Freight group Kuehne+Nagel lifts 2026 operating profit forecast
Strong Performance and Upgraded Guidance in Logistics Sector
By Anastasiia Kozlova and Amir Orusov
Profit Guidance Raised for 2026
July 23 (Reuters) - Logistics group Kuehne und Nagel lifted its operating profit guidance for 2026 on Thursday, citing strong business performance in the second quarter and its efficiency measures.
Industry-Wide Upgrades Amid Economic Uncertainty
It joined a string of logistics companies that have upgraded their earnings expectations in recent weeks, pointing to resilient demand despite economic uncertainty. Deutsche Post , Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk have all raised their outlooks, while DSV lifted the lower end of its targeted profit range.
Market Reaction
The Swiss freight forwarder's shares were seen rising 6.8% in Julius Baer pre-market indications.
Financial Highlights and Analyst Expectations
Updated Earnings Forecast
K+N, which operates in more than 100 countries, expects recurring earnings before interest and taxes of 1.35 billion to 1.55 billion Swiss francs ($1.66 billion to $1.91 billion) for the full year, up from the 1.25 billion to 1.40 billion franc range it had last raised in April.
Analyst Consensus
Analysts' median forecast was already above the earlier target range at 1.41 billion francs, a poll provided on the company website showed.
Second Quarter Results
K+N's earnings before interest and taxes rose 11% to 381 million francs in the second quarter, beating analysts' expectations of 356 million francs.
Efficiency Measures and AI Deployment
CEO Statement
"The Kuehne+Nagel Group gained significant momentum in the second quarter of 2026, once again demonstrating its ability to position itself successfully in the market," CEO Stefan Paul said in a statement.
AI and Productivity Initiatives
The company is deploying AI agents across its operations under an efficiency programme aimed at boosting productivity by around 5%, with annualised benefits of 100 million to 150 million francs expected by the end of 2027.
Analyst Commentary on AI
"We agree that AI deployment has the ability to reduce cost at forwarders and that Kuehne+Nagel should be one of the winners," Bernstein analysts said in a note.
Additional Information
($1 = 0.8130 Swiss francs)
(Reporting by Anastasiia Kozlova and Amir Orusov, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)
