- Earnings targets confirmed for 2017 and beyond
- Carbon efficiency target for 2020 reached ahead of schedule; zero-emissions logistics to be achieved by 2050
- Digitalization, innovations and e-commerce driving growth
After a record year in 2016, the world's leading mail and logistics company, Deutsche Post DHL Group, is facing the future with confidence. "2016 was an excellent year for us and we have a clear idea of what the future of logistics will look like. We are investing in expanding our network and in technology. We are working in a focused and connected way - and we will continue to grow," said CEO Frank Appel at the Annual General Meeting in Bochum on April 28. At the same time, he confirmed the Group's ambitious targets. Operating profit is to rise from EUR 3.5 billion to around EUR 3.75 billion in 2017. The CEO also confirmed the Group's medium-term goal of increasing EBIT by an annual average of more than 8 percent between 2013 and 2020.
Speaking to shareholders, Frank Appel voiced his optimism that global trade would continue to grow despite mounting protectionist tendencies. "World trade drives prosperity, and prosperity promotes peace," he said in Bochum. "We therefore don't need less globalization, but more - and we need it now and sustainably." He explained that countries should invest more heavily in education and infrastructure in the interests of long-term growth. Deutsche Post DHL Group connects people and markets all over the world, he said, stressing that the company would continue to serve as an advocate of free trade and global interaction in the future. "Logistics is the backbone of global trade," he said, adding that global team work was impossible without it. Against this backdrop, he believes that Deutsche Post DHL Group is exceptionally positioned as the global industry leader: "Of all logistics service providers, we have the strongest global presence. We have the widest range of offerings and most extensive experience. We know how logistics works and, as the market leader, we have a clear idea of how our industry can continue to contribute to global prosperity," he added.
A pioneer in climate-friendly logistics - Target: zero emissions by 2050
Deutsche Post DHL Group is also committed to making a positive contribution to climate protection. In this respect, it has exceeded its own goals and passed an important milestone, according to Appel: In 2008, the Group set itself the target of improving carbon efficiency by 30 percent over the 2007 baseline. "We achieved the goal in 2016 - four years ahead of time. We are proud of this. But now is the time to move forward with even larger strides." Deutsche Post DHL Group is aiming to reduce logistics-related emissions to net zero by 2050.
Source: Deutsche Post DHL