New York, January 16, 2026, 19:44 (EST) — Trading in after-hours.
- Uber shares climbed in after-hours trading after Kroger added close to 2,700 stores to Uber’s delivery apps
- Deal expands Uber’s grocery ambitions amid fierce competition for repeat, weekly orders
- U.S. markets were closed Monday. Traders now turn their attention to Tuesday and Uber’s earnings call set for Feb. 4.
Shares of Uber Technologies (UBER.N) crept up roughly 0.5% to $84.85 in after-hours trading Friday following the launch of a nationwide grocery delivery service with The Kroger Co (KR.N). During the regular session, the stock fluctuated between $83.01 and $85.01. Meanwhile, ride-hailing rival Lyft (LYFT.O) dropped 2.9%, and food delivery competitor DoorDash (DASH.N) declined 2.3%.
Why it matters now: Uber is pushing deeper into groceries and everyday retail—sectors where orders come in more frequently than restaurant meals. Expanding its grocery presence not only keeps couriers on the move but also boosts opportunities to market its subscription benefits.
Uber is diving further into an already packed battle. DoorDash, Instacart, and others are chasing that same weekly basket — all aware that price and speed matter, until they suddenly don’t.
Uber and Kroger announced that nearly 2,700 Kroger Family of Companies stores are now accessible through Uber Eats, Uber, and Postmates. Customers can get fresh groceries and household essentials delivered either within hours or on the same day. Jody Kalmbach, Kroger’s Digital Experience and eCommerce VP, highlighted the partnership’s boost in “convenience and flexibility.” Hashim Amin, Uber’s North American head of grocery and retail, described it as “a simple, reliable way” to pick up weekly groceries or last-minute needs. To sweeten the deal, Uber is offering up to 50% off first orders at select Kroger banners, with Uber One members enjoying free delivery on qualifying orders, according to the companies. (Kroger Investor Relations)
Kroger has been ramping up its delivery options and now supports digital shopping on all three leading delivery platforms, according to Grocery Dive. The report highlights Kroger’s ongoing partnerships with DoorDash and Instacart. It also notes the grocer is shifting more online orders to be fulfilled directly from stores, reducing its dependence on automated fulfillment centers. (Grocery Dive)
The broader market closed a touch lower on Friday, wrapping up the first week of earnings season with the S&P 500 slipping 0.1%, per the Associated Press. U.S. equity and options markets will be closed Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, according to Nasdaq’s trading calendar, meaning the next full session resumes Tuesday. (AP News)
Uber investors are eyeing whether the Kroger rollout sparks solid order volume without an overreliance on discounts. Grocery delivery might boost frequency, but the economics are tricky and the logistics complicated.
Traders will also watch if Uber can leverage the larger selection into more loyal subscribers and bigger orders, rather than just one-time promo-driven purchases. That’s the kind of detail that usually impacts margins, not the headlines.
The downside is clear. Groceries operate on thin margins, delivery eats into costs, and competitors can swiftly undercut fees and promotions — leaving platforms pouring money in just to maintain their position.
Uber plans to release its fourth-quarter earnings on Feb. 4, with a conference call set for 5 a.m. Pacific time (8 a.m. Eastern), per the company’s investor events calendar. (Uber)
