The global shipping industry is central to driving international trade and economic growth by transporting commodities and products between virtually every nation. Without the shipping industry, the efficient movement of goods across the globe would simply not be possible.
Though the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and shipping lines significantly in 2020, the industry has begun to recover and is seeing high revenues. We look in detail below at the ten biggest shipping companies by 12-month trailing (TTM) revenue. This list is limited to companies that are publicly traded in the U.S. or Canada, either directly or through ADRs. Some foreign companies may report semiannually and so may have longer lag times. All data are provided by YCharts as of December 22, 2022.
Some of the stocks below are only traded over-the-counter (OTC) in the U.S., not on exchanges. Trading OTC stocks often carries higher trading costs than trading stocks on exchanges. This can lower or even outweigh potential returns.
- Revenue (TTM): $82.22 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $30.34 billion
- Market Cap: $30.09 billion
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -28.23%
- Exchange: OTC
The company better known simply as Mærsk is an integrated transport and logistics firm. Denmark-based Mærsk operates a worldwide fleet of tankers, supply ships, terminals, and other vessels. In addition, the company also explores for and produces oil and gas and operates industrial businesses.
- Revenue (TTM): $63.94 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $18.09 billion
- Market Cap: $16.9 billion
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -23.30%
- Exchange: OTC
Based in China, COSCO SHIPPING Holdings is a shipping services company offering container and bulk shipping, terminal operations, and related services.
- Revenue (TTM): $36.66 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $18.63 billion
- Market Cap: $34.85 billion
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -19.58%
- Exchange: OTC
German transportation company Hapag-Lloyd is a multinational whose cargo liner ships serve all continents. It stands among some big shipping companies on this list because, in addition to sea transport, it is involved in shipping by air, road, rail, and inland waterways.
- Revenue (TTM): $20.91 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $10.47 billion
- Market Cap: $12.06 billion
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 20.07%
- Exchange: OTC
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha is a transportation and logistics company facilitating services between international and domestic ports. The company’s primary businesses include container transportation, cruise lines, specialized carriers, and logistics. Nippon Yusen is based in Japan.
- Revenue (TTM): $16.83 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $7.13 billion
- Market Cap: $12.75 billion
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 22.96%
- Exchange: OTC
Orient Overseas is a Hong Kong-based shipping company that provides transportation and logistics services through subsidiaries. The company both owns and leases ships, operates terminals, transports containers, and provides freight forwarding services. The company also has businesses focused on property and securities investment, and equipment leasing.
- Revenue (TTM): $13.84 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $5.91 billion
- Market Cap: $2.13 billion
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -45.05%
- Exchange: New York Stock Exchange
The Israeli firm ZIM is a publicly-owned international shipping company that has traded on the New York Stock Exchange since 2021. It both owns and leases container ships, including specialty vessels such as refrigerated ships and oil tankers. The company is headquartered in Israel, though it also has regional headquarters in the United States, Germany, and Hong Kong.
- Revenue (TTM): $11.97 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $8.27 billion
- Market Cap: $9.39 billion
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -35.79%
- Exchange: OTC
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is a marine transportation, cargo handling, and warehousing company based in Japan. The company transports a variety of materials including coal, grain, logs, cement, metals, cars, and paper and chemical products. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines operates container ships, ferries, oil tankers, and specialized vessels.
- Revenue (TTM): $7.08 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $7.67 billion
- Market Cap: $5.26 billion
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 4.58%
- Exchange: OTC
Japanese company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha is a marine cargo firm. The company transports a variety of materials including petroleum, cars, grain, and iron ore. Additionally, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha provides warehousing, land transportation, and insurance services.
- Revenue (TTM): $5.16 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $661.5 million
- Market Cap: $1.86 billion
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 145.43%
- Exchange: OTC
Dampskibsselskabet Norden A/S is a Danish shipping company that is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, and traded on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. It offers global shipping services for dry cargo and product tankers.
- Revenue (TTM): $4.81 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $1.38 billion
- Market Cap: $2.39 billion
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -20.56%
- Exchange: New York Stock Exchange
Matson is a transportation and logistics company serving the North American market. Matson focuses on domestic and international rail intermodal service and highway brokerage. It also offers less-than-load shipping, supply chain services, and third-party logistics.
Is Shipping a High Risk Industry?
Yes, shipping can be high risk. Demand can be volatile and having to send large freight ships without a full load can masssively reduce profits. Natural disasters and weather can also delay shipments, which reduces revenue. Ships, trains, and trucks can also break down or get damaged, which could damage or even destroy the cargo.
What is the Outlook for the Shipping Industry?
The end of the Covid-19 pandemic led to a boom in container shipping and a drop in the rates that shipping companies can charge. Industry estimates show that capacity will increase more than demand through 2025, which could place more downward pressure on prices.
Is Investing in Shipping Businesses a Good Idea?
Investing in shipping businesses can be risky because of the variability of shipping rates and the industry’s exposure to risk factors like weather, geopolitical upset, and regulation. Investors who can accept volatility in their investments may find that shipping companies present a good oppotunity, but investors looking for a low-risk option may prefer alternatives.
The Bottom Line
The shipping industry is one that many people don’t think about often but that plays a massive role in people’s everyday lives. Without the capacity to ship goods around the world, there can be shortages of everything from electronics to clothing to food. Investors who are interested in the industry may want to consider investing in one of these large shipping enterprises.