shipping Investments Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
Clarkson Capital Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
Clarkson Dry Cargo Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
Clarkson Ewings Limited
Northern Ireland
Clarkson Investment Services (DIFC) Limited* UAE
Dormant
Dormant
Clarkson IQ Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
Clarkson Logistics Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
Clarkson Market Analysis Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
Clarkson Sale and Purchase Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
Clarkson Shipbrokers Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
Clarkson Shipping Services
Acquisition USA LLC
Clarkson Tankers Limited*
USA
Dormant
England and Wales
Dormant
Coastal Shipping Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
EnShip Limited*
Scotland
Dormant
Halcyon Shipping Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
J. O. Plowright & Co. (Holdings) Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
Levelseas Limited*
LNG UK PLC*
England and Wales
Dormant
England and Wales
Dormant
Direct or
indirect
% of
equity
shares
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Direct
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Direct
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Direct
Indirect
Direct
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
55
51
100
100
51
50.02
100
51
75
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
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Financial statements
Notes to the parent company financial statements continued
T Subsidiaries continued
Company
Country of
incorporation
Principal activity
Marinet (Ship Agencies) Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
Michael F. Ewings (Shipping) Limited
Northern Ireland
Dormant
Oilfield Publications Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
RS Platou AM Holding AS
RS Platou Economic Research AS*
Norway
Norway
RS Platou Geneve (Dry) SA*
Switzerland
RS Platou Offshore AS*
RS Platou Shipbrokers AS*
Norway
Norway
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
Samuel Stewart & Co (London) Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
Shipvalue.net Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
Small and Co. (Shipping) Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
Stewart Offshore Services Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
The Stewart Group Limited*
England and Wales
Dormant
Waterfront Services Limited*
Northern Ireland
Dormant
* Exempt from audit
** 100% controlled
*** Trading in Greece
Direct or
indirect
% of
equity
shares
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
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Other information
Glossary
Aframax
AG
AHTS
Ballast voyage
Bareboat charter
Bulk cargo
Bunkers
Cabotage
A tanker size range defined by Clarksons as between 80-120,000 dwt.
Arabian Gulf.
Anchor Handling Tug and Supply vessel. Used to tow offshore drilling and production units to location and
deploy their anchors, and also perform a range of other support roles.
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.
A 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.
A ship’s fuel.
Transport of goods between two ports or places located in the same country, often restricted to domestic
carriers.
Capesize (cape)
Bulk ship size range defined by Clarksons as 100,000 dwt or larger.
Capesize 4tc
An index derived from an average of four Capesize time charter rates, published by the Baltic Exchange.
Cbm
Cgt
Cubic metres. Used as a measurement of cargo capacity for ships such as gas carriers.
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.
Charterer
Cargo owner or another person/company who hires a ship.
Charter-party
Transport contract between shipowner and shipper of goods.
CIF
ClarkSea index
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.
Clean products
Refined oil products such as naphtha.
COA
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 cargo, thereby increasing the productivity of the vessel. Typically termed
OBO or Ore/Oiler.
Containership
A cargo ship specifically equipped with cell guides for the carriage of containerised cargo.
Crude oil
CST
Unrefined oil.
Centistokes. A measure of viscosity used to classify marine fuels.
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 products
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
To put a vessel into a dry dock for inspection, repair and maintenance. Normally done on a regular basis.
Dwt
FFA
Deadweight tonne. A measure expressed in metric tonnes (1,000 kg) or long tonnes (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.
Forward Freight Agreement. A cash contract for differences requiring no physical delivery based on freight
rates on standardised trade routes.
125
www.clarksons.comOther informationFinancial statementsGovernanceStrategic report Other information
Glossary continued
FOB
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 (FOB)
Estimated commissions collectable over the duration of the contract as principal payments fall due. The
forward order book is not discounted.
FOSVA
FPSO
Freight rate
Handysize
Handymax
IMO
ISM code
LGC
LNG
LPG
LR1
LR2
MGC
MLP
MOA
MR
MT
NGL
OBO
Forward Ship Value Agreement. An FFA based product designed specifically for the sale and purchase
market.
Floating Production, Storage and Offloading unit. Used offshore for the production and processing of
hydrocarbons in remote deepwater areas.
The agreed charge for the carriage of cargo expressed per tonne of cargo (also Worldscale in the tanker
market) or as a lump sum.
Bulk carrier size range defined by Clarksons as 10-40,000 dwt or tanker size range defined by Clarksons as
10-60,000 dwt.
Bulk carrier size range defined by Clarksons as 40-65,000 dwt. Includes supramax and ultramax vessels.
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 40-65,000 cbm.
Liquefied Natural Gas.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
Long Range 1. Coated products tanker defined by Clarksons as 60,000-80,000 dwt.
Long Range 2. Coated products tanker defined by Clarksons as 80,000-120,000 dwt.
Mid-sized Gas Carrier. Vessel defined by Clarksons as 20-40,000 cbm.
Master Limited Partnership. A limited partnership that is publicly traded on a securities exchange.
Memorandum of Agreement.
Medium Range. A product tanker of around 45-60,000 dwt.
Metric tonne (see tonne).
Natural gas liquids.
Oil, Bulk, Ore carrier (see combination carrier).
Oil tanker
Tanker carrying crude oil or refined oil products.
OPEC
OSV
OTC
Panamax
Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Offshore Support Vessels. Such as AHTSs and PSVs. Ships engaged in providing support to offshore rigs
and oil platforms.
Over the counter. Directly between two parties, without any supervision of an exchange.
Bulk carrier size range defined by Clarksons as 65-100,000 dwt or tanker size range defined as 60-80,000
dwt. Containership size range defined as vessels 3,000+ TEU capable of transiting the Panama Canal.
Parcel tanker
Tanker equipped to carry several types of cargo simultaneously.
Product tanker
Tanker that carries refined oil products.
PSV
Reefer
Ro-Ro
Platform Supply Vessel. Used in supporting offshore rigs and platforms by delivering materials to them from
onshore.
A vessel capable of handling refrigerated cargoes such as meat, fish and fruit.
Ship with roll-on roll-off ramps for wheeled or tracked cargo.
Semi-refrigerated
Semi-refrigerated gas carriers. Ships which employ a combination of refrigeration and pressurisation to
maintain the transported gas in liquid form.
126
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 Shipbroker
A person/company who on behalf of a 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.
Shuttle tanker
Tanker carrying oil from offshore fields to terminals.
SOx/NOx
Spot business
Spot market
Suezmax
Supramax
TEU
Time charter
Time Charter Equivalent
(TCE)
Tonne
ULCC
Ultramax
VLCC
VLGC
Voyage charter
Voyage costs
Wet (market)
Worldscale (WS)
Sulphur Oxides/Nitrogen Oxides. A ship’s emissions of which are subject to regulatory limits.
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.
A tanker size range defined by Clarksons as 120-200,000 dwt.
A sub-sector of the wider handymax bulk carrier fleet defined by Clarksons as 50-60,000 dwt.
20-foot Equivalent Units. The unit of measurement of a standard 20 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.
Gross freight income less voyage costs (bunker, port and canal charges), usually expressed in US$ per day.
Imperial/Metric tonne of 2,240 lbs/1,000 kilos (2,204 lbs).
Ultra Large Crude Carrier. Tanker of more than 320,000 dwt.
A modern sub-sector of the wider handymax bulk carrier fleet, defined by Clarksons as 60-65,000 dwt,
including some vessels up to 70,000 dwt.
Very Large Crude Carrier. Tanker over 200,000 dwt.
Very Large Gas Carrier. Vessel defined by Clarksons as 65,000 cbm or larger.
The transportation of cargo from port(s) of loading to port(s) of discharge. Payment is normally per tonne 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.
127
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Five year financial summary
Income statement
Revenue
Cost of sales
Trading profit
Administrative expenses
Operating profit
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Profit for the year
* Before exceptional items and acquisition costs.
† Restated for the effects of IAS 19 (revised).
Cash flow
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities
Balance sheet
Non-current assets
Inventories
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
* Before exceptional items and acquisition costs.
2015*
£m
301.8
(10.3)
291.5
(242.0)
49.5
50.5
(12.6)
37.9
2015
£m
24.7
2015
£m
310.7
0.9
63.0
5.7
168.4
(168.5)
(39.3)
340.9
2014*
£m
237.9
(13.3)
224.6
(191.3)
33.3
33.8
(8.7)
25.1
2014
£m
37.8
2014
£m
65.7
1.4
44.2
25.3
152.9
(108.1)
(14.1)
167.3
2015
121.9p
62p
2014
134.2p
60p
2013*
£m
198.0
(6.2)
191.8
(166.9)
24.9
25.1
(6.9)
18.2
2013
£m
22.8
2013
£m
63.9
0.9
47.8
25.2
96.9
(89.4)
(7.6)
137.7
2013
98.0p
56p
2012*†
£m
176.2
(6.3)
169.9
(150.8)
19.1
20.0
(6.0)
14.0
2012
£m
(4.4)
2012
£m
65.2
–
33.5
25.2
89.4
(72.2)
(15.1)
126.0
2012
74.8p
51p
2011*
£m
194.6
(3.4)
191.2
(161.0)
30.2
32.2
(9.5)
22.7
2011
£m
7.2
2011
£m
63.5
–
38.1
–
132.9
(99.9)
(11.3)
123.3
2011
121.5p
50p
128
Clarkson PLC Annual Report 2015 Principal trading offices
United Kingdom
London
Registered office
Clarkson PLC
Commodity Quay
St. Katharine Docks
London
E1W 1BF
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 297 300
Ledbury
15 The Homend
Ledbury
Herefordshire
HR8 1BN
United Kingdom
Contact: Shaun Sturge
Tel: +44 1531 634 561
Aberdeen
70 St. Clement Street
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
AB11 5BD
United Kingdom
Contact: Innes Cameron
Tel: +44 1224 211 500
271 King Street
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
AB24 5AN
United Kingdom
Contact: Sean Maclean
Tel: +44 1224 620 944
City Wharf
Shiprow
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
AB11 5BY
United Kingdom
Contact: Paul Love
Tel: +44 1224 256 600
Belfast
Hurst House
15-19 Corporation Square
Belfast
BT1 3AJ
United Kingdom
Contact: Michael Ewings
Tel: +44 2890 242 242
Australia
Melbourne
Level 12
636 St. Kilda Road
Melbourne
VIC 3004
Australia
Contact: Michael Addison
Tel: +61 3 9867 6800
Perth
Level 10
16 St Georges Terrace
Perth
WA 6000
Australia
Contact: Mark Rowland
Tel: +61 8 6210 8700
Brazil
16th Floor Manhattan Tower
Av. Rio Branco 89
Suite 1601
Rio de Janeiro
20.040-004
Brazil
Contact: Jens Behrendt
Tel: +55 21 3923 8803
Hong Kong
3209-3214 Sun Hung Kai Centre
30 Harbour Road
Wanchai
Hong Kong
Contact: Martin Rowe
Tel: +852 2866 3111
China
Room 1303–1304
Standard Chartered Tower
201 Century Avenue
Shanghai
China 200120
Contact: Cheng Yu Wang
Tel: +86 21 6103 0100
Egypt
Alexandria
31 Elbatal Ahmed Abdel Aziz Street
Kasr El Ahlam Building
3rd Floor Apartment 305
Kafr Abdo
Alexandria
Egypt
Contact: Mohamed Ibraidm Amin
Tel: +20 3 543 2640
Cairo
2nd Floor
2 El Hegaz Street
Roxi
Heliopolis
Cairo
Egypt
Contact: Mohamed Reft Metawei
Tel: +20 2 2454 0509
Germany
Johannisbollwerk 20, 5. fl
20459
Hamburg
Germany
Contact: Jan Aldag
Tel: +49 40 3197 66 110
Greece
62 Kifissias Avenue
15125 Marousi
Greece
Contact: Savvas Athanasiadis
Tel: +30 210 458 6700
India
507–508 The Address
1 Golf Course Road
Sector 56
Gurgaon
122011 Haryana
India
Contact: Amit Mehta
Tel: +91 124 281 3000
Italy
Piazza Rossetti 3A
16129 Genoa
Italy
Contact: Massimo Dentice
Tel: +39 0 10 55401
Morocco
92 Boulevard d’Anfa
20100 Casablanca
Morocco
Contact: Hassan Benjelloun
Tel: +212 522 493970
The Netherlands
Blaak 522
3011 TA Rotterdam
The Netherlands
Contact: Hans Brinkhorst
Tel: +31 10 7422 833
Norway
Munkedamsveien 62C
0270 Oslo
Norway
Contact: Peter M. Anker
Tel: +47 2311 2000
Singapore
12 Marina View
# 29–01 Asia Square Tower 2
Singapore 018961
Contact: Giles Lane / Christian
Bartz-Johannessen
Tel: +65 6339 0036
South Africa
PO Box 5890
Rivonia
Johannesburg 2128
South Africa
Contact: Simon Lester
Tel: +27 11 803 0008
704 Somerset Square
Highfield Street
Green Point
Cape Town 8001
South Africa
Contact: Simon Pethick
Tel: +27 21 440 3870
Sweden
Uppsala Castle
Uppsala
Sweden 75237
Contact: Torbjorn Helmfrid
Tel: +46 18 502 075
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
USA
Houston
1333 West Loop South
Suites 1525 and 1550
Houston
Texas 77027
USA
Contact: Roger Horton/Jeff Spittel/
Chad Nichols
Tel: +1 713 235 7400
New York
21st Floor
280 Park Avenue
New York NY 10017
Contact: Omar Nokta
Tel: +1 212 317 7080
Contact: Philipp Bau
Tel: +1 212 314 0970
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Thank you.
This report is available at:
www.clarksons.com
Clarkson PLC
Commodity Quay
St. Katharine Docks
London E1W 1BF
United Kingdom
+44 20 7334 0000
www.clarksons.com
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