DoorDash's Most Active Dashers Are 'Unauthorized Workers:' Culper Shorts DASH Saying 10-11% Pay Raise Would 'Wipe Out' 2024 EBITDA - DoorDash (NASDAQ:DASH)

Core Insights - Short-seller Culper Research has initiated a short position in DoorDash Inc., alleging that the company's financial success relies on a "supply crisis" solution involving unauthorized workers [1] Financial Vulnerability - The report claims that a 10-11% increase in Dasher pay could eliminate DoorDash's entire $1.9 billion in 2024 Adjusted EBITDA, indicating a fragile profitability structure [2] - Culper attributes this vulnerability to a 2021 decision to allow Dashers to sign up using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) instead of Social Security Numbers (SSNs), which do not confer work authorization [2] Workforce Composition - ITIN holders are reportedly crucial to DoorDash's operations, with estimates suggesting they could make up to 50% of Dashers in markets like New York City, responsible for 26% to 57% of all deliveries [3] Safety and Legal Concerns - The report links the ITIN system to safety lapses, citing incidents involving Dashers with criminal backgrounds, including DUIs and aggravated assault [4] - A former security engineer's lawsuit claims he was fired for uncovering fraudulent Dasher accounts associated with various criminal activities [5] Regulatory Scrutiny - Culper alleges that DoorDash is under an "undisclosed SEC investigation," as indicated by a Freedom of Information Act request [5] Market Performance - DoorDash's stock closed 1.40% higher at $258.15, with a year-to-date increase of 51.27% and a 68.32% rise over the year [6]