When it comes to the future of urban mobility, one name is capturing the imagination—and portfolios—of savvy investors: Uber. Josh Brown, CEO of Ritholtz Wealth Management and a highly respected voice in the investment world, recently revealed that Uber is his largest personal holding. Why? Because he’s betting big on the autonomous driving revolution, and Uber is uniquely positioned to ride this wave to new heights.
Here’s the crux: The autonomous vehicle (AV) boom is about to transform ride-hailing by eliminating the single largest cost—human drivers. Brown’s insight, shared on CNBC’s “Halftime Report,” underscores Uber’s strategic role as a partner to all autonomous players, from Tesla to Waymo and beyond. Unlike companies that build their own fleets, Uber’s model thrives as it integrates robotaxis from multiple providers, creating a vast, driverless ecosystem that benefits both consumers and Uber’s bottom line.
This is not just speculation. The market is waking up to this reality. Uber’s shares surged over 8% following the launch of Waymo robotaxis available through Uber’s app in Atlanta—a significant expansion of their partnership. Meanwhile, Tesla’s rollout of autonomous robotaxis in Austin is a clear signal that the race for dominance in the AV space is accelerating. Alphabet’s Waymo currently leads in the West, while Chinese companies like Baidu’s Apollo Go are aggressively expanding in Asia. Uber is positioning itself as the indispensable platform stitching these innovations together.
What does this mean for investors? First, Uber’s stock has already outperformed the broader market, rallying more than 52% this year to around $92 per share. Yet, Brown argues the stock remains undervalued, questioning why it hasn’t crossed the $100 mark yet. His conviction is strong—he isn’t planning to sell anytime soon, signaling confidence in Uber’s long-term growth trajectory.
Here’s a unique angle not often discussed: The network effect Uber enjoys could create a moat that’s hard to replicate. As more autonomous vehicles hit the road, Uber’s app becomes the default interface for millions, locking in consumer habits and data that competitors can’t easily displace. This positions Uber not just as a ride-hailing company but as a major player in the future mobility ecosystem, encompassing logistics, autonomous delivery, and even urban air mobility as these technologies evolve.
From an actionable investment perspective, advisors and investors should consider the broader implications of the AV rollout. Diversifying into companies that support or benefit from autonomous technology—such as sensor manufacturers, AI developers, and 5G infrastructure providers—could complement Uber’s growth story. Moreover, watch for regulatory developments and infrastructure investments that could accelerate AV adoption, as these will be critical catalysts.
Our forecast? The next 12-24 months will be pivotal. As autonomous fleets scale and consumer trust grows, Uber’s valuation could see a step-change. Investors who get in now, armed with a clear understanding of the tech and partnerships driving this transformation, stand to gain significantly.
Forbes recently highlighted that the global autonomous vehicle market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 40% through 2030, underscoring the massive opportunity ahead. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley analysts have noted that Uber’s expanding AV partnerships could add billions to its market cap in the coming years.
In summary, Uber’s integration with autonomous vehicle technology isn’t just an incremental upgrade—it’s a paradigm shift. For investors, the message is clear: look beyond traditional ride-hailing metrics and focus on Uber’s emerging role as the connective tissue in a driverless future. This is where the real value—and the real growth—lies.
Stay ahead of the curve. Monitor Uber’s partnerships and autonomous vehicle deployments closely. Consider how this trend fits into your broader portfolio strategy. And remember, in the fast-evolving world of mobility, being an early believer can pay off handsomely.
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If you want to capitalize on the autonomous driving boom, now is the time to act. Evaluate your exposure to Uber and related technologies, and prepare for a future where driverless cars are not just a novelty but the new norm. The road ahead is autonomous—and Uber is steering the way.
Source: Josh Brown reveals largest stock position personally