Breaking Down CS Disco, Inc. (LAW) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

CS Disco, Inc. (LAW) Bundle

Get Full Bundle:
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7
$25 $15
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7

TOTAL:



Understanding CS Disco, Inc. (LAW) Revenue Streams

Understanding CS Disco, Inc.’s Revenue Streams

CS Disco, Inc. generates its revenue primarily from usage-based fees associated with its software offerings. As of September 30, 2024, revenue from software product offerings increased by $6.4 million, or 8%, compared to the same period in 2023. Conversely, revenue from services product offerings decreased by $0.9 million, or 5%, during the same period.

Breakdown of Primary Revenue Sources

  • Revenue from software product offerings: $86.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
  • Revenue from services product offerings: $21.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
  • Usage-based revenue: 89% of total revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.
  • Subscription revenue fees: 11% of total revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Year-over-Year Revenue Growth Rate

Total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $107.8 million, representing a growth of 5% compared to $102.3 million for the same period in 2023. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, revenue was $36.3 million, a 4% increase from $34.9 million in the previous year.

Contribution of Different Business Segments to Overall Revenue

Segment Revenue (2024) Revenue (2023) Change % Change
Software Product Offerings $86.4 million $80 million $6.4 million 8%
Services Product Offerings $21.4 million $22.3 million ($0.9 million) (5%)
Total Revenue $107.8 million $102.3 million $5.5 million 5%

Analysis of Significant Changes in Revenue Streams

The increase in revenue from software offerings was mainly due to a rise in customer usage, which contributed $11.4 million from new customers acquired since September 30, 2023. However, this was offset by a decrease of $5.9 million in revenue from existing customers, attributed to reduced usage of the product offerings by several clients.

In terms of cost, the cost of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $27.9 million, reflecting an increase of 6% from $26.3 million in 2023. This rise was primarily driven by higher expenses in cloud hosting and salary costs, partially mitigated by a decrease in outsourced staffing vendor fees.

The overall financial health of CS Disco, Inc. reflects a modest growth trajectory, with fluctuations in customer engagement impacting revenue streams. The ongoing challenge will be to maintain and enhance customer usage levels to support sustained revenue growth.




A Deep Dive into CS Disco, Inc. (LAW) Profitability

Profitability Metrics

Understanding the profitability metrics of a company is crucial for investors. This section delves into the key profitability indicators for the company, including gross profit, operating profit, and net profit margins.

Gross Profit Margin

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the company reported:

  • Revenue: $36,266,000
  • Cost of Revenue: $9,740,000
  • Gross Profit: $26,526,000

The gross profit margin can be calculated as follows:

Gross Profit Margin = (Gross Profit / Revenue) 100

Gross Profit Margin = ($26,526,000 / $36,266,000) 100 ≈ 73.2%

Operating Profit Margin

Operating profit is derived from the gross profit after deducting operating expenses:

  • Total Operating Expenses: $37,403,000
  • Loss from Operations: $(10,877,000)

The operating profit margin is calculated as:

Operating Profit Margin = (Loss from Operations / Revenue) 100

Operating Profit Margin = ($10,877,000 / $36,266,000) 100 ≈ -30.0%

Net Profit Margin

Net profit considers all income and expenses:

  • Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders: $(9,158,000)

The net profit margin can be calculated as:

Net Profit Margin = (Net Loss / Revenue) 100

Net Profit Margin = ($9,158,000 / $36,266,000) 100 ≈ -25.3%

Trends in Profitability Over Time

Analyzing the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023:

  • Revenue: Increased from $102,348,000 in 2023 to $107,842,000 in 2024 (5% increase).
  • Gross Profit: Increased from $76,093,000 in 2023 to $79,962,000 in 2024.
  • Net Loss: Decreased from $(36,310,000) in 2023 to $(30,574,000) in 2024.

Comparison of Profitability Ratios with Industry Averages

As of 2024, the average gross profit margin in the industry stands around 70-75%. The company's gross profit margin of approximately 73.2% aligns closely with industry standards.

However, the operating profit margin indicates a loss, contrasting with industry averages that typically reflect a positive margin. The average operating profit margin in the sector is around 10-20%.

Analysis of Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency can be gauged through the trends in operating expenses:

Expense Category 2024 (9 months) 2023 (9 months) Change ($) Change (%)
Research and Development $37,724,000 $41,095,000 $(3,371,000) (8%)
Sales and Marketing $46,294,000 $53,821,000 $(7,527,000) (14%)
General and Administrative $31,537,000 $23,345,000 $8,192,000 35%

Overall, while the company has made strides in reducing certain operational costs, the substantial increase in general and administrative expenses raises concerns regarding cost management.




Debt vs. Equity: How CS Disco, Inc. (LAW) Finances Its Growth

Debt vs. Equity: How CS Disco, Inc. Finances Its Growth

As of September 30, 2024, CS Disco, Inc. reported total liabilities of $27.1 million and stockholders’ equity of $167.3 million. The company's debt composition includes both current and non-current liabilities, indicating a strategy that balances debt and equity financing.

Overview of Debt Levels

The company has $20.98 million in current liabilities, which include accounts payable of $3.4 million, accrued expenses of $5.8 million, and deferred revenue of $3.0 million. Non-current liabilities are comprised of operating leases amounting to $5.8 million and finance leases of $0.12 million.

Debt-to-Equity Ratio

CS Disco, Inc. has a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 0.16, calculated as total liabilities ($27.1 million) divided by total equity ($167.3 million). This ratio is significantly lower than the industry average of approximately 0.5, suggesting a conservative approach to leveraging debt in its capital structure.

Recent Debt Issuances and Credit Ratings

As of September 30, 2024, CS Disco, Inc. has not issued new debt but continues to maintain a healthy balance sheet with no significant refinancing activity reported. The company has been rated as B by credit rating agencies, reflecting a stable outlook despite the absence of substantial long-term debt.

Balancing Debt Financing and Equity Funding

The company has primarily financed its operations through equity sales, including proceeds from its IPO and ongoing stock option exercises. In 2024, the company has utilized $20.0 million in cash for share repurchases as part of its strategy to enhance shareholder value. As of September 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents totaled $76.5 million and short-term investments amounted to $50.2 million.

Metric Amount
Total Liabilities $27.1 million
Current Liabilities $20.98 million
Accounts Payable $3.4 million
Accrued Expenses $5.8 million
Deferred Revenue $3.0 million
Non-Current Liabilities $6.12 million
Debt-to-Equity Ratio 0.16
Cash and Cash Equivalents $76.5 million
Short-Term Investments $50.2 million
Credit Rating B



Assessing CS Disco, Inc. (LAW) Liquidity

Assessing Liquidity and Solvency

Current and Quick Ratios

The current ratio is a measure of a company's ability to cover its short-term obligations with its short-term assets. As of September 30, 2024, the current assets totaled $126.7 million, which includes $76.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and $50.2 million in short-term investments. The total current liabilities stood at $20.98 million. Thus, the current ratio is calculated as follows:

Current Ratio = Current Assets / Current Liabilities

Current Ratio = $126.7 million / $20.98 million = 6.04

The quick ratio, which excludes inventory from current assets, is also favorable. Given that there are no inventories reported, the quick ratio is effectively the same as the current ratio, resulting in a quick ratio of 6.04 as well.

Analysis of Working Capital Trends

Working capital, defined as current assets minus current liabilities, provides insight into the short-term financial health of the company. As of September 30, 2024, working capital is calculated as:

Working Capital = Current Assets - Current Liabilities

Working Capital = $126.7 million - $20.98 million = $105.72 million

This positive working capital indicates a strong liquidity position, allowing the company to meet its short-term obligations effectively.

Cash Flow Statements Overview

The cash flow from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was ($10.8 million), a significant improvement from ($28.7 million) for the same period in 2023. The change reflects an increase in collections from customers, contributing to a decreased net loss. Cash flow from investing activities for the same period was ($52.2 million), mainly due to the purchase of short-term investments totaling $49.9 million. Cash used in financing activities was ($20.0 million), primarily for share repurchase programs totaling $20.1 million.

Cash Flow Activity 2024 (in thousands) 2023 (in thousands) Change (in thousands)
Operating Activities $(10,837) $(28,706) $17,869
Investing Activities $(52,157) $(18,766) $(33,391)
Financing Activities $(20,008) $1,880 $(21,888)
Net Decrease in Cash $(83,002) $(45,592) $(37,410)

Potential Liquidity Concerns or Strengths

While the company has a robust liquidity position as indicated by a current ratio of 6.04, the negative cash flow from operating activities of ($10.8 million) raises concerns about sustainability in the long term. The substantial cash utilized in investing activities suggests aggressive expansion or investment strategies, which could impact liquidity if not managed carefully. Furthermore, the substantial decrease in cash and cash equivalents from $159.6 million at the beginning of the period to $76.5 million at the end of September 2024 indicates a need for careful monitoring of cash management practices moving forward.



Is CS Disco, Inc. (LAW) Overvalued or Undervalued?

Valuation Analysis

To determine if the company is overvalued or undervalued, we analyze key financial ratios, stock price trends, and market consensus.

Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio

The P/E ratio, calculated as the stock price divided by earnings per share (EPS), provides insight into how much investors are willing to pay per dollar of earnings. As of the latest data:

  • Stock Price: $7.66
  • Net Loss per Share (basic and diluted, for nine months ended September 30, 2024): $(0.51)
  • Calculated P/E Ratio: Not applicable due to negative earnings.

Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio

The P/B ratio compares a company's market value to its book value. As of September 30, 2024:

  • Market Capitalization: $458.1 million (calculated from shares outstanding and stock price)
  • Book Value per Share: $2.79 (Total Stockholders' Equity: $167.3 million / Shares Outstanding: 59.9 million)
  • Calculated P/B Ratio: 2.38

Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) Ratio

This ratio is useful for comparing the value of the company, inclusive of debt and cash. As of September 30, 2024:

  • Enterprise Value: $458.1 million (Market Cap + Total Debt - Cash)
  • Adjusted EBITDA (for nine months ended September 30, 2024): $(14.4 million)
  • Calculated EV/EBITDA Ratio: Not applicable due to negative EBITDA.

Stock Price Trends

Over the last 12 months, the stock price has experienced significant fluctuations:

  • 12-Month High: $12.50
  • 12-Month Low: $5.00
  • Current Price: $7.66

Dividend Yield and Payout Ratios

The company does not currently pay dividends:

  • Dividend Yield: 0%
  • Payout Ratio: 0%

Analyst Consensus

Analysts have provided the following ratings based on current financials:

  • Buy: 3
  • Hold: 5
  • Sell: 1
Metric Value
Stock Price $7.66
P/E Ratio N/A
P/B Ratio 2.38
EV/EBITDA Ratio N/A
12-Month High $12.50
12-Month Low $5.00
Dividend Yield 0%
Payout Ratio 0%
Analyst Consensus (Buy) 3
Analyst Consensus (Hold) 5
Analyst Consensus (Sell) 1



Key Risks Facing CS Disco, Inc. (LAW)

Key Risks Facing CS Disco, Inc.

Industry Competition: The company faces intense competition from both established players and new entrants in the legal technology sector. This competition can affect pricing strategies and customer retention.

Regulatory Changes: Changes in regulations affecting data privacy, cloud computing, and legal practices can impose additional operational costs and compliance challenges. The company must continuously adapt to these evolving regulations to avoid potential fines or operational disruptions.

Market Conditions: The overall health of the economy impacts client spending on legal technology services. Economic downturns or periods of uncertainty can lead to reduced budgets for legal services, affecting revenue.

Operational Risks: The reliance on third-party cloud service providers introduces risks related to data security and service availability. Any disruptions in these services can lead to significant operational challenges and customer dissatisfaction.

Financial Risks: The company reported a net loss of $30.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a net loss of $36.3 million for the same period in 2023. Ongoing losses can impact liquidity and financial stability.

Strategic Risks: The company’s growth strategy relies heavily on customer acquisition and retention. A decrease in customer usage or failure to attract new clients can significantly impact revenue. For example, while total revenue increased by 5% to $107.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, this was offset by a $5.9 million decrease in revenue from existing customers.

Mitigation Strategies: The company is focusing on increasing its product innovation to maintain a competitive edge, as evidenced by its investment in R&D, which amounted to $37.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Additionally, management is closely monitoring economic indicators to adjust strategies proactively in response to market conditions.

Risk Factor Description Financial Impact
Industry Competition Intense competition affecting pricing and customer retention Potential revenue decline
Regulatory Changes Compliance with evolving data privacy regulations Increased operational costs
Market Conditions Economic downturns leading to reduced client spending Revenue fluctuations
Operational Risks Reliance on third-party cloud services Service disruptions
Financial Risks Ongoing net losses impacting liquidity Increased need for financing
Strategic Risks Dependence on customer acquisition and usage Potential revenue decline
Mitigation Strategies Focus on R&D and monitoring economic indicators Improved competitive positioning

Liquidity and Capital Resources: As of September 30, 2024, the company had $76.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and $50.2 million in short-term investments, which are crucial for funding operations and mitigating financial risks.

Litigation Risks: The company is currently involved in a stockholder class action lawsuit, which could result in significant legal costs and damages if the outcome is unfavorable. This ongoing litigation adds another layer of risk to the company’s financial health and operational stability.




Future Growth Prospects for CS Disco, Inc. (LAW)

Future Growth Prospects for CS Disco, Inc.

Analysis of Key Growth Drivers

The company's growth is primarily driven by several key factors:

  • Product Innovations: The introduction of new features and enhancements in their software offerings, including DISCO Hold, DISCO Request, DISCO Ediscovery, and DISCO Case Builder.
  • Market Expansions: Targeting new customer segments across various industries and increasing penetration in existing markets.
  • Acquisitions: Potential future acquisitions of complementary businesses to enhance their product capabilities and market reach.

Future Revenue Growth Projections and Earnings Estimates

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the company reported revenue of $107.8 million, a 5% increase from $102.3 million in the same period of 2023. New customer additions contributed $11.4 million to this growth, although there was a $5.9 million decrease from existing customers due to reduced usage.

Looking ahead, analysts project continued revenue growth driven by software offerings, which increased by $6.4 million or 8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Strategic Initiatives or Partnerships

The company is focused on strategic initiatives that may include:

  • Enhancing Cloud Infrastructure: Investing in cloud hosting capabilities to support growth in software usage.
  • Collaborations with Law Firms: Expanding partnerships with law firms to increase user adoption and facilitate broader usage of their products.

Competitive Advantages

CS Disco, Inc. holds several competitive advantages that position it favorably for growth:

  • Strong Brand Recognition: Established reputation in the e-discovery market, which aids in customer retention and acquisition.
  • Diverse Customer Base: Serving a wide range of industries, including legal services, which reduces dependence on any single sector.
  • Innovative Product Offerings: Continuous development of software products that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Financial Performance Summary

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change % Change
Revenue $36,266,000 $34,943,000 $1,323,000 4%
Cost of Revenue $9,740,000 $8,939,000 $801,000 9%
Gross Profit $26,526,000 $26,004,000 $522,000 2%
Net Loss $(9,158,000) $(1,030,000) $(8,128,000) 788%

Cash Position

As of September 30, 2024, the company reported cash and cash equivalents of $76.5 million and short-term investments of $50.2 million, positioning it well for future investments and operational needs.

Market Conditions and Future Outlook

The company faces macroeconomic challenges, including inflation and geopolitical tensions, which could impact customer spending on technology solutions. Nevertheless, the ongoing digital transformation in the legal sector presents significant opportunities for growth.

DCF model

CS Disco, Inc. (LAW) DCF Excel Template

    5-Year Financial Model

    40+ Charts & Metrics

    DCF & Multiple Valuation

    Free Email Support

Updated on 16 Nov 2024

Resources:

  1. CS Disco, Inc. (LAW) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of CS Disco, Inc. (LAW)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  2. SEC Filings – View CS Disco, Inc. (LAW)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.