Maersk raises 2026 profit guidance for a third time due to port congestion and AI-driven demand, despite an 11% drop in shares as third-quarter profit disappointed analysts.

The Danish shipping group's underlying EBITDA guidance increased to $14 billion to $14.5 billion for the year, up from a previous range of $4.5 billion to $6.5 billion. This upgrade was primarily driven by higher freight rates, which rose 46% from the prior quarter and more than doubled from a year earlier, rather than increased cargo volumes. Third-quarter profit before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) was $4.7 billion, up 75%, but fell short of analyst forecasts.