-
Posted by Dale Crisp
- |
-
12 Oct, 2026
IN JUST six weeks since revealing its last projections, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services has substantially lifted it full-year expectations for the 2026 full year.
The Israeli carrier now expects an increase of 30% in adjusted EBITDA and 72% in adjusted EBIT compared with previous guidance issued on 19 August, “reflecting continued strong market demand and favourable momentum in freight rates”.
ZIM now expects to generate adjusted EBITDA of between US$2.7 billion and $3bn and adjusted EBIT of between $1.4bn and $1.7bn for the full year 2026, compared with its previous guidance of adjusted EBITDA between $2bn and $2.4bn and adjusted EBIT between $700m and $1.1bn.
ZIM shares promptly rose by 4% on the New York Stock Exchange but still around 20% below Hapag-Lloyd’s takeover offer of US$35-a-share, which would translate to a price of US$4.2bn if successful.
However, analyst Alphaliner now wonders if any deal can be consummated following renewed domestic opposition.
“It appears to put the deal back to zero, with the potential buyers having to go through a fresh approval process,” Alphaliner opined in its latest newsletter.
“Reports suggested the two parties had until 6 October to submit a new, fully detailed application to [Israel’s Government Companies Authority]. It is not clear whether any proposal has been submitted.
“In the interim, a group of ZIM shareholders has also challenged whether a revised deal can be approved by the board alone, claiming instead it should go to a full shareholder vote, further complicating the situation.”
Under the original February agreed takeover proposal the deal – characterised as a merger - would have been completed this quarter, assuming all necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals.
