Scotiabank raises Upwork stock price target to $17 on profitability beat

Published 04/11/2025, 14:06
Scotiabank raises Upwork stock price target to $17 on profitability beat

Investing.com - Scotiabank raised its price target on Upwork Inc. (NASDAQ:UPWK) to $17.00 from $15.00 on Tuesday, while maintaining a Sector Perform rating on the freelance marketplace operator. According to InvestingPro data, Upwork appears undervalued with analysts setting a consensus high target of $27.00, suggesting significant potential upside from its current price of $15.63.

The company reported revenue of $202 million for its latest quarter, representing 4% year-over-year growth and exceeding analyst expectations by 4%. Adjusted EBITDA reached $60 million, approximately 20% above consensus estimates, with margins hitting a record 30%. This performance aligns with Upwork’s impressive 77.9% gross profit margin and overall revenue of $772.9 million for the last twelve months.

Earnings per share came in at $0.36, beating Street forecasts by seven cents. The company also raised its full-year 2025 revenue and EBITDA guidance modestly, while fourth-quarter guidance exceeded market expectations. Upwork’s diluted EPS for the last twelve months stands at $1.72, contributing to its attractive P/E ratio of 9.34.

Despite the financial outperformance, Upwork’s underlying growth metrics showed weakness, with Gross Services Value (GSV) growing just 2% year-over-year and active clients declining by 7%. AI-related GSV showed stronger performance, increasing 53% compared to the prior year.

Scotiabank noted that while Upwork’s cost discipline was "impressive," sustainable growth remained "elusive," with management continuing to prioritize efficiency over expansion as evidenced by reduced marketing spending and increased general and administrative expenses. InvestingPro analysis shows Upwork holds more cash than debt and maintains a healthy current ratio of 3.36, supporting this efficiency-focused approach. Discover more insights in Upwork’s comprehensive Pro Research Report, available with an InvestingPro subscription.

In other recent news, Upwork Inc. reported its third-quarter 2025 financial results, surpassing analysts’ expectations with earnings per share of $0.36, compared to the forecast of $0.28. The company’s revenue reached $201.7 million, exceeding the anticipated $193.35 million. This strong performance was highlighted by Goldman Sachs, which raised its price target on Upwork to $25 from $24, maintaining a Buy rating. The firm attributed the outperformance to contributions from AI categories and the adoption of Upwork Business Plus.

Canaccord Genuity also reiterated its Buy rating with a $22 price target, noting that Upwork’s Gross Service Value (GSV) returned to growth, driven by AI investments. Jefferies raised its price target to $22, citing a positive turning point with GSV growth turning positive after several quarters of decline. RBC Capital increased its price target to $21, recognizing AI as a growing tailwind for the company. These developments indicate a positive shift for Upwork, with analysts showing confidence in its future prospects.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.