Upwork, the leading freelancing platform with a 31-32% market share, benefits from two-sided network effects, attracting both freelancers and employers. Despite a challenging environment, Upwork maintains strong financials, expects 7.5% revenue growth this year and increasing profitability next years due to operational leverage. Fair Value derived through a DCF model is $13.37 with WACC = 10.5% and perpetuity growth of 3%, pointing to 28% upside from the current price.
Engine Capital has a roughly 4% stake in freelance marketplace Upwork and is pushing the company to shake up its board. In a letter to the board on Friday, Engine said Upwork needs to fix the "foundational issues" plaguing the platform.
The rising effectiveness of artificial intelligence is creating downward pressure on this company's stock price.
Shares of Upwork have dropped sharply since reporting Q2 results and lowering its revenue guidance for FY24, citing softer macro trends that are impacting small businesses. Despite the top-line guidance cut, the company held its adjusted EBITDA outlook and even slightly increased its EPS forecast. In Q2, Upwork saw y/y growth in active clients, while rival Fiverr declined. Upwork's growth is outpacing its key rival, indicating market share gains.
Upwork (UPWK) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.26 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.23 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.10 per share a year ago.
Besides Wall Street's top -and-bottom-line estimates for Upwork (UPWK), review projections for some of its key metrics to gain a deeper understanding of how the company might have fared during the quarter ended June 2024.
Upwork NASDAQ: UPWK is a technology firm that operates as an online marketplace, connecting freelance workers and independent contractors with employers. In 2024, the stock price is down 29% due to fears that AI will eliminate many freelance jobs.
The gig economy is under pressure from AI's rising effectiveness, but I think the fears are overstated.
This company rides a powerful tailwind, adding convenience to businesses and workers worldwide.