Clarkson shares tumble 17% amid uncertain outlook and softer markets

(Alliance News) - Clarkson PLC on Monday boosted its dividend amid record profit levels as it reported a softening of markets owing to ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.

The London-based provider of shipping services said pretax profit for 2024 increased by 3.0% to GBP112.1 million from GBP108.8 million in 2023.

On an underlying basis it improved 5.6% to a record high of GBP115.3 million from GBP109.2 million. This represents the third consecutive year this metric has been above GBP100 million.

Shares in Clarkson fell 17% to 3,650.00 pence on Monday morning in London.

Revenue advanced 3.4% to GBP661.4 million from GBP639.4 million, owing to "growth across the business".

Clarkson upped its final dividend by 6.9% to 77 pence from 72p. Its total dividend was also 6.9% higher at 109p from 102p.

The firm's forward order book also grew, rising to USD231million at the end of the year, compared to USD217 million a year earlier.

Looking ahead, Clarkson said the opportunities before the firm "remain significant", with commodity demand, energy security and environmental factors presenting a "complex backdrop" for medium-term market growth.

Chief Executive Andi Case said freight rates and asset values for 2025 are currently lower than 2024 levels, owing to uncertainty created by "ongoing regional conflicts and trade tensions".

Case said markets have softened following the war in Ukraine and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with these underscoring the "importance and fragility of global supply chains".

"The resolution or continuation of these events during the year will provide potential headwinds and tailwinds to the group's performance as we support our clients through this complexity," continued Case.

Case added: "2024 was another year of disruption, complexity and opportunity for global shipping markets and against this backdrop I am immensely proud of the hard work and dedication of all my colleagues in producing another record result."

By Christopher Ward, Alliance News reporter

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