Maersk shares surge despite weaker 2025 earnings outlook on tariff fears

(Sharecast News) - Shares in Danish shipping giant Maersk surged on Thursday after the firm posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter profits, but warned annual earnings would be lower due to geopolitical uncertainties such as US tariffs. Maersk said it expected underlying core earnings of $6bn - $9bn compared with last year's $12.1bn and 2023's $9.6bn.

Fourth-quarter underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) came in at $3.60bn. Analysts had forecast EBITDA of $3bn. Maersk shares spiked by almost 10% in European trade.

"The list of geopolitical strains on supply chains continues to expand with uncertainty over heightened tariffs on U.S. imports as well as tighter export controls on critical goods, sanctions and a renewed interest in industrial policies," Maersk said.

"The impact of U.S. tariffs will be larger depending on their level, the coverage of countries and goods, partners' retaliation and the risk of tariffs in third countries against Chinese manufactured goods as they look for new markets."

Maersk's guidance was based on expectations that global container volume growth in 2025 will be around 4% and the company would grow in line with the market.

"It is further expected that 2025 is likely to show greater supply-demand imbalance with continued new deliveries in the container shipping industry and a potential re-opening of the Red Sea. Nevertheless, this imbalance may be largely offset by supply-side drivers and strong market demand," it added.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com