The Kuehne+Nagel Group has opened 2025 on a positive note, reporting gains across all its key financial indicators for the first quarter. Despite persistent challenges in the global economic landscape, the logistics giant posted double-digit growth in net turnover and strengthened its market position in several business segments.
In its latest financial results, the Group recorded a 15% increase in net turnover compared to the same period in 2024, reaching CHF 6.3 billion. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose by 7% to CHF 402 million, while net earnings improved by 9% to CHF 303 million.
CEO Highlights Performance and Market Resilience
Stefan Paul, CEO of Kuehne+Nagel International AG, credited the results to the company’s agility and focus on strategic growth areas.
“Kuehne+Nagel has had a strong start in the new financial year. We increased our market share, gained new customers, and also improved profitability,” said Paul. “Despite the challenging global economic environment, the company achieved double-digit growth in net turnover. We remain well prepared and positioned to implement our strategic objectives.”
However, the Group has chosen not to revise its full-year recurring EBIT guidance of CHF 1.5 billion to CHF 1.75 billion, citing ongoing market uncertainty and fluctuating tariff conditions.
Sea and Air Logistics Lead Performance
The company’s Sea Logistics business unit was a major contributor to the improved results. Net turnover surged by 30% year-over-year to CHF 2.5 billion, while EBIT climbed to CHF 210 million. Container volume for the quarter stood at 1 million TEU, reflecting a 3% increase. The first-time consolidation of US-based IMC Logistics in January proved earnings-accretive from the outset.
In Air Logistics, net turnover rose by 13% to CHF 1.8 billion, while EBIT saw a 23% increase to CHF 116 million. The business handled 514,000 tonnes of freight, 5% more than the first quarter of 2024. Excluding the automotive sector, the unit expanded its market share across various industries, with strong demand particularly in the semiconductor sector. New cold chain corridors were also established between Brussels and Chicago and between Brussels and Singapore to support the healthcare industry.
Mixed Results for Road and Contract Logistics
The Road Logistics business unit reported net turnover of CHF 871 million and EBIT of CHF 19 million for the quarter. The company acknowledged a decline in general cargo volumes due to subdued demand in European markets, with no immediate recovery in sight.
Meanwhile, Contract Logistics generated CHF 1.2 billion in net turnover, with EBIT improving to CHF 57 million. The segment remains a stable contributor to the Group’s overall financial health.
Outlook
While Kuehne+Nagel has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of economic pressures, the company remains cautious about the remainder of the year. Its decision to maintain existing profit guidance underscores the unpredictable nature of global trade conditions, particularly as tariff discussions and geopolitical developments continue to unfold. For more information check www.newsroom.kuehne-nagel.com