CMA CGM shines with record sales: 13.26 billion US dollars in Q1!

CMA CGM shines with record sales: 13.26 billion US dollars in Q1!

French shipping company CMA CGM has published impressive results for the first quarter of 2025. Loud Trans.info The company achieved sales of $13.26 billion, an increase of 12.1 percent compared to the first quarter of 2024. Operating profit (EBITDA) rose 29.1 percent to nearly $3.1 billion, reflecting the strength of the company's strategy.

In the container shipping sector, CMA CGM transported 5.85 million TEU, an increase of 4.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Container shipping segment revenue was $8.75 billion, growing 11.5 percent. EBITDA in this segment also increased by 30 percent to $2.53 billion. The logistics business also reported a 10.1 percent increase in revenue to $4.28 billion, with EBITDA of $399 million, up 10.5 percent.

Challenges and developments

Despite the positive numbers, CMA CGM faces challenges. At the beginning of 2025, new tariffs between the USA and China as well as disruptions in the Red Sea complicated the market situation. The company must be flexible in its capacity management, route optimization and investments in forecasting and automation technologies. A $20 billion investment plan is in the works to build a U.S.-flagged fleet and modernize ports in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Houston and Miami.

Additionally, there are plans to build modern warehouses and open a new freight center in Chicago, while expanding operations in Asia. A concrete example is the first Indian-flagged vessel CMA CGM Vitoria, which operates in Nhava Sheva Port. CMA CGM has also signed contracts to operate a container terminal in Latakia, Syria, and dry ports in Egypt.

Overall balance and outlook

In 2024, CMA CGM achieved total revenue of $55.5 billion, an increase of 18 percent compared to the previous year. Loud Ship Management International In particular, activities in the container shipping sector and the integration of Bolloré Logistics contributed to this growth. EBITDA was $13.4 billion, with an EBITDA margin of 24.2 percent, up 5.1 points year-over-year.

The company's net profits increased nearly 60 percent, from $3.64 billion in 2023 to $5.71 billion in 2024. This increase reflects increasing demand for maritime container shipping after the market normalized following the COVID-19 pandemic. Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM, highlighted the company's strong results and commitment to developing an environmentally friendly fleet and infrastructure.

Geopolitical and market uncertainties are expected in 2025, which could impact future operations. The company continues to be able to operate flexibly and robustly with regard to its business while addressing the challenges of the industry.