Freelancer Reports $13.8M Revenue, Loadshift Hits Record Quarterly Sales
Freelancer Limited reported a steady third quarter with operational profitability and notable growth in AI-related projects and Loadshift revenues, despite a year-on-year dip in overall marketplace volume.
- Group revenue stable at $13.8 million, down 0.5% year-on-year
- Freelancer.com GMV up 3.9%, Escrow.com revenue rises 2.9%
- Loadshift achieves record quarterly and monthly revenues with profitability
- AI-related jobs and enterprise partnerships drive marketplace sophistication
- Group maintains operating profit and $25.6 million cash reserves
Stable Revenue Amid Volume Fluctuations
Freelancer Limited (ASX, FLN) delivered a largely stable financial performance in the third quarter of 2025, with group revenue holding steady at $13.8 million, a marginal 0.5% decline compared to the same period last year. This stability belies a 22.5% drop in gross marketplace volume (GMV) to $216.8 million, primarily due to the absence of a one-off $50 million escrow transaction recorded in 3Q24. Notably, Freelancer.com itself saw a 3.9% increase in GMV, signaling underlying growth in its core marketplace.
AI and Enterprise Partnerships Fuel Marketplace Evolution
The quarter underscored Freelancer’s strategic pivot towards AI-driven innovation. AI-related projects are gaining traction, both in volume and value, as businesses increasingly deploy AI to optimize workflows and reduce costs. This trend is mirrored on both sides of the marketplace, with clients posting more AI-centric jobs and freelancers enhancing their capabilities through AI tools. The company is poised to deepen AI integration in the coming quarter to boost project-to-talent matching and engagement.
Enterprise initiatives also advanced, including a significant partnership with a $1 trillion global cloud computing platform, opening access to 18,000 small and medium business customers. Concurrent investments in automation and AI infrastructure aim to support growing demand from enterprise clients, complemented by newly launched Concierge services offering premium operational support.
Escrow.com and Loadshift, Growth and Market Expansion
Escrow.com experienced a 25.7% decline in gross payment volume to $186 million, again impacted by the prior year’s large transaction. However, revenue grew by 2.9% to $3.2 million, reflecting ongoing investments in product features and customer support. The platform expanded its presence in e-commerce and B2B verticals, forging new partnerships with US-based businesses such as Immobilium and Pitch Capital, which are expected to drive future transaction volumes.
Loadshift, Australia’s largest heavy haulage freight marketplace, marked its strongest quarter to date with record revenues up 15.5% year-on-year and profitability achieved. Operational metrics improved across the board, including job postings, award rates, and delivered loads. Technological enhancements such as in-app calling and a new enterprise dashboard are improving user experience and platform efficiency, positioning Loadshift for sustained growth.
Financial Health and Forward Outlook
The group maintained operational profitability with $1.6 million in operating cash flow and held $25.6 million in cash and equivalents, despite a slight decrease due to a strategic buyback increasing ownership in Loadshift to 73.4%. Freelancer remains debt-free and continues disciplined cost management.
Looking ahead to the final quarter of 2025, Freelancer plans to enhance marketplace engagement, accelerate AI-driven innovation, expand financial service offerings, and drive operational excellence. The company targets consistent operating profits of at least $500,000 per month, signaling confidence in its growth trajectory amid evolving market dynamics.
Bottom Line?
Freelancer’s blend of AI innovation, strategic partnerships, and operational discipline sets the stage for sustained growth despite macro uncertainties.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Freelancer’s AI initiatives translate into measurable revenue growth in 2026?
- What impact will Loadshift’s expanding market share have on overall group profitability?
- Can Escrow.com capitalize on new B2B partnerships to offset volatility in large transactions?