DoorDash stock: Q3 growth meets $17 billion Instacart deal
Published on 11/02/2026 at 12:29 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSGrowth, Deal And Next Steps
- DoorDash reported strong third-quarter operating growth, with orders, marketplace volume and revenue advancing year over year.
- The Instacart transaction remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals and is targeted for completion between late 2027 and the first half of 2028.
- Management expects the combination to create a multi-year path to at least 500 million US dollars in annual synergies after investment.
DoorDash announced its third-quarter 2026 results and a definitive agreement to acquire Instacart on Thursday, October 29, according to the company's investor release. The announcement combines accelerating marketplace activity with DoorDash's largest disclosed acquisition, extending its strategy beyond restaurant delivery.
DoorDash generated 993 million total orders in the quarter ended September 30, up 28 percent from a year earlier. Marketplace gross order volume rose 36 percent to 33.9 billion US dollars, while revenue increased 34 percent to 4.616 billion US dollars. The company said revenue growth excluding Deliveroo was 23 percent, highlighting the contribution from the acquired business as well as underlying expansion.
Quarterly Scale And Profitability
GAAP net income attributable to DoorDash common stockholders reached 466 million US dollars, compared with 244 million US dollars in the year-earlier quarter and 200 million US dollars in the second quarter. Adjusted EBITDA rose 41 percent year over year to 1.060 billion US dollars from 754 million US dollars. The adjusted margin on marketplace gross order volume increased to 3.1 percent from 3.0 percent a year earlier and 2.8 percent in the previous quarter.
Operating cash flow was 994 million US dollars and free cash flow was 787 million US dollars in the quarter, compared with 871 million and 723 million US dollars, respectively, a year earlier. DoorDash also said it had repurchased 6.8 million Class A shares for 1.0 billion US dollars through October 28, leaving about 4.0 billion US dollars under its existing authorization.
Instacart Changes The Grocery Ambition
Under the agreement, DoorDash will acquire Instacart at 65 US dollars per share, implying an equity value of about 17 billion US dollars. At least 75 percent of the consideration will be paid in cash, while the stock component is capped at 25 percent and subject to election and proration mechanics. DoorDash plans to finance the cash portion with cash on hand and debt financing and is targeting an investment-grade capital structure.
DoorDash expects the deal to close at the end of 2027 or during the first half of 2028. The transaction requires Instacart shareholder approval, antitrust clearance in the United States and other regulatory approvals, including in Canada and Israel. Holders of about 19 percent of Instacart's outstanding shares have agreed to support the transaction.
Management said the combined network could create at least 500 million US dollars in annual synergies after investment. DoorDash expects to keep the Instacart brand, app and enterprise technology, while combining broader delivery reach with Instacart's grocery and fulfillment capabilities. The timetable and regulatory review leave execution, financing and integration as important variables for shareholders.
Quote And Investor Context
DoorDash stock traded at 160.68 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 12:24 CET on Monday, November 2, 2026. Investors can follow the real-time quote of DoorDash stock.
DoorDash stock at a glance
- Company: DoorDash, Inc.
- ISIN: US25809K1051
- Home exchange: Nasdaq
- Quarter: Three months ended September 30, 2026
- Lang & Schwarz quote: 160.68 euros at 12:24 CET on November 2, 2026
The S&P 500 provides the broad U.S. market backdrop for DoorDash stock.
More news and analyses on DoorDash stock will follow as the transaction advances through its approval process.
