DHL Group continued its strong business performance in the third quarter of 2026. Group revenue increased 12.6 percent year-over-year to EUR 22.7 billion (Q3 2025: EUR 20.1 billion). Operating profit (EBIT) rose 16.2 percent to EUR 1.7 billion (Q3 2025: EUR 1.5 billion). The EBIT margin improved to 7.6 percent (Q3 2025: 7.3 percent). Based on the continued positive earnings momentum, the Group raised its full-year 2026 guidance to an operating profit of more than EUR 7.0 billion (previously: more than EUR 6.5 billion) on October 16 and announced its preliminary results.
The positive business performance was driven by growth across a wide range of regions and sectors, particularly in DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL Supply Chain. DHL Express recorded very strong earnings growth. With its targeted offering for time-critical heavy-weight shipments for industrial customers, the division significantly increased transported weight, improving utilization of its global network. Disciplined yield and capacity management, together with structural cost improvements implemented over the past two years, further supported earnings performance. Temporary capacity constraints in the international air freight market generated additional demand, which DHL Express served through its own global network.
“We successfully continued our growth trajectory in the third quarter, delivering a significant increase in revenue and earnings. Our strong operational performance enabled us to raise our full-year earnings guidance for the second time this year. We remain focused on providing our customers with high service quality and sufficient capacity. Even in challenging conditions, we help them access markets and unlock new growth opportunities. That is why we are stepping up investments in our network and in new logistics capabilities needed to tap into the markets of the future" says Tobias Meyer, CEO DHL Group.
“Our continued strong earnings and cash flow generation enable us to invest selectively in further growth. We maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation, strengthening the capabilities and efficiency of our network", said Melanie Kreis, CFO DHL Group.
DHL Express continued its strong business performance in the third quarter. With its offering for time-critical heavy-weight shipments for industrial customers, the division increased the total weight of shipments transported, resulting in better utilization of its network.
DHL Global Forwarding significantly increased revenue and operating profit compared with the prior-year quarter. Air freight volumes grew particularly strongly on trade lanes originating in Asia. Ocean freight growth was primarily driven by higher volumes from Asia and Europe. With its global network and local market expertise, the division helped customers adapt transport routes to changing trade flows and maintain reliable supply chains.
DHL Supply Chain continued its growth trajectory and recorded revenue growth across all regions. The Americas business made a particularly important contribution, including in the Technology and Consumer sectors.
DHL eCommerce generated organic revenue growth of around 6 percent. Reported revenue development was affected by portfolio changes, particularly deconsolidation in the United Kingdom and Portugal. The decline in reported EBIT versus the prior-year figure was primarily due to positive one-off effects of EUR 123 million in the third quarter of 2025.
The domestic and international parcel business continued to support Post & Parcel Germany’s performance.
