Clarksons FY profits drop but dividend lifted, outlook upbeat

(Sharecast News) - Shipping services firm Clarksons posted a drop in full-year profit on Monday amid "extraordinary geopolitical and economic complexity", but lifted its dividend and struck an upbeat note on the outlook.

In the 12 months to the end of December, underlying pre-tax profit fell to £90.6m from £115.3m, while underlying basic earnings per share declined to 225.8p from 286.9p. Revenue dipped to £631.4m from £661.4m.

As at the end of December, the forward order book for invoicing in 2026 was $244m, up from $231m a year earlier.

Chair Laurence Hollingworth said the global business environment was shaped by heightened uncertainty, with the first half of the year marked by significant political shifts, escalating tariff regimes, and the increase in use of sanctions by government authorities.

"These dynamics created a period of significantly reduced activity across many industries, with companies facing unprecedented challenges in decision-making and market engagement," he said.

"Despite these headwinds, the second half of the year started to see renewed momentum. Market sentiment improved, and businesses began to move beyond the earlier standstill, as larger players actively re-engaged in transactions and Clarksons supported its clients through turbulent times. Our ability to adapt, invest and lead in this environment is a testament to the strength and expertise of our global teams and the clarity of our strategic vision."

The company declared a full-year dividend of 112p, up 3% on 2024 and marking the 23rd consecutive year of dividend growth.

At 1000 GMT, the shares were up 1.8% at 4,482p.

Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said: "The global shipping market is in focus in a way it probably hasn't been since Covid, making now an interesting time for broker Clarkson to announce its latest results.

"Clarkson works as an intermediary between ship owners and charterers - those looking to move cargo. That puts it right at the centre of several moving parts geopolitically, including tariffs and global conflicts.

"The company's ability to navigate increasingly complex and fractured waters is reflected in the company's 23rd consecutive increase in the dividend.

"Arguably these complexities make its services, which also include financing and data insights, even more crucial and Clarkson's order book is moving higher at a rate of knots."