cloudedjudgement.substack.com · 2023-06-16 · 1084d

Clouded Judgement: Growth-Adjusted Software Multiples and Valuation Reset

This article analyzes current SaaS valuation multiples (6.0x NTM revenue) relative to historical averages and macro conditions, arguing that while multiples appear depressed versus interest rates and growth expectations, growth-adjusted multiples are at all-time highs when divided by consensus growth rates. The author contends that the market is pricing in near-term tailwinds from potential growth acceleration and rate declines, though significant uncertainty remains about whether current multiples represent fair value or an AI-driven bubble.

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Metrics in this report

10-Year Treasury Yield

3.7percent

current

Jun 2023

10-Year Treasury Yield

2.3percent

average

Historical average (2010-2020, pre-COVID)

CAC Payback Period

57months

median

Public SaaS companies

FCF Margin

3percent

median

Public SaaS companies

G&A % of Revenue

18percent

median

Public SaaS companies

Gross Margin

75percent

median

Public SaaS companies

LTM Growth Rate

24percent

median

Public SaaS companies

NTM Growth Rate

15percent

median

Current SaaS market (Jun 2023)

NTM Growth Rate

25percent

median

SaaS 10-year historical average (2010-2020, excluding 2020-present)

NTM Revenue Multiple

6.0x

median

Current SaaS market (Jun 2023)

NTM Revenue Multiple

7.8x

median

SaaS 10-year historical average (2010-2020, excluding 2020-present)

NTM Revenue Multiple

16.6x

median

Top 5 highest-valued SaaS companies

NTM Revenue Multiple

9.0x

median

High-growth SaaS (>30% NTM growth)

NTM Revenue Multiple

9.2x

median

Mid-growth SaaS (15-30% NTM growth)

NTM Revenue Multiple

3.7x

median

Low-growth SaaS (<15% NTM growth)

Net Revenue Retention

115percent

median

Public SaaS companies

Operating Margin

-21percent

median

Public SaaS companies

R&D % of Revenue

27percent

median

Public SaaS companies

Sales & Marketing % of Revenue

46percent

median

Public SaaS companies