Lyft’s IPO oversubscribed, valuation may exceed US$23 billion: sources

On-demand transportation company Lyft Inc’s initial public offering (IPO) is said to be oversubscribed based on current commitments from investors, as it completes the second day of its IPO roadshow on Tuesday.

This makes it more likely that the transport start-up will either hit its US$23 billion valuation or exceed the target. The exact level of oversubscription for the IPO was not given, sources told Reuters. The IPO price is still not decided as well, the sources said.

Lyft started its IPO road show on Monday and has been spending the past few days calling on investors in the Big Apple, the sources added.

The firm had said on Monday it aims to raise up to US$2 billion in its IPO at a fully diluted valuation of as much as US$23 billion, which includes restricted stock.

Expect Lyft’s valuation to rise to US$20 - US$25 billion

Earlier reports from IG had mentioned Lyft planning to list its shares on America’s tech-rich Nasdaq and revealed plans on it launching its roadshow on the IPO this week.

Lyft’s valuation is expected to be between US$20 billion and US$25 billion in its IPO, but the plan could change due to market conditions.

Lyft which was last valued at US$15 billion, had selected JPMorgan Chase & Co as the lead underwriter of its IPO, together with Credit Suisse Group and Jefferies Group.

The share price for Lyft’s stock is expected to be between US$62 to US$68.

Dual-class structure, similar to many other tech stocks

Co-founders John Zimmer and Logan Green will hold less than 50% of shares. There will be a dual-class structure to the stocks, similar to tech firms like Alibaba and Facebook.

For Lyft's share structure, one class of shareholders will have 20 votes per share, while another class will have one vote per share.

The stock option will be offered to salaried employees and to long-term drivers. The drivers can get stock options or a cash bonus.

Lyft, similar to its counterpart Uber, have yet to turn a profit. Lyft reported a loss of US$911 million in 2018, widening from the US$688 million in losses in 2017.