Hapag-Lloyd raises 2026 profit outlook third time

Hapag-Lloyd reported a sharp rise in third-quarter 2026 earnings, with EBITDA nearly doubling year over year to $1.73 billion as average freight rates climbed 28% and shipping volumes remained broadly steady. The company raised its 2026 forecast for a third time, now expecting EBITDA of $4.6 billion to $5 billion and EBIT of $2 billion to $2.4 billion, citing stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter business and robust spot rates. Shipping disruptions—including geopolitical tensions, port congestion and restrictions on key waterways—have constrained effective capacity and supported rates, but the company cautioned that volatile freight markets and geopolitical uncertainty make the outlook uncertain. One analysis warned that today’s rate gains may be temporary, forecasting lower rates in 2027 as fleet capacity expands and shipping routes normalize.