Maersk to double dividend for shareholders

Danish shipping giant Maersk proposes to double its dividend to shareholders to 1120 DKK per share after achieving far greater profits in 2024 than initially forecasted. This increase is attributed to a crisis in the Red Sea, a major global trade route, which boosted freight rates. Last year, Maersk earned nearly 45 billion DKK, up 59 percent from the previous year. The proposed dividend reflects 40 percent of profits, aligning with the company’s policy of sharing 30 to 50 percent of its earnings. Additionally, Maersk is initiating a share buyback program worth 14.4 billion DKK, further rewarding shareholders and increasing the value of remaining shares. Both A- and B-shares of Maersk surged by almost nine percent on the Danish stock exchange shortly before 10 am.