HHLA cuts 2026 profit forecast on Hamburg disruption

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has lowered its 2026 operating profit forecast after strike-related disruption, the ramp-up of terminal automation and an impairment in its Logistics segment weighed on performance.

The company now expects earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) for its Port Logistics subgroup to reach between €100 million and €120 million ($134 million), down from its previous forecast of €135 million ($151 million) to €155 million ($173 million).

HHLA also expects container throughput to record a significant year-on-year decline, revising its earlier outlook for a slight decrease.

The company attributed the shortfall against expectations to strikes and the introduction of further automation at its Hamburg container terminals.

At Group level, HHLA now forecasts EBIT of between €115 million ($128 million) and €135 million ($151 million) for 2026, compared with its previous range of €150 million ($167 million) to €170 million ($190 million).

The company also reported a non-cash impairment loss of approximately €12 million ($13 million) in its Logistics segment following a review of equity investments in new and spin-off business activities as part of its strategy to focus on core operations.

Despite the revised earnings outlook, HHLA has maintained its revenue forecast for a significant year-on-year increase and its expectation of a slight rise in container transport.