DHL Group has reported steady financial results for the first quarter of 2025, posting gains in revenue, earnings and free cash flow despite a cautious global economic environment and shifting trade policy conditions.
The global logistics provider recorded total revenue of approximately $34.4 billion, a 2.8 per cent increase on the same period last year. Operating profit rose 4.5 per cent to $2.27 billion, while free cash flow (excluding mergers and acquisitions) increased 17.4 per cent to $1.21 billion. Net profit climbed to $1.3 billion, up 6.2 per cent year-on-year.
Chief executive officer Tobias Meyer said the company’s performance reflects strong cost and yield management. “The economic environment in the first quarter of 2025 was characterised by US customs and trade policy and general economic caution. Nevertheless, we continued the positive momentum of previous quarters,” he said.
Divisional results were mixed. The Express unit delivered a 2 per cent increase in revenue and a 4.8 per cent lift in operating profit, driven by capacity management and pricing. The Supply Chain division also posted solid growth, with profit rising 4.8 per cent, supported by automation and new contract wins.
Meanwhile, Global Forwarding and Freight saw profit fall 23.2 per cent despite a slight increase in revenue, reflecting weak demand in European road freight. eCommerce revenue rose 7.5 per cent, though profit declined 9.2 per cent due to ongoing investment in infrastructure. Post & Parcel Germany recorded a strong 44.6 per cent increase in operating profit, aided by higher postage rates and parcel growth.
DHL reaffirmed its full-year forecast of at least $9.93 billion in operating profit and around $4.96 billion in free cash flow. It is also progressing with its Strategy 2030 plan, including a $3.3 billion investment into life sciences and healthcare logistics through its new DHL Health Logistics brand.
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