Bensler LLC boosts Uber stake 6.2% to $12.11M as tipping injunction fails
Bensler LLC increased its Uber position by 6.2% in Q3, acquiring 7,206 extra shares to hold 123,642 shares valued at $12.11 million. A federal judge dismissed Uber’s injunction bid against New York City’s law requiring delivery apps to suggest a minimum 10% tip at checkout.
1. Significant Institutional Buying
Bensler LLC increased its position in Uber Technologies by 6.2% during the third quarter, acquiring an additional 7,206 shares to bring its total stake to 123,642 shares, valued at $12.11 million as of the reporting period’s end. This holding represents 1.3% of Bensler’s portfolio and is its 29th largest position. Other institutional investors also boosted stakes: Foster Group Inc. added 107 shares, Sage Rhino Capital LLC added 110 shares, Quent Capital LLC added 111 shares, Emergent Wealth Advisors LLC added 114 shares and Dumont & Blake Investment Advisors LLC added 115 shares, reflecting broad-based confidence across funds. Institutional ownership of Uber stands at 80.24% of outstanding shares.
2. Q3 Earnings and Profitability Metrics
In the quarter ended September 30, Uber reported adjusted earnings per share of $3.11, surpassing consensus estimates by $2.44, on revenue of $13.47 billion, a 20.4% year-over-year increase and above analysts’ $13.25 billion forecast. The company achieved a net margin of 33.5% and return on equity of 68.2%, driven by higher take rates in both its mobility and delivery segments. Growth in Uber Eats outpaced the ride-hailing business, and segment-level contribution margins expanded by 120 basis points sequentially. Management reiterated full-year guidance for adjusted EPS of approximately 2.54, supported by continued market share gains and operating leverage across its platform.
3. Insider Selling Activity
Over the past three months, senior executives have sold a total of 14,875 shares, generating proceeds of approximately $1.32 million. In November, CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah disposed of 5,500 shares, reducing his ownership by 21.3%, and in January, Chief Business Officer Tony West sold 3,125 shares, a 1.7% decrease in his stake. Insiders now collectively own 3.7% of the company. While these sales may reflect routine portfolio rebalancing, they warrant monitoring for potential shifts in insider conviction ahead of the fourth-quarter results.