Olive Garden-owner Darden Restaurants said on Thursday it has entered into a delivery deal with Uber Technologies , sending its shares up about 7% in premarket trading.
Uber stock is seen as a potential beneficiary of autonomous vehicles, so long as it can build off recent Waymo deal.
Uber has announced the nationwide launch of two features designed to improve the safety of drivers: rider verification and the ability to record video and audio during trips with their smartphones.
Uber Technologies Inc. UBER stock has had an impressive run this year, up a stellar 25.37% year-to-date and a whopping 57.36% in the past year.
Uber (UBER) has been one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com users lately. So, it is worth exploring what lies ahead for the stock.
Uber has scale advantages in a "winner takes all" industry. The company is a countercyclical; it can maintain growth in a down economy. Several companies, including Waymo, have partnered with Uber in the robotaxi opportunity.
Uber's profitability turnaround in 2023 and strategic partnerships with Waymo and GM position it for significant gains from autonomous driving technology. The partnership with Waymo allows Uber to leverage advanced AV tech without high training costs, enhancing its ride-hailing network. Despite regulatory challenges in human-driven ride-hailing, autonomous vehicles promise to improve margins and reduce labor risks, boosting long-term profitability.
Uber (UBER) was a big mover last session on higher-than-average trading volume. The latest trend in earnings estimate revisions might not help the stock continue moving higher in the near term.
Uber remains a compelling investment due to robust growth, strategic positioning in ride-sharing and food delivery, and investments in autonomous vehicles and technology innovation. The company's Q2 performance highlights 15% YoY revenue growth, and improved profitability with a 71% YoY increase in EBITDA. There is building excitement around Uber's autonomous driving potential, highlighted by strategic partnerships with Cruise and Waymo, enhancing AV technology access and operational efficiency.
UBER may experience further volatility due to Tesla's upcoming robotaxi event, albeit well balanced by the former's strategic investments in autonomous driving and growing OEM partnerships. UBER's advertising segment demonstrates significant growth potential, contributing to the top/ bottom line expansion opportunities. With the stock still extremely cheap at PEG ratio of 0.66x, we believe that its investment thesis remains robust, significantly aided by the healthier balance sheet and rich FCF generation.
Will Waymo Partnership Make Uber the King of Robotaxis?
Uber's growth potential is immense, driven by user growth, increased engagement, and new products, making mid-to-high teens revenue growth achievable. Margin expansion and cash flow improvements are expected as Uber scales, benefiting from operational leverage and a capital-light business model. Autonomous vehicle fears are overblown; Uber is well-positioned to partner with AV players, leveraging its extensive ride-hail network and technology.