A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S reported robust results for the first quarter of 2025, showcasing a revenue growth of 7.8%, reaching USD 13.3 billion.
The company’s Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) surged to USD 1.3 billion, a significant rise from USD 177 million during the same period last year. Despite a sequential decline, these figures signal a strong start to the year, bolstered by impressive profitability in Ocean, operational enhancements in Logistics & Services, and increased volumes in Terminals.
For the full year 2025, Maersk is maintaining its financial guidance amidst an environment of heightened uncertainty that has prompted a more conservative outlook for container volume growth. Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk, highlighted the company’s successful performance compared to the previous year, attributing it to operational efficiency and favorable economic conditions in the early months.
He noted the growing trade tensions and increased uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of global supply chains. Clerc reassured customers of Maersk’s commitment to providing comprehensive services, from a dependable Ocean network to top-notch logistics and customs support.
The company is also focusing on automation and cost management to stay competitive, which bolsters their confidence in meeting the established financial guidance communicated earlier in February. The Ocean segment demonstrated enhanced profitability from the previous year, achieving an EBIT of USD 743 million, backed by higher rates and stable volumes.
Although a sequential decrease was expected, utilization rates remained high, and costs were kept in check due to ongoing optimization efforts. The new East-West network, launched in February, is progressing towards achieving reliability and cost efficiencies.
In Logistics & Services, EBIT margins improved to 4.1% with an 18% revenue increase in freight management services, primarily driven by Project Logistics. The Terminal sector also performed well, benefiting from robust volume growth, increased revenue per move, and higher storage revenue.
The return on invested capital (ROIC) rose to 14.5%. Looking ahead, Maersk is maintaining its full-year 2025 guidance, anticipating an underlying EBITDA of USD 6-9 billion, an underlying EBIT of USD 0-3 billion, and a free cash flow of at least negative USD 3.0 billion.
The global container market volume growth projection has been adjusted to a range of -1% to 4%, reflecting growing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties. The company expects to align its growth with market trends, although disruptions in the Red Sea are likely to persist throughout the year.