Introduction & market environment
$LYFT (-4,84 %) 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