The AP Moller-Maersk Group says it recorded a profit of $4.0
billion in calendar year 2012, higher than the most recent announced outlook of
around $3.7 billion, which had been forecast in November 2012.
The company’s profit margin was negatively affected by a
decline in Maersk Oil’s share of production and impairment losses of net $405
million, of which $268 million was related to Maersk Tankers in the third
quarter.
But that loss was countered by an $899 million settlement of
an Algerian tax dispute in the first quarter of the year, according to the
company, combined with improved volumes, rates and unit costs for Maersk Line.
“After a difficult start, Maersk Line improved its
performance and the Group achieved a result above last year’s, both in terms of
net result and in underlying performance,” Maersk CEO Nils Andersen said in a
statement.
Regarding subsidiary companies within the company, Maersk
Line earned a profit of $461 million, which was down from 2011’s $553 million; however,
Maersk Oil’s profit of $ 2.4 billion was up $300,000 from the previous year. APM
Terminals turned a profit also, earning $723 million, up from $648 million in
2011.
