PostNL mail division posts €2 million profit after December mail surge

PostNL reported a positive result for its mail division at the end of 2025, driven by an "exceptional" increase in business mail in December. In the meantime, the company is continuing legal action against the outgoing Dutch cabinet’s decision not to provide subsidies. The company’s total annual revenue rose slightly to 3.3 billion euros. Earnings before interest and taxes remained stable at 53 million euros.

Despite the strong December performance, the company said overall mail volumes in the Netherlands continue to decline and high labor costs remain a challenge. PostNL expects its mail division to return to a net loss in 2026.

The surge in mail was reportedly largely incidental, including increased correspondence from pension funds tied to the new pension system and letters sent to households about emergency kits.

Starting July 1, PostNL will be allowed to extend delivery times for mail covered by the Universal Postal Service, including items sent by consumers and small businesses without commercial contracts. The company welcomed the change but said it still faces significant costs of about 30 million euros a year to provide the service, with similar expenses expected for this year and next.

PostNL said the obligation to operate the Universal Postal Service at a loss is unsustainable and will continue its legal proceedings to challenge the government’s position. Extending delivery times will require major adjustments to work schedules and operational processes.