Uber has just released earnings guidance that sent its stock soaring 9% before the market opened on Wall Street. The California-based ride-hailing platform expects gross bookings of between $56.25 billion and $57.75 billion for the second quarter, compared with the consensus estimate of $56.07 billion. This is despite a negative impact of 60 basis points due to tensions in the Middle East. 🚕
🔍 What’s happening?
Uber unveiled mixed first-quarter results but a solid outlook on Wednesday. Quarterly revenue came in at $13.2 billion, below expectations. The reasons: severe winter storms in the United States, rising gas prices, and the conflict in the Middle East.
However, gross bookings for the past quarter reached $53.7 billion, exceeding forecasts. Most importantly, the San Francisco-based company is targeting adjusted earnings per share of between 78 and 82 cents for the current quarter, slightly above the consensus estimate of 79 cents.
Uber is banking on its strategy of stable pricing coupled with expansion into higher-margin segments, notably its B2B platform for businesses. International demand for delivery remains very strong, particularly in Australia. Geographic expansion continues with the company’s entry into Denmark.
💡 Why does this matter?
Uber is demonstrating that its model is resilient to external shocks. High fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, catastrophic weather: the platform is weathering the storm and staying on course. For traders, this signals that the digital services sector remains resilient even in a challenging environment.
The interesting point: AI is starting to pay off. Uber reports that the growing adoption of artificial intelligence tools is allowing it to slow hiring while improving productivity. This is exactly what the markets want to hear in 2026: self-sustaining growth without skyrocketing costs.
Another positive sign: the freight business is returning to growth for the first time in nearly two years. The delivery and freight segment exceeded expectations, offsetting the disappointment in ride-hailing. Uber is diversifying its revenue streams, which reduces its vulnerability to fluctuations in any single segment.
📊 Our view
We remain positive on Uber in the medium term. The 9% jump in pre-market trading is not unwarranted euphoria.
The company has proven it can navigate rough waters. Q1 could have been disastrous given the US storms and the Middle East conflict. Instead, Uber is coming out of Q2 with forecasts above consensus and adjusted EPS that exceeds expectations. The strategy of moving upmarket via B2B and integrating AI into operational processes is starting to pay off. For European traders, this is also an interesting indicator: if Uber maintains its momentum despite headwinds, European tech stocks exposed to services could follow a similar trajectory. It’s not enough to bet that regulation will be more lenient from the AMF or the EU regarding platforms, but at least it confirms that the model holds up.
We’ll be closely monitoring Q2 earnings in June. If Uber hits the top of its range around $57.75 billion, the momentum remains intact to target new highs. For French traders: the stock remains accessible via U.S. brokers, but watch out for volatility during Wall Street’s opening hours.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Uber forecasts $56.25 billion to $57.75 billion in bookings for Q2
- The stock rose 9% in pre-market trading on Wednesday
- The Middle East conflict weighs on the stock by 60 basis points
- AI improves productivity and curbs hiring
- Freight returns to growth after two years
What do you think? Can Uber maintain this momentum if geopolitical tensions escalate or if gas prices rise again?
🔎 See also
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Source: Uber Technologies press release, LSEG data
