Delivery Hero lifts 2026 outlook on strong growth amid Uber takeover bid
Its gross merchandise value, total value of all goods sold through the marketplace, is now expected to grow 9% to 11% this year, compared with the previous forecast for 8% to 10% growth. Analysts polled by the company had forecast yearly GMV growth of 9.1% to €51.63 billion ($60.17 billion) on average.
German online takeaway food provider Delivery Hero has raised its guidance for 2026, buoyed by robust growth and enhanced profitability. The company anticipates a 9% to 11% increase in its gross merchandise value this year, marking a positive shift from its earlier forecast of 8% to 10% growth. Analysts' average estimate had projected a 9.1% growth in GMV to €51.63 billion.
In the first half of 2026, Delivery Hero's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation surged 3.9% to €427 million, surpassing analysts' projection of €396 million. The company's Chief Financial Officer, Marie-Anne Popp, expressed optimism, crediting the strong performance in Q2 to an acceleration in GMV growth, surpassing expectations in adjusted EBITDA, and substantial improvements in cash generation.
This upward revision in guidance comes as Delivery Hero faces a potential takeover bid from U.S. rival Uber, announced in July. Despite this, the company's performance suggests it is gaining operational momentum. Shares in Delivery Hero rose 1.3% in early Frankfurt trade following the news. Berenberg analysts attribute this growth to reduced discounting by competitors and Delivery Hero's ongoing platform investments, despite ongoing challenges in South Korea, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The takeover process by Uber continues in the background, with Delivery Hero maintaining its independent operation until the transaction's closure expected in the second half of 2027. The company remains open to sweetening the offer over time, given the current 12% discount to the proposed price.
Written by urgent.news from Economic Times Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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