New York, Feb 2, 2026, 21:08 EST — Market closed.
- Uber shares gained roughly 1% by the close and saw minimal movement after hours.
- Talks with France’s Urssaf highlight risks around worker status that could push costs higher.
- All eyes turn to Uber’s quarterly earnings report set for Feb. 4.
Uber Technologies, Inc. is in discussions with France’s social security agency Urssaf following a report from Revue21. The report claims Urssaf determined that 71,194 Uber drivers from 2019 to 2022 should have been classified as employees, not contractors. The agency is reportedly seeking 1.2 billion euros in social security contributions plus 512 million euros in penalties. Uber pointed to recent French Supreme Court rulings affirming drivers as independent workers. Urssaf declined to comment on specific cases. Uber shares ended the day up about 1% at $80.84 and showed little movement after hours, which refers to trading post-New York close. (Reuters)
The timing of the headline is tricky for Uber, with earnings just days away. Any suggestion regulators might reclassify drivers as employees usually sends valuation models reeling. That change would mean Uber faces higher payroll taxes and benefits expenses, while losing some of its supply management flexibility.
Traders aren’t focused just on one French lawsuit. The bigger issue is the precedent it could set. Uber and similar companies have long been battling over whether app drivers count as employees or independent contractors—a key factor that affects margins in ride-hailing and delivery sectors.
U.S. stocks found their footing Monday following volatile moves overnight, as the S&P 500 ended a three-day slide. The overall market mood helped lift high-beta platform shares, though concerns over Uber’s legal challenges weighed heavily on investor sentiment. (AP News)
Uber will report its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on Wednesday, Feb. 4, with the earnings call set for 8:00 a.m. Eastern. (Uber Investor Relations)
Investors will zero in on demand trends in Uber’s core ride-hailing segment, delivery growth, and management’s cost outlook when the company reports. Any updates on legal reserves or shifts in regulatory strategy for Europe will draw sharp scrutiny, especially following the Urssaf report.
The implications extend to competitors as well. Lyft, Uber’s main U.S. rival, usually moves in line with similar driver-supply and pricing expectations. Meanwhile, DoorDash grapples with its own regulatory challenges related to gig work.
But the market’s ability to price in risks tonight has its limits. The Urssaf’s position, the extent of potential back payments, and how courts rule on earlier periods are all still up in the air. That uncertainty could evaporate fast—or it could solidify into a prolonged battle that weighs on sentiment.
Tuesday’s regular session will reveal any fallout from the France news, followed by Uber’s earnings and management call on Feb. 4.
