DHL Group boosts guidance on expectations for strong peak season

DHL Group has raised its earnings forecast for 2026, anticipating strong performance in the peak shipping season that aligns with holiday sales. The logistics company now projects earnings before interest and taxes to surpass 7 billion euros ($7.8 billion), exceeding its earlier estimate of $7.3 billion. Additionally, DHL Group has increased its full-year projection for free cash flow to $3.6 billion from $3.37 billion.

Capital expenditures are anticipated to rise to around $4 billion, up from the initial estimate of $3.4 billion to $3.7 billion, as the company continues to invest in growth projects. In the third quarter, DHL Group's Group EBIT reached $1.92 billion, a 16% increase year over year and surpassing analyst estimates. DHL Express played a key role in driving the company's earnings, with adjusted operating profit up 49.5% to $1.16 billion, driven by higher yields, sustained cost efficiencies, and a more strategic approach to handling heavy air freight shipments.

The tight air freight market also contributed positively to the results. DHL Forwarding and DHL Supply Chain also reported improved earnings, with the former generating EBIT of $292 million, up a third from the previous year, and the latter increasing adjusted operating profit by 7.9% to $337 million. DHL eCommerce's adjusted operating profit declined to $56.2 million, down from $198 million in the previous quarter due to a one-time gain in 2025. The company's full third-quarter results are expected to be disclosed on November 5.