[karthikb]

This is older analysis [1] but Uber is profitable on each ride in their biggest markets until you deduct the OPEX of the main co. The burn of sales, marketing, engineering, support, their rider safety team, the driver inspection and on boarding centers, leases, etc all continue on with or without riders.

[1] https://benjamintseng.com/2019/04/lyft-vs-uber-a-tale-of-two...

[jbn]

isn't it the case that they could decrease their burn rate by downsizing sales, marketing, etc.. ?

At the same time, this time presents a unique opportunity for their engineering: how often does the market give you several months to breathe? Isn't this the time to polish the product, to finally fix all that tech debt you accumulated?

[karthikb]

Yes. That’s why they’re laying people off, and why Uber stock is up in after hours trading. Because of these layoffs, their margins have actually improved. Doesn’t make things any better for the people who find themselves without a job, though.