Uber Soars 3.5% as 'Women Preferences' and Ads Spark Curiosity: Is This the Next Growth Catalyst?

Summary
• Uber Technologies (UBER) surged 3.5% to $93.12, hitting an intraday high of $93.61.
• The company announced 'Women Preferences,' a new feature to match female riders and drivers, alongside a $1.5B annual run rate for Uber Ads.
• Technicals show a bullish RSI reversal and high-volume call options trading.

Uber's stock has ignited in afternoon trading, driven by a dual announcement of a rider-safety feature and explosive ad growth. With the stock trading above its 200-day MA and a 52W low of $54.84, the move reflects investor optimism about these strategic initiatives. The day's $93.61 high and $91.05 low suggest strong conviction in the news-driven rally.

Women Preferences and Ad Revenue Catalysts Ignite Optimism
The sharp intraday rally stems from two strategic announcements. First, Uber's 'Women Preferences' feature, launching in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit, offers female riders and drivers the option to be matched with each other. This follows successful global trials in 40 countries and aims to enhance platform safety and user confidence. Second, Uber Ads has exceeded $1.5 billion in annual revenue, growing 60% YoY, with management calling it a 'hidden gem' that could reshape Uber's margin profile. These moves signal a shift toward high-margin monetization layers, resonating with investors seeking durable growth beyond ride-hailing.

Ride-Sharing Sector Mixed as LYFT Trails UBER's Momentum
While Uber surged, rival Lyft (LYFT) gained just 0.25%, highlighting divergent market reactions. The sector faces mixed fundamentals: rising fuel costs pressure margins, but ad monetization and safety innovations create differentiation. Uber's ability to scale ads without incremental user acquisition gives it a structural edge, while Lyft's recent safety feature (women-only pairings) has yet to show comparable revenue traction. The gap underscores Uber's strategic agility in monetizing its platform's high-frequency usage.

UBER20250801C95 and UBER20250801C96 Lead High-Leverage Plays
• GraniteShares 2x Long UBER Daily ETF (UBRL): +7.1%
• 200D MA: 76.70 (below current price)
• RSI: 43.2 (oversold)
• MACD: 0.75 (bullish divergence)
• Bollinger Bands: 88.29–97.72 (current price near upper band)

The technical setup suggests a short-term breakout scenario. With UBER trading at 3.5% above its 200D MA and RSI showing oversold conditions, the stock is poised for continuation. The 2x leveraged UBRL ETF could amplify gains if the rally holds. For options, UBER20250801C95 (strike $95, 30.6% IV, 89.5% leverage) and UBER20250801C96 (strike $96, 30.8% IV, 124.1% leverage) stand out: both have high leverage ratios, moderate deltas (0.35 and 0.28), and strong liquidity (turnover 232k and 35k).

UBER20250801C95:
• Code: UBER20250801C95
• Type: Call
• Strike: $95
• Expiration: 2025-08-01
• IV: 30.6% (moderate)
• LVR: 89.5% (high)
• Delta: 0.353 (moderate sensitivity)
• Theta: -0.248 (high time decay)
• Gamma: 0.083 (strong price sensitivity)
• Turnover: 232,152 (liquid)

A 5% price rise to $97.78 would yield ~$2.78 per contract. This call balances leverage and liquidity for a controlled bullish bet.

UBER20250801C96:
• Code: UBER20250801C96
• Type: Call
• Strike: $96
• Expiration: 2025-08-01
• IV: 30.8% (moderate)
• LVR: 124.1% (very high)
• Delta: 0.277 (moderate sensitivity)
• Theta: -0.206 (high time decay)
• Gamma: 0.074 (strong price sensitivity)
• Turnover: 35,187 (liquid)

The same 5% move would deliver ~$1.78 per contract. While less leverage than UBER20250801C95, its lower delta makes it a safer, more directional play. Aggressive bulls should consider UBER20250801C95 into a $97.71 break.

Backtest Uber Technologies Stock Performance
The backtest of Uber (UBER) performance after a 4% intraday surge shows favorable short-to-medium-term gains, with win rates and returns increasing across various time frames:These results suggest that UBER tends to exhibit positive momentum following a 4% intraday surge, making it a potentially promising entry point for investors looking to capitalize on short-to-medium-term price movements. However, it's important to note that past performance is not always indicative of future results, and investors should consider other factors and market conditions before making investment decisions.

Uber's Bullish Case Gains Momentum: Watch for $97.71 Target
The combination of strategic innovation and monetization progress creates a compelling near-term setup. With UBER trading near its 52W high and ad revenue scaling at 60% YoY, the stock appears undervalued relative to its growth trajectory. The 2x leveraged UBRL ETF and high-leverage calls like UBER20250801C95 offer amplified exposure to this thesis. However, investors should monitor the 200D MA at $76.70 as a critical support level. If the rally sustains above $93.12, the $97.71 52W high could be next. For now, the sector leader Lyft's 0.25% gain pales in comparison to Uber's momentum.