Why did Maersk maintain its full-year profit forecast despite beating Q1 expectations?

Maersk maintained its full-year earnings guidance because, although its Q1 EBITDA of $1.73 billion beat the $1.66 billion analyst forecast, it was significantly lower than the $2.71 billion in Q1 2024—and the company warned that the Iran war, which began on February 28, has clouded the outlook for freight rates and costs, with higher fuel prices, operational disruptions, and rerouting around the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz expected to increase expenses and offset potential rate gains.

How is the Iran war affecting Maersk’s shipping operations and costs?

The Iran war has disrupted Maersk’s shipping operations by prompting Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic—pushing up fuel costs—and forcing continued vessel rerouting around Africa to avoid the Red Sea, Suez Canal, and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, halting Maersk’s tentative return to the Suez route; these disruptions, combined with elevated fuel prices, are increasing costs that Maersk is seeking to pass on to customers, while freight rates initially fell due to oversupply but rose sharply only late in Q1 after the conflict erupted.

Maersk Sticks to Profit Forecast as Iran War Clouds Outlook

May 6, 2026

Maersk reported Q1 EBITDA of $1.73 billion, beating forecasts while maintaining full-year guidance despite Iran war risks. The company warns that higher fuel costs and Middle East route disruptions pose downside risks to global trade growth.

reuters

2026-05-06

Maersk Sticks to Profit Forecast as Iran War Clouds Outlook

2026-06-29

Maersk Upgrades 2026 Earnings Guidance on Strong Demand

Maersk Sticks to Profit Forecast as Iran War Clouds Outlook

FAQ