FY outlook for normalised EBIT raised to at least €250 million as strong earnings momentum continues in Q1 2021
The Hague, the Netherlands, 26 April 2021 - PostNL today released preliminary results for the first quarter of 2021, which were around €50 million better than expected due to the impact from the lockdown that is continuing longer than anticipated. Both Parcels and Mail in the Netherlands reported results well above market estimates, with normalised EBIT around €90 million and around €60 million respectively.
Persbericht (NL)
Highlights
- Total revenue at around €960 million (Q1 2020: €701 million)
- Normalised EBIT Q1 2021 at around €130 million (Q1 2020: €15 million) and free cash flow around €160 million
- Outlook FY 2021 for normalised EBIT increased to at least €250 million with free cash flow expected to be above €225 million
The Covid-19 lockdown continued through-out the first quarter of 2021 and resulted in extremely strong volume growth at Parcels. Although PostNL estimates that a significant part of this extra volume will be non-recurring, the underlying strong growth trend in e-commerce looks set.
At Mail in the Netherlands, volume development was supported by non-recurring items related to voting by mail and invites for the vaccination programme. In addition, the price/mix impact showed a positive development.
Based on the strong performance over the first quarter, PostNL is raising its FY 2021 outlook for normalised EBIT to at least €250 million (from its previous estimate of between €205 million and €225 million). Free cash flow is expected to come in at a minimum €225 million. The exact consequences of changes in the lockdown, like the further reopening of the non-essential stores in the Netherlands as of 28 April, remain uncertain.
Herna Verhagen, CEO of PostNL, commented: “We had a very good start of the year and continued the momentum that we’ve seen since the second quarter of last year. Our results once again prove our collective resilience and flexibility during ongoing unprecedented circumstances.”
Publication of Q1 2021 results
Full details for Q1 2021 will be disclosed as planned on 10 May 2021.
About PostNL
We are PostNL, the mail and logistics solutions provider for all. With our mail and parcel deliverers who get everywhere, our 5,500 PostNL locations, 11.000 mail boxes and 517 automated parcel lockers, we are always nearby. We aim to be our customers’ favourite deliverer by making it as easy as possible for them to send and receive parcels and letters. Our over 35,000 people are right at the heart of society. On weekdays, we deliver an average 1.1 million parcels and 7.4 million letters across the Benelux region. Our focus is on quality for our customers, creating opportunities for our people and adding value for our stakeholders through growth, digitalisation and sustainability initiatives.
We optimise and support our physical networks by using smart digital solutions and launching new propositions that create value for our customers. We build long-lasting working relationships by acting as a good employer and client for everyone who works for and with us. To make our deliveries as sustainable as possible, we cover a lot of kilometres on foot or by bicycle or e-bike, provide innovative city logistics, use cleaner fuels, and use electric vans and light electric trucks. PostNL NV is a listed company with revenues of €3.1 billion in 2022, 61% of this derived from e-commerce. We provide deliveries of mail and parcels, logistics solutions for e-commerce, and cross-border solutions.