Hapag-Lloyd raises its 2026 earnings guidance range
The company raised its EBITDA and EBIT estimates for 2026 again, citing firm demand and positive spot-rate performance, but maintained its warning about volatility and geopolitical risks.
Hapag-Lloyd revised its financial projections for 2026 upward again on September 28. The consolidated EBITDA estimate rose from a range of US$ 2.7 billion to US$ 3.7 billion to a range of US$ 3.9 billion to US$ 4.4 billion.
The EBIT projection was also expanded. The range, previously from US$ 100 million to US$ 1.1 billion, now stands between US$ 1.25 billion and US$ 1.75 billion. In euros, the company forecasts EBITDA of € 3.4 billion to € 3.8 billion and EBIT of € 1.1 billion to € 1.5 billion.
According to the information released, the revision was driven by still-strong market demand and favorable developments in spot freight rates. The company nevertheless stressed that freight-rate volatility and geopolitical challenges keep the level of uncertainty associated with the estimates high.
In the second quarter, Hapag-Lloyd reported EBITDA of US$ 829 million and positive EBIT of US$ 176 million. In the first-half cumulative period, transported volume reached 6.7 million TEUs, up 1.5%, while the average rate was US$ 1,406 per TEU.
The sources also point out that the operating context remains subject to pressure. In an assessment released during the period, the company mentioned additional costs of US$ 600 million related to the conflict in the Middle East and a gradual resumption of routes through the Suez Canal.