DHL Q1: Group sales grew by 2%, reported sales decreased by 1.9%
The logistics group DHL Group has made a successful start to 2026 despite geopolitical upheavals and ongoing trade conflicts.
On an organic basis, Group sales grew by 2.0 percent in the first quarter. Reported sales decreased by 1.9 percent year-on-year to EUR 20.4 billion, mainly as a result of currency effects. The Group’s operating profit (EBIT) increased significantly by 8.3 percent to EUR 1.5 billion as a result of active capacity management, structural cost improvements and price adjustments. The earnings growth and improved efficiency are also reflected in the EBIT margin of 7.3 percent, which improved by 0.7 percentage points compared to the same period last year.
At EUR 518 million, investments in acquired assets (capex) were 12.4 percent higher than in the same period of the previous year. The majority of the increase is attributable to investments in the Supply Chain and Post & Parcel Germany divisions.
Free cash flow (excluding M&A) increased by 65.0 percent to EUR 1.2 billion. DHL Group achieved consolidated net income after non-controlling interests of EUR 812 million – an increase of 3.3 percent compared to the previous year. Basic earnings per share were EUR 0.73, up 6.6 percent from EUR 0.68 in the first quarter of 2025.
Tobias Meyer, CEO DHL Group said: “After the first three months, we are well on the way to achieving our annual targets. Our successful start to the year underlines the resilience of our business model and the effectiveness of our efficiency measures. Especially in times of geopolitical upheaval, the advantages of our strong global positioning with experienced local management teams are also evident. Despite blocked sea routes and closed airspace, we keep our customers’ supply chains running.”