FRANKFURT, October 06, 2026 (DAILYNWZ) — European logistics companies are expected to report strong third-quarter results as resilient global trade, high freight rates and ongoing supply-chain disruptions continue to support earnings, with shipping lines likely to benefit most.
Container shipping rates from China to the U.S. East Coast, outside long-term contracts, have climbed back to levels last seen after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global trade. Rates could rise to new records if higher fuel costs linked to the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran persist.
Ocean carriers have the most direct exposure to freight rates. Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd has already raised its full-year outlook, while Bernstein analysts expect Denmark’s Maersk to follow with another upgrade, potentially its third this year.
Freight forwarders face a different dynamic. Higher shipping rates do not translate into profits for them to the same extent as they do for carriers, Morningstar analyst Ben Slupecki said.
But the disruption itself is supporting demand for their services. Companies such as DSV and Kuehne+Nagel are increasingly being relied on to manage complex international supply chains, while higher-margin activities including customs clearance, insurance and warehousing are also contributing to earnings, Slupecki said.
European logistics stocks have rallied this year, led by Maersk as investors anticipate further upgrades to its outlook. DSV, meanwhile, has faced pressure from concerns over the integration of Schenker and a weaker second-quarter performance.
DSV will be closely watched when it reports. Bernstein analysts are looking for signs that its Road division can improve its on-time performance during what is normally the strongest part of the year for the business.
DHL is another focus for investors. J.P. Morgan analysts are looking for potential positive catalysts, including benefits from continued supply-chain disruption and a route toward renewed profitable growth over the medium term. Kuehne+Nagel is also expected to post solid third- and fourth-quarter results, supported by favorable near-term conditions, they said.
DSV will open the sector’s third-quarter reporting season on October 21.
Red Sea Routes Point To 2027 Risk
The gradual return of container shipping through the Red Sea is unlikely to have a major effect on logistics companies’ earnings this year, analysts generally expect.
Maersk said in September that it had restored selected services through the Suez Canal. Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, CMA CGM and Cosco have also started restoring Red Sea services, although the process remains gradual and subject to ongoing assessment, according to Rico Luman, senior economist at ING Research.
“If the current resumption of the route continues, this will have a material impact in 2027,” Luman said.