Maersk raises 2026 profit guidance again as rates stay high

Danish shipping giant Maersk has once again revised upward its 2026 profit forecast, citing strong global trade and robust demand. In a statement, CEO Vincent Clerc highlighted that despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and port congestion, container freight rates have remained elevated.

Clerc attributes this resilience to a combination of factors, including persistent consumer spending and heightened investments in sectors such as electrification, energy, and artificial intelligence. These developments are driving a significant influx of industrial cargo across the globe, fueling the company's growth.

The world's second-largest container line now anticipates underlying profit before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to range between $14 billion and $14.5 billion for the year, up from a previous estimate of $10.5 billion to $12.5 billion. Similarly, underlying operating profit (EBIT) is projected to fall within the range of $8 billion to $8.5 billion, an upward revision from the prior range of $4.5 billion to $6.5 billion.

Maersk's third-quarter earnings, before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation, surged by 75% to $4.7 billion, slightly below the average forecast of $5.04 billion in an LSEG poll.