BONN, Germany — DHL Group has reported a strong second quarter for 2026, posting double-digit growth in both revenue and earnings as recovering global freight demand, resilient supply chains and operational efficiency boosted performance across its international logistics business.
The world’s largest logistics company reported revenue of €22.37 billion, up 12.8% from the same period last year, while operating profit (EBIT) jumped 30% to €1.86 billion.
Net profit rose 23.9% to €1.01 billion, reflecting improved profitability across most of DHL’s core logistics divisions.
The results underline growing resilience in international trade despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, changing trade routes and continued uncertainty in the global economy.
DHL Raises Full-Year Outlook
Buoyed by the strong performance, DHL has raised its earnings guidance for the full year and now expects operating profit (EBIT) to exceed €6.5 billion in 2026, up from its previous forecast of more than €6.2 billion.
The company also reaffirmed its target of generating around €3 billion in free cash flow this year while increasing its share buyback programme by €500 million, bringing the total programme to €6.5 billion and extending it through the end of 2027.
CEO: Strategy Is Delivering Results
DHL Group Chief Executive Officer Tobias Meyer said the company’s strategic initiatives are translating higher volumes into even stronger profitability.
“The strong revenue and earnings performance in the second quarter demonstrates that the consistent execution of our strategic measures is paying off.
Higher productivity and efficiency, combined with the strength of our global network, enable us to capitalize on growth opportunities and translate revenue growth into even stronger earnings growth.”
Meyer added that businesses worldwide are increasingly redesigning their supply chains as geopolitical tensions reshape global trade.
“In an environment that continues to be shaped by geopolitical tensions and shifting trade flows, our customers benefit from our global presence, local expertise, and operational flexibility.
This enables us to support them in adapting their supply chains to changing market conditions while ensuring reliable logistics, even in challenging environments.”
His comments reflect a broader trend of multinational companies diversifying sourcing, manufacturing and distribution networks—developments that could create new opportunities for African exporters and logistics providers.
DHL Express Delivers Outstanding Quarter
The biggest contributor to DHL’s performance was its Express division, which benefited from stronger international shipment volumes and improved aircraft utilization.
DHL Express generated €7.13 billion in revenue, a 21.5% increase, while EBIT surged 64.3% to €1.2 billion.
The division’s operating margin improved from 12.4% to 16.8%, helped by disciplined pricing, higher shipment volumes and temporary capacity constraints in the global air freight market.
For Africa, where time-sensitive exports such as flowers, pharmaceuticals and high-value perishables depend heavily on international air freight, the improvement suggests healthier global demand and stronger cross-border trade activity.
Freight Forwarding Benefits from Shifting Trade Flows
DHL Global Forwarding also delivered a strong quarter, with revenue rising 17.9% to €5.45 billion while EBIT increased 21.9%.
The company said growing air and ocean freight volumes, together with its ability to manage volatile freight markets, contributed to the improvement.
DHL noted that customers increasingly relied on its global network to navigate changing trade routes and supply chain disruptions.
Supply Chain Business Continues to Grow
DHL Supply Chain recorded revenue growth of 12.9% to €4.72 billion, with all regions contributing to the expansion.
Although EBIT declined by 12.1%, DHL said the comparison was against an exceptionally strong prior-year quarter that benefited from one-off gains.
Excluding those items, the company’s underlying operational performance continued to improve.
Meanwhile, DHL eCommerce experienced a slight decline in reported revenue following its merger with Evri. However, the company said underlying e-commerce demand remained strong and continued to support long-term growth.
Investing in the Logistics Sectors of the Future
Beyond its quarterly financial performance, DHL is accelerating investments in areas expected to drive logistics growth over the next decade.
During the first half of 2026, the company increased capital expenditure by 25%, investing in digitalisation, warehouse automation, fleet modernisation and logistics infrastructure.
DHL is also expanding its capabilities in Life Sciences & Healthcare, New Energy and Data Centre Logistics, including new healthcare facilities, battery logistics infrastructure and specialised data centre logistics services.
These investments mirror several fast-growing sectors across Africa, where pharmaceutical manufacturing, renewable energy projects and data centre construction are gathering pace.
Why It Matters for Africa
While DHL’s financial results were driven largely by international markets, they provide encouraging signals for African logistics companies and exporters.
The rebound in express shipments and freight forwarding volumes suggests global trade is regaining momentum after prolonged uncertainty.
DHL’s emphasis on resilient supply chains, specialised logistics and digital infrastructure also aligns closely with Africa’s growing ambitions in manufacturing, healthcare, e-commerce and clean energy.
For African logistics providers, ports, freight forwarders and exporters, stronger demand from one of the world’s largest logistics operators could translate into increased cargo volumes, new investment opportunities and greater integration into global supply chains.
As international companies continue diversifying production and sourcing locations, Africa stands to benefit from the shift—provided logistics infrastructure, customs efficiency and regional connectivity continue to improve.
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