DHL Group strengthens its global profitability with growing profits despite trade volatility

 

El logistics giant Not only did it increase its profit, but it also improved its EBIT marginplacing it in a 7,3%compared to 6,7% for the same period of the previous year. This achievement is attributed to a combined strategy of active capacity management, price adjustments y structural cost improvements under its 'Fit for Growth' program. The Group's total revenue reached 20.100 millones de euros, which represents a decrease of 2,3% compared to the third quarter of 2024.

 

Tobias MeyerDHL Group CEO highlighted the strength of the strategy: "Despite the volatile environment, we have improved our earnings for four consecutive quarters. This is the result of our active capacity management and structural cost improvements. Thanks to this resilience, we can continue investing in quality for our customers and in growth markets. We are well-positioned for the year-end business, which is seasonally strong."

 

Investments and Growth Strategy

 

The Group continues to invest in key growth areas and in the digitalization within the framework of his 2030 strategyGross capital expenditure (capex) adjusted to global economic conditions, declining 8,4% year-on-year to 632 millones de eurosInvestments are focused on regions of dynamic growth , the Asia, Middle East and Africa, as well as in the sector of the Life Sciences and Healthcare Logistics (LSH)As an example of this expansion, in September 2025 it was announced that acquisition of US pharmaceutical logistics provider SDS Rx.

 

Additionally, the 'Fit for Growth' program promotes efficiency through the expansion of the parcel locker network or with a increased use of AI agents and robotsThese measures have allowed divisions such as DHL Express reduce your aviation costs by a 8,5% year-on-year, offsetting the volatility in trading volumes.

 

Financial Strength and Outlook

 

The success of the efficiency measures is reflected in a strong free cash flow (excluding M&A), which skyrocketed 80,8% until the 1.200 millones de euros in the third quarter of 2025. Consolidated net profit increased by 11,9% until the 840 millones de euros.

 

Melanie KreisDHL Group CFO, emphasized: "We further improved our EBIT margin and generated strong free cash flow. This demonstrates the effectiveness of our measures to improve profitability and capital efficiency in a challenging market environment."

 

As the year draws to a close, the company is well positioned for the high season (peak in B2C shipments), with deployment plans for 10 additional Boeing 777 freighters in Express and the hiring of approximately 8.000 temporary employees in Supply Chain and 10.000 at Post & Parcel Germany.

 

Despite anticipating a moderate macroeconomic environment, The Financial guidance for 2025 remains unchanged, expecting an operating profit (EBIT) of at least 6.000 million euros and a free cash flow (excluding M&A) of around 3.000 million eurosThe company states that the new low-value import regulations (De Minimis) in the US, in force since August, have had a limited impact so far.

 

Performance by Division

 

DHL ExpressDespite the expected decrease in international shipments with a defined delivery time (TDI), it achieved gains in operating profit and EBIT margin thanks to active cost and capacity management.

 

DHL Global Forwarding, Freight: He faced a decrease in income and profits due to the lack of recovery in air cargo volume, the decline in shipping rates and economic weakness in Europe.

 

DHL Supply Chain: Registered a modest earnings growth and an improvement in the EBIT margin, with revenue growth of 3,2% excluding exchange rate effects.

 

DHL eCommerce: He maintained the structural trend of e-commercea revenue growthIts EBIT soared thanks to a non-recurring positive effect de 123 millones de euros due to the deconsolidation of the merger with Evri in the United Kingdom.