The pandemic continues to buffet Lyft’s snigger enterprise. The corporate mentioned Tuesday that revenues for the fourth quarter of 2020 have been $ 570 million, a 44 p.c drop from the yr earlier than however in step with Wall Road expectations. Losses elevated 22 p.c to $ 458.2 million.
Lyft exercise improved in the beginning of the quarter, however fell in November and December as coronavirus circumstances escalated in the USA.
Nevertheless, Lyft mentioned there have been indicators of restoration. Fourth-quarter revenues have been up 14 p.c above $ 500 million in income from the third quarter. The corporate additionally mentioned it had tailored to the drop in demand by reducing its prices for the acquisition and advertising and marketing of drivers, which prevented losses from being incurred. And with vaccines on the horizon, Lyft mentioned it expects stronger demand in 2021.
However the pandemic has taken on an simple weight for Lyft’s enterprise. Revenues for 2020 are down 35%, to $ 2.4 billion. Hail drivers say they’ve additionally seen their earnings fluctuate through the pandemic and have struggled to get sufficient safety provides corresponding to masks and disinfectants.
Analysts mentioned the necessity to maintain drivers engaged may push Lyft into growth in supply enterprise. The corporate has a small supply arm that focuses on transporting important items through the pandemic, however a broader supply enterprise offers another income stream and retains drivers energetic when journey demand is down.
“It’s turning into more and more clear that Lyft can’t afford to not take part in on-line meals supply, grocery supply or necessities supply,” mentioned Tom White, senior analysis analyst at DA Davidson.
Traders additionally need to know when Lyft may change into worthwhile, White mentioned. Lyft was aiming to make a revenue by the top of 2021, nevertheless it’s unclear if the pandemic will change that chronology.
“Regardless of the troublesome downturn in 2020, we proceed to give attention to bettering our enterprise in the long term,” Logan Inexperienced, Lyft’s CEO, mentioned in a press release. “The progress we’ve made has been important and I consider we are actually in a stronger place than at any time in our previous.”
