Final Results
26 Marzo 2003 - 1:01AM
UK Regulatory
RNS Number:2024J
Clarkson PLC
26 March 2003
CLARKSONS
PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Clarkson PLC ('Clarksons'), the holding company for Clarksons, the world's
largest shipbroker and shipping services group, today announces preliminary
results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2002.
RESULTS FOR 2002
Year ended Year ended
31 December 2002 31 December 2001
(unaudited) (audited)
TURNOVER #35.7m #42.6m
PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION #4.5m #9.3m
EARNINGS PER SHARE 17.95p 42.31p
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE 15.00p 15.00p
* Resilient performance in difficult shipping market.
* Dividend maintained at 15.00 pence per share covered 4.5 times by available
cash resources.
* New offices in Houston, Genoa and Auckland and expansion in Shanghai,
Singapore and Greece.
* Formation of Clarkson Logistics Limited and investment in two OBO vessels.
* Strong shipping markets in the first quarter of 2003.
MICHAEL BECKETT, CHAIRMAN OF CLARKSON PLC, COMMENTED:
"The upswing in shipping markets in the final quarter of 2002 arrived too late
to give any significant boost to income in a volatile and unpredictable year.
"In the first quarter of 2003, shipping market earnings continued at high levels
with freight rates once again reaching levels not seen since the record breaking
year of 2001.
"Clarksons is and intends to remain the world's leading shipping services
provider. The company has demonstrated its ability to produce strong results and
cash flow and pay a good dividend in both prosperous and challenging times. It
is well set both for 2003 and the longer term."
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Robert Ward, Finance Director, Clarkson PLC: 020 7334 0000
Rebecca Sly/Sarah Bagnall, RSB Consultancy: 020 7264 2080
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT AND REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
In a year in which Clarksons celebrated 150 years of serving the world of
shipping the company experienced volatile, often unpredictable and difficult
shipping freight markets to which we have now become quite accustomed. Although
the reduced level of profit for the year reflects the downturn that subsisted
for most of the year, shipping markets ended on a strong note which augers well
for 2003.
Turnover in 2002 was down to #35.7 million (2001: #42.6 million) reflecting the
poor trading conditions in the early part of the year. Profit before taxation
fell to #4.5 million compared with the record #9.3 million for 2001. Earnings
per share were 17.95 pence per share (2001: 42.31 pence per share). However the
directors are recommending that the dividend for the year remains unchanged at
15.00 pence per share (2001: 15.00 pence per share). The 2002 dividend is
covered 4.5 times (2001: 4.6 times) by available cash balances.
The final quarter of 2002 saw considerable increases across the freight markets,
most markedly in the tanker and dry bulk sectors. The ClarkSea Index (which
tracks average earnings across the shipping market) remained below US$10,000 per
day until the end of September 2002 before rising to US$15,600 per day at the
end of the year. The average daily rate of the ClarkSea Index for 2002 was
US$10,390 (2001: US$15,360 per day).
The group further diversified in 2002. We expanded our global network, with the
opening of new overseas offices, and we led a shipping logistics project. Our
other non-shipbroking business, including futures and research, continues to
expand strongly. The results for the year illustrate the group's increasing
ability to generate reasonable returns and cash flows even in difficult times.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
DRY CARGO
Despite declining world equity markets and concern over the state of the global
economy, industrial production in the Far East, in particular in China,
underwent a sustained recovery in 2002. In the fourth quarter in particular
there was considerable support for the dry bulk market.
The Baltic Dry Index, which covers the entire dry bulk sector, averaged 1026 in
the first three quarters of 2002 but had risen to 1738 by the end of the year;
the overall average for the year was 1137 (2001: 1217).
Capesize average earnings increased from US$9,100 per day at the start of the
year to US$24,800 per day by the end of the year. However, nearly all the
increase occurred in the second half of the year and overall average earnings
were down by 14% relative to 2001.
Average Panamax earnings increased from US$6,000 per day to close the year at
US$11,900 per day. Year on year average earnings, however, fell by 18%.
Handy earnings were relatively stable by comparison showing average decreases of
approximately 4%. In the final quarter average daily Handymax earnings reached
US$10,200 per day having remained within a US$6,500 to US$8,000 range to mid
September 2002.
Low rates of both scrapping and deliveries of new tonnage resulted in fleet
growth during 2002 of only 2.9%.
TANKERS - DEEP SEA
The deep sea tanker market in 2002 was difficult, but the severity of the fall
in freight rates was unexpected. Uncertainty in the Middle East and oil
production problems in Venezuela resulted in considerable volatility in the
final quarter of the year. High levels of scrapping helped offset the 25m dwt of
new vessels delivered into the market and ensured that the tanker fleet grew by
only 1.6% during 2002.
VLCC daily earnings fell to US$5,200 per day in April 2002 before rebounding to
nearly US$90,000 per day in December 2002. Average VLCC earnings for 2002 were
US$22,000 per day (2001: US$35,600 per day).
The suezmax and aframax sectors outperformed the VLCC market despite the
delivery of more efficient vessel newbuildings. Both markets experienced low
earnings during the first nine months of 2002, before rising sharply towards the
end of the year. Average suezmax earnings were down 42% and those for aframax
tankers down 38% relative to 2001.
The products section concluded a significant increase in clean and fuel oil
business following the successful recruitment of a team of brokers from
Grosvenor Shipbrokers in November 2002.
TANKERS - GAS AND SPECIALISED
Conditions in the gas and specialised sectors were difficult. Economic factors
held back demand at a time when there were strong deliveries of new vessels.
In the gas sector, record scrapping of LPG tonnage exceeded the level of
newbuilding deliveries, but this failed to offset weak demand and increasing
restrictions on the employment of older vessels. Typical average earnings in
2002 were US$16,679 per day (2001: US$28,480 per day).
The poor state of the petrochemicals business and slower expansion of industry
capacity in the Middle East affected our specialised tanker team. These
conditions, when combined with minimal scrapping, resulted in weakened spot and
period rates.
Despite difficult trading conditions, this was a positive year for our chemicals
business. Average spot freight rates in 2002 were 6% lower than in 2001. In
September we acquired NetCo Europe Limited, a successful London based broker.
This acquisition strengthened our specialised tanker team with minimal overlap
of our existing activities and is fitting in well.
SALE AND PURCHASE
After the events of 11 September 2001, sale and purchase volume was
significantly lower and this continued into the first half of 2002. Activity
increased in the second half, both in secondhand and newbuilding.
The newbuilding sector saw yard asking prices under pressure as competition
between the yards and weak market sentiment caused lower demand. 2002
experienced a marked shift away from ordering tankers (down by 31%) and
container vessels (down by 47%). However this was compensated by increased dry
bulk carrier contracting, until the situation dramatically reversed at the year
end.
After the 'Prestige' disaster in November 2002, there was renewed interest in
tanker ordering. Lower prices and renewed competition sparked a recovery in
demand for container ships.
Weaker freight markets in the early part of the year significantly reduced
secondhand buyer confidence in the tanker and container markets. The majority of
secondhand business was concentrated on the scrapping of old tankers and the
buying of dry bulk vessels. We participated in the scrapping of a large amount
of older tanker tonnage. We benefited from the growing buying interest in the
dry bulk sector. Confidence in the dry bulk sector generally improved with the
market's increased ability to absorb new tonnage. Lower asking prices generated
activity in both the cape and panamax sectors as buyers invested to take
advantage of expanding Chinese industrial production. Some significant
secondhand deals were concluded.
LNG activity was affected by a lack of new projects and concerns that a number
of new ships scheduled for delivery in the next few years remain to be fixed.
New supplies of gas are expected to come to the market to meet the anticipated
increase in demand for LNG. The LNG Shipping Solutions team is well placed to
take advantage of any such increase in activity.
The container team is now operating regularly on behalf of a number of major
shipping lines and spot income is steadily increasing and we have plans for
expansion in the liner business outside of London.
FUTURES
The futures division arranged more than double the number of forward freight
agreements when compared with 2001. The division acquired new clients in a
rapidly expanding market and took advantage when rates rose steeply in the last
quarter. Much of the financial benefit of this success will, however, arise in
2003.
RESEARCH, CONSULTANCY AND PUBLICATIONS
Income rose by 7% in 2002. New business lines continue to lead the way with
revenue from digital products, including Shipping Intelligence Network, and
consultancy up by over 35%. Such increases were partially offset by declines in
the more traditional hard copy sales of registers and periodicals.
During the last quarter we published a number of reports, including 'Tankers in
Transition', 'LNG Trade and Transport' and a sector report on the capesize
market. More is expected of these types of reports in 2003.
In February 2003, we announced the acquisition of LevelSeas Limited including
the right to use the LSX software. The company sees the purchase as a natural
and logical extension of its existing e-business operations and is currently
investigating the best way to use the LevelSeas software to deliver Clarkson
information and research products.
WORLDWIDE OFFICES
The Clarkson name is probably one of the best known in shipping worldwide and in
recent years the company's shipping research and statistical data have
significantly enhanced its reputation.
It is the company's declared intention to use its strength in this area to
expand its network of international offices, each providing a focus for the
local shipping community they serve. With this policy in mind new offices were
established during the year in Houston and Genoa. The office in Houston will
service the strong local tanker market. The office in Genoa will facilitate a
better service to our Italian clients.
Clarkson Hellas, our Piraeus-based operation, added a dry bulk broking team at
the end of 2002 to its existing sale and purchase team.
Elsewhere the subsidiary companies in Asia, based in Hong Kong, Singapore and
Shanghai, continue to make a useful contribution to profit, notably our tanker
business in Singapore.
Austral Chartering, based in Sydney and Melbourne, was also profitable. In
August 2002 it expanded its business by the purchase of Beacon Chartering &
Shipping Limited, a New Zealand based broker specialising in the shipping of
reefer and dry bulk cargoes.
Our South African subsidiary Afromar together with our associates AGA Cofimar in
France and Overseas Wiborg in the United States, continue to contribute to the
group's results.
LOGISTICS
At the beginning of August 2002 we announced the formation of Clarkson Logistics
Limited. Its first project has been the acquisition of a 58% shareholding in
Pasir Bulk Carriers Pte Limited ('Pasir'), a company registered in Singapore.
Pasir has acquired two OBO carriers, which are both on bareboat charter to a
subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries of Singapore. The US$10 million combined cost
of the OBOs, together with associated loans of US$8.5 million, depreciation and
minority interests, are included in the group balance sheet as at 31 December
2002. The net equity investment in Pasir is US$1.2 million.
FINANCIAL
The overall effective tax rate was 37.1% (2001: 35.0%). This tax rate is higher
than the standard rate of UK tax because of the impact of disallowable trading
expenses. In 2001 the group benefited from the utilisation of brought forward
capital losses which partially offset similar disallowable expenditure.
The US dollar is the major trading currency of the group. During 2002 the
exchange rate varied from a low of #1/US$1.40 in February 2002 to #1/US$1.61 at
the year end. The average exchange rate for the period was #1/US$1.51 (2001: #1/
US$1.44). The group has used forward contracts to reduce its exposure to
variations in exchange rates thereby limiting the impact on our sterling
results.
The amount of goodwill on the balance sheet at 31 December 2002 has increased by
#1.2 million to #2.2 million reflecting the acquisition of NetCo Europe Limited
and the business and assets of Beacon Chartering & Shipping. These goodwill
assets are being amortised over a period of 20 years.
At the year end the aggregate cash balance was #16.3 million (2001: #19.4
million). During the first three months of 2003 #5.2 million (2001: #8.8
million) has been paid in respect of employee bonus entitlements and UK taxation
relating to 2002.
The fall in global stock markets, together with the associated fall in bond
yields, has resulted in a pension scheme deficit after deferred tax relief of
#8.7 million as at 31 December 2002, as calculated under FRS 17 representing
approximately 10% of pension scheme liabilities. Hewitt Bacon & Woodrow estimate
that, when spread over the average scheme member working life of 15 years and
taking into account the additional pension provision of #375,000 the company
made in the year, the deficit will result initially in a further increase in
pension costs of #450,000 per annum, increasing annually in line with future
earnings. The company will continue to evaluate the appropriate level of future
company and individual contributions. On 31 March 2003 the company will close
its existing final salary scheme to new entrants; new entrants will participate
in a new defined contribution scheme. As the cost under this new scheme is
limited to the contributions paid, this measure should reduce the volatility of
pension costs over the long term.
DIRECTORS
In January 2002 we welcomed Martin Clark as a non-executive director of the
company. Martin is a non-executive director of Senior plc, BPB plc and Blick
plc, and a former group finance director of Caradon plc. Martin chairs the audit
and risk management committee.
In March 2002 we welcomed Tim Harris as a non-executive director of the company.
Tim is chairman of James Fisher and Sons plc, and formerly chief executive of P&
O Nedlloyd.
As previously indicated, Stephen James stood down in May 2002 as a non-executive
director at the annual general meeting.
In July 2002 Richard Fulford-Smith asked to step down as a Clarkson PLC director
in order to concentrate on his shipbroking role but continues as managing
director of our principal UK broking subsidiary H Clarkson & Company Limited.
Richard was a director for some 18 months and the board is grateful to him for
his services during that time.
STAFF
The board wishes to place on record its thanks to all members of staff at home
and abroad, who have contributed to the group's continuing success.
DIVIDEND
The board recommends maintaining the level of dividend at 15.00 pence per share
(2001: 15.00 pence per share). This distribution still allows the company to
retain sufficient resources within the group for future investment.
OUTLOOK
The growth in world industrial production continues, particularly in the Far
East. This has had a beneficial affect on seaborne trade and shipping markets as
supply and demand appear at present to be in balance.
In the first quarter of 2003, shipping market earnings continued at high levels
with the ClarkSea Index averaging US$17,600 per day against an average of
US$10,390 per day for 2002 and US$15,360 per day in the record breaking year of
2001. We have taken advantage of these favourable trading conditions.
There are, however, considerable uncertainties overhanging the global economy
and these could reverse the recent significant increases in freight rates.
Whilst relatively low deliveries of new dry bulk carriers will not result in any
significant growth in that fleet, the tanker market will need to absorb new
tonnage equal to 11% of the existing fleet in 2003.
Although the company's core shipbroking activities are strongly cash generative
and have demonstrated their ability to produce reasonable returns even in
difficult times, the results will inevitably vary with the shipping cycle. To
help offset this the management is committed to diversification opportunities
such as the Pasir venture which are consistent with and build upon the company's
core expertise of shipping intelligence and anticipates it will provide a more
regular income stream.
Clarksons is and intends to remain the world's leading shipping services
provider. We shall seek to ensure that we have the right blend and depth of
skills to continue to grow our core businesses as the structure of the shipping
industry changes and given the variable fortunes of the freight market. As the
undisputed leader in the provision of publications and research to the industry
we have a sound base for developing new products and concepts to serve the
shipping industry. Building on these skills and strengths the company is
establishing a network of international offices each providing a focus for the
local market they serve.
The company has demonstrated its ability to produce strong results and cash flow
and pay a good dividend in both prosperous and challenging times. It is well set
both for 2003 and the longer term.
CHAIRMAN
Finally, I have been a non-executive director of your company since 1988 and its
chairman for the past 10 years. Irrespective of the proposed changes to the
corporate governance guidelines, I now consider that after such a period of
service it is appropriate for me to stand down from both roles and I therefore
intend to retire from the board following the conclusion of the 2004 annual
general meeting. The board has proposed that Tim Harris succeed me as chairman.
I am delighted to confirm that Tim Harris has agreed to this proposal. To enable
a smooth transfer of responsibilities, I am pleased to announce the appointment
of Tim Harris as deputy chairman of your company.
Michael Beckett
Chairman
25 March 2003
CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
Year to Year to
31 December 2002 31 December 2001
(unaudited) #m (audited) #m
TURNOVER 35.7 42.6
OPERATING PROFIT 3.9 7.3
Share of profits of associated undertakings 0.1 0.2
(Loss)/profit on sale of fixed assets (0.1) 1.0
Amortisation of goodwill (0.1) -
Interest receivable and similar income 0.7 0.8
PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION 4.5 9.3
Taxation (1.7) (3.3)
PROFIT AFTER TAXATION 2.8 6.0
Dividends
Interim 6.00p (2001: 6.00p) (1.0) (0.9)
Final proposed 9.00p (2001: 9.00p) (1.5) (1.4)
(2.5) (2.3)
RETAINED PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 0.3 3.7
EARNINGS PER SHARE 17.95p 42.31p
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Year to Year to
31 December 2002 31 December 2001
(unaudited) #m (audited) #m
FIXED ASSETS 13.3 7.3
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 7.0 6.8
Cash and deposits 16.3 19.4
23.3 26.2
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year (15.1) (18.2)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 8.2 8.0
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 21.5 15.3
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after more than one year (3.9) -
PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES (0.1) -
(4.0) -
17.5 15.3
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Equity shareholders' funds 17.0 15.3
Equity minority interests 0.5 -
17.5 15.3
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
Year to Year to
31 December 2002 31 December 2001
(unaudited) #m (audited) #m
NET CASH INFLOW FROM
OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2.1 13.9
DIVIDENDS FROM ASSOCIATES 0.1 0.1
RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS AND
SERVICING OF FINANCE 0.6 0.8
TAXATION (2.9) (2.6)
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND
FINANCIAL INVESTMENT (8.4) (2.0)
EQUITY DIVIDENDS PAID (2.4) (2.0)
MANAGEMENT OF LIQUID RESOURCES
Increase in short term deposits (3.8) (6.0)
FINANCING 7.9 0.5
(DECREASE)/INCREASE IN FUNDS (6.8) 2.7
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES
Year to Year to
31 December 2002 31 December 2001
(unaudited) #m (audited) #m
PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES
AFTER TAXATION 2.8 6.0
Foreign exchange differences (0.5) (0.1)
Total recognised gains relating to the year 2.3 5.9
MOVEMENT IN EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS
Year to Year to
31 December 2002 31 December 2001
(unaudited) #m (audited) #m
PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES
AFTER TAXATION 2.8 6.0
Issue of new shares 1.9 0.5
Foreign exchange differences (0.5) (0.1)
Dividends (2.5) (2.3)
Total movements during the year 1.7 4.1
Equity shareholders' funds at 1 January 15.3 11.2
Equity shareholders' funds at 31 December 17.0 15.3
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
(LOSS)/PROFIT ON SALE OF FIXED ASSETS
The loss on sale of fixed assets represents the net gain arising from various
asset disposals of #652,000 less provisions for permanent diminution in the
value of long term investments of #711,000.
DIVIDENDS
The directors will be recommending a final dividend of 9.00 pence per share,
payable on 20 June 2003 to shareholders on the register at the close of business
on 6 June 2003, making a total dividend for the year of 15.00 pence per share
(2001: 15.00 pence per share).
EARNINGS PER SHARE
The earnings per ordinary share is based on profit after tax for the financial
period of #2.62 million (2001: #5.97 million) and 14,580,607 (2001: 14,103,787)
shares in issue throughout the period. This is after excluding 887,018 weighted
average number of shares and #0.15 million income of the Executive Share
Purchase Trust.
ACCOUNTS
It is anticipated that full accounts will be posted to shareholders on 9 April
2003. The figures for the year ended 31 December 2002 included in this
announcement are unaudited and do not constitute full accounts within the
meaning of Section 240(5) of the Companies Act 1985. The figures for the year
ended 31 December 2001 have been extracted from the full accounts for that year
which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and on which the
auditors have issued an unqualified audit report.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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