The Hague, the Netherlands, 6 November 2023

PDF press release (EN)

Parcel volumes up 1.6%, with continued strong growth from international customers
Volumes -8.7% at Mail in the Netherlands, mainly due to substitution
Measures to mitigate inflation contributed to results
Preparations towards maximum capacity fully completed in Q3; steep ramp-up towards peak season
11% further improvement in average carbon efficiency
Intention to buy back €160 million of 1.000% Eurobond, due November 2024, to optimise the financial position

CEO statement
Herna Verhagen, CEO of PostNL, said: “Our results were better than last year. Q3 turned out to be a tough quarter. We continued our strong focus on measures to mitigate inflationary pressure, but overall this was insufficient to fully offset organic cost increases. Volumes at Parcels grew at a lower rate than anticipated. In line with the slowdown in consumer spending, domestic volumes were slightly below last year's level. At the same time, volumes from international customers were up again. The shift towards a less favourable mix continued. During the quarter, we have completed all necessary preparations to operate at our maximum capacity in our peak season. At Mail in the Netherlands, performance was also impacted by continuing volume decline, a less favourable mix and ongoing high sick rates, partially due to contuining scarcity in the labour market.

"Taking into account our Q3 performance, we expect FY 2023 normalised EBIT to come in at the low end of the guided range of between €100 million and €130 million. Going forward, uncertainty around macroeconomic developments remains. This hampers visibility on the short-term development of the e-commerce market. Volume projections are becoming increasingly volatile, both for our customers and for us. At the same time we anticipate additional pressure on costs, mainly labour-related. We are taking all necessary actions in a challenging environment.

"We are ready for a busy peak season and remain confident in our longer term strategy and the growth potential of the e-commerce market."

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.

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