Uber's biggest issue is the 'seismic change' with autonomous vehicle uncertainty

Core Viewpoint - Uber's stock is declining despite a revenue beat in Q3, primarily due to concerns over future earnings and the impact of autonomous vehicles on the ride-sharing industry [1][2]. Financial Performance - Uber reported third-quarter revenue that exceeded expectations, but operating income fell short of estimates [1]. - Gross bookings are on the rise, with projections for Q4 bookings to increase by 18% to 22% [7]. Industry Dynamics - The introduction of autonomous vehicles poses a significant risk to Uber's business model, potentially leading to a more concentrated supply of ride-sharing services [2][3]. - The ride-sharing market may experience fragmentation similar to human drivers, but advancements in technology from companies like Waymo and Tesla could disrupt this balance [3][9]. Competitive Landscape - Uber's current business performance is strong, but concerns exist regarding the long-term implications of autonomous technology, contrasting with Tesla's perceived future potential despite its current struggles [4][6]. - The risk of supply concentration could diminish Uber's role as a middleman, affecting its revenue model and market position [10][11]. Technological Considerations - The rapid advancement of autonomous vehicle technology could lead to significant changes in the transportation landscape, potentially sidelining traditional ride-sharing models [8][9]. - Companies like Tesla and Waymo are at the forefront of this technology, which may alter the competitive dynamics in the ride-sharing industry [12][13].