March 9 - Deutsche Post DHL Group posted a consolidated EBIT for 2015 of EUR2.41 billion (USD2.64 billion), which was in line with its forecast.
EBIT was down compared with EUR2.97 billion (USD3.25 billion) in 2014, which DHL attributed to one-off expenses and investments, including the "new direction of the IT renewal" in the Global Forwarding business unit.
"In 2015 we have made significant progress against our strategic initiatives," said DHL ceo Frank Appel. "Over the entire year, we have worked hard to pave the way for sustainable success in the future. The positive earnings momentum we have seen in the fourth quarter once again confirms the fundamental strength of our business. We are firmly on track with our strategy."
Revenue in the Global Forwarding, Freight division was on the prior-year level at EUR14.89 billion (USD16.32 billion) in 2015. Adjusted for currency effects, the decrease in revenue amounted to 3.9 percent. Apart from the weak market environment, DHL claims that the main reason for the revenue decline was the division's selective market strategy.
In the fourth quarter of 2014, EBIT in DHL's Global Forwarding, Freight division rose by 39.4 percent year-on-year to EUR99 million (USD108.45 million), which the company said was due to the implementation of turnaround measures.
For 2016, DHL has reconfirmed its overall EBIT forecast of between EUR 3.4 billion and EUR 3.7 billion (USD3.72-4.05 billion). The group plans to invest around EUR2.2 billion (USD2.41 billion) this year.
