Hapag-Lloyd Kept at Hold as Deutsche Bank Notes 'Broadly In Line' Q2 Results

05:14 AM EDT, 08/14/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Deutsche Bank Research maintained its hold rating on Hapag-Lloyd (HLAG.F), saying the German shipping company's second-quarter results were "broadly in line with expectations." "Recent market developments have created short-term strength in the container shipping market; however, we remain cautious on the timing of the Red Sea reopening and the large orderbook for the sector, which could potentially impact freight rates," the research firm said Thursday. Hapag-Lloyd's EBITDA for the three months ended June 30 edged up 1% year-over-year to $829 million, while EBIT slipped 7% to $176 million. Analysts noted that the "small" EBIT decline reflected higher unit costs from elevated bunker prices and Red Sea/Middle East routing expenses, offsetting an 11% revenue boost amid "strong" rates and higher volumes. Ahead of the results, the company raised its full-year 2026 guidance, targeting EBITDA of between $2.7 billion and $3.7 billion alongside an EBIT of $100 million to $1.1 billion. The research firm said market expectations currently sit "broadly" at the midpoint of these ranges, compared with Deutsche Bank's forecasts of $3.02 billion in EBITDA and $443 million in EBIT. Deutsche Bank has a price target of 114 euros on the stock.