'Super pleased': Why the Airtasker share price is rocketing 12% today

What's driving the Airtasker share price higher?

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • Airtasker shares surge 12.50% to 54 cents 
  • The company recorded a robust third quarter driven by investment in new city-level marketplaces in the United States and the United Kingdom 
  • Despite the strong accent today, Airtasker shares are still down by more than 35% in 2022 

Despite the All Ordinaries (ASX: XAO) being down today, the Airtasker Ltd (ASX: ART) share price is exploding higher.

This comes after the company provided a quarterly business update to the ASX prior to market open.

The online marketplace company's shares are swapping hands at 54 cents apiece, up 12.50%.

In contrast, the broader ASX index is trading at 7,625.6 points, down 1.84%. This follows widespread fears about China's COVID-19 situation.

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.

Image source: Getty Images

Airtasker records strong Q3 growth

Investors are bidding up the Airtasker share price following the company's robust performance for the third quarter of FY22.

According to its release, Airtasker reported gross marketplace volume (GMV) of $51.5 million, up 24.9% on the prior corresponding period.

In addition, revenue surged to $8.6 million, an increase of 21.2% over Q3 FY21.

The group achieved a positive operating cash flow of $1 million, with $32.8 million cash in the bank.

Management lauded the result, despite macro headwinds including COVID-19 and weather-related events impacting its major marketplaces.

The bumper performance was driven by investment in new-city-level marketplaces in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

In particular, the United States marketplace grew 90% over the previous quarter as it recorded increased job opportunities (posted tasks).

Across the United Kingdom marketplace, GMV accelerated 138% over the prior comparable period due to season demand.

Airtasker co-founder and CEO, Tim Fung touched on the company's result, saying:

I'm super pleased to share another strong quarter of growth for Airtasker against a backdrop of tough macro impacts including unprecedented rainfall and horrendous flooding.

Posting positive cashflow from operations of $1 million demonstrates the strength of our underlying business model and with a strong balance sheet, I'm excited to continue expanding into new segments of the local services economy in Australia whilst replicating the growth we've seen in our Australian marketplaces across the US and UK.

About the Airtasker share price

Over the past 12 months, the Airtasker share price has lost almost 60%, with year to date down 36%.

It's worth noting that regardless of today's rise, the company's shares hit an all-time low of 46 cents last Thursday.

Based on valuation grounds, Airtasker commands a market capitalisation of roughly $224.79 million.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Airtasker Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Communication Shares

Woman on phone cheering while sitting at computer
Communication Shares

3 reasons I'd buy Telstra shares today

The telco giant continues to evolve. Here’s why I think Telstra shares still look appealing today.

Read more »

Man holding phone to ear shouts while hjolding out hand in stop motion
Communication Shares

Up 22%, are Telstra shares still worth a buy?

Telstra stays a dependable income stock, but won't be a rocket ship.

Read more »

Group of friends trading stocks on their phones. symbolising the 3 most traded ASX 200 shares today
Communication Shares

Have Telstra shares peaked, or is there more upside ahead?

Pricing power and income support steady, not explosive, gains

Read more »

A couple makes silly chip moustache faces and take a selfie on their phone.
Communication Shares

How high can Telstra shares really climb from here?

Brokers don't expect a surge, but rather a slow grind.

Read more »

A smiling businessman in the city looks at his phone and punches the air in celebration of good news.
Communication Shares

$8,000 invested in Telstra shares 1 month ago is now worth…

The telco has enjoyed a good share price rally over the past year.

Read more »

A woman in a red dress holding up a red graph.
Communication Shares

After a big acquisition what are Nine Entertainment shares worth?

The company has made a major foray into outdoor advertising.

Read more »

A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, and holding a mobile phone in his other hand.
Communication Shares

Is Telstra stock a buy at $5.37 a share?

Telstra shares haven't been this high since 2017.

Read more »

Young couple standing next to a sold sign after buying a house.
Communication Shares

Are the glory days over for REA shares?

The key will be how quickly the property market bounces back.

Read more »