In a global trade environment marked by volatility, CMA CGM Group's second-quarter 2025 financial results have drawn significant industry attention. Despite geopolitical tensions and uncertain market demand, the French shipping giant continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience. Let's examine the key figures and strategies that reveal how the company is navigating challenges while capitalizing on emerging opportunities.
Steady Performance Amid Headwinds
The company reported revenue of $13.2 billion , unchanged from the same period in 2024, reflecting stable income streams. However, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) declined by 7.9% year-over-year to $2.3 billion , with the EBITDA margin contracting 1.5 percentage points to 17.3%.
Maritime Division: Volume Holds as Margins Contract
CMA CGM's core shipping business transported 6 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) , maintaining last year's volume. However, maritime revenue slipped 1.5% to $8.2 billion , with EBITDA falling more sharply by 19.9% to $1.6 billion. The maritime EBITDA margin now stands at 19.4%, down 4.5 percentage points from Q2 2024.
The average revenue per container showed modest erosion, declining to $1,367 per TEU , signaling intensifying competition in container shipping markets.
Logistics Arm Shows Growth Potential
The logistics segment emerged as a bright spot, with revenue reaching $4.6 billion —boosted by strong contract logistics performance. EBITDA grew 2.0% to $459 million , while the EBITDA margin improved by 0.5 percentage points to 9.9%.
However, European market softness created headwinds for finished vehicle logistics and road transport operations, partially offsetting these gains.
Other Operations Deliver Exceptional Growth
CMA CGM's "Other Activities" segment—which now includes recently consolidated Brazilian port operator Santos Brasil—saw revenue surge 62.7% to $1 billion . EBITDA skyrocketed to $239 million from just $51 million a year earlier, with the margin expanding by 15 percentage points to 23%.
Strategic Outlook
While facing pressure in traditional shipping markets, CMA CGM continues to execute its transformation strategy effectively. The company's ability to maintain stable volumes while growing its logistics and port operations demonstrates the success of its vertical integration approach.
Industry analysts suggest that CMA CGM's diversified portfolio—spanning maritime transport, logistics services, and port operations—positions it well to weather ongoing market uncertainty while capitalizing on emerging opportunities in global supply chain solutions.