Clarksons shares jump as Iran war volatility lifts first-half profit 39%

Clarksons PLC said its first-half pretax profit rose 39% year on year and earnings per share increased 50%, benefiting from heightened geopolitical risk linked to the Iran war that tightened vessel supply and lifted demand for shipping services. The company said dozens of ships were stranded and capacity was constrained, supporting stronger commission income. Its board raised the dividend to 35p from 33p, extending a 24-year run of annual payout increases.