With the highly anticipated fourth-quarter earnings reports on the horizon, Wedbush analysts have circulated a tempered outlook across the mobility, delivery, and grocery industries, highlighting the necessity for investor caution amid evolving market conditions. Despite the outlook acknowledging that current earnings estimates are likely attainable, the analysts emphasize that opportunities for upward surprises are limited. This perspective arises from observable softening demand trends and persistent macroeconomic uncertainties that obscure near-term growth visibility.
In the ride-hailing sector, Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER) finds itself under a watchful eye. The brokerage's analysis assigns Uber a Neutral rating complemented by a price target set at $78 per share. This stance reflects a cooled investor sentiment since the third quarter, driven largely by the absence of near-term catalysts and growing apprehension regarding autonomous vehicle (AV) risk factors. While Uber’s delivery segment continues to yield promising results, the report underscores a potential downside risk associated with the company’s mobility gross bookings. This introduces a more balanced and cautious risk/reward dynamic for investors assessing Uber’s near-term prospects.
Turning to Lyft Inc. (NASDAQ: LYFT), the outlook is less favorable. Wedbush analysts issue an Underperform rating supported by concerns over the company’s operational momentum. Key performance indicators such as app engagement and monthly active user (MAU) growth have noticeably decelerated compared to the previous quarter. The lack of endogenous growth drivers within Lyft’s platform further compounds these concerns. As such, the firm upholds a $16 price target on the stock, reflecting restrained expectations for meaningful top-line expansion or margin improvement in the short term.
Similarly, Maplebear Inc.’s Instacart (NASDAQ: CART) faces a challenging competitive backdrop, prompting an Underperform recommendation and a $36 price target. Intense rivalry from omnichannel giants like Amazon and Walmart is projected to moderate Instacart’s order growth. Additionally, the analysts highlight potential vulnerability in the company’s pricing power, warning that weakening pricing trends over time could undermine both market share and profit margins. This competitive pressure also signals potential risks in maintaining the favorable unit economics necessary for sustained profitability.
In contrast, DoorDash Inc. (NASDAQ: DASH) emerges as a compelling opportunity within this quartet. Wedbush awards the company an Outperform rating and a $270 price target based on its positive margin trajectory and structural growth in ancillary revenue streams. Notably, DoorDash’s advertising segment is forecasted to expand, supporting overall adjusted EBITDA margin improvements through 2026. Furthermore, the company is expected to continue enhancing logistics efficiency, which will contribute to favorable cost structures and incremental profitability. The current valuation, approximately $210 per share, is viewed as attractive relative to these growth prospects.
The timing of the quarterly earnings reports is noteworthy for market participants planning exposure to these stocks. Uber is scheduled to report before the opening bell on Wednesday, February 4. Lyft will release its earnings after the market close on February 10, followed by Maplebear on February 12, also post-market. DoorDash rounds out the sequence with its report set for February 18, after the market close. These dates present critical catalysts that could influence investor sentiment across this sector in the coming weeks.
Key Points:
- Wedbush advises incremental caution in mobility, delivery, and grocery sectors as Q4 earnings approach, emphasizing limited upside potential amid soft demand and macro uncertainties.
- Uber retains a Neutral rating with a $78 price target, balancing positive delivery segment performance against potential risks in mobility revenue and autonomous vehicle-related concerns.
- Lyft and Instacart receive Underperform ratings due to decelerated user engagement, growth challenges, and strong competition impacting order growth and margins.
- DoorDash is the standout pick with an Outperform rating, supported by anticipated EBITDA margin expansion driven by advertising growth and logistics efficiencies.
Risks and Uncertainties:
- Potential downside to Uber’s mobility gross bookings introduces risk amid macro and competitive pressures.
- Lyft’s slowing monthly active user growth and weak app engagement raise concerns about the stock’s growth trajectory.
- Instacart faces intensified competition from Amazon and Walmart, potentially leading to moderated order growth and weaker pricing power.
- Persistent macroeconomic uncertainty could limit these companies’ ability to exceed current earnings expectations.