DHL Forecasts 2026 Profit to Exceed 6.2 Billion Euros
DHL expects 2026 operating profit to exceed 6.2 billion euros despite geopolitical tensions. The forecast follows a slight decline in quarterly earnings.
The logistics group Deutsche Post AG has projected a higher operating profit for 2026, maintaining its growth targets despite a challenging global geopolitical environment. The company expects its earnings before interest and taxes to exceed 6.2 billion euros ($7.2 billion), slightly above the 6.1 billion euros recorded last year. Free cash flow is projected to reach approximately 3 billion euros, excluding acquisitions, which aligns with the consensus of market analysts.
"There is still significant geopolitical volatility and uncertainty out there, as we have already seen in the first two months of the year," said CEO Tobias Meyer in a statement.
Logistics and shipping networks are currently facing major disruptions across air and sea routes as conflict in the Middle East intensifies. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday by Iran has forced several large-scale carriers, including AP MOLLER-MAERSK A/S-A, Hapag-Lloyd AG, and CMA CGM, to divert their vessels around Africa, resulting in increased transit times and costs. The United States-based FedEx Corporation also reported on Monday that it has temporarily suspended services in five countries across the region.
DHL reported a 1.3% decline in its fourth-quarter operating profit to 1.83 billion euros, primarily due to a 36% earnings drop in its freight forwarding division. Shipping firms in Europe are currently dealing with softened demand and trade complications, including tariffs imposed by the United States. Meyer noted that the company’s outlook does not assume any significant improvement in the global economic climate in the immediate future.
"In road freight, we feel the weak economic situation in Europe, and especially in Germany," Meyer added.
