For Q3 2015 the Maersk Group has reported a profit of 778mill[ds_preview]. $ compared to 1.5 bill. $ in the same period last year. This was due to the low oil price and a drop in container freight rates, down 51% and 19% respectively compared to Q3 2014. The return on invested capital (ROIC) was 7.6% (12.7% in Q3 2014). The underlying profit was 662mill. $ (1.3 bill. $ Q3 2014) with lower profits in Maersk Line, Maersk Oil and APM Terminals and improved result for Maersk Drilling while APM Shipping Services was on par with Q3 last year. Revenue decreased by 2.1 bill. $ or 17% compared to Q3 2014, predominantly due to lower oil price and lower average container freight rates. The operating expenses decreased by 1.1 bill. $ mainly due to lower bunker prices and cost saving initiatives. According to Maersk with an equity ratio of 59.7% (61.3% at 31 December 2014) and a liquidity reserve of 10.7 bill. $ (11.6 bill. $ at 31 December 2014) the group maintains its financial position.
