CS Disco, Inc. (“DISCO”) (NYSE: LAW) today announced financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2024.
“As we continue to focus on the customer experience, operational effectiveness and revenue acceleration, I am excited about the path forward for DISCO with continued product innovation,” said CEO Eric Friedrichsen. “DISCO’s combination of AI-driven products and teams of legal and professional experts is a clear differentiator in legal technology, and we continue to demonstrate the power of our platform and our people for the largest and most important matters in litigation.”
Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:
- Software revenue was $30.2 million, up 6% compared to the third quarter of 2023.
- Total revenue was $36.3 million, up 4% compared to the third quarter of 2023.
- GAAP net loss was $9.2 million, compared to $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2023.
- Adjusted EBITDA was $(4.5) million in the third quarter of 2024 and 2023.
Recent Business Highlights:
- New Executives: DISCO announced Lauren Caruso as Senior Vice President, Chief Sales Officer, Susan Garcia as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer and Joe Jacobson as Senior Vice President of Operations.
- Cecilia: DISCO added Cecilia Auto Review, a generative AI tool that accelerates first-pass legal document review, to its suite of generative AI ediscovery products in North America and officially launched its Cecilia AI Platform in the European Union and the United Kingdom, including Cecilia Q&A, Cecilia single doc Q&A and Cecilia doc summaries.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Outlook
As of November 6, 2024, DISCO is issuing the following outlook for the fourth quarter of 2024 and fiscal year 2024:
Fourth quarter of 2024:
- Software revenue in the range of $30.0 million - $31.0 million.
- Total revenue in the range of $35.2 million - $37.2 million.
- Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $(7.6) million - $(5.6) million.
Fiscal year 2024:
- Software revenue guidance in the range of $119.4 million - $120.4 million.
- Total revenue guidance in the range of $143.0 million - $145.0 million.
- Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $(22.0) million - $(20.0) million.
DISCO’s fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 financial outlook is based on assumptions that are subject to change, many of which are outside of its control. If actual results vary from these assumptions, these expectations may change. There can be no assurance that DISCO will achieve these results.
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA on a forward-looking basis to net loss, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, is not available without unreasonable efforts due to the high variability and complexity and low visibility with respect to the charges excluded from this non-GAAP measure; in particular, the effects of stock-based compensation expense specific to equity compensation awards that are directly impacted by unpredictable fluctuations in DISCO’s stock price. DISCO expects the variability of the above charges to have a significant, and potentially unpredictable, impact on its future GAAP financial results.
Conference Call Information
DISCO will host a conference call and webcast at 4:00 p.m. CT (5:00 p.m. ET) today, November 6, 2024, to discuss its third quarter 2024 financial results and business highlights. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (888) 300-4030 from the United States or +1 (646) 970-1443 internationally with conference ID 8394292. The live webcast of the conference call and other materials related to DISCO’s financial performance can be accessed from DISCO’s investor relations website at ir.csdisco.com.
Following the completion of the call until 10:59 p.m. CT (11:59 p.m. ET) on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, a telephone replay will be available by dialing (800) 770-2030 from the United States or +1 (609) 800-9909 internationally with conference ID 8394292. A webcast replay will also be available at ir.csdisco.com for 12 months.
About DISCO
DISCO (NYSE: LAW) provides cloud-native, artificial intelligence-powered legal product offerings that simplify legal hold, legal request, ediscovery, legal document review and case management for enterprises, law firms, legal services providers and governments. Our scalable, integrated product offerings enable legal departments to easily collect, process and review enterprise data that is relevant or potentially relevant to legal matters.
References to “DISCO,” the “Company,” “our” or “we” in this press release refer to CS Disco, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
DISCO uses the following non-GAAP financial measures: Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin; non-GAAP cost of revenue; non-GAAP gross profit; non-GAAP gross margin; non-GAAP research and development expense; non-GAAP research and development expense as a percentage of revenue; non-GAAP sales and marketing expense; non-GAAP sales and marketing expense as a percentage of revenue; non-GAAP general and administrative expense; non-GAAP general and administrative expense as a percentage of revenue; non-GAAP loss from operations; non-GAAP operating margin; non-GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders, non-GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders per share (basic and diluted) and non-GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders as a percentage of revenue. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful measures of operating performance because they exclude items that DISCO does not consider indicative of its core performance.
In the case of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, DISCO adjusts net loss for such items as depreciation and amortization expense; income tax provision; interest and other, net; stock-based compensation expense; payroll tax expense on employee stock transactions; restructuring charges; expenses associated with stockholder litigation; and other one-time, non-recurring items, when applicable. In the case of non-GAAP cost of revenue, non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP gross margin, DISCO adjusts the respective GAAP balances for stock-based compensation expense. In the case of non-GAAP research and development expense, non-GAAP research and development expense as a percentage of revenue, non-GAAP sales and marketing expense and non-GAAP sales and marketing expense as a percentage of revenue, DISCO adjusts the respective GAAP balances for stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, and other one-time, non-recurring items, when applicable. In the case of non-GAAP general and administrative expense, non-GAAP general and administrative expense as a percentage of revenue, non-GAAP loss from operations, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders, non-GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders per share (basic and diluted) and non-GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders as a percentage of revenue, DISCO adjusts the respective GAAP balances for stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, expenses associated with stockholder litigation, and other one-time, non-recurring items, when applicable.
There are limitations associated with the use of these non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP, do not reflect a comprehensive system of accounting and may not be completely comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies due to potential differences in the exact method of calculation between companies. Certain items that are excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures can have a material impact on operating loss and net loss. As a result, these non-GAAP financial measures have limitations and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, the closest GAAP measures, or other financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
DISCO's management uses these non-GAAP measures as measures of operating performance; to prepare DISCO's annual operating budget; to allocate resources to enhance the financial performance of DISCO's business; to evaluate the effectiveness of DISCO's business strategies; to provide consistency and comparability with past financial performance; to facilitate a comparison of DISCO's results with those of other companies, many of which use similar non-GAAP financial measures to supplement their GAAP results; and in communication with DISCO’s board of directors concerning financial performance.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among other things, statements regarding DISCO’s future financial performance. Words such as “may,” “should,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” and similar phrases that denote future expectation or intent regarding DISCO’s financial results, operations, and other matters are intended to identify forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events.
The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause DISCO’s actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially, including (i) our history of operating losses; (ii) our limited operating history; (iii) our ability to maintain and advance our innovation and brand; (iv) our ability to effectively add new customers; (v) our ability to effectively increase usage and penetration with our existing customer base; (vi) our ability to expand our sales coverage and establish a digital sales channel; (vii) our ability to expand internationally; (viii) our ability to extend and strengthen our channel partnerships and integrations; (ix) our ability to expand our offering portfolio to a wider range of legal processes outside of our current core offerings; (x) our dependence on revenue from customer usage, which fluctuates based on the timing of and activity driven by legal matters for which our product offerings are used, and any shortfall of large matters on our platform; (xi) our ability to pursue strategic acquisitions and strategic investments to expand the functionality and value of our product offerings; (xii) our ability to comply or remain in compliance with laws and regulations that currently apply or become applicable to our business in the jurisdictions in which we operate; (xiii) the potential that our computer or electronic systems, applications or services, or those of any third parties on whom we depend, fail or suffer security or data privacy breaches or other unauthorized or improper access to, use of, or destruction of our proprietary or confidential data, employee data, or personal data; (xiv) our ability to compete effectively with existing competitors and new market entrants; (xv) the impact of fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions, such as the current inflationary environment and fluctuating interest rates; and (xvi) the impact that global events, such as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars and any related economic downturn could have on our or our customers’ businesses, financial condition and results of operations.
The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to additional risks, uncertainties, and factors, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, filed with the SEC on August 8, 2024. Further information on potential risks that could affect actual results will be included in the subsequent periodic and current reports and other filings that we make with the SEC from time to time, including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.
Forward-looking statements represent DISCO’s management’s beliefs and assumptions only as of the date such statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
CS DISCO, INC. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except par value amounts) (unaudited) | |||||||
September 30,
| December 31,
| ||||||
Assets | |||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 76,549 | $ | 159,551 | |||
Short-term investments | 50,245 | — | |||||
Accounts receivable, net | 23,988 | 26,993 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 6,318 | 5,795 | |||||
Total current assets | 157,100 | 192,339 | |||||
Property and equipment, net | 9,239 | 9,663 | |||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 6,859 | 8,143 | |||||
Primary law intangible asset, net | 14,000 | 14,000 | |||||
Other intangible assets, net | 470 | 681 | |||||
Goodwill | 5,898 | 5,898 | |||||
Other assets | 816 | 823 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 194,382 | $ | 231,547 | |||
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | |||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 3,410 | $ | 5,234 | |||
Accrued expenses | 5,847 | 5,502 | |||||
Accrued salary and benefits | 6,816 | 6,230 | |||||
Deferred revenue | 3,042 | 4,285 | |||||
Operating leases | 1,823 | 1,826 | |||||
Finance leases | 42 | 41 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 20,980 | 23,118 | |||||
Operating leases, non-current | 5,817 | 7,136 | |||||
Finance leases, non-current | 127 | 158 | |||||
Other liabilities | 199 | 800 | |||||
Total liabilities | 27,123 | 31,212 | |||||
Commitments and contingencies | |||||||
Stockholders’ equity | |||||||
Preferred stock $0.005 par value, 100,000 shares authorized and no shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 | — | — | |||||
Common stock $0.005 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023; 59,910 and 61,010 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively | 300 | 306 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 439,128 | 440,408 | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 61 | — | |||||
Accumulated deficit | (272,230 | ) | (240,379 | ) | |||
Total stockholders’ equity | 167,259 | 200,335 | |||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 194,382 | $ | 231,547 | |||
CS DISCO, INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended
| Nine Months Ended
| |||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 36,266 | $ | 34,943 | $ | 107,842 | $ | 102,348 | ||||||||
Cost of revenue | 9,740 | 8,939 | 27,880 | 26,255 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit | 26,526 | 26,004 | 79,962 | 76,093 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Research and development | 12,757 | 12,065 | 37,724 | 41,095 | ||||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 14,988 | 16,708 | 46,294 | 53,821 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative | 9,658 | 128 | 31,537 | 23,345 | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 37,403 | 28,901 | 115,555 | 118,261 | ||||||||||||
Loss from operations | (10,877 | ) | (2,897 | ) | (35,593 | ) | (42,168 | ) | ||||||||
Other income (expense) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest and other income | 1,652 | 2,191 | 5,373 | 6,267 | ||||||||||||
Interest and other expense | 185 | (260 | ) | (45 | ) | (248 | ) | |||||||||
Loss from operations before income taxes | (9,040 | ) | (966 | ) | (30,265 | ) | (36,149 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax provision | (118 | ) | (64 | ) | (309 | ) | (161 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders | $ | (9,158 | ) | $ | (1,030 | ) | $ | (30,574 | ) | $ | (36,310 | ) | ||||
Unrealized gain on investments | 61 | — | 61 | — | ||||||||||||
Comprehensive loss | $ | (9,097 | ) | $ | (1,030 | ) | $ | (30,513 | ) | $ | (36,310 | ) | ||||
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted | $ | (0.15 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.51 | ) | $ | (0.61 | ) | ||||
Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted | 59,675 | 60,350 | 60,236 | 59,896 | ||||||||||||
CS DISCO, INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) (unaudited) | |||||||
Nine Months Ended
| |||||||
2024 | 2023 | ||||||
Cash flow from operating activities: | |||||||
Net loss | $ | (30,574 | ) | $ | (36,310 | ) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operations: | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 3,092 | 3,011 | |||||
Stock-based compensation | 16,878 | 11,211 | |||||
Charge to allowance for credit losses | 2,059 | 1,801 | |||||
Loss (Gain) on disposal of long-lived assets | (3 | ) | 1 | ||||
Non-cash operating lease costs | 1,284 | 1,187 | |||||
Amortization of premium on short-term investments | (256 | ) | — | ||||
Other | 9 | — | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts receivable | 946 | (6,184 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (523 | ) | (775 | ) | |||
Other long-term assets | 14 | (124 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable | (1,432 | ) | (1,928 | ) | |||
Accrued expenses and other | 355 | 1,791 | |||||
Deferred revenue | (1,243 | ) | (1,134 | ) | |||
Operating lease liabilities | (1,323 | ) | (1,207 | ) | |||
Other liabilities | (120 | ) | (46 | ) | |||
Net cash used in operating activities | (10,837 | ) | (28,706 | ) | |||
Cash flow from investing activities: | |||||||
Purchases of property, equipment and capitalized software development costs | (2,223 | ) | (3,587 | ) | |||
Purchases of short-term investments | (49,937 | ) | — | ||||
Purchase of primary law intangible asset | — | (14,000 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from disposal of equipment | 3 | 1 | |||||
Cash paid for acquisitions | — | (1,180 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (52,157 | ) | (18,766 | ) | |||
Cash flow from financing activities: | |||||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 30 | 514 | |||||
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan | 601 | 1,459 | |||||
Repurchase of common stock related to net share settlement | (100 | ) | (64 | ) | |||
Repurchase of common stock related to share repurchase program | (20,052 | ) | — | ||||
Cash paid for acquisitions | (457 | ) | — | ||||
Principal payments on finance lease obligations | (30 | ) | (29 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (20,008 | ) | 1,880 | ||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents: | (83,002 | ) | (45,592 | ) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 159,551 | 203,244 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 76,549 | $ | 157,652 | |||
Supplemental disclosure: | |||||||
Cash paid for taxes | $ | 572 | $ | 500 | |||
Non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||||||
Property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 66 | $ | 307 | |||
Contingent consideration related to acquisition | $ | 481 | $ | 753 | |||
CS DISCO, INC. Reconciliation from GAAP to Non-GAAP Results (in thousands, except for percentages and per share amounts) (unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (9,158 | ) | $ | (1,030 | ) | $ | (30,574 | ) | $ | (36,310 | ) | |||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 989 | 1,054 | 3,092 | 3,011 | |||||||||||
Income tax provision | 118 | 64 | 309 | 161 | |||||||||||
Interest and other, net | (1,837 | ) | (1,931 | ) | (5,328 | ) | (6,019 | ) | |||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 5,147 | (2,881 | ) | 16,878 | 11,211 | ||||||||||
Payroll tax expense on employee stock transactions | 95 | 175 | 466 | 419 | |||||||||||
Restructuring charges | — | — | — | 2,590 | |||||||||||
Expenses associated with stockholder litigation | 143 | — | 726 | — | |||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | (4,503 | ) | $ | (4,549 | ) | $ | (14,431 | ) | $ | (24,937 | ) | |||
Adjusted EBITDA margin | (12 | )% | (13 | )% | (13 | )% | (24 | )% | |||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
Cost of revenue | $ | 9,740 | $ | 8,939 | $ | 27,880 | $ | 26,255 | |||||||
Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | (456 | ) | (270 | ) | (1,273 | ) | (772 | ) | |||||||
Non-GAAP cost of revenue | $ | 9,284 | $ | 8,669 | $ | 26,607 | $ | 25,483 | |||||||
Non-GAAP gross profit | $ | 26,982 | $ | 26,274 | $ | 81,235 | $ | 76,865 | |||||||
Non-GAAP gross margin | 74 | % | 75 | % | 75 | % | 75 | % | |||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
Research and development | $ | 12,757 | $ | 12,065 | $ | 37,724 | $ | 41,095 | |||||||
Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | (1,680 | ) | (2,001 | ) | (5,856 | ) | (5,920 | ) | |||||||
Restructuring charges | — | — | — | (1,510 | ) | ||||||||||
Non-GAAP research and development | $ | 11,077 | $ | 10,064 | $ | 31,868 | $ | 33,665 | |||||||
Non-GAAP research and development as a % of revenue | 31 | % | 29 | % | 30 | % | 33 | % | |||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
Sales and marketing | $ | 14,988 | $ | 16,708 | $ | 46,294 | $ | 53,821 | |||||||
Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | (1,213 | ) | (1,277 | ) | (3,464 | ) | (4,028 | ) | |||||||
Restructuring charges | — | — | — | (648 | ) | ||||||||||
Non-GAAP sales and marketing | $ | 13,775 | $ | 15,431 | $ | 42,830 | $ | 49,145 | |||||||
Non-GAAP sales and marketing as a % of revenue | 38 | % | 44 | % | 40 | % | 48 | % | |||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative | $ | 9,658 | $ | 128 | $ | 31,537 | $ | 23,345 | |||||||
Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | (1,798 | ) | 6,429 | (6,285 | ) | (491 | ) | ||||||||
Restructuring charges | — | — | — | (432 | ) | ||||||||||
Expenses associated with stockholder litigation | (143 | ) | — | (726 | ) | — | |||||||||
Non-GAAP general and administrative | $ | 7,717 | $ | 6,557 | $ | 24,526 | $ | 22,422 | |||||||
Non-GAAP general and administrative as a % of revenue | 21 | % | 19 | % | 23 | % | 22 | % | |||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
Loss from operations | $ | (10,877 | ) | $ | (2,897 | ) | $ | (35,593 | ) | $ | (42,168 | ) | |||
Operating margin | (30 | )% | (8 | )% | (33 | )% | (41 | )% | |||||||
Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 5,147 | (2,881 | ) | 16,878 | 11,211 | ||||||||||
Restructuring charges | — | — | — | 2,590 | |||||||||||
Expenses associated with stockholder litigation | 143 | — | 726 | — | |||||||||||
Non-GAAP loss from operations | $ | (5,587 | ) | $ | (5,778 | ) | $ | (17,989 | ) | $ | (28,367 | ) | |||
Non-GAAP operating margin | (15 | )% | (17 | )% | (17 | )% | (28 | )% | |||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders | $ | (9,158 | ) | $ | (1,030 | ) | $ | (30,574 | ) | $ | (36,310 | ) | |||
Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 5,147 | (2,881 | ) | 16,878 | 11,211 | ||||||||||
Restructuring charges | — | — | — | 2,590 | |||||||||||
Expenses associated with stockholder litigation | 143 | — | 726 | — | |||||||||||
Non-GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders | $ | (3,868 | ) | $ | (3,911 | ) | $ | (12,970 | ) | $ | (22,509 | ) | |||
Non-GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.38 | ) | |||
Weighted average shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share | 59,675 | 60,350 | 60,236 | 59,896 | |||||||||||
Non-GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders as a % of revenue | (11 | )% | (11 | )% | (12 | )% | (22 | )% | |||||||
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