A.P. Moller – Maersk posted robust financial results for 2024, with EBIT surging 65% to USD 6.5 billion, driven by strong container demand and elevated freight rates in its Ocean segment. Growth in Terminals and solid performance in Logistics & Services further strengthened the company’s profitability.
CEO Vincent Clerc credited Maersk’s resilience in navigating shifting market conditions, ensuring steady supply chains, and maintaining cost discipline. The company saw record-high customer satisfaction as it capitalized on increased demand while enhancing productivity.
Ocean operations benefited from higher freight rates due to the Red Sea situation, while cost management offset rerouting expenses via the Cape of Good Hope. Logistics & Services posted volume growth, with a 7% revenue increase led by Warehousing, Air, and First Mile services. Terminals delivered record-high earnings, supported by strong volumes, better pricing, and higher storage revenues.
In light of its strong performance, Maersk’s Board has proposed a dividend of DKK 1,120 per share and announced a USD 2 billion share buy-back programme over 12 months.
Looking ahead, Maersk expects global container volume growth of around 4% in 2025 but foresees supply-demand imbalances. Its financial guidance anticipates EBITDA between USD 6-9 billion and EBIT between USD 0-3 billion, with assumptions based on a gradual reopening of the Red Sea.
The company returned USD 1.6 billion to shareholders in 2024, including dividends and buy-backs, and will reassess market conditions before further share repurchase actions.
