Here's why the Airtasker (ASX:ART) share price could be a buy

Airtasker shares could be worth considering as the business ramps up its growth.

| More on:
a man sits at a computer in deep thought with hand on chin in a darkened room as though it is late and night and he is working on cybersecurity issues.

Image source: Getty Images

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

The Airtasker Ltd (ASX: ART) share price may be worth thinking about because the business could have a lot of growth potential.

What is Airtasker?

For readers that don't know what Airtasker is, it's a platform business that connects people who are ready to work with people who need work to get done.

It offers a wide range of tasks, such as home cleaning, handyman jobs, admin work, photography, graphic design or building a website.

With that in mind, here are some reasons why the Airtasker share price could be one to think about:

Rapid growth

A business that is growing revenue quickly over several years gives itself more chance to deliver good returns to shareholders.

In FY21 alone, it saw 38% revenue growth to $26.6 million. This beat the prospectus guidance of $24.5 million. Gross profit went up 39% to $24.8 million.

The last financial year also saw gross marketplace revenue (GMV) increase by 35% year on year to $153.1 million, beating the prospectus forecast of $143.7 million. Two years ago in FY19 its GMV was $93.2 million.

Underlying pro forma earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) grew by 57.2% to a loss of $2.2 million.

Very strong margins

The ASX share says that its user-aligned business model and light touch operations deliver strong gross profit margins.

In FY21 it saw a gross profit margin of 93%. Not many ASX shares have gross margins above 90%. Within that gross margin, 4.9% was for payment costs and 2.1% of insurance costs.

When a business has such a high gross profit margin, it means that a lot of the new revenue can fall straight to the next line of profit. This could be helpful for driving the Airtasker share price higher if underlying profit can grow.

Already cashflow positive

Lots of technology businesses list onto the ASX with outflows of operating cashflow as they spend for growth until scale allows them to reach breakeven.

However, Airtasker achieved positive operating cashflow of $5.5 million in FY21, beating its prospectus forecast of $0.1 million.

Management said that with positive operating cashflow and a strong cash balance, it is well positioned to invest in international expansion.

Global growth potential

International growth could help the Airtasker share price climb over time.

The business is already making progress overseas. In FY21, the UK marketplace saw GMW growth of 232% year on year and growth of 93% quarter on quarter.

In the US, it said that the Zaarly integration and US expansion planning was progressing well. It is aiming to start in the cities of Kansas City, Dallas and Miami.

It's hoping to reach an international annualised run rate of GMV of between $8 million to $10 million by June 2022.

Airtasker thinks that its total addressable market is many billions of dollars across Australia, the US and UK for existing local service industries. It wants to grow new services like flatpack furniture assembly and date night planning to complement existing services like cleaning, photography and office administration.

In FY22, it's targeting revenue of at least $35 million and GMV of at least $200 million.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 Technology Shares

a group of tech people gather around a computer operated by a young woman while the group looks on in support.
Technology Shares

Brokers say this rapidly growing ASX 200 tech stock is a strong buy

Big returns could be on the cards for owners of this stock.

Read more »

A corporate female wearing glasses looks intently at a virtual reality screen with shapes and lights representing Block shares going up today
Technology Shares

Here are 'blue-sky valuations' for these hot ASX 200 tech stocks

These ASX 200 tech stocks could have huge potential according to analysts.

Read more »

A person sitting at a desk smiling and looking at a computer.
Technology Shares

'You could make a decent amount of money' from this ASX 200 tech stock

This stock could be an underrated play.

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer
Technology Shares

What's happening with the NextDC share price on Thursday?

NextDC is raising $1.32 billion to accelerate its data centre developments amid the rapid growth of AI.

Read more »

A man sits in casual clothes in front of a computer amid graphic images of data superimposed on the image, as though he is engaged in IT or hacking activities.
Technology Shares

Goldman Sachs just slapped a buy rating on this ASX 200 tech stock

The broker thinks this market darling can keep rising.

Read more »

Happy man and woman looking at the share price on a tablet.
Technology Shares

Up 61% since February, why this ASX 200 tech stock could 'continue to surprise to the upside'

The ASX 200 tech share is poised for more growth, according to this leading fund manager.

Read more »

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Technology Shares

What could $5,000 invested in Block shares become in 1 year?

Is it worth investing in this tech stock? Let's find out.

Read more »

A man has a surprised and relieved expression on his face. as he raises his hands up to his face in response to the high fluctuations in the Galileo share price today
Technology Shares

DroneShield share price jumps 16% on 'significant' NATO deal

More big news has come out of this tech stock this morning.

Read more »