Global Trade Boost Drivers Big Profit Growth for DHL
Bonn, Wednesday, 5 August 2026.
DHL Group reported a 30 percent increase in second-quarter operating profit, reaching €1.9 billion, driven by surging international trade demand. Air freight constraints provided a unexpected €150 million boost.
Revenue and Profit Surge
The logistics giant reported second-quarter revenue of EUR 22.367 billion, compared to EUR 19.826 billion in the same period of 2025 [2][3]. This performance represents a year-over-year growth rate of 12.817 percent [2][3]. Operating profit (EBIT) for the quarter reached EUR 1.858 billion, marking a significant improvement from the EUR 1.429 billion recorded in Q2 2025 [2][3]. For the first half of 2026, total group revenue amounted to EUR 42.787 billion, an increase from EUR 40.634 billion in H1 2025 [2]. Consolidated EBIT for the six-month period rose to EUR 3.335 billion, reflecting stronger operational efficiency across key divisions [2].
Divisional Drivers and Challenges
DHL Express led the growth with Q2 2026 revenue reaching EUR 7.132 billion, driven by a 21.5 percent year-over-year increase [1]. The division benefited from air freight market capacity constraints, which contributed approximately EUR 150 million to earnings during the quarter [1][2]. Conversely, DHL eCommerce faced headwinds with revenue falling 3.7 percent to EUR 1.594 billion due to the Evri merger and loss of UK revenue [1]. DHL Supply Chain reported revenue of EUR 4.721 billion in Q2, though EBIT declined 12.1 percent compared to the prior-year quarter [1]. Post & Parcel Germany revenue grew 1.8 percent to EUR 4.225 billion, despite EBIT dropping 18.7 percent due to higher costs [1].
Guidance and Capital Allocation
On July 7, 2026, the company raised its full-year 2026 operating profit guidance to more than EUR 6.5 billion [1][2]. This update reflects confidence in seizing growth opportunities despite macroeconomic uncertainties [1]. Additionally, the Board of Management increased the share buyback program by EUR 500 million to a total of up to EUR 6.5 billion [1]. The program has been extended through December 31, 2027, signaling a commitment to shareholder returns [1][3]. Shareholders also approved the spin-off of the Post & Parcel Germany division on May 5, 2026, with implementation expected in the second half of 2026 [2].