DoorDash(US:DASH) HTSC·2025-11-07 11:46Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for DoorDash with a target price of $280.60 [6]. Core Insights - DoorDash reported a total gross order value (GOV) of $25.02 billion for Q3 2025, a year-over-year increase of 25.1%, exceeding consensus expectations by 1.9% [1]. - Revenue reached $3.45 billion, up 27.3% year-over-year, also surpassing expectations by 2.6%, driven by significant growth in monthly active users and improvements in average order value and frequency [1][2]. - GAAP net profit was $240 million, below the expected $290 million, while adjusted EBITDA was $750 million, a 42% year-over-year increase, aligning closely with expectations [1][3]. - The company anticipates a short-term profit pressure due to rising operational costs and planned reinvestments of several hundred million dollars in 2026, which are expected to benefit long-term growth [1][3]. Summary by Sections Performance Overview - In Q3 2025, DoorDash's order volume reached 776 million, a 21% year-over-year increase, exceeding expectations by 0.4% [2]. - The average order value (AOV) also surpassed expectations, contributing to the overall GOV exceeding forecasts [2]. Growth Drivers - Growth is driven by a resurgence in core categories, particularly in the U.S. restaurant sector, where GOV growth reached a three-year high [2]. - The international business is expanding robustly, with growth rates in several countries outpacing local competitors, and the integration of Deliveroo is expected to enhance scale and synergy [2]. Cost and Profitability - The increase in operational costs led to a GAAP net profit of $240 million, which was lower than the anticipated $290 million [3]. - The company’s expense ratio for Q3 2025 was 38.6%, higher than the expected 38.0%, primarily due to seasonal increases in rider costs and a higher proportion of low-margin international business [3]. Financial Projections - Revenue forecasts for 2025-2027 are adjusted to $13.76 billion, $17.34 billion, and $21.25 billion, reflecting increases of 4%, 8%, and 12% respectively [4]. - Adjusted EBITDA projections for the same period are revised to $2.8 billion, $3.7 billion, and $4.7 billion, with slight downward adjustments due to lower-than-expected Q4 guidance [4]. Valuation - The report suggests a valuation premium for DoorDash, switching to a 2026 valuation based on a 30x EV/EBITDA multiple, resulting in a target price of $280.60 [4].