Uber lifts Q3 2026 marketing spend 22% to $1.56 billion amid driver supply constraints
Uber Technologies reported that sales and marketing expenses rose 22.4% year‑on‑year to $1.56 billion in Q3 2026, while gross bookings grew 20% to $59.8 billion on a constant‑currency basis. Revenue increased 10% to $14.77 billion, also on a constant‑currency basis, but mobility revenue fell 2% to $7.52 billion as driver shortages in India and Brazil limited supply. The company projected Q4 2026 gross bookings to rise 18‑22% year‑on‑year and non‑GAAP EPS to be $0.95‑$0.99.
Why it matters
The higher marketing outlay signals Uber’s effort to address driver shortages, which could pressure profitability if supply does not improve. The Q4 guidance for gross bookings and non‑GAAP EPS gives investors a view of expected growth and earnings momentum.
Key facts
- 1Sales and marketing expenditure increased 22.4% year‑on‑year to $1.56 billion in Q3 2026, up from $1.28 billion in the comparable quarter of 2025 (reported basis). storyboard18.com
- 2Gross Bookings grew 20% year‑on‑year to $59.8 billion in Q3 2026 (reported basis) and also 20% on a constant‑currency basis. storyboard18.com
- 3Revenue rose 10% year‑on‑year to $14.77 billion in Q3 2026 (reported basis) and 10% on a constant‑currency basis. storyboard18.com
- 4Mobility revenue declined 2% year‑on‑year to $7.52 billion in Q3 2026 (reported basis). storyboard18.com
- 5Total trips increased 16% year‑on‑year to 4.1 billion in Q3 2026 (reported basis). storyboard18.com
- 6GAAP net income attributable to Uber was $512 million in Q3 2026 (reported basis). storyboard18.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 2 of 3 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.