Net profit was estimated on average to be 27.72 billion Danish crowns ($5.04 billion) in 2010, rebounding from year-earlier losses thanks to a recovery of Maersk's container shipping business, the poll of 13 analysts showed.
In its nine-month interim report in November, Maersk raised its 2010 profit guidance to "in the order of $5 billion" as it posted forecast-beating profits for the period.
Shipping volumes and freight rates recovered in 2010 from a disastrous plunge in 2009 when Maersk suffered its first loss on record.
"The turnaround is driven by the container division," Sydbank analyst Jacob Pedersen said. "It is incredible how well things have turned out for the division. A year ago, I would have predicted losses in the container division in 2010."
Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) in the container shipping business were forecast at 17.16 billion crowns on average, against a 2009 operating loss of 10.48 billion crowns. (Reuters)
