OPINION: Lyft’s massive revenue error proves Wall Street needs to cut back on the jargon.

Lyft’s record fourth quarter and rosy outlook were tarnished Tuesday by what turned out to be a massive error in the company’s press release. This could have been avoided if the company had avoided scary Wall Street jargon.

Initially, Lyft LYFT put forward a goal calling for 500 basis points (5%) growth in adjusted earnings margin before interest, taxes, depreciation or amortization (Ebitda). Lyft reported a margin of 1.6% for the 2023 metric, so an expected growth rate of 500 basis points suggests 6.6%.