Kuehne+Nagel Q1 2026 Results Beat Market Expectations

Chennai:

Port Wings News Network:

The Kuehne+Nagel Group generated a net turnover of CHF 5.6 billion in the first quarter of 2026. EBIT amounted to CHF 343 million and earnings to CHF 248 million. The Group’s conversion rate stood at 16%.

The cost-saving measures announced in October 2025 had a material impact on the first-quarter 2026 earnings. As a result, costs per unit were sustainably reduced.

Commenting on the performance, Stefan Paul, CEO of Kuehne+Nagel International AG, stated: “Thanks to disciplined cost management, Kuehne+Nagel made a strong start to the year in Air, Road and Contract Logistics. Sea Logistics was affected short-term by disruptions in the Middle East. We are closely monitoring the situation, particularly with regard to rising energy prices and the possible impact on consumer demand.”

Stefan Paul said: “As the markets continue to be volatile, our access to a global network and close collaboration with customers enable us to respond swiftly and flexibly to fast-changing conditions. This strength, combined with the current market dynamics and our consistent cost management, gives us confidence for the second quarter of 2026.”

Taken the results of the first quarter into consideration, Kuehne+Nagel now expects recurring 2026 group EBIT in a range of CHF 1.25 to 1.40 billion.

Sea Logistics

In the first quarter of 2026, Sea Logistics generated net turnover of CHF 1.9 billion and EBIT of CHF 113 million. The conversion rate stood at 25%. At the end of March 2026, volumes amounted to one million TEU.

The situation in the Middle East has led to increased service intensity in the first quarter of 2026. Volumes in the prior-year period (Q1 2025) had been exceptionally strong due to effects from customer front-loading related to “Liberation Day”.

Air Logistics

Air Logistics generated a net turnover of CHF 1.6 billion in the first quarter of 2026, with EBIT reaching CHF 111 million. The conversion rate amounted to 27%. At the end of March 2026, air freight volumes totaled 516,000 tonnes, showing a slightly positive development compared with the prior-year period.

Events in the Middle East led to a short-term tightening of air freight capacity, resulting in increased demand for charter solutions.

Road Logistics

In the first quarter of 2026, Road Logistics generated a net turnover of CHF 908 million and EBIT of CHF 25 million.

The business unit increased market share across all regions. Since the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East, Kuehne+Nagel has also contributed to safeguarding regional supply chains by establishing land-bridges, for example through truck transport services from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates.

Contract Logistics

Contract Logistics generated a net turnover of CHF 1.2 billion in the first quarter of 2026, with EBIT amounting to CHF 94 million. A one-off positive result of CHF 35 million was recorded from the sale of a property in Germany. Kuehne+Nagel opened new distribution centers in the Americas, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.