Investment opportunity: Profitable electronic commerce shares
In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, two companies stand out for their impressive growth trajectories: Delivery Hero and Zalando. Both companies have capitalised on the surge in online shopping demand brought about by the pandemic, transitioning into phases of robust growth and profitability in 2025 and beyond.
Delivery Hero: Growth and Profitability on the Horizon
Delivery Hero, a leading global online food delivery, and related services marketplace, is on course to become profitable by 2026. This transformation is driven by significant growth in Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) and improving adjusted EBITDA. The company's revenue has shown a substantial increase from €1.24 billion in 2019 to an projected €12.29 billion in 2024[1][5].
Zalando: A Pillar of European E-commerce
Zalando, a major player in European e-commerce, specialises in fashion and lifestyle products. As of mid-August 2025, its stock price stands at around €23.11, giving it a market capitalization of approximately €6.26 billion[2]. The company operates across multiple European countries, offering over 6000 brands and various sales channels, including online and physical outlet stores. Zalando's price-to-earnings ratio of about 30.66 indicates a growth-oriented valuation, and it continues to invest in customer convenience features such as free delivery and returns.
Future Prospects
Delivery Hero's outlook is positive, with profitability anticipated by 2026 due to sustained GMV growth and operational efficiencies[1]. The company’s current revenue growth trajectory supports its strong future performance. Zalando’s steady market presence, extensive European footprint, and diversification into off-price segments suggest that it remains well-positioned for continued growth in fashion e-commerce, although its relatively high P/E ratio indicates expectations for further growth rather than immediate high profitability[2].
Investment Opportunities in E-commerce
The latest issue of BÖRSE ONLINE presents six e-commerce stocks for investment, and now seems to be an opportune time to invest in this sector. Delivery Hero has gained around 40 percent at the beginning of the year[6]. E-commerce revenues could reach a new record in 2024 for the first time since the Corona peak[7]. Subscribing to BÖRSE ONLINE's promotional subscription provides 3x BÖRSE ONLINE for 9.90 euros instead of 17.40 euros[8].
Delivery Hero, with its focus on profitability goals, and Zalando, with its expansion and market consolidation efforts, are two promising e-commerce stocks to consider. Talabat, a Delivery Hero subsidiary operating in the Middle East and North Africa, could potentially contribute to further growth in Delivery Hero's stock[3]. Lower interest rates have also made financing costs cheaper, driving the growth of Delivery Hero[4]. Future earnings for e-commerce companies are larger as they are discounted at lower rates with lower interest rates[9].
In conclusion, both Delivery Hero and Zalando have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of the pandemic, positioning themselves for continued growth and success in the e-commerce sector. For investors seeking opportunities in this thriving industry, these two companies are worth a close look.
[1] Delivery Hero annual report 2024 [2] Zalando annual report 2024 [3] Delivery Hero Q2 2025 earnings call [4] European Central Bank press release, July 2025 [5] Delivery Hero revenue projections, 2019-2024 [6] BÖRSE ONLINE, E-commerce stocks to watch in 2025 [7] Statista, E-commerce revenues in Europe, 2019-2024 [8] BÖRSE ONLINE promotional offer, August 2025 [9] Delivery Hero Q1 2025 earnings call
Delivery Hero continues to target profitability, with the goal of becoming profitable by 2026, driven by growth in Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) and improving adjusted EBITDA, as well as lower financing costs due to lower interest rates.
Zalando, with its extensive European footprint, diversification into off-price segments, and growth-oriented valuation, continues to invest in customer convenience features such as free delivery and returns, suggesting ongoing growth and success in the fashion e-commerce sector.
