PAR Capital Doubles Down on Lyft: Is it Too Late to Buy?

Core Insights - PAR Capital Management has significantly increased its stake in Lyft, acquiring an additional 1,350,000 shares, bringing its total holdings to 3,255,000 shares valued at $71.63 million as of September 30, 2025 [2][9] - Lyft's stock price has doubled over the year, currently priced at $20.68, reflecting a 16% increase over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by 2 percentage points [3][4] - Lyft represents 2.1% of PAR Capital's total 13F U.S. equity assets, indicating a growing confidence in the company's future prospects [2][3] Company Overview - Lyft operates one of North America's leading on-demand transportation networks, facilitating millions of rides through its digital platform [5] - The company focuses on expanding mobility options and integrating various modes of transport to serve urban and suburban markets [5][7] - Lyft's revenue generation comes from connecting drivers with riders, vehicle rentals, and offering subscription and enterprise transportation solutions [7] Financial Performance - As of the latest report, Lyft has a market capitalization of $8.26 billion, with trailing twelve months (TTM) revenue of $6.27 billion and net income of $150.7 million [4] - The company generated over $1 billion in free cash flow (FCF), showcasing its ability to scale its network effectively [11] Market Position - Lyft has established itself as the second-largest mobility provider in North America, with 29 million active riders completing 250 million rides in the last quarter [11] - The company is viewed as a competitor to Uber, with a market dynamic resembling a duopoly in the mobility sector [11][10] Investment Sentiment - PAR Capital's increased investment in Lyft, despite the stock's price doubling, reflects a bullish sentiment from institutional investors, suggesting confidence in Lyft's growth potential [9][10] - Analysts believe Lyft is a growth stock trading at a value stock price, currently at 8 times FCF, indicating significant upside potential as it continues to transform the industry alongside Uber [12]