Uber turns cash flow positive for the first time, shares surge

Uber Technologies Inc (UBER.N) on Tuesday reported positive quarterly cash flow for the first time ever and forecast third-quarter operating profit above estimates, betting on steady demand for its ride-hailing and food-delivery services.

Uber shares, which have lost more than 40 per cent this year, surged 15 per cent to $28.41 in premarket trading and helped drive an 8 per cent gain in rival Lyft Inc’s shares.

Uber generated free cash flow of $382 million in the second quarter, topping analysts’ expectations of $263.2 million, as trips exceeded pre-pandemic levels, boosted by the reopening of offices and a surge in travel demand.

The number of drivers and delivery agents on its platform rose 31 per cent to an all-time high of almost 5 million, allaying concerns that soaring gas prices was deterring them from signing up with the company.

“That’s right: more people are earning on Uber today than before the pandemic,” Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi said.

Growth at its delivery business was slowing but Uber expected ordering in to become the standard for consumers as it continues to add new partners.

The delivery segment’s revenue rose 37 per cent to $2.69 billion, while that of ride-share business surged 120 per cent to $3.55 billion in the quarter ended June 30.

Analysts were expecting revenue of $2.58 billion for delivery and $2.93 billion for ride share.

Gross bookings, or the total value of bookings made on its platform, rose 33 per cent to $29.1 billion.

Adjusted EBITDA was $364 million, surpassing estimates of $257.89 million.

It now expects adjusted EBITDA of between $440 million and $470 million for the third quarter, well above analysts’ forecast of $383.95 million, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.