TD Cowen Analyst Upgrades Lyft to ’Best Smidcap Idea’ for 2025
John Blackledge, a top-rated analyst at TD Cowen, has upgraded Lyft Inc. (LYFT) from Hold to Buy, labeling it the standout small-to-mid-cap pick for 2025. The new $21 price target implies a 32% upside, driven by international expansion and tier-2 city growth. Lyft shares surged 6.1% on the announcement, extending year-to-date gains to 23%—still trailing Uber’s 52% rally.
Blackledge highlights Lyft’s 30%+ growth in markets like Charlotte and Indianapolis, alongside the strategic acquisition of Europe’s FREENOW. The deal is projected to add €1 billion annually to gross bookings, positioning Lyft for cross-border scalability. Both ride-hailing stocks continue outpacing broader market indices.