DHL Group significantly increases revenue and profit in the second quarter 2026

DHL Group has announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2026 with significant revenue and profit growth compared with the same period of the previous year.

Key figures

The Group’s revenue increased by 13%, reaching 22,4 billion euros. Operatingprofit (EBIT) grew by 30%, reaching 1,9 billion euros, while the EBIT margin improved by 1,1 percentage points, rising to8,3%.

In light of the positive profit performance in the second quarter, the Group had already raised its guidance in July, when it published its preliminary results, increasing its EBIT forecast for the financial year 2026 to more than 6,5 billion euros, compared with the previous guidance of more than 6,2 billion.

Revenue growth was driven primarily by the increased share of shipments transported by DHL Express, capacity constraints in the international air freight market and the passing on of higher fuel costs to customers. Disciplined yield and capacity management, together with structural cost improvements achieved through the “Fit for Growth”, supported profit growth.

More resilient supply chains

In an increasingly complex environment, the ability to manage global supply chains safely and efficiently is becoming increasingly important. Faced with geopolitical tensions and changing trade flows, a growing number of companies are adapting their supply chains, focusing on resilience, flexibility and reliability.

Thanks to its globally integrated network and knowledge of local markets, DHL Group supports customers in responding agilely to changes in international trade and in building more resilient supply chains.

“The strong revenue and profit performance in the second quarter demonstrates that the consistent implementation of our strategic initiatives is delivering results. Greater productivity and efficiency, combined with the strength of our global network, enable us to seize growth opportunities and turn revenue growth into even more significant profit growth.

In an environment that continues to be characterised by geopolitical tensions and evolving trade flows, our customers benefit from our global presence, local expertise and operational flexibility. This enables us to support them in adapting their supply chains to changing market conditions, while ensuring reliable logistics services even in challenging environments,” comments Tobias Meyer, CEO of DHL Group.

Growing free cash flow and net profit of 1 billion

In the second quarter, free cash flow, excluding mergers and acquisitions (M&, amounted to 569 million euros, compared with 329 million in the second quarter of 2025.

Although strong business growth resulted in greater working capital absorption, June’s cash flow benefited from refunds relating to US tariff measures (IEEPA). The relevant amounts are passed on to customers as quickly as possible.

In the first half of the year, free cash flow, excluding M&A, rose to 1,8 billion euros, compared with 1,1 billion in the same period of 2025.

Group net profit after non-controlling interests increased by 23,9%, reaching 1 billion euros in the second quarter. Basic earnings per share rose from 0,72 to 0,91 euros, an increase of 26,9%.

Investments

DHL Group continues to invest in strengthening and improving the quality of its network. In the first half of the year, capital expenditure (Capex) reached 1,3 billion euros, 25% higher than in the same period of the previous year.

The Group is therefore continuing to implement its 2030strategy, strengthening the foundations for long-term growth.

To respond to evolving customer needs, DHL continues to invest in digitalisation, automation and modernisation of logistics infrastructure. Measures include renewing the global Express fleet, automated warehouse and sorting solutions, and digital applications designed to further improve quality and efficiency.

Guidance 2026 raised

In light of the strong performance recorded in the first half of the year, DHL Group raised its 7 guidance on for , now forecasting 2026of EBIT of more than 6,5 billion euros, compared with the previous forecast of more than 6,2 billion.

For the DHL divisions, EBIT of more than 5,9 billion euros is expected. The targets for Post & Parcel Germany remain unchanged, with EBIT of more than 900 million euros, and for Group Functions, which are expected to post approximately -400 million euros.

The target of approximately 3 billion euros in free cash flow, excluding M&A, was also confirmed.

The Board of Management also decided to increase the share buyback programme, launched in 500 by 2022, taking it up to a maximum of 6,5 billion euros and extending it until the end of 2027.

Divisional performance

DHL Express benefited from increased demand and greater capacity utilisation. Revenue grew by 21,5% to 7,132 billion euros, while EBIT increased by 64,3% to 1,2 billion. The EBIT margin rose from 12,4% to 16,8%.

DHL Global Forwarding reported revenue of 5,448 billion euros, up by 17,9%, and EBIT of 240 million, an increase of 21,9%. The division benefited from growth in air and ocean freight volumes and volatility in freight rates.

DHL Supply Chain increased revenue by 12,9% to 4,721 billion euros, with growth across all geographical regions. EBIT amounted to 305 million euros, down from the high level recorded in the previous year, which had benefited from positive one-off effects.

For DHL eCommerce, revenue decreased by 3,7% to 1,594 billion euros and EBIT by 4% to 54 million. The reported result continues to be affected by the accounting impact of the merger with Evri and the resulting loss of the contribution to UK revenue. Excluding consolidation and foreign exchange effects, the division instead recorded strong revenue growth, supported by the structural growth trend in e-commerce.

Finally, Post & Parcel Germany recorded revenue growth of1,8%, to 4,225 billion euros, while EBIT fell by 18,7% to 135 million. Growth was supported by the domestic and international parcel business, while the structural decline in mail volumes and increases in transport and personnel costs weighed on profitability.

This content was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.