UK shipbroker Clarksons is heading for a big profit in 2021 after a healthier second half in booming markets.
The London-listed company said the result for the year is forecast to be ahead of market expectations after "continued strong trading".
Underlying profit is anticipated to be at least £65m ($86m), compared with £44.7m in the whole of 2020.
The company finished the first six months with earnings of £27.5m.
"Performance has been strong across all divisions, with the financial and broking divisions performing particularly well," the world's largest shipbroker said.
Continuing the first-half trend
Overall revenue rose by 5.4% from 2020 to reach £190.1m in the first six months.
Clarksons' broking division made £900,000 more profit in the first half of 2021 at £30.3m, compared with the same period last year.
But the firm said this result was negatively impacted by the sterling-dollar exchange rate, which was 9% lower than last year on average during the six months.
"Broking has continued to grow its significant forward orderbook as spot business concluded in the first half is invoiced on delivery, or end of voyage, in the second half and beyond," chief executive Andi Case said in August.
On 2 December, huge US investment management firm BlackRock strengthened its position as one of the broker's biggest shareholders.
According to a regulatory filing, the New York-based company increased its stake to 5.38% in the London-listed group on 30 November.
The holding was worth £59m at the time.
Fidelity Management & Research is reported as the biggest investor with 6.89%, followed by RS Platou Holding on 6.62%.
BlackRock now ranks next, while the only other shareholder above 5% is Barclays on 5.34%.
Clarksons' top executives have substantial holdings in the broker too.
In April, new awards of share options left Case sitting on a potential stake worth £19.9m.
