According to www.freightwaves.com, DHL Group has raised its full-year 2026 earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) forecast to €6.5 billion, up from a prior guidance of €6.2 billion, following a 29% year-on-year increase in pre-tax income for the second quarter.
Strong Q2 performance drives upward revision
DHL Group reported preliminary second-quarter 2026 results showing 10% year-over-year revenue growth and a sharp rise in profitability. The Germany-based integrated logistics provider attributed the improvement to stronger-than-expected demand compared to Q2 2025 — a period negatively affected by tariffs and trade policy volatility — as well as ongoing cost discipline under its Fit for Growth efficiency program. DHL’s (XETRA: DHL) updated full-year EBIT outlook assumes stable geopolitical conditions, particularly in the Middle East, where escalating conflict has already materially impacted air cargo capacity.
Divisional performance highlights air freight premium
The DHL Express division delivered the strongest contribution, generating $1.4 billion in EBIT — nearly double its $712 million result in Q2 2025. This surge was driven by higher average shipment weight and improved pricing power. Notably, approximately $171 million of that gain stemmed directly from air cargo capacity constraints triggered by the Iran war, which forced Middle East carriers to significantly scale back operations.
The DHL Global Forwarding division posted EBIT of $274.3 million, reflecting a 24.4% increase over the same period last year. In contrast, DHL Supply Chain reported EBIT of $348.6 million, down 12.3% year on year — a decline partly offset by a positive one-time gain recorded in Q2 2025. DHL eCommerce saw EBIT fall 10.7% to $57.1 million, while Post & Parcel Germany recorded EBIT of $154.3 million, down 18.7%.
First-quarter context and upcoming reporting
This strong Q2 follows a mixed first quarter, during which DHL Group revenue declined 1.9% but pre-tax income rose 20.6% due to aggressive capacity management, yield optimization, and strict cost control. DHL is scheduled to release its final, audited second-quarter financial results on August 5, 2026. The company’s CEO, Tobias Meyer, addressed shareholders at the annual general meeting on May 5, 2026, reaffirming strategic priorities amid evolving global trade dynamics.
Source: FreightWaves
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
