Lyft continues to post losses despite revenue growth

Lyft is reporting strong revenue growth but deep losses in its second quarter, a trend that it has so far been unable to reverse.

The ride-hailing company on Wednesday posted revenue of $867.3 million US, up 72 per centfrom the same time last year.

But the San Francisco-based company lost $664.2 million in the quarter, which was worse than the $445 million loss that analysts polled by FactSet expected.

More than a third of the loss, or $296.6 million, came from stock-based compensation Lyft paid out after its IPO in March. The company also lost $141.1 million due to changing requirements for liabilities for insurance.

The company's growth in active riders and revenue per active rider was better than expected, which drove its revenue growth, said Logan Green, co-founder and chief executive officer of Lyft, in a news release. Lyft's revenue per active rider was $39.77, up 22 per centcompared to the same time last year.

"We remain focused on reshaping transportation and we are pleased with the continued improvement in market conditions," Green said. "This environment along with our execution is translating to strong revenue growth and sales and marketing efficiencies."

Green said because of that positive momentum, the company expects 2019 losses to be better than previously expected.

Uber, which is Lyft's main and much larger rival, is set to report earnings Thursday.

Stock prices plummet

Lyft's stock price has fallen sharply since its debut. It hovered around $60 per share Wednesday, down 17 per centfrom its IPO price of $72.

It was the first of the major ride-hailing companies to go public, beating Uber to its stock market debut. Early enthusiasm among investors quickly fizzled, along with the stock price. The company has not turned a profit or demonstrated a path to profitability. However, its losses were steeper last quarter, when the company was hit with more expenses from stock compensation related to its IPO.

Lyft lost $2.23 per share in the second quarter, which was worse than the loss of $1.15 per share predicted by analysts polled by FactSet.

Its adjusted net loss, after accounting for the stock compensation, insurance change and other expenses, was $197.3 million, which was 12 per centmore than the $176.5 million adjusted net loss it posted during the same quarter last year.