Investing.com -- Deliveroo (OTC:DROOF) shares fell more than 7% on Thursday after the company reported full-year 2024 results that met guidance but signaled a more extended timeline for achieving key profitability targets.
The UK-based food delivery firm posted a solid second half, with another period of margin improvement, but its revised outlook on margins and the exclusion of Hong Kong from guidance complicated direct comparisons with consensus expectations.
The company confirmed that gross transaction value (GTV) growth for 2025 is expected to be in the "high-single digits percentage," while adjusted EBITDA is projected between £170 million and £190 million.
At the midpoint, that represents a 5.8% shortfall against consensus, which had anticipated £191 million. Excluding the now-exited Hong Kong operations, adjusted EBITDA for 2024 stood at approximately £140 million.
While Deliveroo reiterated its mid-teens GTV growth target for the medium term, it pushed back its margin expansion timeline.
The company’s previous goal of surpassing a 4% margin in 2026 has been revised to an undefined "medium-term" horizon, with improvement accelerating from 2026 onwards.
Analysts had already expected a slower trajectory, with consensus forecasts pointing to a 3.1% margin in 2026, rising to 3.7% by 2028.
A £100 million share buyback program was announced, representing about 5% of Deliveroo’s market capitalization. The company emphasized that it continues to view itself as having surplus capital.
Shares had been weak in the run-up to the results, and the initial market reaction to the report reflected concerns over the extended profitability timeline.
Jefferies maintains a ’buy’ rating on Deliveroo, with a price target of 230p, implying an 85% upside from the prior trading day’s closing price of 124.60p.