Is there a valid comparison between Uber and a company like Amazon? Amazon's loss leader strategy paid off and they're doing well now, so can Uber "become profitable whenever they want to" and be fine?
Amazon was CF positive and invested it's cash heavily in capital assets (warehouse, etc.). Uber invested (burned) its money on subsidies. Not really a comparable.
Amazon burned less than $100m... it was funded off of positive cashflow... inventory was shipped and paid for by customers, before Amazon had to pay the vendor. It was/is a marvellously capital efficient business.
Huge barriers to entry to compete with Amazon (warehouses, tech). Thus no serious direct competitor. Few barriers to entry in ride business (just another app)