Clarkson eyes material full-year beat after record interim profit

Clarkson PLC on Monday said it expects full-year performance to be "materially" ahead of market expectations following an exceptional first half.

The optimistic outlook sent shares in the London-based shipping services company up 6.5% to 5,035.00 pence each in London on Monday morning, an all-time high.

Clarkson said it reported a record first-half profit generated from strong trading conditions, accentuated by turbulence in the Strait of Hormuz, the key shipping route disrupted by the Middle East war.

"This disruption reshaped trade flows, driving an initial surge in freight rates and elevated hedging activity as clients sought to manage price and freight exposure. This was followed by a period of operational dislocation, with vessels repositioned and supply chains disrupted," Clarkson explained.

Pretax profit jumped 48% to £55.6 million in the six months ended June 30 from £37.5 million the year prior.

Revenue increased 39% to £413.5 million from £297.8 million.

Clarkson said its Broking division delivered its strongest-ever first-half performance, reporting operating profit of £64.8 million, up from £41.8 million the year prior, at a margin of 20.9% versus 18.8%.

The Financial division saw operating profit of £11.7 million, up from £4.5 million on-year. Operating profit in the Support division declined to £2.6 million from £2.9 million on-year, but rose in the Research business to £6.3 million from £5.1 million.

"The strength of the first half result has put the group into a strong position for the year, and the board now expects the full year outcome to be materially ahead of market expectations. Given the exceptional strength seen in the first half, the usual second-half weighting is unlikely this year," the FTSE 250-listing said.

The interim dividend was increased to 35p per share from 33p the year prior.

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