Zomato Share Price : In a remarkable turn of events, Zomato, the renowned food delivery platform, stunned the financial markets with its unexpected net profit announcement during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024 (Q1FY24).The news catapulted the Zomato share price by more than 7%, igniting investor optimism and drawing attention to its performance. This article delves into the factors behind this surge, explores the market sentiments, and sheds light on the perspectives of industry experts.
The Unexpected Rally of Zomato Share Price
Zomato share price experienced a substantial upward rally on Monday, soaring by an impressive 7.77%. This surge propelled the stock to a 52-week high of ₹102.85 per share on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
A noteworthy achievement was the crossing of the ₹100 mark, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished since January 25, 2022. This substantial leap in share price was primarily attributed to the surprising net profit in the Q1FY24.
Positive Q1 Results and Market Sentiments
Market analysts and observers attribute the recent Zomato share price rally to the euphoria surrounding the company’s Q1FY24 financial results. Although the net profit marked a significant milestone, experts believe that Zomato still has a considerable journey ahead to achieve sustained positive EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization).
Some even suggest that the positive aspects of these results have already been factored into the current share price, indicating a potential for profit booking in the future.
Avinash Gorakshakar, Director Research at Profitmart Securities, emphasized that while the current rally is driven by enthusiasm about improved Q1 results, caution is warranted due to the company’s ongoing challenges. Gorakshakar stated, “Zomato share price is seeing the rally on the back of euphoria around better Q1 results. However, the company still has a long way to go to become EBITDA positive.”
Mixed Expert Opinions
The Q1FY24 net profit announcement has evoked mixed reactions from financial experts. Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Group Chairman of Inditrade Capital, acknowledged the company’s positive direction but expressed reservations regarding the valuation. Bandyopadhyay commented, “The company is on the right direction and has delivered a small net profit. However, we would remain cautious as the financials do not justify the current valuations.”
A Closer Look at Q1FY24 Results
On August 3, Zomato reported a remarkable achievement—an inaugural net profit of ₹2 crore for Q1FY24. This astonishing result stands in stark contrast to a loss of ₹186 crore during the same period of the previous year.
The company’s revenue for the quarter surged to ₹2,416 crore, a significant rise from ₹1,414 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.
This remarkable growth was predominantly fueled by the recovery of Zomato’s core food delivery business, which experienced a slowdown in the second half of FY23 but rebounded impressively with an 11% QoQ growth in Q1FY24.
Factors Behind the Growth of Zomato Share Price
The growth in Q1FY24 can be attributed to several factors, including seasonal trends and significant events. The summer holiday season for schools and the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament played a crucial role in driving the growth of Zomato’s core food delivery business.
These factors led to a surge in demand and contributed to the impressive performance.
Strategic Initiatives and Growth Projections
Zomato’s strategic initiatives, including the marketing push for Zomato Gold, have significantly contributed to its growth. The company anticipates further growth in its food delivery business, estimating a robust 25-30% increase over the next two years.
This growth trajectory is expected to bolster contribution margin (CM) and adjusted EBITDA margin, thus strengthening the company’s financial position.
Industry Insights and Analyst Ratings
Financial institutions and experts have offered diverse insights into Zomato’s future prospects. Nomura, a leading financial services group, maintains a cautious outlook and a ‘Reduce’ rating on Zomato. Nomura analysts project a target price of ₹60 per share, indicating a potential downside of 41.6% from the recent high.
In contrast, domestic brokerage firm Motilal Oswal Financial Services views Zomato’s robust performance as indicative of a favorable competitive environment in both food delivery and quick commerce verticals.
A Positive Growth Trajectory
Motilal Oswal anticipates Zomato’s continued growth, projecting a strong adjusted revenue Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 43% over FY23-25. They foresee the company turning positive on reported EBITDA by Q4FY24 and achieving around 5% EBITDA margin in FY25. These positive projections are expected to contribute to Zomato’s overall profitability.
Conclusion
The unexpected net profit announcement during Q1FY24 has propelled Zomato’s share price to new heights, reflecting the optimism of investors. While the rally has drawn attention and garnered positive sentiments, industry experts emphasize that challenges remain, and the road to sustained profitability is still long. Market observers and analysts offer diverse opinions, reflecting the complexity of the situation. As Zomato continues its journey in the competitive food delivery landscape, the company’s performance will undoubtedly be a subject of ongoing scrutiny and evaluation.
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FAQs
What led to the surge in Zomato’s share price?
The surge in Zomato’s share price was primarily driven by the company’s unexpected net profit announcement during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024.
How did Zomato’s Q1FY24 results differ from the previous year’s performance?
Zomato reported its first-ever net profit of ₹2 crore for Q1FY24, a remarkable improvement from a loss of ₹186 crore in the same period of the previous year.
What factors contributed to the growth in Zomato’s core food delivery business?
Seasonal factors such as the summer holiday season for schools and the IPL cricket tournament played a significant role in driving the growth of Zomato’s core food delivery business in Q1FY24.
What are the growth projections for Zomato’s food delivery business?
Zomato anticipates a growth rate of 25-30% in its food delivery business over the next two years, leading to improved contribution margin and adjusted EBITDA margin.
What are the conflicting opinions among analysts about Zomato’s share price performance?
While some analysts are optimistic about Zomato’s growth prospects, others remain cautious and emphasize that the current valuations may not be justified by the financials.