Is It Time to Give Up on Uber Stock?

Core Viewpoint - Uber Technologies faces mixed sentiment among shareholders due to a revenue miss and lack of interest from Elon Musk in acquiring the company, despite the stock nearing all-time highs [1] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Uber reported revenue of $11.5 billion, a 14$86 million, indicating a slowdown from 18% growth in 2024 [3] - The number of trips grew by 18% annually in Q1, slightly below the 19% rise in 2024, attributed to increased frequency among monthly active platform consumers (MAPCs) likely due to the Uber One membership program [4] - Uber reported nearly $1.8 billion in net income for Q1, significantly improved from a loss of$654 million in the same quarter last year, aided by a $402 million income tax benefit [5] Growth Projections - Analysts forecast 15% revenue growth for both 2025 and 2026, reflecting the platform's increasing popularity [5] - Despite concerns, Uber's stock has risen nearly 40% over the past 12 months, with a current P/E ratio of 16, indicating reasonable pricing even when considering a forward P/E ratio of 25 [6] Business Segments - Uber's mobility and delivery segments showed strong performance, with revenue growth of 15% and 18% respectively, while freight revenue declined by 2%, accounting for only 11% of total revenue in Q1 [7] - The potential for Uber to evolve into a self-driving car stock is significant, with partnerships established with companies like Alphabet's Waymo and May Mobility, allowing users to request autonomous rides in select cities [8] Competitive Advantage - The combination of human and autonomous drivers may provide Uber with a competitive edge over companies like Tesla, as the transition to autonomous services is not expected to eliminate human drivers in the near term [9] Investment Outlook - Current conditions suggest that it is not the right time to abandon Uber stock, as the company's core segments continue to grow at double-digit rates, making it attractive even at a forward P/E ratio of 25 [10][11] - The potential success in autonomous vehicles could further enhance revenue, solidifying Uber's role in personal transportation [11]