Grab Profit Surges 386 Q2 Revenue Hits $819M Amid AV Push

Grab CEO Anthony Tan has positioned the company as a key player in Southeast Asia's transition to autonomous vehicles (AVs), emphasizing the firm's readiness to support the industry shift during a recent earnings call [1]. The statement aligns with ongoing pilot initiatives, including a limited-time driverless shuttle service between One-North metro station and Grab’s Singapore headquarters. While the shuttle operates only during specific hours and over a short route, it serves as a strategic testbed for understanding the operational landscape of AV services [1].

Tan highlighted Grab’s regional reach across eight Southeast Asian countries and its ongoing partnerships with global AV companies and OEMs. He also outlined a collaboration with A2Z, a Korean AV manufacturer, and hinted at additional pilot programs in the pipeline. These efforts aim to deepen Grab’s operational insights and readiness for scaling autonomous services across varied market conditions [1].

Addressing concerns about job displacement, Tan noted that labor shortages in Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing sector are currently more pressing than displacement from automation. Many platforms struggle to meet demand due to a lack of drivers, particularly during peak hours. In this context, AVs could serve as a solution to bridge gaps in supply, especially during times when human drivers are unavailable [1].

Financially, Grab showed a marked turnaround in the second quarter of 2025, posting a $20 million profit compared to a $68 million loss in the same period the previous year. Revenue rose 23% year-on-year to $819 million, driven primarily by growth in on-demand and financial services. The financial services segment, while starting from a smaller base, grew by 41% to $84 million, with its loan portfolio increasing by 78% to $708 million [1].

Grab’s chief operating officer, Alex Hungate, expressed confidence that the loan portfolio could exceed $1 billion by the end of the year. The expansion is attributed to a strong product lineup and the firm’s ability to offer financial services to underbanked customers at rates that reflect the associated risks [1].

Grab shares, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, rose 0.6% in pre-market trading following the earnings report. The stock has gained 11.6% year-to-date, signaling investor confidence in Grab’s strategic direction, particularly its push into autonomous technology [1].

Grab’s dual focus on expanding its AV capabilities and maintaining core operations in ride-hailing and financial services positions it as a potential leader in the future of mobility in Southeast Asia. The company’s ability to integrate emerging technologies into its existing infrastructure may define its role in the region’s evolving transportation landscape [1].

Source: [1]Grab is in 'prime position' to support the transition ... (https://fortune.com/asia/2025/07/31/grab-earnings-driverless-cars-anthony-tan/)