Maersk’s Q2 profit smashes forecasts amid global trade turbulence, raises 2026 outlook again
Analysts warn current market strength may fade if Red Sea traffic normalises
Danish shipping company Maersk reported a profit for Q2 that exceeded analysts' forecasts, raising its full-year earnings guidance for a second consecutive year. The company's profit before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for the April to June period was $3 billion, surpassing the median forecast of $2.12 billion from 11 analysts. This comes as global trade continues to face turbulence, with strong demand and rising freight rates driving the increase.
In June, Maersk had already raised its outlook, citing robust demand, particularly in Asia, and forecasting a global container market growth of around 4% in 2026. The company now anticipates underlying EBITDA between $10.5 billion and $12.5 billion, and underlying operating profit between $4.5 billion and $6.5 billion, both up from previous estimates.
Maersk has experienced higher profits due to increased freight rates resulting from conflicts and attacks disrupting shipping routes. The US-Iran war and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have caused turbulence in global trade. While some analysts have cautioned that the current market strength may be a short-term tailwind masking potential risks, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have recently announced plans to resume some services through the Suez Canal, aiming to alleviate the longer journeys around Africa caused by the Suez Canal attacks.
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