Better Growth Stock in 2026: Uber or DoorDash?

Core Viewpoint - Uber is positioned to leverage the autonomous vehicle revolution, which could significantly enhance its business model and profitability compared to DoorDash, which has focused on refining its core food delivery services [2][14]. Uber Technologies - Uber operates the largest ride-hailing network globally, with over 200 million monthly users, and is expanding into autonomous ride-hailing and delivery services [2]. - In 2025, Uber reported gross bookings of $193.4 billion, with $85.4 billion paid to drivers, indicating a substantial cost that could be reduced through automation [3][6]. - After deducting costs, Uber's revenue for 2025 was $52 billion, with an adjusted profit of $5.2 billion, highlighting the limited portion of gross bookings that contribute to the bottom line [4]. - The deployment of autonomous vehicles could allow Uber to retain a significant portion of the $85.4 billion previously paid to drivers, enhancing revenue without increasing customer base [6][7]. - Uber's CEO believes the shift to autonomous driving could create a multitrillion-dollar opportunity for the company, indicating significant long-term growth potential [15]. DoorDash - DoorDash holds over 60% market share in the U.S. food delivery industry and has expanded its services to over 40 countries [8]. - In 2025, DoorDash processed $102 billion in gross order volume, with $20 billion allocated to drivers, and has initiated autonomous delivery solutions with its robot, Dot [9][10]. - DoorDash achieved a record revenue of $13.7 billion in 2025, a 28% increase year-over-year, and a net income of $935 million, reflecting a 660% increase [12][13]. - The company has also reported an adjusted EBITDA of $2.7 billion, showcasing its profitability after years of focusing on growth [13]. Comparative Analysis - Uber's larger investment in driver costs compared to DoorDash suggests a greater potential for profit through automation [14]. - The valuation comparison shows Uber's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio at 3.2, significantly lower than DoorDash's 5.4, making Uber appear more attractive for investment [15][17].