Introduction & market environment

$LYFT (+0,36 %) Inc. published its quarterly results presentation for Q2 2025 on August 6, 2025, reporting record figures for several key metrics. The company's shares closed down 3.27% at USD 14.51 in regular trading, but showed signs of recovery in after-hours trading. This quarter's performance represents a significant improvement over Q1 2025, in which the company missed both profit and revenue forecasts.

Highlights of the quarterly performance

Lyft achieved all-time highs in its key operating and financial metrics in Q2 2025. The company reported 26.1 million active riders, up 10% year-over-year, and completed 234.8 million rides, up 14% compared to the same period last year.

quarterly active passengers:

This growth in passenger activity was directly reflected in financial performance, with gross bookings (Gross Bookings) reaching USD 4.5 billion, up 12% year-on-year and also a new all-time high for the company.

Consistent growth in gross bookings:

Key profitability figures also showed a significant improvement. Adjusted EBITDA reached USD 129 million (2.9% of gross bookings), which is the highest margin in the company's history. This continues a trend of steady margin improvement over the last two years.

Development of the company's EBITDA:

Of particular note, Lyft generated USD 993 million in free cash flow over the last twelve months, underscoring the company's improved financial stability and operational efficiency.

Significant improvement in free cash flow:

Strategic initiatives

Partnerships have become a cornerstone of Lyft's growth strategy. The company reported that over 50 million rides were attributable to partnerships in Q2 2025, an increase of 25% year-on-year. These partnership-generated rides are proving to be particularly valuable, as passengers referred through partners are 1.5 times more likely to choose high-value transportation and travel 1.3 times longer distances on average.

Company partnership:

Lyft is also expanding its global footprint through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. The acquisition of Freenow opens up new opportunities in Europe, while an upcoming partnership with United Airlines is set to launch in 2025. At the same time, the company is expanding its autonomous vehicle (AV) ecosystem through partnerships along the entire value chain, from autonomous driving technology to fleet management.

Lyft also sees significant growth potential in the US market, pointing out that about two-thirds of the estimated 161 billion annual private rides take place in markets that are currently underpenetrated. The company cited Indianapolis, Nashville and Milwaukee as examples of markets where both driver hours and the number of rides increased by over 20% in the second quarter.

Market opportunities USA:

Operational improvements

Lyft has made significant progress in improving the efficiency of the marketplace, particularly by reducing incentive costs. Total incentives per ride decreased to USD 1.03 in Q2 2025, compared to USD 1.82 in Q2 2023, representing a significant improvement in operational efficiency. The company stated that it is on track to achieve its 2024-2027 target of a 10% annual increase in incentive efficiency.

Trend of improved marketplace efficiency:

Outlook

For Q3 2025, Lyft forecasts gross bookings of approximately USD 4.65 billion to USD 4.80 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 13% to 17%. The company expects adjusted EBITDA of USD 125 million to USD 145 million, which corresponds to an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 2.7% to 3.0% of gross bookings.

Company guidance for Q3:

Lyft also reiterated that it is on track to achieve the long-term goals presented at the June 2024 Investor Day. This indicates confidence in the strategic direction despite the highly competitive environment and economic uncertainties.

Source:

investing.com

lyft.com

#lyft

#uber
$UBER (-2,4 %)

#robotaxis

#industrie

$BNTX (-1,52 %)
$KSPI (+0,5 %)
$HIMS (-3,83 %)
$MELI (-0,17 %)
$PLTR (-0,78 %)
$DRO (+0,76 %)
$IFX (-3,81 %)
$9434 (-2,76 %)
$FR0010108928
$DHL (-0,17 %)
$BOSS (-0,64 %)
$CONTININS
$DOCN (-2,17 %)
$LMND (-0,92 %)
$BP. (+0,1 %)
$FRA (-0,07 %)
$PFIZER
$SNAP (+0,66 %)
$AMD (-3,44 %)
$SMCI (-5 %)
$OPEN (+2,59 %)
$CPNG (-0,35 %)
$LCID (-3,93 %)
$CBK (+0,74 %)
$ZAL (-1,69 %)
$NOVO B (+0,19 %)
$VNA (-1,05 %)
$BAYN (+0,83 %)
$UBER (-2,4 %)
$SHOP (-0,42 %)
$MCD (+0,54 %)
$DIS (+0,64 %)
$ROK (-1,84 %)
$ABNB (+0,39 %)
$RUN (-2,43 %)
$FTNT (-0,6 %)
$O (+0,85 %)
$DASH (-0,18 %)
$DUOL
$S92 (-0,61 %)
$DDOG (-2,87 %)
$SEDG (+1,38 %)
$QBTS (-2,08 %)
$RHM (+2,77 %)
$DTE (-0,3 %)
$ALV (-0,19 %)
$LLY (+0,02 %)
$CYBR (-0,14 %)
$PTON (+0,62 %)
$DKNG (-0,75 %)
$RL (-0,27 %)
$PINS
$TTWO (-0,3 %)
$TWLO (-0,44 %)
$MNST (+1,52 %)
$STNE (-1,05 %)
$MUV2 (-0,13 %)
$WEED (-10,4 %)
$GOOS (-1,51 %)
$PETR3T
$ANET (+0,07 %)

🌍 Macro & markets:

Stock markets rose significantly, supported by a fragile ceasefire between Israel & Iran as well as falling oil prices. Additional tailwind was provided by signals from the Fed, which raised hopes of a summer interest rate cut.

✅ S&P 500 $SPY: +1.11% to 6,092

✅ Nasdaq 100 $QQQ: +1.53% to 22,190

✅ Dow Jones $DIA: +1.19% to 43,089

✅ Russell 2000 $IWM: +1.28% to 2,161

✅ 9 out of 11 sectors up - tech ($XLK +1.8%) ahead, energy ($XLE -1.3%) at the bottom

🚢 Consumer data & corporate news:

✅ Carnival $CCL (-1,73 %)
: +6.91% - Strong figures with record sales, high ticket demand & record bookings for 2026. The forecast was raised, despite geopolitical risks the desire to travel remains unbroken.

⚠️ FedEx $FDX (-0,36 %)
: After-hours -5%. Weak Asian demand forces 35% capacity cuts on transpacific routes. Full-year guidance lowered, shares down 17% YTD.

🤖 Developments in the robotaxi sector:

✅ Uber $UBER (-2,4 %)
: +7.52% - launch of self-driving Waymo vehicles ($GOOG +1.04%) in Atlanta. Waymo with over 1 million autonomous miles & 150,000 paid rides/week.

✅ Lyft $LYFT (+0,36 %)
: +6.09% - Analyst upgrade to "Buy", price target raised from $16 to $21.

📰 Other headlines:

⚠️ Fed officials dampen expectations:

• Bostic expects only one rate cut at the end of 2025, points to inflationary pressure from new tariffs.
• Barr confirms cautious stance, Powell signals "willingness to wait"

✅ OpenAI builds up competition from Microsoft & Google:

Own productivity suite announced directly in ChatGPT, including collaboration features.

✅ Anthropic achieves partial success:

AI training on copyrighted books classified as "fair use", piracy trial to follow in December.

✅ Broadcom $AVGO (-3,47 %)
: New all-time high - optimism around AI chip pipeline, HSBC raises price target to $400.

✅ Nektar Therapeutics $NKTR (+2,41 %)
: Share price doubles after convincing study on eczema drug, up to 90% symptom improvement.

🔎 Summary:

✅ Consumption & travel sector surprise positively

⚠️ Trade & logistics under pressure, especially Asian routes

✅ Robotaxi & AI with further momentum

⚠️ Fed remains cautious, next weeks in focus: tariffs & possible postponement of interest rate hikes

As part of my ETF DIY project, I analyzed $UBER (-2,4 %) analyzed them using my self-developed valuation system:

Moat: 3/5

• Market position: +
• Uniqueness / differentiability: +
• Switching costs: -
• Technological advantage: +
• Brand loyalty: -

Growth: 5/5

• Turnover & profit: +
• Scalability: +
• Industry trends: +
• Ability to innovate: +
• Geographic expansion / penetration: +

Risk: 2/5

• Regulatory & geopolitical: -
• Market risks: -
• Competitive situation: -
• Balance sheet quality: +
• Sales diversification: +

Dividend: 0/1

• No dividend.

Belief: 0/1

• Concern about competition and relatively easy market entry barriers.

Total: 10/17

• Uber is saved with factor 3.

If you are not yet familiar with my system and the ETF-DIY project - just take a look at my profile.

The complete analysis and my thoughts on it can also be found on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI_7jhFIp-A

I just have to post my frustration right now

It's too cringe on Insta, but I just have to say that I hate this juice store soooooo much

Nothing really nothing works here

I'd rather pay my 300€ for $UBER (-2,4 %) if I have to go somewhere than not to arrive at all