Accel-KKR were the early proponents of the 'Rule of 40' -> ARR growth rate plus your EBITDA margin. Above 40 is a quality business, below 40 is not so good. Above the line companies command a premium from a valuation perspective, below the line companies are discounted.
ELMO sits just below the line (c.30% ARR CAGR, nothing from EBITDA) with some obvious areas for improvement to get above the line. Growth levers for a control buyout shop like AKKR would be revenue growth, cost-out to achieve EBITDA breakeven, and focus on gross retention and net retention. Net retention at just over 100% would be a massive opportunity for an AKKR type.
All of this to say that you're unlikely to see another $6 bid, but something in the $4's feels about right
ELO Price at posting:
$3.10 Sentiment: None Disclosure: Not Held
