Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Is Uber's Expansion of Delivery Tie-Up With MCD a Growth Catalyst?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Key Takeaways

  • Uber expands its MCD partnership across 14 markets, integrating app-based delivery and loyalty benefits.
  • Uber Direct will fulfill MCD's app orders, potentially aiding delivery volumes and enterprise relationships.
  • Uber's rewards integration may drive customer retention, cross-platform engagement & transaction frequency.

Uber Technologies (UBER - Free Report) and McDonald’s Corporation (MCD - Free Report) have announced a multi-year expansion of their partnership to introduce enhanced delivery services and loyalty benefits across 14 international markets, including the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The collaboration, which began in the United States in 2017, has since expanded significantly, with McDonald’s currently available through Uber Eats in 30 countries. The latest agreement strengthens this relationship by establishing Uber as the preferred delivery fulfillment partner for orders placed through the McDonald’s app and integrating the former’s services with MyMcDonald’s Rewards.

Enhanced Delivery Convenience Through McDonald’s App

Under the expanded arrangement, Uber Eats will become the preferred integrated delivery fulfillment provider for orders placed directly through the McDonald’s app in participating markets. Customers will be able to place orders, monitor deliveries and track their purchases until arrival without switching platforms. They will also retain the flexibility to order McDonald’s meals directly through Uber Eats.

These orders will primarily be fulfilled through Uber Direct, the company’s white-label delivery solution, in collaboration with Deliverect. The integration is expected to improve delivery reliability, simplify order fulfillment and enhance customer convenience as McDonald’s expands its digital ordering capabilities.

Expanded Loyalty Benefits for Customers

The partnership also designates Uber as McDonald’s exclusive delivery and rideshare rewards partner in participating markets.

Beginning in November 2026, MyMcDonald’s Rewards members in select markets will be able to exchange loyalty points for discounts on Uber rides through a seasonal promotional initiative.

The companies also intend to introduce additional loyalty features, allowing customers to earn MyMcDonald’s Rewards points on eligible purchases made through Uber Eats. These points could subsequently be redeemed for benefits within the McDonald’s app, including promotional offers on Uber rides.

McDonald’s annual global delivery business has surpassed $20 billion, reflecting sustained demand for convenient dining options. The expanded collaboration aims to capitalize on this momentum by combining McDonald’s extensive restaurant network with Uber’s established delivery infrastructure and mobility services.

How Will This Partnership Benefit Uber?

The expanded association is expected to strengthen Uber’s delivery ecosystem by increasing order volumes and expanding the adoption of Uber Direct across major international markets. Becoming McDonald’s preferred fulfillment partner for app-based purchases should generate incremental delivery opportunities while deepening Uber’s relationships with large enterprise customers.

Additionally, integrating MyMcDonald’s Rewards with Uber’s mobility and delivery offerings could encourage cross-platform engagement, improve customer retention and stimulate transaction frequency. Access to McDonald’s extensive customer base may also support customer acquisition and enhance brand visibility. Overall, the collaboration positions Uber to capitalize on growing digital food-ordering demand, diversify the delivery revenue streams and reinforce its competitive standing in the global delivery market.

Another Recent Similar Partnership by Uber

Earlier this month, Uber and Amazon (AMZN - Free Report) partnered to introduce a new restaurant delivery benefit for U.S. Amazon Prime members. Under this arrangement, eligible members can enjoy zero delivery fees on restaurant orders of $25 or more placed directly through Amazon.com or the Amazon Shopping app, with deliveries fulfilled by Uber Eats. The service requires neither a separate Uber account nor an additional app.

UBER’s Share Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates

UBER’s shares have declined in high single digits (%-wise) over the past three months. The stock has still outperformed the Zacks Internet-Services industry over the same time frame.

3- Month Price Comparison

Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, UBER trades at a 12-month forward price-to-earnings of 16.07X. UBER is inexpensive compared with its industry.

Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment Research

See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Uber’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.

Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment Research

 

Uber’s Zacks Rank

Uber currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Published in