Supply Chain Research

The Japanese container-lines start the fourth quarter reporting season on January 31 in their penultimate period as independent entities before the operational start of Ocean Network Express (ONE). Analysts’ forecasts suggest the wider container-line sector’s revenues likely increased by as much as 10% in 4Q vs. a year earlier, which would be the fourth straight quarter of growth. With rates having increased by just 1%, a marked increase in volumes appears to be assumed. Improved profitability is also expected. While the 8.8% EBITDA margin forecasted would be well above last year’s 7.2% ...