UPDATE 1-Container shipping group Maersk posts Q2 profits above forecast, raises full-year outlook

Maersk now expects underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) this year of between $8 billion and $9.5 billion, compared with its previous guidance of between $6 billion and $9 billion. Maersk said EBITDA rose 7% year-on-year in the second quarter to $2.3 billion, compared with $1.98 billion expected by analysts.

Shipping group A.P. Moller-Maersk on Thursday reported second-quarter operating profit above expectations and raised its full-year profit forecast.

"Even with market volatility and historical uncertainty in global trade, demand remained resilient, and we’ve continued to respond with speed and flexibility," CEO Vincent Clerc said in a statement. Maersk now expects underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) this year of between $8 billion and $9.5 billion, compared with its previous guidance of between $6 billion and $9 billion.

Maersk said EBITDA rose 7% year-on-year in the second quarter to $2.3 billion, compared with $1.98 billion expected by analysts. Sales rose 3% year-on-year to $13.1 billion between April and June, compared with $12.61 billion expected by analysts in a company-compiled poll.