Talabat Holding plc, one of the leading on-demand online ordering and delivery platforms in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced that its Board of Directors has recommended launching a share buyback programme of up to 5% of the company’s issued share capital.
The proposed programme, subject to shareholder approval, will be executed over a period of up to two years from the date of approval. The initiative forms part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance shareholder value while maintaining a disciplined and balanced approach to capital allocation.
Strengthening Capital Allocation and Long-Term Growth Strategy
The proposed share buyback complements the company’s recently announced strategic investments aimed at supporting long-term growth, alongside its established dividend distribution policy.
According to the company, this move reflects a structured capital allocation framework designed to balance reinvestment in business expansion with delivering consistent returns to shareholders. It also highlights the Board’s confidence in talabat’s long-term growth prospects and its commitment to generating sustainable value for investors.
Buyback to Be Executed Through Dubai Financial Market
If approved by shareholders, the share repurchase programme will be carried out through open-market transactions on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), in full compliance with applicable regulations and under the supervision of the Board of Directors.
The company expects the programme to be financed through its existing cash reserves as well as free cash flows generated from ongoing operations.
However, talabat clarified that the actual number of shares repurchased will depend on several factors, including prevailing market conditions, share price levels, liquidity availability, and other relevant considerations. As a result, there is no guarantee that the full 5% of the issued capital will be acquired.
Shareholders to Vote on Final 2025 Dividend
In addition to the proposed share buyback programme, shareholders will vote on several resolutions during the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for 13 April 2026.
One of the key items on the agenda is the approval of the final dividend distribution for the second half of 2025, which amounts to USD 219 million, equivalent to 3.450 fils per share.
If approved, the total dividend payout for the full year 2025 will reach USD 421 million, representing 6.638 fils per share.
Dividend Track Record Since IPO
The company also noted that with the proposed final dividend, cumulative dividends distributed since its Initial Public Offering (IPO) will reach approximately USD 531 million, equivalent to 8.373 fils per share.
Additional information related to the AGM agenda, including the formal meeting invitation, is available on both the company’s official website and the website of the Dubai Financial Market. Further updates will be provided in due course.
CEO: Market Valuation Does Not Reflect Platform Strength
Commenting on the announcement, Toon Gyssels, Chief Executive Officer of talabat, emphasized that the share buyback programme demonstrates the company’s strong confidence in its future.
He stated that the current market valuation and share price do not fully capture the long-term strength and potential of talabat’s platform.
Gyssels added that the combination of the buyback programme and the company’s dividend policy underscores talabat’s commitment to delivering attractive total returns to shareholders, while continuing to invest strategically in expanding its food, grocery, and retail delivery segments.
Capital Allocation Focused on High-Return Investments
Talabat explained that its capital allocation framework prioritizes investments capable of generating returns exceeding the company’s cost of capital.
At the same time, the company aims to return excess capital to shareholders when appropriate. Supported by a strong balance sheet, solid cash generation, and ongoing investments in growth across food, grocery, and retail sectors, the proposed share buyback is viewed by the Board as an effective method to deploy surplus capital under the company’s current market valuation.
Appointment of Liquidity Provider to Improve Share Trading
In a separate decision, the Board has authorized management to appoint a liquidity provider for the company’s shares listed on the Dubai Financial Market.
The objective of this step is to increase order book depth and improve overall trading liquidity, making the company’s shares more accessible and attractive to investors.
The company confirmed that a separate announcement will be issued once the liquidity provider appointment process has been finalized
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