Maersk raises 2026 profit guidance again as rates stay high

Maersk Lifts 2026 Profit Guidance Again as Strong Freight Rates Persist

Maersk’s Upgraded Profit Outlook Amid Market Dynamics

By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Stine Jacobsen

Profit Guidance Raised for Third Time

COPENHAGEN, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Danish shipping group Maersk raised its 2026 profit guidance for a third time on Thursday, as congested ports, strong consumer demand and investments into artificial intelligence kept container freight rates elevated. 

CEO’s Statement on Global Trade Resilience

"Despite continued geopolitical uncertainty and disruptions, global trade has remained remarkably resilient," CEO Vincent Clerc said in a statement.

Drivers of Demand and Industrial Cargo Flows

"Demand is being driven not only by consumer spending, but increasingly by major investments in electrification, energy and the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, generating significant flows of industrial cargo around the world," he said. 

Financial Performance and Forecasts

The world’s second-largest container line now expects underlying profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of between $14 billion and $14.5 billion this year, up from a previous guided range of between $10.5 billion and $12.5 billion.

Underlying operating profit (EBIT) is expected to be between $8 billion and $8.5 billion, up from a previous range of $4.5 billion to $6.5 billion, it said.

Third-Quarter Results Compared to Forecasts

Maersk's third-quarter profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation rose 75% to $4.7 billion, below a mean forecast of $5.04 billion in an LSEG poll.

(Reporting by Stine Jacobsen and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen)