Talabat lifts 2025 outlook after strong growth in Q2
The company posted a 32 per cent year-on-year increase in gross merchandise value (GMV) to $2.4 billion, with revenue up 35 per cent to $982 million. On a constant currency basis, GMV growth reached 33 per cent and revenue climbed 36 per cent.
Adjusted Ebitda rose 31 per cent to $166 million, maintaining a 6.8 per cent margin, while net income jumped 33 per cent to $119 million, or 4.9 per cent of GMV. Adjusted net income, excluding non-recurring items, grew 25 per cent to $116 million, representing a margin of 4.8 per cent despite higher corporate income tax rates in the GCC. Strong cash generation saw adjusted free cash flow rise by 47 per cent to $190 million, equivalent to 7.8 per cent of GMV.
Performance was driven by top-line growth across GCC markets — including the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman — as well as non-GCC markets such as Egypt, Jordan and Iraq. Both the Food and Grocery & Retail verticals delivered strong results, supported by accelerated customer acquisition, increased order frequency, and a surge in adoption of the Talabat pro premium subscription programme. The UAE, Talabat's largest market, maintained growth in line with the overall group, while Kuwait, its most established market, delivered over 20 per cent growth for both the quarter and the first half.
The company also reported a favourable shift in its GMV geographical mix, with non-GCC markets rising to 17 per cent of total GMV from 14 per cent a year earlier. The GMV-to-revenue conversion ratio improved to 40 per cent from 39 per cent, driven by a higher share of tMart and subscription revenues. Although gross profit margins were impacted by a product mix shift, these were offset by improved cost efficiencies.
In light of the strong momentum, Talabat has revised its 2025 guidance upward. It now expects GMV growth of 27–29 per cent on a constant currency basis, compared with the earlier forecast of 17–18 per cent, and revenue growth of 29–32 per cent versus the previous 18–20 per cent. Adjusted Ebitda margin is projected at 6.5 per cent, net income margin at 5.0 per cent, and adjusted free cash flow at 6.0 per cent.
Chief Executive Officer Tomaso Rodriguez said the results reflect Talabat's success in expanding its groceries and retail verticals, strengthening customer loyalty, and sustaining strong growth in both core GCC and newer non-GCC markets. He added that the company's outlook for the remainder of 2025 remains strong across all operating metrics.
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