Chair's review

Overview

As the Chair of Clarkson PLC, I am privileged to report another set of record results. As I reflect on the drivers of this performance, despite all the disruptions to shipping faced throughout the year, I believe it comes down to a number of key factors, the seeds of which were planted many years ago. For a number of years, Clarksons has consistently invested in line with its strategy to build breadth and depth of services to its clients with leading positions in each segment. As a result, it has created a truly global company with local teams across all the key shipping geographies which are intrinsically connected to those localities.

Over this time, Clarksons has also built a large market data and intelligence capability and a technology platform, providing best-in-sector tools for trade so our outstanding colleagues can offer clients the best, most informed advice. We have strategically invested in the trends which drive our industry, whether it be the financing of the industry or, more recently, in shipping’s green transition. With global trade continuing to grow in both volume and complexity, these strategic pillars of Clarksons are providing our clients with sector leading advice, market intelligence and capabilities.

Results

The results for 2023 reflect the strength and diversity of our business model, as well as our ability to adapt to changing market conditions. Revenue increased by 5.9% to £639.4m, driven by strong growth in our Broking, Support and Research divisions, as well as responsible treasury management. Underlying profit before taxation* increased by 8.2% to £109.2m. We have maintained a strong balance sheet, with net assets of £456.6m (2022: £413.2m) and free cash resources* of £175.4m as at 31 December 2023 (2022: £130.9m).

*Classed as an Alternative Performance Measure (‘APM’). See pages 219 and 220 of the 2023 Annual Report for further information on APMs.

Dividend

In line with our progressive dividend policy, the Board has recommended a final dividend of 72p per share, bringing the total dividend for 2023 to 102p per share, an increase of 10% compared to 2022. This reflects our confidence in the future prospects of the Group and our commitment to continued delivery of shareholder returns. We are proud of our dividend growth track record, 2023 being our 21st year of consecutive dividend increases.

People

Our people are unquestionably our most important and valuable asset and the key to our success. We have a talented, diverse and dedicated team of over 2,000 employees across more than 60 offices in 24 countries, who share our vision and values. We continue to invest in their development, wellbeing and engagement, as well as in attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry. Our specialist teams are deeply embedded in their markets, enabling us to retain our market leading positions across each market segment. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues for their hard work,  commitment and dedication to both Clarksons and to our clients.

Giving back

We are proud of our long-standing tradition of contributing to the communities where we operate and the causes we care about. In 2023, through The Clarkson Foundation, we made donations to various charitable initiatives, both at home and around the world. We have also supported many of our employees’ volunteering efforts throughout the year. We are also leading positive change by continuing to invest in the growth of our Green Transition team, which is importantly helping our clients to reduce the impact of shipping on the environment.

Board

I am grateful to my fellow Board members, whose strengths and diversity of experience bring a range of skills and perspectives to the boardroom table. In February 2024, Birger Nergaard had served nine years on the Clarksons Board. He has agreed to stay on the Board until our AGM in May 2024 where he will not be standing for re election. A search for a new non-executive director has commenced and we will make a further announcement when appropriate. We thank Birger for his important contribution to the development and governance of the Group and wish him well for the future.

Outlook

We are optimistic about the route ahead of us. Sector trends remain favourable, global trade continues to grow in both scale and  complexity, and the green transition in shipping is moving ahead apace. We believe that Clarksons is well-positioned to capitalise on these trends and opportunities, with a consistent and clear strategy, and a strong market position serving a loyal client base which is having to navigate more challenges. Sustained investment in our strategy has given us a competitive edge. With a record forward order book of secured 2024 revenues of US$217m, the Board looks to the future with confidence.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues, our clients and our shareholders for their support as Clarksons continues to play a critical role in powering, feeding and connecting the world, regardless of the unexpected challenges the trading world presents. Clarksons is an outstanding business.

Laurence Hollingworth

Chair

1 March 2024

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