Clarksons is increasing its dividend for the 19th consecutive year, continuing its progressive dividend policy to reflect the cash-generative nature of the business, the strong balance sheet and record forward order book. In addition, the Board has retained resources to enable it to maximise shareholder value by maintaining flexibility to act swiftly, particularly to opportunities arising from the green transition, technology and other areas of their business.
The Board is recommending a final dividend for 2021 of 57p (2020: 54p). Combined with the interim dividend in respect of 2021 of 27p (2020: 25p), the resulting full year dividend in respect of 2021 results is 84p (2020: 79p). The dividend will be payable on 27 May 2022 to shareholders on the register on 13 May 2022, subject to shareholder approval.
Other financial highlights include:
Record underlying profit before taxation of £69.4m (2020: £44.7m), an increase of 55.3%
Underlying earnings per share increased 56.2% to 165.6p (2020: 106.0p)
Particularly strong performance in Broking and Financial segments
Forward order book for invoicing in 2022 was US$165m (2021: US$116m), an increase of 42.2%
Robust balance sheet with free cash resources of £92.3m (2020: £81.1m)
