Online delivery platform DoorDash (DASH -0.72%)reported third-quarter 2024 earnings on Wednesday, Oct. 30, which marked a significant breakthrough with its first positive GAAP net income since going public.
The company recorded a Q3 net income of $162 million, a striking improvement from a loss of $73 million in the prior year, and reported diluted earnings per share at $0.38, surpassing analyst estimates of $0.20. This quarter also saw an 18% year-over-year increase in total orders and a 19% rise in marketplace gross order value to $20 billion, alongside a 25% revenue growth reaching $2.7 billion.
In summary, the quarter not only reflected robust operational enhancements but also a successful strategic alignment contributing to growth and profitability.
| Metric | Q3 2024 | Analysts Estimate | Q3 2023 | Change (YOY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income | $162 million | N/A | ($73 million) | N/A |
| Total orders | 643 million | N/A | 543 million | 18% |
| Marketplace GOV | $20 billion | $20.4 billion | $16.8 billion | 19% |
| Revenue | $2.71 billion | $2.66 billion | $2.16 billion | 25% |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $533 million | N/A | $344 million | 55% |
| EPS (diluted) | $0.38 | $0.20 | ($0.19) | N/A |
Source: DoorDash. Note: Analyst consensus estimates for the quarter provided by FactSet. YOY = Year over year. GOV = Gross order value.
Understanding DoorDash's Business Model
DoorDash is a leader in the food delivery sector, connecting consumers with local eateries through its app-based platform. Its business thrives on its extensive network of drivers, known as Dashers, and provides an array of services to partnering restaurants, including order fulfillment, marketing, and data analytics. DoorDash's success is closely tied to consumer engagement, which was exemplified by a reported 37 million active users as of the end of the previous year.
In recent years, DoorDash has widened its reach beyond just food delivery. Efforts include expanding its commerce offerings through the DoorDash Commerce Platform, which aids merchants in enhancing their online presence and managing customer interactions more effectively. Sustaining its competitive edge, particularly in high marketplace density areas, remains crucial as it readies itself for the deployment of innovative service offerings.
Quarterly Highlights and Achievements
The 18% increase in total orders and a 19% uplift in marketplace GOV underscored its successful consumer and merchant engagement strategies. Revenue growth was the result of increased order volumes along with improvements in marketplace commission contributions.
Profitability also saw meaningful improvements, with adjusted EBITDA rising to $533 million, marking a 55% year-on-year increase. Gross profit margins also saw enhancement, with net revenue margin climbing from 12.9% to 13.5%, primarily due to efficiency gains and a strategic focus on high-margin activities such as advertising. Contribution profit margin improved to 4.6%, pointing to better leverage and operational management.
Notable during the quarter was DoorDash's growth in its consumer base, notably among newer users whose order rates exceeded past trends. Merchant service offerings expanded through various initiatives, which include platforms like DoorDash Drive and Storefront, which bolster merchant capabilities in online transactions.
Additionally, this quarter's milestone achievement of positive net income is attributed to strategic efficiencies and top-line growth, marking a significant recovery from past financial challenges.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the successes, DoorDash faces challenges in maintaining profitability consistency, particularly given historical pressures from substantial stock-based compensation and elevated expansion costs. The shift to positive net income this quarter is promising, yet its continuation is crucial for sustainable financial health.
Looking ahead, DoorDash management provided a financial outlook for the upcoming quarter, expecting marketplace GOV to range between $20.6 billion and $21 billion, and adjusted EBITDA between $525 million and $575 million. Key focus areas will likely include enhancing operating leverage and managing regional regulatory complexities linked to international growth. As DoorDash extends its reach globally, observing market dynamics in new territories will be vital for assessing enduring company performance.
