Get All Access for $5/mo

Lyft Stock Skyrockets Over 60% — Because of a Typo in an Earnings Release The company issued a correction that there was a mistake in its printed 2023 earnings release.

By Emily Rella

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

A one-character typo is usually not a big deal, but when it comes to reporting financials, it can have serious implications on the market and the company's stock valuation.

Such was the case for rideshare giant Lyft, which reported in a 2023 earnings release on Wednesday that the company expected its gross margin to expand by 500 basis points or 5 percentage points.

However, the report should have said 50 basis points or 0.5 percentage points.

Related: Lyft Becomes First Rideshare Company to Implement Minimum Pay For Drivers

The errant "0" sent Lyft's stock soaring over 62% before the company clarified on an earnings call shortly after the release that there was an error in the report.

"This is actually a correction from the press release," said Lyft Chief Financial Officer Erin Brewer on the call, after being asked to clarify the EBITDA margin expansion estimate.

Brewer said 50 basis points earlier on the call, though the slide for the presentation said 500 basis points. "In my prepared remarks, I referenced 50 basis points of margin expansion," she said.

Almost immediately following Brewer's comments, Lyft's stock shot back down, hovering around a 17% increase from the prior day's market close. The company also issued a corrected release.

The rideshare company did report a total of $13.8 billion in bookings for 2023 (a 14% year-over-year increase), with gross bookings in Q4 2023 resulting in a 17% year-over-year increase of $3.7 billion.

Total revenue for the company in 2023 was up 8% from the same time last year at $4.4 billion though the company did still suffer a yearly net loss of $340.3 million.

"Lyft's outstanding Q4 performance demonstrates our team's incredible work to build a solid foundation for profitable growth," Brewer said in the company's release. "We've entered 2024 with a lot of momentum and a clear focus on operational excellence, which positions the company to drive meaningful margin expansion and our first full year of positive free cash flow."

Related: Lyft Will Now Charge Late Fees For Tardy Passengers

The company made history earlier this month after it instated a minimum pay standard, guaranteeing that drivers will now take home a minimum of 70% of what riders pay regardless of fees or extraneous costs.

"We think hopefully it will get more drivers driving for Lyft, but also just make the whole sector stronger," Lyft CEO David Risher told Reuters earlier this month. "We have more drivers now than we've had, I think, since the middle of 2019. It's strong and I tell you what, it's getting even stronger."

Just before noon EST on Wednesday, Lyft's stock was back up 31% in a 24-hour period.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

These Companies Offer the Best Work-Life Balance, According to Employees

The ranking is based on Glassdoor ratings and reviews.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Science & Technology

Use This Framework to Successfully Integrate AI Into Your Business Operations

Here's how to ensure both innovation and compliance when using AI in your organization.

Business News

Here's What the CPI Report Means for Your Wallet, According to JPMorgan and EY Experts

Most experts agree that there will be another rate cut next week.