Despite achieving a gross merchandise value of $51.3B, up 6.7% YOY, and an EBITDA north of $250M, Delivery Hero's stock fell by 3.9%. Analyst doubts and a failed Southeast Asian sale rumor add to the drama.
Delivery Hero, the German titan of takeout, has a tale of two ledgers. On the bright side, their gross merchandise value hit a whopping $51.3B, a 6.7% leap over last year. And, hold your forks, they've turned the EBITDA table from a $623.6M loss to gains exceeding $250M. But then, the plot twist: shares nosedive. Why? Investors twitched at the 'outlook' button, unimpressed with future cash flow forecasts.
"We're still negotiating!" cries Delivery Hero, amidst whispers of a Southeast Asian business sale going south. They aimed to pass the Foodpanda parcel to Grab, but rumors swirled of talks dissolving faster than sugar in tea. Yet, Delivery Hero stands firm, with eyes on shedding weight in Singapore to Laos. The sale's success, however, hinges on a nod from their Supervisory Board and regulators’ blessings.
The stock market's more dramatic than my love life. Delivery Hero's shares took a 20% plunge on a Friday, thanks to the rumor mill working overtime. Even after setting the record straight, the shares continued their shy dive by 3.9%. Analysts whisper sweet nothings of concern, questioning if Delivery Hero can sprint fast enough towards positive cash flow without tripping over debt dues.
While Delivery Hero juggles numbers and narratives, it’s clear they're not just tossing pizzas but also strategizing for a profitable future. Offloading the Southeast Asian slice of their business could be a game-changer, propelling Grab to the top of the food chain. But will this move satisfy the hunger of investors and regulators alike? Only time, and perhaps a few more EBITDA surprises, will tell.
❓ Will Delivery Hero's strategy pay off in 2024?
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