DHL confident in growth targets

   At DHL’s annual general meeting, Frank Appel, the integrator’s chief executive officer, expressed confidence in previously announced earnings targets of 2.7 billion euros ($3.52 million) to 2.95 billion euros for 2013, despite the sour economy.
   Earnings targets for 2015 have been set at between 3.35 billion euros and 3.55 billion euros.
   Company growth will come from DHL’s new strategy, which is to help simplify customer services and expand the company’s network, fostering expanded global trade and becoming a more attractive investment option for shareholders in the process. Streamlining DHL’s approach is a big part of Strategy 2015, which was announced in 2009. The integrator has also put the environment into its plan, aiming to slash carbon output by 30 percent by 2020. Appel said DHL has already achieved a 16-percent reduction.
   “Strategy 2015 has given our company a clear compass that has made it possible for us to confidently navigate the financial and economic crisis. It will help us remain on track even without any economic tailwind,” Appel said. “At the same time, we continue to benefit from our ongoing efficiency gains. Only streamlined, flexible structures and continuous cost optimization will enable us to have the necessary financial strength to invest in the future and thus generate long-term profitable growth.”
   Last year, revenues at DHL rose by 5.1 percent to 55.5 billon euros, and operating earnings rose by close to 10 percent. – Jon Ross