DHL Group has successfully started 2026, despite persisting geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and disruptions to global transport routes. In the first quarter, the company’s organic revenue grew by 2.0 percent. On a reported basis, revenue amounted to €20.4 billion, compared to €20.8 billion a year earlier – a decline primarily attributable to currency fluctuations. According to CEO Tobias Meyer, even amidst blocked shipping lanes and closed airspace, the company continues to ensure the movement of cargo and the stability of customer supply chains thanks to its extensive global network and strong local teams.
Operating profit (EBIT) increased by 8.3 percent, reaching €1.5 billion compared to €1.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025. The EBIT margin rose from 6.6 percent to 7.3 percent. This improvement in performance was made possible through active capacity management, structural cost optimization, and yield-enhancing measures. The growth in operational efficiency was also reflected in free cash flow, which – excluding M&A transactions – increased by 65 percent to €1.2 billion.
Capital expenditure (Capex) grew by 12.4 percent, totaling €518 million, driven primarily by investments in the Supply Chain and Post & Parcel Germany divisions. The Group’s net profit attributable to shareholders reached €812 million, an increase of 3.3 percent. Basic earnings per share rose from €0.68 to €0.73. The company reaffirmed its outlook for 2026, anticipating an EBIT figure exceeding €6.2 billion and free cash flow of approximately €3 billion.