After more than 10 years of unwavering commitment, Grab has hit a significant milestone by turning a profit for the first time. The ride-hailing and food delivery titan, Grab Holdings Ltd., celebrated its breakthrough as it posted impressive adjusted earnings, marking a triumphant journey since its inception a decade ago.
In a spectacular financial turnaround, Grab’s quarterly loss narrowed to $99 million from $342 million, showcasing a strategic reduction in various expenses. Anthony Tan, the Co-founder and CEO of Grab, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing market efficiency, providing more affordable services for users, and empowering millions of daily driver-partners.
GRAB STOCKS SOAR AS PROFITS SURGE
Investors cheered as Grab’s shares surged by 6.3% in New York trading on November 9, the largest daily increase since August 23. The positive momentum followed Grab’s announcement of adjusted earnings surpassing expectations at $29 million for the quarter to September.
Despite fierce competition and past challenges, Grab’s relentless expansion across Southeast Asia has paid off. The company’s revenue rose by an impressive 61% to $615 million in the quarter, albeit at a slower pace due to changing consumer spending habits in the face of inflation and rising interest rates.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AND NEXT GOALS
Facing competitive pressures from rivals like Sea and GoTo, Grab is eyeing positive free cash flow as a next milestone, targeted for accomplishment by the end of 2024. Chief Financial Officer Peter Oey outlined the company’s commitment to reaching pre-pandemic levels in its mobile business by year-end.
Additionally, Grab adjusted its full-year loss forecast to a more optimistic range of $20 million to $25 million, showcasing resilience in the face of economic challenges. The monthly transacting users on Grab’s platform reached an all-time high of 36 million, reinforcing its position as a key player in the region.
GRAB’S JOURNEY AND STRATEGIC MOVES
While Grab’s shares faced a dip since its public debut, the company’s strategic shifts, including job cuts and innovative service additions, have contributed to a stabilizing stock performance. Grab’s pursuit of acquiring part of Delivery Hero’s operations reflects its commitment to strategic expansion, albeit under regulatory scrutiny.
As Grab navigates challenges, including scrutiny from the Singapore Competition and Consumer Commission regarding the potential acquisition of Trans-cab, the company remains resilient and poised for continued success in the dynamic Southeast Asian market.
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Source: Vietnam Insider