Logistics giant AP Moller-Maersk has turned in an improved set of results for the second quarter (Q2) of the year, with an increase in EBITDA and stability in group revenue.
The Denmark-based company saw earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) jump 17 per cent on the same period of 2018, up to US$1.4bn.
Revenue grew slightly to US9.6bn, while underlying profit soared from US$15m to US$134m, Maersk said.
'Q2 was a quarter of solid progress,' said CEO Søren Skou. 'EBITDA was up 17 per cent and cash flow improved 86 per cent year-on-year, driven by continued recovery in Ocean.'
On the back of the increases in volume and freight rates, Ocean EBITDA in Q2 increased 25 per cent to US$ 1.1bn, while revenue grew 2.9 per cent to US$7.2bn.
Looking ahead, Maersk noted that, while EBITDA for the first half-year improved by US$500m to US$2.6bn, the group reiterated its full-year guidance for 2019 of an EBITDA of around US$5bn including effects from IFRS 16.
“We reaffirm our guidance for 2019, while the macro environment continues to be subject to considerable uncertainties,” said Skou.
