Page 10 of 26 INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT – COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 1170 – 22 July 2026
Market development
Air
Geopolitical tensions, trade policy uncertainty and broader
macroeconomic factors continued to impact the air freight
market in Q2 2026. Following a disruption-driven slowdown
earlier in the year, demand returned to growth, supported by
Asia-Pacific exports and continued growth in the Technology,
Cloud and Semiconductor segments. The conflict in the Middle
East continued to disrupt global air freight networks, leading to
airspace restrictions, flight rerouting and reduced effective
capacity, particularly on trade lanes transiting the Gulf region.
Overall, we estimate that the market grew by mid to high-single
digits compared to the same period last year.
Average air freight rates increased significantly compared to the
same period last year and to the first quarter of 2026, primarily
driven by capacity constraints related to the disruptions in the
Middle East, increased fuel prices and disruption-related
surcharges. We maintain strict pricing discipline and seek to
pass on elevated fuel costs to our customers.
DSV’s air freight volumes grew by 10% in Q2 2026 and 28% in
H1 2026 compared to the same period last year. Volume growth
in the quarter was lower than expected as the increase was
driven by an additional month of Schenker contribution,
supported by growth among Technology and Semiconductor
customers, particularly on the Asia-to-North America and Intra-
Asia trade lanes. The MENA-related trade lanes were weaker
due to the Middle East conflict. In the same period last year,
volumes were positively impacted by front-loading ahead of
trade tariffs. Volumes grew by 8% compared to Q1 2026.
Sea
Sea freight market conditions improved compared to Q1 2026,
supported by seasonality and signs of an earlier-than-usual
peak season, as customers front-loaded cargo due to continued
geopolitical uncertainty and lower tariffs. Demand strengthened
on the Asia-to-Europe trade, while Transpacific volumes started
to improve from May onwards. Volume growth was primarily
driven by exports from China and domestic Chinese
manufacturers. Geopolitical developments continued to affect
cargo flows, as the Middle East conflict and Red Sea disruptions
led to ongoing vessel rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope,
extending transit times and absorbing capacity. Overall, we
estimate that the market grew by mid-single digits compared to
the same period last year.
Average sea freight rates increased significantly year-on-year
and compared to Q1 2026, driven by market disruption caused
by the Middle East conflict, higher fuel prices and the seasonal
uptick ahead of peak season. Due to timing differences, the rate
increases only had a partial impact on revenue in Q2 2026, with
further effects expected in Q3 2026.
DSV’s sea freight volumes grew by 6% in Q2 2026 and 24% in
H1 2026 compared to the same period last year. Volume growth
in the quarter was lower than expected as the increase was
driven by an additional month of Schenker contribution, partly
offset by weaker demand on MENA-related trade lanes, where
disruption continued to affect routing patterns and customer
activity. Volume growth on the Asia to Europe trade lane was
affected by the negative commercial impact from the integration
in certain countries, especially Germany, and an overall lower
direct exposure to domestic Chinese customers. The sea freight
volumes grew by 3% compared to Q1 2026.
Divisional revenue
For Q2 2026, revenue amounted to DKK 41,695 million,
compared to DKK 34,475 million for the same period last year.
In constant currencies, revenue grew 20.7%, mainly driven by
elevated freight rate levels and increased fuel prices, especially
in air freight, and the contribution from Schenker.
The division’s revenue amounted to DKK 78,423 million for H1
2026 and was up 31.9% compared to DKK 60,583 million for the
same period last year, due to the contribution from Schenker
and the strong revenue performance in Q2 2026.
Gross profit
For Q2 2026, gross profit increased to DKK 8,901 million,
compared to DKK 8,486 million for the same period last year,
representing an increase of 4.9% year-on-year. The increase
reflected a positive gross profit contribution from Schenker and a
positive development in gross profit in air freight.
The average gross profit yield for air freight in Q2 2026 was
higher than the same period last year, driven by higher freight
rates and fuel prices, as well as a continued focus on yield
management and growth in high-yield verticals. In Q2 2026, the
average sea freight gross profit yield was lower than in the same
period last year, due to the dilutive effect from the lower-margin
Schenker business. The gross profit contribution from value-
added services remained relatively stable.
In Q2 2026, the gross profit margin was 21.3%, compared to
24.6% in the same period last year. The gross profit margin
declined due to the pass-through of higher freight rates and fuel
prices.
For H1 2026, gross profit amounted to DKK 16,994 million,
compared to DKK 14,859 million for the same period last year,
corresponding to an increase of 16.7% in constant currencies.
In H1 2026, the gross margin was 21.7% compared to 24.5%
last year. The decline was mainly driven by the dilutive effect
from the Schenker business, particularly in the first quarter, and
increased freight rates and fuel prices in Q2 2026, which led to a
larger share of pass-through costs.
EBIT before special items
For Q2 2026, EBIT before special items increased to DKK 3,776
million, compared to DKK 3,461 million in the same period last
year, reflecting an operating margin of 9.1%. In constant
currencies, EBIT before special items increased by 9.4% year-
on-year, driven by higher gross profit and a relatively lower cost
base compared to the same period last year.
The conversion ratio was 42.4% for Q2 2026, compared to
40.8% for the same period last year and improved by 9.4
percentage points from Q1 2026.
EBIT before special items came to DKK 6,444 million for H1
2026, compared to DKK 6,410 million for the same period last
year. In constant currencies, the increase was 3.0%, driven by
the contribution from Schenker.