Maersk reported a second-quarter 2026 EBITDA of $3.0 billion, well above the median forecast of $2.12 billion and up from $2.3 billion a year earlier [1, 2, 3, 4]. Its net profit doubled to $1.3 billion in Q2 compared with $614 million in the second quarter of 2025 [5]. Following the results, Maersk shares rose about 4.3% on the Copenhagen stock exchange [5].
The company raised its full-year 2026 EBITDA guidance range for the second time to between $10.5 billion and $12.5 billion, up from a previous forecast of $8 billion to $10 billion [2, 3, 5]. Maersk expects global container market growth of around 4% in 2026 [1, 2, 3].
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted shipping routes, notably through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, where Houthi attacks have increased freight rates and boosted Maersk's profits [1, 2, 3, 5]. In the early 2020s, many shippers abandoned the Asia-Europe route via the Suez Canal because of Red Sea security risks and redirected cargo around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, increasing transit times and freight costs [1, 2, 3].
Recently, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announced the gradual resumption of some services through the Suez Canal as conditions improve [1, 2, 3]. Vincent Clerc, Maersk CEO, said the company’s ability to "capture opportunities in these difficult markets has enabled us to deliver significant volume and earnings growth across our businesses" [5].
Some analysts caution that the current strength in freight rates might be temporary, warning that the normalization of Red Sea traffic could apply downward pressure on rates [1, 2, 3].
Maersk first raised its 2026 earnings outlook in June, driven by strong demand, before the latest increase tied to its solid Q2 results [1, 2, 3]. The company will continue monitoring the evolving geopolitical situation and market trends in the coming quarters [5].
