DHL lifts 2026 profit forecast to $7.8bn on peak season strength
The German logistics giant now expects earnings before interest and taxes to exceed €7bn ($7.8bn) for 2026.
DHL Group has increased its profit expectations for 2026, driven by strong performance in its express delivery unit and optimism about the upcoming holiday shipping season. The logistics company now anticipates earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) to surpass €7 billion ($7.8 billion), up from its previous forecast of $7.3 billion.
The company announced on Friday that it had revised several key financial projections. Free cash flow for the year is now expected to reach $3.6 billion, an increase from the earlier estimate of $3.37 billion. Capital expenditures are also set to rise, with DHL planning to invest approximately $4 billion this year, compared to its previous guidance of $3.4 billion to $3.7 billion.
This increased spending aligns with DHL’s expansion strategy, including a $450 million investment to enhance logistics capabilities in Central and Eastern Europe by 2030. The company recently opened a new parcel station in Cologne-Marsdorf, reflecting its focus on strengthening infrastructure.
Financial outlook upgraded amid growth investments: dhl 2026 profit forecast
DHL’s third-quarter results demonstrated strong growth in its express division, which reported a 49.5% year-over-year increase in adjusted operating profit, reaching $1.16 billion. The division’s success was attributed to higher shipping yields, cost efficiencies, and a strategic shift toward high-margin heavy airfreight shipments, which are transported via the company’s in-house airline.
Other divisions showed mixed results. DHL Supply Chain, the contract logistics unit, saw a 7.9% rise in adjusted EBIT to $337 million. Meanwhile, DHL Global Forwarding’s earnings increased by a third to $292 million, excluding minor one-time effects from the previous year.
Third-quarter performance highlights divisional strengths
However, DHL eCommerce experienced a sharp decline, with adjusted operating profit dropping to $56.2 million from $198 million in the same period last year. The prior year’s figure had included a one-time gain of $138.2 million. Post & Parcel Germany also reported a 32% decrease in operating profit, which fell to $168.5 million.
DHL Group will release its full third-quarter financial results on November 5.
“Given the ongoing earnings momentum, particularly within the express division, and signs of a strong peak season in the fourth quarter, management has decided to raise its full-year outlook.”
DHL Group·Corporate statement
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