DoorDash (NasdaqGS:DASH) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 18, 2026 05:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsAndrew Boone - Managing DirectorEric Sheridan - Managing DirectorJosh Beck - Managing DirectorJustin Patterson - Managing Director of Equity ResearchJustin Post - Managing DirectorLee Horowitz - Co-Head of Internet Equity ResearchMark Mahaney - Senior Managing DirectorRavi Inukonda - CFOShweta Khajuria - Managing Director of Global InternetTony Xu - Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEOWeston Twigg - Head of Finance and ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects 2026 EBITDA margin to be slightly up compared to 2025, excluding Deliveroo, which is projected to contribute about $200 million of EBITDA [10][11][39] - The U.S. restaurant business contribution margin was up year-over-year in Q4, with expectations for continued margin improvement in 2026 [41][42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New verticals, including retail and grocery, had a strong quarter and year, with 30% of miles in the U.S. coming from categories outside of restaurants [24][48] - The company aims to increase the percentage of miles from grocery and retail to 100% over time, with improvements in selection and efficiency driving growth [24][41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported high growth rates in the grocery sector, with no significant impact from competition, particularly from Amazon [47][50] - The company is expanding its capabilities with DashMart Fulfillment Services to enhance quality and compete effectively against larger players [50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building an operating system for local commerce, integrating software, warehousing, and delivery infrastructure to support small and medium businesses [19][22] - Investments are being made in autonomous delivery platforms, with a vision for a fleet of vehicles to serve both urban and suburban areas [39][85] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position in Europe, highlighting faster growth compared to the U.S. and successful integration of Deliveroo [8][9] - The management emphasized the importance of maximizing long-term free cash flow through strategic investments in technology and service offerings [11][12] Other Important Information - The company is making significant investments in its global tech stack, with expectations for improved efficiency and feature development velocity [60][76] - The DashPass program is seen as critical for driving consumer engagement and order frequency, with plans to enhance its value proposition [66][69] Q&A Session Summary Question: Competitive intensity in Europe and investment levels for 2026 and 2027 - Management noted strong positioning in Europe and faster growth post-Deliveroo acquisition, with consistent investment levels expected [8][10] Question: Details on longer distance and higher effort deliveries - Management discussed the evolution of Dashers and the integration of software to support complex deliveries, emphasizing the need for improved pay models [18][22] Question: Strategy for autonomous delivery platform - Management outlined plans for a fleet of delivery vehicles, emphasizing the orchestration of deliveries between Dashers and autonomous vehicles [39][40] Question: Reasons for lower unit economics improvement in U.S. restaurant business - Management indicated that while margins are improving, the pace will be slower due to ongoing investments and seasonal factors [41][42] Question: Growth in grocery and perishables amid competition - Management reported continued high growth rates in grocery, asserting that consumer preference for choice supports their strategy [47][50] Question: Insights from Deliveroo acquisition - Management highlighted early successes and identified numerous small improvements that can enhance customer offerings [58][59] Question: Update on storefront software business and tech stack timing - Management confirmed positive integration with SevenRooms and expects significant tech stack benefits to materialize throughout 2026 [72][76]

DoorDash (NasdaqGS:DASH) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 18, 2026 05:00 PM ET Speaker13Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining us, and welcome to the DoorDash Q4 2025 earnings call. After today's opening statement, we will host a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. To withdraw your question, please press star one again. I will now hand the call over to Weston Twigg. Please go ahead.Speaker18All right. Thanks, Elizabeth. Good afterno ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported that growth accelerated for the fourth consecutive quarter, with improving unit economics and increasing profit dollars, allowing for reinvestment back into the business [14][15]. - The EBITDA margin for the existing business, excluding Deliveroo, is expected to be slightly up compared to 2025 [15][50]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core business continues to perform well, with significant investments planned in technology and new product initiatives [14][15]. - New verticals are experiencing strong growth, with increasing order frequency and basket size, indicating consumer satisfaction [56][61]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on expanding its presence in Europe, leveraging lessons learned from previous acquisitions to enhance product offerings and improve unit economics [30][25]. - The U.S. marketplace has shown consistent strength, with increasing monthly active users and order frequency across various categories [59][61]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is investing heavily in building a new global tech platform to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, particularly in AI integration [10][12]. - There is a strong emphasis on improving product quality and consumer experience to drive retention and order frequency, which is crucial for long-term growth [24][25]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth potential of the business, citing strong performance metrics and a disciplined investment approach [15][19]. - The company is optimistic about the integration of Deliveroo and the potential for improved unit economics and product offerings in the European market [19][30]. Other Important Information - The company is focusing on enhancing its DashMart fulfillment services to provide better inventory management and same-day delivery capabilities [52][74]. - There is a commitment to maintaining high standards for Dasher authenticity and ensuring compliance with regulations regarding documented workers [44][79]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Investment allocation for 2026 - Management indicated that investments will primarily focus on building a global tech platform and new product initiatives, with expectations for improved efficiency and cost savings over time [6][10]. Question: Deliveroo investment strategy - The strategy involves enhancing product experience and unit economics, with a focus on improving retention and engagement metrics [19][25]. Question: European market landscape - Management sees a significant opportunity to lead in local commerce in Europe, leveraging existing strengths and experiences from previous acquisitions [30][25]. Question: Advertising business outlook - The advertising business is growing rapidly, with a focus on balancing advertiser returns and consumer experience [42][45]. Question: New verticals and growth potential - New verticals are showing promise, with strong growth in categories like pets, electronics, and health and beauty, indicating a broadening of the company's market reach [68][70].

Core Insights - DoorDash aims to enhance local commerce through innovative solutions that empower merchants, consumers, and Dashers, with a focus on solving real problems [1][2] New Features and Innovations - The introduction of "Going Out" allows users to make reservations, earn in-store rewards, and access exclusive offers, enhancing the dining experience and helping restaurants attract customers [3][4] - The "Dot" autonomous delivery robot is designed for local commerce, capable of traveling at up to 20 mph and engineered for safety, currently being tested in the Phoenix metro area [6][8] - "SmartScale" technology helps restaurants improve order accuracy, reducing missing item claims by up to 30%, with Panera Bread being the first national restaurant to adopt it [9][21] Retail and Grocery Expansion - DoorDash is launching "DashMart Fulfillment Services" to help retailers manage inventory and delivery, with CVS, Party City, and Kroger already participating [11][12] - Starting October 1, nearly 2,700 Kroger stores will be available on DoorDash, making it the largest grocery partner on the platform, offering a wide range of products with delivery in as little as an hour [12] Enhanced User Experience - The app will feature AI-powered recommendations, personalized content, and new tools for Dashers to improve their experience and earnings [14][18] - Partnerships with platforms like Yelp will enhance the discovery of restaurants and streamline the ordering process [14]