v3.25.4
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities consolidated under the variable interest entity model. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Prior period amounts related to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported total assets, total liabilities, results of operations, comprehensive income or net cash flows from operating, financing or investing activities.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The Company bases its estimates on various factors and information which may include, but are not limited to, historical experience, where applicable, and on other assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include those related to losses resulting from insurance claims inclusive of insurance related accruals, fair value of financial assets and liabilities, acquired identifiable intangible assets and goodwill and related impairment assessments, useful lives of amortizable long-lived assets, leases, indirect tax obligations, legal contingencies, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation of stock-based compensation.
Segment Information
Segment Information
Operating segments are defined as components of an entity for which separate financial information is available and that is regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer is the Company’s CODM. The CODM reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis for purposes of making operating decisions, allocating resources, and evaluating financial performance. As such, the Company has determined that it operates as one operating segment. The Company has concluded that consolidated net income (loss) is the measure of segment profitability. The CODM assesses performance for the Company, monitors budget versus actual results, and determines how to allocate resources based on consolidated net income (loss) as reported in the consolidated statements of operations. There are no other expense categories regularly provided to the CODM that are not already included in the primary consolidated financial statements herein.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of institutional money market funds and certificates of deposits denominated in U.S. dollars as well as commercial paper and corporate bonds. Cash equivalents are highly liquid, short-term investments having an original maturity of 90 days or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash. Also included in cash and cash equivalents are cash in transit from payment processors for credit and debit card transactions.
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restricted cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of amounts held in separate trust accounts and restricted bank accounts as collateral for insurance purposes and amounts pledged to secure certain letters of credit.
Investments
Investments
Debt Securities
The Company’s accounting for its investments in debt securities is based on the legal form of the security, the Company’s intended holding period for the security, and the nature of the transaction. Investments in debt securities include commercial paper, certificates of deposit, corporate bonds and U.S. government and agency securities. Investments in debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value.
The Company considers an available-for-sale debt security to be impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost basis. The entire difference between the amortized cost basis and the fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale debt securities is recognized on the consolidated statements of operations as an impairment if, (i) the fair value of the security is below its amortized cost and (ii) the Company intends to sell or is more likely than not required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If neither criterion is met, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value is due to credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, the Company considers the extent to which the security’s fair value is less than amortized cost, changes to the rating of the security by third-party rating agencies, and adverse conditions specific to the security, among other factors. If the Company’s assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the credit loss is measured based on the Company’s best estimate of the cash flows expected to be collected. When developing its estimate of cash flows expected to be collected, the Company considers all available information relevant to the collectability of the security, including past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
Credit loss impairments are recognized through an allowance for credit losses adjustment to the amortized cost basis of the debt securities on the balance sheet with an offsetting credit loss expense on the consolidated statements of operations. Impairments related to factors other than credit losses are recognized as an adjustment to the amortized cost basis of the security and an offsetting amount in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The Company determines realized gains or losses on the sale of debt securities on a specific identification method.
Restricted Investments
Restricted investments are comprised of debt security investments in commercial paper, certificates of deposit, corporate bonds and U.S. government and agency securities which are held in trust accounts at third-party financial institutions pursuant to certain contracts with insurance providers.
Non-marketable Equity Securities
The Company has elected to measure its investments in non-marketable equity securities at cost, with remeasurements to fair value only upon the occurrence of observable transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer or impairment. The Company qualitatively assesses whether indicators of impairment exist. Factors considered in this assessment include the investees’ financial and liquidity position, access to capital resources, and macroeconomic conditions, among others. If an impairment exists, the Company estimates the fair value of the investment by using the best information available, which may include cash flow projections or other available market data, and recognizes a loss for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the investment on the consolidated statements of operations.
Enterprise and Trade Receivables
Enterprise and Trade Receivables
The Company collects any fees owed for completed transactions on the Lyft Platform primarily from the rider’s authorized payment method. Uncollected fees are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets and represent receivables from (i) participants in the Company’s enterprise programs (“Enterprise Users”), where the transactions have been completed and the amounts owed from the Enterprise Users have either been invoiced or are unbilled as of the reporting date; and (ii) riders where the authorized payment method is a credit card but the fare amounts have not yet settled with third-party payment processors. Under the terms of service (“ToS”), drivers agree that the Company retains the applicable fee as consideration for their use of the Lyft Platform and related activities from the fare and related charges it collects from riders on behalf of drivers. Accordingly, the Company has no trade receivables from drivers. The portion of the fare receivable to be remitted to drivers is included in accrued and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company records an allowance for credit losses for fees owed for completed transactions that may never settle or be collected in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13 “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses”. The allowance for credit losses reflects the Company’s current estimate of expected credit losses inherent in the enterprise and trade receivables balance. In determining the expected credit losses, the Company considers its historical loss experience, the aging of its receivable balance, current economic and business conditions, and anticipated future economic events that may impact collectability. The Company reviews its allowance for credit losses periodically and as needed, and amounts are written off when determined to be uncollectible.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Concentrations of Credit Risk
The Company’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are potentially subject to concentration of credit risk. Although the Company deposits its cash with multiple financial institutions, the deposits, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on its deposits of cash and cash equivalents. Management believes that the institutions are financially stable and, accordingly, minimal credit risk exists. The Company limits purchases of debt securities to investment-grade securities.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
The Company measures assets and liabilities at fair value based on an expected exit price, which represents the amount that would be received on the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value may be based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The authoritative guidance on fair value measurements establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis, whereby inputs used in valuation techniques, are assigned a hierarchical level. The following are the hierarchical levels of inputs to measure fair value:
Level 1Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2Inputs reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities; or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
Level 3Unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions incorporated in valuation techniques used to determine fair value. These assumptions are required to be consistent with market participant assumptions that are reasonably available.
The carrying values of the Company’s debt securities, accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities approximate their respective fair values due to the short period of time to payment.
Software Development Costs
Software Development Costs
The Company incurs costs related to developing the Lyft Platform and related support systems. The Company capitalizes development costs related to the Lyft Platform and related support systems once the preliminary project stage is complete and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using a straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset, which is generally between one and eight years. Depreciation for property and equipment commences once they are ready for the Company’s intended use. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and improvements and betterments are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the consolidated balance sheet and any resulting gain or loss is reflected on the consolidated statement of operations in the period realized. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the term of the lease, or the useful life of the assets. Construction in progress is related to property and equipment that has not yet been placed in service for its intended use.
Leases, Lessor
Leases
In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842 (“ASC 842”), the Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at contract inception by assessing whether the arrangement contains an identified asset and whether the lessee has the right to control such asset. The Company determines the classification and measurement of its leases upon lease commencement. The Company enters into certain agreements as a lessor and either leases or subleases the underlying asset in the agreement to customers. The Company also enters into certain agreements as a lessee.
Lessor
The Company’s lease arrangements include vehicle rentals to drivers or renters under the Flexdrive program and bikes and scooters rentals to single-use riders. Due to the short-term nature of these arrangements, the Company classifies these leases as operating leases. The Company does not separate lease and non-lease components, such as insurance or roadside assistance provided to the lessee, in its lessor lease arrangements. Lease payments are primarily fixed and are recognized as revenue in the period over which the lease arrangement occurs. The Company mitigates residual value risk of its leased assets by performing regular maintenance and repairs, as necessary, and through periodic reviews of asset depreciation rates based on the Company’s ongoing assessment of present and estimated future market conditions.
Lessee
The Company’s leases include real estate property to support its operations and Flexdrive vehicles that may be used by drivers to provide ridesharing services on the Lyft Platform. For leases with a term greater than 12 months, the Company records the related right-of-use asset and lease liability at the present value of lease payments over the term. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options. The Company does not separate lease and non-lease components of contracts for real estate property leases, but has elected to do so for vehicle leases when non-lease components exist in these arrangements. However, these vehicle leases generally do not contain any non-lease components and, as such, all payments due under these arrangements are allocated to the respective lease component. For certain leases, the Company also applies a portfolio approach to account for right-of-use assets and lease liabilities that are similar in nature and have nearly identical contract provisions.
The Company’s leases do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. Therefore, the Company estimates its incremental borrowing rate to discount the lease payments based on information available at lease commencement. The Company determines its incremental borrowing rate based on the rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term for an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.
Lease payments may be fixed or variable; however, only fixed payments are included in the Company’s lease liability calculation. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets, operating lease liabilities, current and operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Lease costs for the Company’s operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis primarily within operating expenses over the lease term. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, net, accrued and other current liabilities, and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Finance lease assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term in cost of revenue on the consolidated statements of operations. The interest component of finance leases is included in cost of revenue on the consolidated statements of operations and recognized using the effective interest method over the lease term. Variable lease payments are recognized primarily in operating expenses in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred.
Leases, Lessee
Leases
In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842 (“ASC 842”), the Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at contract inception by assessing whether the arrangement contains an identified asset and whether the lessee has the right to control such asset. The Company determines the classification and measurement of its leases upon lease commencement. The Company enters into certain agreements as a lessor and either leases or subleases the underlying asset in the agreement to customers. The Company also enters into certain agreements as a lessee.
Lessor
The Company’s lease arrangements include vehicle rentals to drivers or renters under the Flexdrive program and bikes and scooters rentals to single-use riders. Due to the short-term nature of these arrangements, the Company classifies these leases as operating leases. The Company does not separate lease and non-lease components, such as insurance or roadside assistance provided to the lessee, in its lessor lease arrangements. Lease payments are primarily fixed and are recognized as revenue in the period over which the lease arrangement occurs. The Company mitigates residual value risk of its leased assets by performing regular maintenance and repairs, as necessary, and through periodic reviews of asset depreciation rates based on the Company’s ongoing assessment of present and estimated future market conditions.
Lessee
The Company’s leases include real estate property to support its operations and Flexdrive vehicles that may be used by drivers to provide ridesharing services on the Lyft Platform. For leases with a term greater than 12 months, the Company records the related right-of-use asset and lease liability at the present value of lease payments over the term. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options. The Company does not separate lease and non-lease components of contracts for real estate property leases, but has elected to do so for vehicle leases when non-lease components exist in these arrangements. However, these vehicle leases generally do not contain any non-lease components and, as such, all payments due under these arrangements are allocated to the respective lease component. For certain leases, the Company also applies a portfolio approach to account for right-of-use assets and lease liabilities that are similar in nature and have nearly identical contract provisions.
The Company’s leases do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. Therefore, the Company estimates its incremental borrowing rate to discount the lease payments based on information available at lease commencement. The Company determines its incremental borrowing rate based on the rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term for an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.
Lease payments may be fixed or variable; however, only fixed payments are included in the Company’s lease liability calculation. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets, operating lease liabilities, current and operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Lease costs for the Company’s operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis primarily within operating expenses over the lease term. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, net, accrued and other current liabilities, and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Finance lease assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term in cost of revenue on the consolidated statements of operations. The interest component of finance leases is included in cost of revenue on the consolidated statements of operations and recognized using the effective interest method over the lease term. Variable lease payments are recognized primarily in operating expenses in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred.
Goodwill
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination.
Goodwill is not subject to amortization, but is tested for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the reporting unit may be in excess of its fair value. As part of the annual goodwill impairment test, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. If, as a result of its qualitative assessment, it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the Company’s reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test will be required. Alternatively, the Company may bypass the qualitative assessment and perform a quantitative impairment test.
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition and amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives which range from two to twelve years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets, including property and equipment and intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. An asset is considered impaired if its carrying value exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate.
Insurance Reserves and Insurance-related Accruals
Insurance Reserves and Insurance-related Accruals
The Company utilizes both a wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary and third-party insurance, which may include deductibles and self-insured retentions, to insure or reinsure costs including auto liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist, auto physical damage, first party injury coverages including personal injury protection under state law and general business liabilities up to certain limits. The recorded liabilities reflect the estimated cost for claims incurred but not paid and claims that have been incurred but not yet reported and any estimable administrative run-out expenses related to the processing of these outstanding claim payments. Liabilities are determined on a quarterly basis using assumptions based on actuarial judgment through an analysis of historical trends, and changes in claims experience, including consideration of new information and application of loss development factors, and frequency and severity assumptions, among other inputs and assumptions for the insurance reserves and insurance-related accruals.
Insurance claims may take years to completely settle. Accordingly, the Company makes certain assumptions based on currently available information and industry statistics, with the loss development factors as the most significant assumption related to the insurance reserves and the frequency and severity assumptions as the most significant assumptions related to insurance-related accruals, and utilizes actuarial models and techniques to estimate the reserves. A number of factors can affect the actual cost of a claim, including the length of time the claim remains open, economic and healthcare cost trends and the results of related litigation. Furthermore, claims may emerge in future years for events that occurred in a prior year at a rate that differs from previous actuarial projections. The impact of these factors on ultimate costs for insurance is difficult to estimate and could be material. However, while the Company believes that the insurance reserve and insurance-related accrual amounts are adequate, the ultimate liabilities may be in excess of, or less than, the amounts provided. As a result, the net amounts that will ultimately be paid to settle the liabilities and when amounts will be paid may significantly vary from the estimated amounts provided for on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company continues to review its insurance estimates in a regular, ongoing process as historical loss experience develops, additional claims are reported and settled, and the legal, regulatory and economic environment evolves.
Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency
The functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is the local currency or U.S. dollar depending on the nature of the subsidiaries’ activities. For the foreign subsidiary where the local currency is the functional currency, translation adjustments of foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are recorded to a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). For foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, gains and losses from remeasurement of foreign currency balances into U.S. dollars are included on the consolidated statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
The Company generates its revenue from its multimodal transportation network that offers access to a variety of transportation options through the Lyft Platform and mobile-based applications. Substantially all, or approximately 85% or more, of the Company’s revenue is generated from its ridesharing marketplace, inclusive of taxis, private hire vehicles, executive chauffeur services and car sharing, that connects drivers and riders and is recognized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 (“ASC 606”). In addition, the Company generates revenue in accordance with ASC 606 from licensing and data access, subscription fees, bikes and bike station hardware and software sales and arrangements to provide advertising services to third parties, which are not significant components of the Company’s consolidated revenues. The Company also generates rental revenue from Flexdrive and its network of shared bikes and scooters, which is recognized in accordance with ASC 842.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606)
The Company recognizes revenue for its rideshare marketplace in accordance with ASC 606. The Company generates revenue from service fees and commissions (collectively, “fees”) paid by drivers for use of the Lyft Platform and related activities to connect drivers with riders to facilitate and successfully complete rides via the Lyft apps. The Company recognizes revenue upon completion of each ride. Drivers enter into ToS with the Company in order to use the Lyft App. Under the ToS, drivers agree that the Company retains the applicable fee as consideration for their use of the Lyft Platform and related activities from the fare and related charges it collects from riders on behalf of drivers. In most cases, the Company is acting as an agent in facilitating the ability of a driver to provide a transportation service to a rider. In these cases, the Company reports revenue on a net basis, reflecting the fee owed to the Company from a driver as revenue, and not the gross amount collected from the rider. In certain markets, the Company acts as a principal for transportation services as the Company controls the services provided. Revenue generated in these markets is reported on a gross basis reflecting the gross amount collected from the rider, with payments to the drivers recorded within cost of revenue.
As per the Company’s customary business practice, a contract exists between the driver and the Company when the driver’s ability to cancel the ride lapses, which typically is upon pickup of the rider. The Company’s single performance obligation in the transaction is to connect drivers with riders to facilitate the completion of a successful transportation service for riders. The Company recognizes revenue upon completion of a ride as its performance obligation is satisfied upon the completion of the ride. The Company collects the fare and related charges from riders on behalf of drivers using the rider’s pre-authorized credit card or other payment mechanism and retains its fees before making the remaining disbursement to drivers; thus the driver’s ability and intent to pay is not subject to significant judgment.
The Company recognizes revenue from subscription fees paid to access transportation options through the Lyft Platform and mobile-based applications over the applicable subscription period in accordance with ASC 606. The Company also recognizes revenue from bikes, bike station hardware and software sales when control is transferred to the customer in accordance with ASC 606.
The Company generates revenue from licensing and data access agreements. Revenue is recognized ratably over the license period or upon delivery of data, as applicable. These revenues are not significant to the Company’s consolidated revenue.
The Company has arrangements to provide advertising services to third parties that are interested in reaching users of the Company’s platform. These arrangements generally require the Company to provide advertising services over a fixed period of time for which revenue is recognized ratably over the contractual period. These revenues are not significant to the Company’s consolidated revenue.
Rental Revenue (ASC 842)
The Company generates rental revenues primarily from Flexdrive and its network of shared bikes and scooters. Rental revenues are recognized for rental and rental related activities where an identified asset is transferred to the customer and the customer has the ability to control that asset in accordance with ASC 842.
The Company operates a fleet of rental vehicles through Flexdrive comprised of both owned vehicles and vehicles leased from third-party leasing companies. The Company either leases or subleases vehicles to drivers, and as a result, the Company considers itself to be the accounting lessor or sublessor, as applicable, in these arrangements in accordance with ASC 842. Fleet operating costs include monthly fixed lease payments and other vehicle operating or ownership costs, as applicable. For vehicles that are subleased, sublease income and head lease expense for these transactions are recognized on a gross basis on the consolidated financial statements. Drivers who rent vehicles are charged rental fees, which the Company collects from the driver by deducting such amounts from the driver’s earnings on the Lyft Platform.
The Company owns and operates its bikes and scooters in some cities and operates city-owned bikes and scooters in other cities. Though the specific terms of arrangements with cities vary, the Company earns operations fees from cities or shares revenue generated by the systems with cities. Bikes and scooters revenue is accounted for under ASC 842 for single-use rides. A single-use ride allows the user to select a specific bike or scooter at the time the arrangement is entered into and provides the user the right to control the selected bike or scooter for the desired term of the arrangement.
Due to the short-term nature of the Flexdrive and bikes and scooters transactions, the Company classifies these rentals as operating leases. Revenue generated from single-use ride fees paid by bikes and scooters riders is recognized upon completion of each related ride. Revenue generated from Flexdrive is recognized evenly over the rental period, which is typically seven days or less.
Incentive Programs
The Company offers incentives to attract drivers, riders and bikes and scooters riders to use the Lyft Platform. Drivers generally receive cash incentives while riders and bikes and scooters riders generally receive free or discounted rides under such incentive programs.
Driver Incentives
The Company offers various incentive programs to drivers. These driver incentives are similar to retrospective volume-based rebates and represent variable consideration that is typically settled within a week. The Company reduces the transaction price by the estimated amount of the incentives expected to be paid upon completion of the performance criteria by applying the most likely outcome method. Therefore, such incentives provided to drivers, as well as bikes and scooter riders, are recorded as a reduction to revenue since the Company does not receive a distinct good or service in exchange for the payment or cannot reasonably estimate the fair value of the good or service received. Driver incentives for referring new drivers or riders are accounted for as sales and marketing expense. The amount recorded as an expense is the lesser of the amount of the payment or the established fair value of the benefit received. The fair value of the benefit is established using amounts paid to third parties for similar services. In certain markets, where the Company controls the transportation services provided, incentives to drivers are reflected in cost of revenue.
Rider Incentives
The Company has several rider incentive programs, which are offered to encourage rider activity on the Lyft Platform. Generally, the rider incentive programs are as follows:
(i)Market-wide marketing promotions. Market-wide promotions reduce the fare charged by drivers to riders for all or substantially all rides in a specific market. This type of incentive effectively reduces the overall pricing of the service provided by drivers for that specific market and the gross fare charged by the driver to the rider, and thereby results in a lower fee earned by the Company. Accordingly, the Company records this type of incentive as a reduction to revenue at the date it records the corresponding revenue transaction.
(ii)Targeted marketing promotions. Targeted marketing promotions are used to promote the use of the Lyft Platform to a targeted group of riders. An example is a promotion where the Company offers a number of discounted rides (capped at a
given number of rides) which are valid only during a limited period of time to a targeted group of riders. The Company believes that the incentives that provide consideration to riders to be applied to a limited number of rides are similar to marketing coupons. These incentives differ from the market-wide marketing promotions because they do not reduce the overall pricing of the service provided by drivers for a specific market. During the promotion period, riders not utilizing an incentive would be charged the full fare. When a rider redeems the incentive, the Company recognizes revenue equal to the transaction price and the cost of the incentive is recorded as sales and marketing expense.
(iii)Rider referral programs. Under the rider referral program, the referring rider (the referrer) earns referral incentives when a new rider (the referee) completes their first ride on the Lyft Platform. The Company records the incentive as a liability at the time the incentive is earned by the referrer with the corresponding charge recorded to sales and marketing expense. Referral incentives typically expire within one year.
In certain markets where the Company controls the transportation services provided, incentives to riders are recorded as a reduction to revenue at the date it records the corresponding revenue transaction.
Refunds
From time to time the Company issues credits or refunds to riders unsatisfied by the level of service provided by the driver. There is no legal obligation to remunerate such riders nor does the Company issue such credits or refunds to riders on behalf of the drivers. The Company accounts for credits or refunds, which are not recoverable from the drivers as sales and marketing expenses when incurred.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue primarily consists of costs directly related to generating revenue through the Company’s multimodal platform which primarily includes insurance costs, payment processing charges, payments to drivers or driver incentive costs in certain markets where the Company controls the transportation services provided, and other costs. Insurance costs consist of insurance generally required under TNC and city regulations for ridesharing and bike and scooter rentals and also include occupational hazard insurance for drivers. Payment processing charges include merchant fees, chargebacks and failed charges. Other costs included in cost of revenue are hosting and platform-related technology costs, personnel-related compensation costs, depreciation, amortization of technology-related intangible assets, asset write-off charges, and costs related to Flexdrive, which include vehicle lease expenses and remarketing gains and losses related to the sale of vehicles.
Operations and Support
Operations and Support
Operations and support expenses primarily consist of personnel-related compensation costs of local operations teams and teams who provide phone, email and chat support to users, bikes and scooters fleet operations support costs, driver background checks and onboarding costs, fees paid to third-parties providing operations support, facility costs and certain car rental fleet support costs. Bikes and scooters fleet operations support costs include general repairs and maintenance, and other customer support activities related to repositioning bikes and scooters for rider convenience, cleaning and safety checks.
Research and Development
Research and Development
Research and development expenses primarily consist of personnel-related compensation costs and facilities costs. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expenses primarily consist of rider incentives, personnel-related compensation costs, certain driver incentives, advertising expenses, rider refunds, amortization of certain intangible assets and marketing partnerships with third parties. Sales and marketing costs are expensed as incurred.
General and Administrative
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses primarily consist of personnel-related compensation costs, professional services fees, certain insurance costs that are generally not required under TNC regulations, certain loss contingency expenses including legal accruals and settlements, insurance claims administrative fees, policy spend, depreciation, facility costs, amortization of certain intangible assets and other corporate costs. General and administrative expenses are expensed as incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company incurs stock-based compensation expense primarily from restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance based restricted stock units (“PSUs”), stock options, and the 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) purchase rights.
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options granted to employees, directors, and consultants and ESPP purchase rights using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes model incorporates various assumptions, including expected stock price volatility, expected term and risk-free interest rates.
The Company estimates the expected term for stock options using the simplified method for “plain vanilla” stock option awards. The expected term of the ESPP purchase rights is estimated using the period from the beginning of the offering period to the end of each purchase period. The Company estimates volatility for stock options and ESPP purchase rights using the historical volatility of the stock price of the Company and similar publicly traded peer companies. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues similar in duration to the expected term of the stock options or ESPP purchase rights granted.
The fair value of stock options that are expected to vest is recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The Company recognizes compensation expense related to the ESPP purchase rights on a straight-line basis over the offering period, which is typically 12 months.
The Company estimates the fair value of RSUs based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, which is determined based on the closing price of the Company’s Class A common stock as reported on the date of grant.
The Company estimates the fair value of PSUs using a Monte Carlo valuation model to determine (i) the fair value and (ii) the requisite service period. The Monte Carlo valuation model considers several variables and assumptions in estimating the fair value of stock-based awards including the Company’s stock price on grant date, expected term, expected volatility, and risk-free interest rate.
Compensation expense for RSUs is generally recognized based on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period and compensation expense for PSUs is generally recognized using the accelerated attribution method over the requisite service period of each individual tranche. Stock-based compensation expense is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and reflects estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from initial estimates.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. These differences are measured using the enacted statutory tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which differences are expected to reverse. The Company recognizes the effect on deferred income taxes of a change in tax rates in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the net amount that it believes is more-likely-than-not to be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, management considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, including historical profitability, expectations and risks associated with future taxable income, and ongoing tax planning strategies. The Company weighs positive and negative evidence based on the extent to which it can be objectively verified.
Under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), the Company evaluates uncertain tax positions by reviewing against applicable tax law for all positions taken by the Company with respect to tax years for which the statute of limitations is still open. ASC 740 provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, if any, as a component of the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders
Net Income (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders
The Company follows the two-class method when computing net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders when shares are issued that meet the definition of participating securities. The two-class method determines net income (loss) per common share for each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared or accumulated and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The two-class method requires income available to common stockholders for the period to be allocated between common stock and participating securities based upon their respective rights to receive dividends as if all income for the period had been distributed. The Company had no participating securities outstanding during any of the periods presented.
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders is computed by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The diluted net income (loss) per share
attributable to common stockholders is computed by giving effect to all potentially dilutive securities outstanding for the period. For periods in which the Company reports net losses, diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is the same as basic net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, because potentially dilutive common shares are not assumed to have been issued if their effect is anti-dilutive.
Business Combinations
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires, among other things, allocation of the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. When determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, management makes significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. During the measurement period, not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with a corresponding offset to goodwill if new information is obtained related to facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. After the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are reflected on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Acquisition costs, such as legal and consulting fees, are expensed as incurred.
Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities
In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”), the Company evaluates its ownership, contractual and other interests in entities to assess whether it has a variable interest in entities in which it has a financial relationship and, if so, whether or not those entities are variable interest entities (“VIEs”). These evaluations are complex, involving judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions based on available historical and prospective information, among other factors. For an entity that qualifies as a VIE, ASC 810 requires the Company to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE, and, if so, to consolidate such entity into its consolidated financial statements.
The Company consolidates VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest and is therefore deemed the primary beneficiary. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the VIE activities that most significantly impact economic performance; and (b) the obligation to absorb the VIE losses and the right to receive benefits that are significant to the VIE. Periodically, the Company reevaluates its ownership, contractual and other interests in entities to determine whether any changes in its interest or relationship with an entity impacts the determination of whether it is still the primary beneficiary of such entity. The Company has determined that it was the primary beneficiary of one VIE as of December 31, 2025 which was not material to the consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements, Adopted and Not Yet Adopted
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2023-09, “Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures”, which requires companies to provide disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid. The new requirement is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company adopted this standard for the year ended December 31, 2025 on a prospective basis. While the standard requires additional disclosures, there was no impact to the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, or statements of cash flows. Refer to Note 13 “Income Taxes” of these notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses”, which requires companies to provide new financial statement disclosures disaggregating prescribed expense categories within relevant income statement expense captions. Early adoption and retrospective application is permitted. Additionally, in January 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-01, “Clarifying the Effective Date” which clarifies that the guidance for ASU 2024-03 is to be adopted by all public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, on a prospective basis. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting these standards on the consolidated financial statements.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04, “Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20): Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt Instruments”, which seeks to clarify the requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt instruments should be accounted for as induced conversions. This amendment is effective for annual periods and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on the consolidated financial statements.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software”, which updates the capitalization criteria for internal-use software development costs and removes references to software development stages. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2027, and interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. The standard should be applied using a prospective, retrospective, or a modified transition approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on the consolidated financial statements.