Clarkson strikes optimistic note for 2026 after profit and sales fall
Clarkson PLC on Monday said market sentiment has been ‘positive and trading has been good’ so far in 2026 after a tough 2025 which saw sales and profits drop.
The London-based provider of shipping services said pretax profit fell 23% to £86.7 million in 2025 from £112.1 million the year prior, as revenue dropped 4.5% to £631.4 million from £661.4 million.
Basic earnings per share declined to 214.0 pence from 277.1p.
Clarkson declared a final dividend of 79p per share, up from 77p a year ago, taking the total payout to 112p per share, up 2.8% from 109p in 2024, the 23rd consecutive year of dividend growth.
‘2025 was a year that tested the resilience and adaptability of the global shipping industry,’ said Chief Executive Andi Case.
‘Throughout 2025, shipping markets were buffeted by a series of material geo-political shocks and economic headwinds. The imposition of new tariffs, ongoing sanctions and regional conflicts disrupted established trade routes and increased complexity across the sector,’ the CEO added.
More optimistically, Case said in 2026 to date, momentum from the fourth quarter of 2025 has continued, and market sentiment has been ‘positive and trading has been good.’
At the end of 2025, the forward order book for invoicing in 2026 was $244 million versus $231 million at the beginning of 2025.
Case said the forward order book reflects new building contracts, long-term time charters and multi-year contract income, ‘providing a good platform for future earnings visibility’.
‘The strength of our balance sheet, excellent cash generation and healthy FOB gives us confidence to be at the forefront of opportunities for growth and to actively consider opportunities for M&A where accretive to the business,’ the CEO added.
Shares in Clarkson rose 2.2% to 4,500.00p each in London on Monday.
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