Wall Street analysts are examining the potential consequences of the end of the pandemic-era pause on student-loan payments. According to MoffettNathanson analysts, one sector that may suffer more than others is online food delivery, which could spell bad news for industry giant DoorDash.
Analysts Downgrade DoorDash Shares
MoffettNathanson analysts have recently downgraded the shares of DoorDash Inc. (DASH) from buy to hold. They have also revised their price target from $110 to $93. As a result, DoorDash’s stock experienced a 3.2% dip in afternoon trading.
Loan Repayments and Food Delivery
The analysts fear that the resumption of loan repayments could pose a risk to the food delivery industry. They believe that the answer to the question of whether or not loan repayments could impact food delivery is affirmative.
The Implications of Pandemic Lockdowns
The restaurant landscape underwent significant changes during the pandemic, causing government relief efforts to provide some diners with additional disposable income. Consequently, food delivery became an “affordable luxury” for many consumers.
Praise for DoorDash’s Leadership
While acknowledging DoorDash’s strong executive team and the continued growth of the restaurant industry despite economic downturns, the analysts highlight the inherent vulnerability of food delivery. They note that this particular service is often more expensive than customers picking up their orders themselves, making it a discretionary expense for most consumers.
In conclusion, Wall Street analysts express concerns regarding the potential impact of student loan repayments on consumer spending in the context of food delivery. Despite their praise for DoorDash’s leadership, they believe that this industry may face greater challenges compared to other areas of e-commerce.
Student Loan Debt and Food Delivery Services
According to federal data, the majority of the nation’s student-loan debt is held by people in the age range of 24 to 49, accounting for 69% of the total. Surprisingly, many individuals in this age group rely on popular delivery services such as Uber Eats and DoorDash for their meals.
This trend raises concerns among analysts who suggest that the future growth of food delivery bookings could potentially face challenges due to consumers seeking ways to reduce their spending in non-essential areas. However, despite these risks, the analysts acknowledge that the current market does not reflect these concerns fully. While Uber Eats is also expected to be affected, the diversified nature of the business and its significant international presence help minimize the overall impact on Uber.
As the economy shows signs of recovery and optimism grows, student-loan interest has resumed as of September 1st, with payments becoming due in October. Unfortunately, this resurgence in payments coincides with the ongoing strain on consumers caused by increasing prices across different sectors.
On the other hand, DoorDash reported better-than-expected quarterly sales last month, indicating its ability to adapt and thrive amid challenging circumstances. This success can be attributed to its expansion beyond the restaurant industry into areas such as grocery and retail. Encouraged by this performance, DoorDash has expressed its commitment to investing further in new business ventures.
Despite the economic uncertainties, DoorDash’s shares have maintained a notable upward trajectory throughout this year, experiencing a remarkable 66% increase. In comparison, the S&P 500 has risen by 16.4% over the same period.
In a previous analysis conducted in June, Jefferies analysts identified Amazon.com Inc., Walmart Inc., and Target Corp. as major e-commerce players most likely to be significantly impacted by the resumption of student-loan payments. These retail giants will need to carefully navigate their strategies to mitigate potential challenges in light of this development.