Freelancer Reports $1.9M NPAT on 8% Revenue Growth Despite GMV Dip

Resilient Financial Performance Amid Market Challenges

Freelancer Limited (ASX, FLN) has delivered a robust half-year performance for the six months ending June 2025, posting a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $1.9 million. This marks a significant turnaround from a $1.0 million loss in the prior corresponding period, underscoring the company’s operational resilience and strategic execution.

Despite a modest 2.4% decline in Gross Marketplace Value (GMV) to $439 million, revenue increased by 8% to $28 million, reflecting improved monetisation across its three core business segments, Freelancer marketplace, Escrow.com, and Loadshift freight platform. Operating cash flow surged 209% to $6.8 million, bolstering cash reserves to $26 million, a 12.3% increase since December 2024.

Segment Highlights, Innovation and Expansion

The Freelancer marketplace continues to lead as the world’s largest cloud workforce platform, with over 80 million users and a 17.5% increase in new user sign-ups in 1H25. The platform secured a prestigious 10-year NASA NOIS3 contract valued at US$475 million, reinforcing its position in global open innovation challenges. Average bids per project reached a record 56, enhancing marketplace liquidity and client choice.

Escrow.com, the company’s online escrow service, processed US$7.7 billion in payments to date. While GMV dipped slightly by 3.3%, revenue jumped 32.3%, driven by new integrations such as the Shopify beta launch and growing traction in import/export verticals. The platform’s focus on high-value transactions and compliance across 55 jurisdictions continues to underpin its market leadership.

Loadshift, Australia’s largest freight marketplace, posted a 9.1% revenue increase and hit all-time monthly revenue records twice in the half-year. Innovations like in-app audio and video calling and enhanced GPS tracking have improved service quality and operational efficiency, supporting its global expansion ambitions.

Strategic Focus, AI, Customer Growth, and Profitability

Looking ahead to the second half of FY25, Freelancer is prioritising the productisation of generative AI tools to enhance customer workflows and partner offerings. The company aims to leverage AI-driven demand to accelerate customer acquisition and retention, with a 20% improvement in acquisition workflows already noted.

Cost discipline remains a key pillar, with operating expenses held flat year-on-year despite increased marketing investment. This balance supports sustainable profitability, with management targeting double-digit revenue growth and further profit and cash flow gains for the full year.

The leadership team, comprising seasoned technology entrepreneurs and executives, is well-positioned to navigate the evolving digital economy. Their expertise spans AI innovation, fintech, logistics, and compliance, underpinning Freelancer’s ambition to cement its role as a critical infrastructure provider in the global online labour, payments, and freight markets.

Market Position and Industry Recognition

Freelancer’s platforms have garnered multiple industry accolades, including a 13th Webby Award for employment websites and mobile sites, and top customer satisfaction ratings on Trustpilot and SiteJabber. The company’s integrated ecosystem addresses trillion-dollar problems in labour scarcity, secure payments, and logistics transparency, positioning it as a foundational player in the digital economy.

With a strong cash position and a clear strategic roadmap, Freelancer is poised to capitalize on emerging market opportunities, particularly in AI-powered services and global freight logistics, while maintaining rigorous compliance and operational excellence.