Beyond Meat, Inc. (NASDAQ: BYND) shares are soaring an impressive 23.75% in Friday's trading session, building on a strong pre-market performance. The plant-based meat company's stock initially jumped 11.44% in pre-market trading following the announcement of the expiration of lock-up restrictions on approximately 316 million shares of its common stock, issued as part of an exchange offer for its 0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027.

The lock-up expiration, which occurred at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on Thursday, allows holders of the newly issued shares to sell any or all of their holdings without previous contractual limitations. This development is expected to significantly increase liquidity in Beyond Meat's stock, potentially attracting new investors and driving up trading volume. The company stated that the newly unrestricted shares are expected to be transferred into the regular trading CUSIP for Beyond Meat's common stock on Friday, subject to standard settlement procedures.

The stock's surge beyond the initial pre-market gains suggests that investors are reacting even more positively than anticipated to the increased liquidity and potential market interest. Analysts speculate that the additional upward momentum could be driven by a combination of factors, including short-covering, increased institutional interest, and optimism about the company's future prospects in the growing plant-based meat market. However, investors should note that while increased liquidity often leads to greater market interest, it can also result in higher volatility, making Beyond Meat's stock one to watch closely in the coming trading sessions.