Lyft Faces a Tall Task Clawing Share Back From Uber

In the US market, Lyft has emerged as the number-two ride-sharing player, a position we think it will keep for years to come. It is currently having difficulty maintaining its market share against the market leader, Uber, in pursuing riders in a highly lucrative addressable market (including taxis, ride-sharing, bikes, and scooters). In our view, Lyft warrants a narrow economic moat rating, thanks to the network effect around its ride-sharing platform and intangible assets associated with riders, rides, and mapping data, which we think can drive the firm to profitability and excess returns on invested capital.