Shares in Clarksons climbed by as much as nine per cent on Monday following the announcement. The ship broker stated that it expects full-year results to be "materially ahead" of expectations.
The company attributed the rise in earnings per share, which increased by 50 per cent, to market volatility caused by the Iran war. The group's board also increased its dividend from 33p to 35p, marking the 24th consecutive year of raising shareholder payouts.
Clarksons' core shipbroking and investment banking divisions experienced record trading as ships were forced to re-route and undertake longer voyages. A shortage of vessels, with dozens reportedly stranded in the Persian Gulf, also contributed to higher earnings.
The FTSE 250 firm also confirmed that Jeff Woyda, the veteran chief financial officer, has been replaced by Niamh Staunton, BP’s shipping finance chief.