Lyft CFO Touts Record 2025, Europe Expansion and $1B New Buyback

Lyft executive highlights strong financial and operational performance, portfolio expansion, and capital returns at Bernstein TMT Conference.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:31am by Ben Kaplan

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Lyft Chief Financial Officer Erin Brewer spoke at the Bernstein TMT Conference, describing 2025 as an "exceptional year" for the company. Brewer cited record active riders, driver hours, gross bookings, profitability, and free cash flow, attributing the performance to strengthening the marketplace, portfolio expansion, and new partnerships. She also discussed Lyft's strategy to expand into higher-value modes, revamp its business travel rewards program, and pursue regulatory reform around insurance. Additionally, Brewer addressed Lyft's Europe expansion through the FREENOW acquisition and plans for autonomous vehicle partnerships.

Why it matters

Lyft's strong 2025 results and forward-looking strategy demonstrate the company's ability to adapt and grow in a competitive rideshare market. The expansion into Europe, focus on higher-value offerings, and capital returns to shareholders signal Lyft's ambitions to diversify its business and maintain its position as a leading mobility platform.

The details

Brewer highlighted Lyft's record performance in 2025 across key metrics like active riders, driver hours, gross bookings, profitability, and free cash flow. She attributed this to strengthening the marketplace through faster pickups and more reliable pricing, as well as portfolio expansion through new partnerships and acquisitions. Lyft added United as a partner and saw significant growth through its DoorDash partnership. The company also acquired FREENOW, expanding into nine European countries, and TBR Global Chauffeuring to bolster its higher-value offerings. Brewer emphasized Lyft's strategy to expand into higher-value modes, revamp its business travel rewards program, and pursue regulatory reform around insurance.

  • Lyft completed its inaugural $500 million share buyback program in 2025.
  • Lyft announced a new $1 billion share buyback authorization in 2026.

The players

Erin Brewer

Lyft's Chief Financial Officer.

Nikhil Devnani

Bernstein analyst who hosted the discussion with Erin Brewer.

Lyft

An American peer-to-peer ridesharing platform that connects passengers with drivers through a mobile application.

FREENOW

A taxi-focused platform that Lyft acquired to expand into Europe.

TBR Global Chauffeuring

A company Lyft acquired to bolster its higher-value offerings, particularly for corporate travel.

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What they’re saying

“2025 was an exceptional year, citing record active riders, record driver hours, record gross bookings, record profitability, and 'exceptional free cash flow.'”

— Erin Brewer, Lyft Chief Financial Officer

“Innovation is 'deep within the DNA' of Lyft and referenced initiatives such as the company's driver earnings commitment, along with its teens and 'silver' products.”

— Erin Brewer, Lyft Chief Financial Officer

What’s next

Lyft plans to continue pursuing policy and regulatory reform strategies in other states, citing prior work in Georgia and Florida.

The takeaway

Lyft's strong 2025 performance and forward-looking strategy, including expansion into Europe, higher-value offerings, and autonomous vehicle partnerships, demonstrate the company's resilience and ambition to maintain its position as a leading mobility platform.