Uber is making big waves on Wall Street. As the ride-hailing giant gears up to report its first-quarter earnings on May 7, investors are watching closely. In the past month alone, Uber’s stock has surged 33%, even as the broader market faced headwinds after President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariff plans on “Liberation Day” (April 2).

So, what’s driving this impressive rise? A lot of it comes down to Uber’s bold moves in autonomous driving, including major partnerships with Volkswagen Group of America’s autonomous mobility division and other tech collaborations focused on bringing self-driving vehicles into Uber’s ecosystem.

Uber’s Q1 2025 Outlook: Momentum Looks Strong

After ending 2024 on a high note, Uber is entering 2025 with solid momentum. The company reported growth in key areas like:

  • Monthly Active Platform Consumers (MAPCs)
  • Total Trips
  • Gross Bookings

Despite global economic uncertainty, Uber’s mobility and delivery segments are expected to keep pushing forward. For Q1 2025, Uber is projecting gross bookings growth of 17% to 21% year-over-year, which would bring the figure between $42 billion and $43.5 billion.

The mobility business is expected to be the main growth engine, but delivery is also showing healthy performance.

What’s Fueling Uber’s Growth?

Several factors are boosting Uber’s Q1 prospects:

  • More Trip Volume & Steady Driver Supply
    Strong demand is keeping trip numbers high while maintaining enough drivers on the platform.
  • Expanding Mobility Options
    New services like Uber Business Black, a premium ride option, are gaining traction, especially with corporate clients. Uber for Business which helps companies manage employee transport saw its gross bookings rise by 50% in Q4 2024, signaling big long-term potential.
  • Improved Affordability & Market Reach
    Uber is focusing on cost-effective services, targeting underserved areas, and widening its reach. These steps are likely to support both mobility and delivery segments in Q1.

Delivery is Also Accelerating

The delivery side of Uber’s business is growing fast, thanks to:

  • More Uber One memberships
  • Expanded offerings in groceries and retail
  • Better affordability and service in new regions

Uber’s delivery MAPCs have increased for seven straight quarters, and this trend is expected to continue. The Uber One subscription program is a major part of this. With over 30 million members (up 60% year-over-year), subscribers are spending more across the platform, boosting both ride and delivery revenues. This adds stability and recurring income to Uber’s business.

Ad Revenue Adds Another Layer of Strength

In 2024, Uber also saw impressive growth in advertising. The delivery business alone added $461 million in ad revenue. As Uber improves its ad platform and attracts more advertisers, this high-margin segment is expected to become a significant revenue booster.

Analysts Expect a Strong Q1

Wall Street is optimistic. Analysts are predicting Uber will report earnings of $0.51 per share for Q1, a big jump from a loss in the same period last year. Thanks to Uber’s expanding user base now 171 million MAPCs and its strategic push into autonomous driving, the company is well-positioned to benefit from the future of transportation. Its ability to serve as a major demand aggregator for self-driving car makers gives it a unique edge. As a result, Uber stock has earned a “Strong Buy” consensus rating from analysts, underlining growing confidence in its future.

With powerful growth drivers, diversified income streams, and a forward-thinking strategy, Uber is not just riding a short-term wave, it’s paving the road for long-term success. If you’re considering UBER stock, the days before May 7 could be your window to act.