The recent U.S. Iran peace agreement and reopening of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are resetting the risk and opportunity profile for a wide range of stocks exposed to Middle East trade routes and global oil flows. With supertankers moving again and toll free transit in place for now, some companies may benefit from higher volumes and smoother logistics, while others could feel pressure if energy prices ease. This article highlights three stocks tied to these developments, including two that appear positioned to gain from renewed trade and one that could face potential headwinds from the same shift.

A.P. Møller - Mærsk (CPSE:MAERSK B)

Overview: A.P. Møller - Mærsk is a global integrated logistics company that moves container freight by sea, air and land, and provides warehousing, customs, cold chain and other value added services for industries ranging from retail and fast moving consumer goods to pharma and automotive.

Operations: Maersk generates most of its revenue from Ocean shipping at about US$34.2b, with US$15.4b from Logistics & Services and US$5.4b from Terminals, partly offset by eliminations and unallocated items.

Market Cap: DKK224.8b

Maersk stands out in this Middle East trade rebound story because it sits at the center of container routes that are now being reopened, while already operating with a broad logistics network and resilient terminals. The end of the Strait of Hormuz blockade and Iran’s toll free transit window could ease operational risk and support steadier volumes. Analysts also note potential earnings pressure from industry overcapacity, softer freight rates and rising capital spending. That mix creates an interesting setup, as the stock screens as deeply discounted to estimated fair value even though the business retains a strong balance sheet, active buybacks and an expanding logistics and terminals footprint. The key question for investors is whether current expectations are too cautious or still not cautious enough.

Maersk’s combination of a strong balance sheet, buybacks and a stock that screens as deeply discounted raises an obvious question: what might the market be missing about its core shipping cycle and the DCF valuation analysis for A.P. Møller - Mærsk

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLMR)

Overview: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is a global passenger and cargo carrier that also provides aircraft maintenance, catering, handling and leisure travel services, operating scheduled and charter flights mainly through its KLM network and Transavia brands as part of the Air France KLM group.

Operations: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines generates most of its €13.2b revenue from its Network segment at €10.6b, with €2.4b from Maintenance, €1.4b from Leisure and €0.3b from Other, partly reduced by €1.6b of eliminations.

Market Cap: $37.45b

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is relevant for this Middle East trade and oil supply theme because it sits at the intersection of stronger traffic and potentially lower fuel costs, yet its stock is described as a deep bargain with a P/E of 0x and valuation signals that indicate a wide gap to estimated fair value. Earnings momentum has been very strong, with EPS at €6.06 and net income of €283m, but the quality of those earnings is questioned given high non cash components and a dividend that is not well covered by free cash flow. In addition, the shares are highly illiquid and the balance sheet is funded entirely by higher risk external borrowings, which together suggest that recent success may be occurring alongside more fragile underlying foundations.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ zero P/E and questioned earnings quality hint that the headline bargain may be masking deeper issues around cash flow and leverage, which the 2 key rewards and 3 important warning signs (2 are major!)

International Container Terminal Services (PSE:ICT)

Overview: International Container Terminal Services runs and develops container ports around the world, handling everything from standard box shipping to refrigerated and roll on roll off cargo, plus services such as storage, packing, inspection and weighing for import and export customers. It operates 34 terminals and port projects across 20 countries, positioning the company as a key link in global trade flows.

Operations: International Container Terminal Services generates about US$3.5b in revenue from Cargo Handling and Related Services, with roughly US$1.4b each from Asia and the Americas and about US$0.7b from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Market Cap: ₱1.82t

International Container Terminal Services provides direct exposure to global trade and Middle East volumes at a time when shipping lanes are reopening and oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz are normalizing. These factors could support container traffic across its network. Earnings growth and margins have been strong, and forecasts indicate high future returns on equity. The stock, however, trades at a premium P/E and carries a heavy debt load funded entirely by external borrowings. Recent insider selling and limited board independence raise governance questions as new by law changes and board refresh measures are being implemented. For investors weighing this mix of performance, leverage and control, the key issue is how sustainable the current balance will be as conditions evolve.

International Container Terminal Services is pairing strong margins with a premium P/E and heavy external debt, which makes the current trade story feel only half told. The 3 key rewards and 2 important warning signs could show where that balance really tilts.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.