InPost, the Polish logistics company known for its extensive network of automated parcel machines (Paczkomat), has emerged as one of the most valuable transport firms in the world. In the latest ranking by companiesmarketcap.com, InPost secured 49th place, surpassing established airlines such as Germany’s Lufthansa and American Airlines. The company, led by CEO Rafał Brzoska, boasts a market capitalization of $9.43 billion.
The accomplishment is significant, with Lufthansa valued at $8.37 billion and American Airlines at $7.25 billion, ranking 56th and 64th, respectively. Other notable companies that InPost has outperformed include Australia’s Qantas Airways and Qatar Gas Transport Company, which holds the world’s largest LNG transport fleet.
At the top of the list, American ride-hailing service Uber leads with a market cap of $162.7 billion, followed by Union Pacific Corporation ($151.7 billion) and UPS ($110.9 billion), rounding out the top three.
InPost’s meteoric rise can be attributed to its steady financial growth. In the second quarter of 2024, the company reported a profit of PLN 336.4 million ($80 million), up from PLN 128 million a year earlier. The firm’s revenue grew by 23% year-on-year, reaching PLN 2.62 billion ($620 million). This growth has been fueled by a 23% increase in package volume, with 264.4 million parcels processed during the same period. InPost’s international markets also showed strong growth, with volumes rising by 29%, while the domestic market saw a 20% increase.
In contrast, Lufthansa has been grappling with financial difficulties. The airline, which has been affected by rising operating and labor costs, recently revised its 2024 financial outlook. It now expects an operating profit of €1.4–1.8 billion, down from the previously projected €2.2 billion. The pressure on ticket prices and declining passenger revenue have also contributed to the company’s struggles.
InPost’s success underscores the growing importance of logistics firms in a globalized and e-commerce-driven economy, as well as the evolving landscape of the transport industry. The firm’s innovative use of parcel lockers and commitment to expanding its international footprint are driving its valuation upwards, placing it among the elite global transport giants.
Background
Founded in 2006, InPost initially focused on traditional postal services before transforming into a leader in parcel logistics. The company’s Paczkomat system revolutionized parcel delivery in Poland and other markets by offering customers 24/7 access to their packages. In 2021, InPost went public on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, further enhancing its global presence.
