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Highlights
Uber Technologies delivered strong growth in global trips and free cash flow during the first quarter of 2025.
Duolingo experienced a substantial increase in user engagement and revenue in the digital education segment.
MercadoLibre reported improved financials across its fintech and e-commerce services in the Latin American market.
The technology and digital services sector has seen notable momentum across global markets in 2025. Although these companies are listed on U.S. exchanges, their performance holds relevance to diversified portfolios, especially as the FTSE 100 remains a key point of comparison for global equity benchmarks. Three companies—Uber Technologies, Duolingo, and MercadoLibre—have recorded substantial performance gains across various verticals such as mobility, online education, and e-commerce.
Uber Technologies (LSE:0A3T)
Uber Technologies operates across ride-hailing, freight, and food delivery services. The company saw an uplift in usage across its platform in the first quarter of 2025. Trip volumes increased over the comparable period, resulting in higher reported revenue. On a constant currency basis, Uber posted double-digit revenue growth, while maintaining an asset-light operating model that emphasised efficiency.
Quarterly free cash flow also strengthened year over year, driven by operational scalability. Uber’s management outlined initiatives focused on technology partnerships and product development. While discussions continue across the mobility space regarding autonomous vehicles, the firm maintains collaborations with multiple global partners on autonomous driving technology. Uber’s global footprint, with operations across several continents, offers a diversified source of revenue streams, placing it in a competitive position relative to other transport and delivery firms.
Duolingo (LSE:0A7Y)
Duolingo has demonstrated robust user growth and monetisation in the digital education sector. In the first three months of 2025, the company reported a year-on-year increase in daily active users, driven by enhanced app engagement and user retention. The language-learning platform continues to expand its course offerings, particularly in less commonly taught languages.
Revenue for the quarter showed consistent growth, supported by higher subscription adoption and increased advertising income. The company also introduced new features powered by artificial intelligence, designed to tailor lessons to user proficiency levels. These innovations have contributed to a better user experience and have underpinned the reported financial outcomes.
The platform’s gamified learning approach and integration of AI tools continue to distinguish it in a competitive education market. Duolingo’s expansion into other learning verticals beyond language instruction also signals its intent to broaden its reach within the edtech ecosystem.
MercadoLibre (LSE:0I0Z)
MercadoLibre operates in the Latin American e-commerce and financial services space. During the early part of 2025, the company posted growth in both revenue and user activity across its digital platforms. The fintech division, including digital wallet services, reported higher transaction volumes and user participation.
The e-commerce segment maintained momentum, with greater logistics efficiency and platform engagement. Active buyers increased across various countries, with Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina being key contributors. MercadoLibre's logistics infrastructure investments have improved delivery times and user satisfaction.
Additionally, its fintech operations recorded an increase in payment volume and digital credit adoption, showing diversification beyond core marketplace revenues. The firm continues to integrate its e-commerce and financial services to offer seamless customer experiences. Its vertically integrated model allows it to control several parts of the value chain, offering competitive advantages in terms of speed and reliability.
These developments reflect a broader trend where digital-first companies have continued to scale and adapt across multiple regions. Their performance adds context when evaluating movements in global equity benchmarks, including those in the FTSE 100.
