ZIM Reports Strong Q2 2026: Net Profit Surges to $64 Million

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services published its financial and operational results for the second quarter and first half of 2026 today (Wednesday). The data shows a significant improvement in profitability compared to the same period last year, thanks to positive market conditions on the Trans-Pacific route, a fuel-efficient fleet, and an efficient cost structure.

 

The company's revenue in the second quarter recorded a 9% increase, totaling $1.78 billion compared to $1.64 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2025. Net profit for the quarter jumped to $64 million ($0.53 per diluted share), compared to $24 million in the same period last year.

 

Excluding one-time expenses related to the acquisition deal by Hapag-Lloyd, the adjusted net profit in the second quarter stood at $77 million (a 226% jump), and the adjusted EBITDA totaled $491 million (a 4% increase). Free cash flow stood at $386 million.

 

Chen Lichtenstein, President and CEO of ZIM: "Since taking office in July, my focus has been clear: to maximize opportunities in the current market while making the best use of the company's resources. We are committed to maintaining flexibility that allows us to respond quickly to changing market conditions and create lasting value."

 

Sami Joubran, CFO: "We presented good results in the second quarter and expect significantly stronger results later this year. The expected improvement may allow the Board of Directors to consider declaring a dividend to shareholders based on the third-quarter results."

 

 

3% Increase in Carried Cargo Volume

 

The financial reports show that the company's carried cargo volume recorded a 3% increase compared to the same quarter last year, totaling 922,000 TEUs.

 

At the same time, the average freight rate per TEU climbed by 8% compared to the second quarter of 2025, reaching $1,590.

 

The growth in activity was mainly due to sharp growth on the Trans-Pacific route, where 426,000 TEUs were carried compared to 354,000 containers in the same period in 2025, alongside expansion in Intra-Asia lines which totaled 212,000 TEUs.

 

In the financial arena, the company shows balance sheet strength, with its cash balance standing at $2.53 billion at the end of June, and the net leverage ratio decreasing to 1.6x.

 

Currently, ZIM operates a fleet of 115 container ships and 13 dedicated car carriers, with the company having signed agreements to charter 40 additional ships – most of them new and green, powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and expected to be delivered gradually.

 

 

First Half Summary and Forward Outlook

 

ZIM ended the first half of 2026 with total revenues of $3.18 billion and a net loss of $22 million (mainly due to rate erosion in the first quarter), but recorded a positive adjusted net profit of $4 million.

 

Looking ahead to the rest of the year, the company expects a significantly stronger second half. ZIM is updating its annual guidance for 2026 and expects adjusted EBITDA in the range of $2.0 to $2.4 billion, and adjusted EBIT in the range of $700 million to $1.1 billion. Based on this forecast, the company estimates that a dividend will be distributed to shareholders for the year's results.

 

 

Status of the Merger with Hapag-Lloyd

 

As a reminder, in February 2026, ZIM signed a merger agreement under which it will be acquired by the German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd for $35 per share in cash. The deal has already received the approval of ZIM's Board of Directors and shareholders.

 

Completion is now subject to receiving regulatory approvals (including approval from the State of Israel in accordance with the Golden Share provisions). The completion of the deal is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026, and until then, the companies continue to operate as completely separate and independent entities. Due to the merger process, the company did not hold an investor call after the publication of the reports.