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UBER Soars 55% YTD: How Should Investors Play the Stock Now?
ZACKSยท 2025-10-13 19:25
Core Insights - Uber Technologies (UBER) shares have increased by 54.9% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the Zacks Internet-Services industry and rival Lyft [1][9] Factors Working in Favor of UBER - Gross bookings for Uber have shown robust growth, with the mobility segment's gross bookings rising 18% year-over-year to $23.7 billion, and the delivery segment's bookings increasing 20% to $21.7 billion [5] - For Q3 2025, Uber projects total gross bookings between $48.25 billion and $49.75 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 17-21% [6] - Uber has partnered with drone operator Flytrex to launch drone delivery on the Uber Eats platform, expected to begin in pilot markets in the U.S. by the end of 2025 [7][10] - The partnership combines Flytrex's drone delivery system with Uber's logistics expertise, aiming for a fully integrated delivery experience [8] - Uber has diversified its business beyond ridesharing into food delivery and freight, enhancing its Uber Eats platform through partnerships, including a nationwide deal with ALDI [12][13] - Uber reported $8.6 billion in cash and equivalents at the end of Q2 2025, with a free cash flow of $2.5 billion, up 44% year-over-year [14] - A new stock repurchase authorization of up to $20 billion signals confidence in Uber's business strategy and aims to enhance shareholder value [15][16] Headwinds - Uber's high debt levels raise concerns, with a times interest earned ratio of 14.9, indicating potential risks in meeting debt obligations [17] - The stock is considered overvalued, trading at a price-to-earnings multiple of 27.9, higher than the industry average of 23.21 [20] - Earnings estimates for the upcoming quarters have been revised downward, with no upward revisions in the last 60 days [23]