ZIM Raises 2026 Financial Forecast Amid Strong Freight Rates
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Israeli shipping company ZIM has raised its 2026 financial forecast, projecting adjusted EBITDA of $2.7-3 billion and adjusted EBIT of $1.4-1.7 billion, citing strong demand and freight rates. This upward revision follows a weak first quarter and a stronger second quarter, where ZIM returned to profitability. The company's stock rose after the announcement, as it awaits regulatory approval for its $4.2 billion acquisition by Shflloyd and FIMI.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- ZIM raised its 2026 adjusted EBITDA forecast to $2.7-3 billion and adjusted EBIT to $1.4-1.7 billion.
- The company cited strong demand and positive freight rate trends for the improved outlook.
- ZIM's stock increased in after-hours trading following the forecast revision.
- The company is awaiting regulatory approval for its $4.2 billion acquisition by Shflloyd and FIMI.
- ZIM reported a return to profitability in the second quarter after a weak first quarter.
Despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding its potential acquisition, Israeli shipping company ZIM has raised its annual financial forecast for 2026. The company, led by CEO Chen Lichtenstein since July, announced Tuesday after the market close that the upward revision is due to continued strong demand and positive trends in freight rates.
ZIM now anticipates adjusted EBITDA between $2.7 billion and $3 billion, and adjusted EBIT between $1.4 billion and $1.7 billion. This represents a significant increase from its previous forecast in August, which projected adjusted EBITDA of $2 billion to $2.4 billion and adjusted EBIT of $0.7 billion to $1.1 billion. The updated mid-point figures show a 30% rise in EBITDA and a 72% rise in EBIT compared to the prior outlook. This also marks an improvement over 2025 results, when adjusted EBITDA was approximately $2.2 billion and adjusted EBIT was $885 million.
The company experienced a weak first quarter in 2023 with a net loss, attributed to low freight rates and softening demand. However, the second quarter saw a recovery, with ZIM returning to profitability. In the second quarter, ZIM reported revenues of $1.78 billion, a net profit of $64 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $491 million. The company indicated that the expected improvement in results might allow its board to consider a dividend distribution to shareholders based on third-quarter earnings.
ZIM's stock saw a rise in late trading in New York following the forecast increase. The company currently has a market valuation of approximately $3.5 billion. In February, ZIM announced an agreement to be acquired by Shflloyd and the FIMI fund for about $4.2 billion. The deal has been approved by shareholders and awaits regulatory approvals, notably from the State of Israel, which holds a 'golden share' in the company. Recently, the buyers proposed an improved deal structure following discussions with state representatives, and the Government Companies Authority announced the completion of its review of the original proposal.
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