On Thursday, Melius maintained a Hold rating on Uber Technologies Inc . (NYSE:UBER) with a steady price target of $85.00, amidst discussions not centered on the company's growth potential but rather on external factors. Uber's stock has seen a 10% decline, influenced by lower-than-expected gross bookings volume (GBV) in the third quarter and projections for the fourth quarter.
The company is intensifying its focus on autonomous vehicle (AV) partnerships, now boasting 14 collaborations, with Waymo as a notable partner. This relationship is set to expand Uber's autonomous offerings to Atlanta and Austin next year, adding to their existing operations in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The partnership with Waymo is seen as a strategic move, positioning Uber as the primary platform for AV providers.
Uber's management has addressed market rumors regarding a possible acquisition of Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE), clarifying that their strategy remains centered on strengthening their core business. They indicated that any potential acquisitions would be scrutinized for their contribution to the core business and long-term free cash flow (FCF) potential, suggesting a preference for smaller, strategic deals over large-scale mergers.
Despite the market's reaction, Uber's underlying business holds promise due to the demand for improved service accessibility and international expansion prospects. The company has also signaled its intention to augment its share repurchase program, having already repurchased $375 million in shares during the third quarter. Uber anticipates a reduction in share count by 2025, as it continues to prioritize its buyback strategy.
In other recent news, Uber Technologies Inc. has been the focus of several financial firms following its third-quarter performance. The company surpassed Q3 profit forecasts with gross bookings for the quarter increasing by 16.1% to $40.97 billion and overall revenue reaching $11.19 billion, exceeding analysts' projections of $10.98 billion.
Uber's net income for the quarter was reported at $2.61 billion. BMO Capital maintained its positive stance on Uber, forecasting $13 billion in U.S. Mobility Bookings as Uber shifts R&D efforts towards serving suburban areas. The firm also adjusted its Delivery estimates upward, citing Uber's underpenetration in global markets and effective execution.
Oppenheimer adjusted its price target for Uber from $95.00 to $85.00, due to a tempered forecast for Uber's Mobility bookings, balanced by better-than-expected Delivery bookings and margins. BTIG maintained its Buy rating on Uber, seeing a partnership between rideshare companies and autonomous vehicle developers as a capital-efficient strategy. BofA Securities raised its price target for Uber's shares, anticipating a strong third-quarter performance.
Erste Group upgraded Uber's stock rating from Hold to Buy, reflecting confidence in the company's potential for significant revenue, operating income, and net profit increases in the upcoming quarters.
Uber's collaboration with Waymo on autonomous vehicles (AVs) has reportedly resulted in high rider satisfaction, which bodes well for the upcoming broader launches in Atlanta and Austin in 2025. AVs are anticipated to enhance the overall rider experience and solidify Uber's position as a leading third-party partner for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The Uber One membership has seen a significant 70% year-over-year increase, with memberships now exceeding 25 million, contributing to Uber's revenue growth.
Despite these developments, Uber is also facing legal challenges, such as lawsuits alleging misclassification of drivers as independent contractors.
InvestingPro Insights
Despite recent market reactions, Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:UBER) continues to demonstrate strong financial performance and growth potential. According to InvestingPro data, Uber's revenue for the last twelve months as of Q2 2024 stood at $40.06 billion, with a notable revenue growth of 14.44% over the same period. This aligns with the company's focus on strengthening its core business and expanding international operations.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that Uber is expected to see net income growth this year, and analysts predict the company will be profitable. This positive outlook is supported by the fact that Uber has been profitable over the last twelve months, with a gross profit of $12.97 billion and an operating income margin of 5.03%.
The company's strategic moves, including its AV partnerships and potential share repurchase program expansion, seem to be resonating with investors. Uber has shown a strong return of 83.53% over the last year, and its stock is trading at 81.28% of its 52-week high, indicating sustained investor confidence.
For readers interested in a deeper analysis, InvestingPro offers 16 additional tips for Uber, providing a comprehensive view of the company's financial health and market position.
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