DHL Corporation Announces Unanticipated Development
In the current market year of 2025, DHL Group's shares have shown a steady performance, with minimal movement. However, the potential price development for the logistics giant could be influenced by various factors, as suggested by analysts' opinions.
One of the most optimistic forecasts comes from Citi, which recently upgraded DHL's stock rating to 'Buy' and increased the price target to €48. This bullish stance is based on the expected recovery in the Express division's volumes and improved EBIT margin projections for 2026. Citi projects a 2026 EPS estimate of €3.61, about 5% above consensus, indicating a medium-term upside potential.
Despite Citi's positive outlook, other analysts have expressed contrasting views. UBS downgraded DHL from 'hold' to 'strong sell' in June 2025, reflecting a negative near-term view. However, HSBC Global Research upgraded DHL to a 'strong-buy' earlier in May, implying bullish sentiment from some institutions.
The unresolved trade conflict, particularly with the United States, continues to weigh on global trade and DHL Group. Both Jefferies and JPMorgan acknowledge this risk. Jefferies analyst Michael Aspinall sees an impressive upside potential of nearly 50% for DHL Group, praising its resilient business performance and noting initial positive developments in the European market and a pickup in the air freight segment.
JPMorgan maintains an 'Overweight' rating for DHL Group, with a price target of 49.00 euros. Analyst Alexia Dogani of JPMorgan noted a cautious and restrained atmosphere during a meeting with DHL's head of Express business, John Pearson. Despite the cautious tone, JPMorgan views DHL's position as robust, albeit with potential risks posed by existing trade barriers.
It is worth noting that Jefferies and JPMorgan both maintain positive ratings for DHL Group, with Jefferies maintaining a 'Buy' rating and JPMorgan an 'Overweight' rating. This bullish sentiment is shared by DHL Group's shareholders, who remain optimistic about the shares of the Bonn-based logistics giant.
Investors holding DHL Group shares are advised to continue doing so, with a stop-loss set at 30.50 euros. The current valuation levels of DHL Group appear to have risks adequately priced in.
Interestingly, the majority shareholder and CEO of the publisher Börsenmedien AG, Mr. Bernd Förtsch, has positions in DHL Group. This could potentially benefit from the potential price development resulting from the publication of analysts' reports and market developments.
The bullish sentiment towards DHL Group, as indicated by Citi's price target increase and upgraded stock rating, might positively impact the finance sector if their forecast for the logistics giant proves accurate. On the other hand, the negative near-term view expressed by UBS and potential risks posed by trade barriers, as acknowledged by both Jefferies and JPMorgan, could negatively influence the finance sector if these challenges persist.
