Upwork Inc. (UPWK) Presents at UBS Global Technology and AI Conference 2025 Transcript
Upwork Inc. ( UPWK ) Analyst/Investor Day November 18, 2025 9:00 AM EST Company Participants Erica Gessert - CFO & Interim Principal Accounting Officer Hayden Brown - President, CEO & Director Dave Bottoms - General Manager of Marketplace Peter Sanborn - Vice President of Strategy, Corporate Development & Partnerships Andrew Rabinovich - VP, CTO, Head of AI & Machine Learning and Member of Economic Advisory Council Ernesto Lamaina Conference Call Participants Gabriel Richman Philip Rasori Cory Hymel Conversation Operator Our program is now beginning. Please welcome on stage, Erica Gessert.
Upwork's (UPWK) path to profitability is supported by declining costs, reduced SBC, and the integration of AI tools to drive operational efficiency. Valuation remains attractive based on DCF and exit multiples, though risks include labor market softness and competition from large tech firms. UPWK holds a leading position in a market with significant network effects.
Upwork stands out as a capital-light, global freelancer platform with a strong market position and significant insider ownership. UPWK has recently optimized for profitability, delivering high returns on capital, robust gross margins, and now trades at an undemanding valuation near 10x earnings. The business is resilient to AI disruption, adapting to new demand trends and leveraging AI to enhance platform efficiency and expand service offerings.
Upwork stands out amid weaker consumer spending and enterprise caution, offering a compelling value opportunity for investors seeking downside protection. UPWK is differentiating itself by building AI talent pools and expanding its enterprise staffing services, addressing evolving market needs. Despite long-term AI disruption concerns, the company's recent Q3 beat-and-raise demonstrates strong execution and market resilience.
The catalyst was Upwork's third-quarter earnings report, which provided clear evidence that its strategic transformation is not just underway but is delivering substantial financial results.
Upwork Inc. delivered record Q3 results, benefiting from AI-driven demand and strong revenue, but shares have surged over 28% since the last review. UPWK is leveraging AI as an opportunity, with AI-related Gross Services Volume up 53% YOY and a growing base of AI freelancers and clients. Fundamentals remain robust, with attractive P/E and net income margins, though economic headwinds may present better entry points soon.
Upwork Inc. ( UPWK ) Q3 2025 Earnings Call November 3, 2025 5:00 PM EST Company Participants Hayden Brown - President, CEO & Director Erica Gessert - CFO & Interim Principal Accounting Officer Conference Call Participants Tyler Stahl Eric Sheridan - Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division Sang-Jin Byun - Jefferies LLC, Research Division Matthew Condon - Citizens JMP Securities, LLC, Research Division Bernard McTernan - Needham & Company, LLC, Research Division Marvin Fong - BTIG, LLC, Research Division Joshua Chan - UBS Investment Bank, Research Division Ronald Josey - Citigroup Inc., Research Division Bradley Erickson - RBC Capital Markets, Research Division Presentation Operator Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Upwork's Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call.
Upwork remains a modest buy after Q2'25, driven by AI integration, margin expansion, and strong execution, though shares are no longer a deep bargain. AI-related GSV accelerated to 30% growth, Business Plus client adoption surged, and monetization initiatives boosted take rates and profitability for UPWK. Recent acquisitions and a new enterprise subsidiary position UPWK to capture more of the $650bn contingent workforce market starting in 2026.
Upwork (UPWK) was a big mover last session on higher-than-average trading volume. The latest trend in earnings estimate revisions might not help the stock continue moving higher in the near term.
UPWK shares rise 10.2% after a strong Q2 earnings beat, upbeat 2025 outlook, and accelerating AI-related growth.
Employment marketplace Upwork appears to be expanding beyond its freelancer-focused roots. In releasing its quarterly earnings Thursday (Aug. 7), the company announced it had acquired Bubty, a platform to help enterprises manage a range of workforce models and contract types, such as independent contractors and contingent W-2 workers.