Source: Sharecast
The world’s second-largest container shipping group after MSC saw revenues rocket 27% to $18.1bn in the three months to September end, despite the impact on global trade of conflict in the Middle East, while profits before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation soared 75% to $4.7bn.
Maersk called it a "strong" quarter, with global container demand growing by between 2% and 4%.
Chief executive Vincent Clerc continued: "Despite continued geopolitical uncertainty and disruptions, global trade has remained remarkably resilient.
"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.
"We have been well-positioned to capture this demand, with our vessel fleet operating at full capacity and demand exceeding available space on certain routes."
On the back of the strong performance, the Danish company lifted full-year guidance. It now expects underlying earnings to come in between $14bn and $14.5bn, up notably on previous guidance for between $10.5bn and $12.5bn.
However, the Copenhagen-listed stock still fell heavily, and by 1500 GMT had shed 7%. Analysts had forecast third-quarter earnings to come in closer to $5.04bn, and pointed to weaker-than-expected volumes and higher costs in Maersk’s ocean division.