PostNL expanded its cost-reduction program to as much as \u20ac180 million as the Dutch delivery company increases its use of artificial intelligence, automates support functions, and builds a larger network of parcel lockers.<\/p>\n
The company identified approximately \u20ac75 million of additional savings for 2027 and 2028.<\/p>\n
The new initiatives bring PostNL\u2019s total planned savings during those years to between \u20ac170 million and \u20ac180 million.<\/p>\n
The program will focus primarily on E-commerce, information technology, procurement, support functions, and changes to specialized network flows.<\/p>\n
PostNL said the rapid adoption of AI agents is accelerating process automation and standardization, particularly within administrative and support operations.<\/p>\n
The company is moving toward what it describes as an AI-first strategy.<\/p>\n
PostNL is evaluating AI applications across the organization to optimize processes, reduce manual activity, and personalize the customer experience.<\/p>\n
The cost program is intended to create a leaner organization and a structurally lower expense base while providing additional flexibility in an increasingly competitive delivery market.<\/p>\n
PostNL is also expanding its Out-of-Home delivery infrastructure.<\/p>\n
The company plans to build a network of approximately 7,500 automated parcel lockers by 2031.<\/p>\n
PostNL is developing an integrated platform connecting merchant checkouts, digital customer journeys, and its high-density parcel network.<\/p>\n
The strategy is designed to move more parcels away from relatively expensive home deliveries and toward centralized locations that allow drivers to deliver multiple packages in a single stop.<\/p>\n
PostNL believes greater Out-of-Home adoption can improve network utilization, reduce delivery costs, and create additional value for merchants and consumers.<\/p>\n
The new initiatives follow a first half in which PostNL maintained nearly flat revenue despite substantial parcel and mail volume declines.<\/p>\n
Total revenue reached \u20ac1.59 billion, compared with \u20ac1.589 billion during the prior-year period.<\/p>\n
Normalized EBIT improved slightly to a \u20ac3 million loss from a \u20ac5 million loss.<\/p>\n
Free cash flow improved significantly to a negative \u20ac17 million from a negative \u20ac80 million.<\/p>\n
PostNL attributed the \u20ac63 million improvement primarily to proactive working-capital management and timing effects that negatively affected the prior-year comparison.<\/p>\n
The E-commerce segment generated \u20ac937 million in revenue, declining 2.4%, as parcel volume fell 6.4%.<\/p>\n
PostNL partly offset the volume decline by increasing its average price per parcel by 5%.<\/p>\n
The company recorded a \u20ac36 million price-and-mix benefit, including \u20ac5 million from fuel surcharges.<\/p>\n
The performance reflects PostNL\u2019s transition from pursuing parcel volume to prioritizing the value and profitability of the packages moving through its network.<\/p>\n
Domestic parcel volumes declined 4.2%, while international volume, primarily involving Asian web shops, fell almost 15%.<\/p>\n
The international decline reflected weaker market conditions, additional competitors, PostNL\u2019s value-focused strategy, and preparations for new European import charges.<\/p>\n
A fixed European import duty of \u20ac3 per product category took effect on July 1 for shipments entering the European Union from outside the region.<\/p>\n
An additional \u20ac2 fee is scheduled to take effect in November, while VAT and handling charges may also apply.<\/p>\n
E-commerce normalized EBIT declined to \u20ac12 million from \u20ac15 million.<\/p>\n
The \u20ac50 million revenue effect of lower parcel volumes was partly offset by \u20ac34 million of lower volume-dependent expenses and \u20ac36 million of improved pricing and mix.<\/p>\n
PostNL also generated \u20ac24 million in E-commerce cost savings.<\/p>\n
Those gains were partly offset by \u20ac38 million of organic cost increases, including \u20ac7 million associated with higher fuel costs.<\/p>\n
The Platforms segment generated \u20ac379 million in revenue, increasing 1%, or 2.7% at constant currencies.<\/p>\n
European e-commerce volumes increased 28%, but total Platforms volume declined 7.1% because of lower Asian parcel and mail activity.<\/p>\n
Normalized Platforms EBIT shifted to a \u20ac3 million loss from a \u20ac3 million profit as PostNL invested in intra-European growth, marketing, technology, MyParcel, and fulfillment services.<\/p>\n
Mail revenue increased slightly to \u20ac623 million, even though underlying volume declined 7.9% after excluding election-related mail.<\/p>\n
Normalized Mail losses narrowed to \u20ac9 million from \u20ac20 million, helped by regular price increases and \u20ac12 million of operational savings.<\/p>\n
PostNL has completed its transition to standard mail delivery within two days and is preparing to move toward delivery within three business days.<\/p>\n
The company said regulatory changes and compensation for the costs of its Universal Service Obligation are necessary to make the postal service financially sustainable.<\/p>\n
PostNL has initiated legal proceedings involving compensation for those costs, withdrawal of its current service designation, and a regulatory fine.<\/p>\n
Adjusted net debt increased to \u20ac528 million from \u20ac501 million at the end of 2025.<\/p>\n
Consolidated equity declined to \u20ac157 million from \u20ac176 million.<\/p>\n
PostNL maintained its 2026 outlook for normalized EBIT of between \u20ac40 million and \u20ac70 million.<\/p>\n
Free cash flow is expected to range from break-even to negative \u20ac30 million.<\/p>\n
The expanded savings plan and parcel-locker strategy are central to PostNL\u2019s Breakthrough 2028 program.<\/p>\n
The company is attempting to protect profitability by combining higher parcel pricing, a more efficient physical network, and technology-driven reductions in administrative and operating costs.<\/p>\n
KEY QUOTES:<\/p>\n
\u201cOur solid foundation enables us to accelerate cost savings initiatives, resulting in a more competitive cost base and more commercial flexibility.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe re-defined our Out-of-Home strategy. These measures will strengthen our competitive position and support the path to our Breakthrough 2028 ambition.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pim Berendsen, Chief Executive Officer Of PostNL<\/p>\n