ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (NYSE: ZIM) shares declined 4% in pre-market trading on Wednesday after the company reported second-quarter earnings that exceeded analyst expectations, despite maintaining its full-year guidance.
The Haifa-based container shipping firm posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.53 for the quarter, sharply higher than the consensus estimate of -$0.29. Revenue rose 9% year-over-year to $1.78 billion, topping the $1.68 billion forecast. Adjusted EBITDA increased 4% to $491 million, while adjusted net income surged to $77 million from $24 million in the prior-year period. Free cash flow totaled $386 million, and the company carried 922,000 TEUs, a 3% increase from a year earlier. Average freight rates climbed 8% to $1,590 per TEU.
Newly appointed President and CEO Chen Lichtenstein highlighted disciplined resource deployment since taking office in July, stating the company aims to fully capitalize on current market conditions. The executive’s comments followed a period of volatility in global shipping rates amid shifting trade dynamics.
ZIM reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, projecting adjusted EBITDA between $2.0 billion and $2.4 billion, with a midpoint of $2.2 billion. Adjusted EBIT is expected to range from $700 million to $1.1 billion, centered at $900 million. The company also indicated plans to distribute dividends to shareholders in 2026, subject to board approval.
The guidance comes as ZIM remains subject to Hapag-Lloyd’s pending acquisition, valued at $35.00 per share. The deal, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, remains contingent on regulatory approvals.
