Higher volumes lead to increased expenses

The restructuring measures initiated in the previous year led to non-recurring expenses of €304 million in the reporting period, which were mainly incurred in the EXPRESS division (€272 million). Non-recurring expenses of €433 million were incurred in the comparable prior-year period. 

At €979 million,  other operating income for the first half of the year was down 9.0% on the figure for the previous year, which included higher income from the reversal of unused restructuring provisions. 

Volume growth coupled with an increase in the oil price led to a rise in the materials expense for the first half from €12,471 million to €13,930 million. 

In contrast, staff costs declined by €216 million or 2.5% to € 8,323 million, primarily due to restructuring in the express business.

At €641 million, depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses were also €100 million below the prior-year figure. The restructuring of the US express business had resulted in prospective recognition of part of this item. 

At €2,131 million,  other operating expenses were up 20.8% on the figure for the previous year; this was due in particular to an increase in expenses attributable to asset disposal. This figure includes effects relating to the sales in the United Kingdom, France and Austria mentioned earlier.