Guide to the Key Metrics for SaaS or Recurring Revenue Businesses
SaaS (Software as a Service) and Recurring Revenue financial metrics are a set of financial metrics used to measure the performance of a company that offers a software as a service (SaaS) product or service and generates a recurring revenue stream from its customers. These metrics are important because they provide insight into the company’s business model and can be used to assess the sustainability and profitability of the business. Examples of these metrics include monthly recurring revenue (MRR), customer lifetime value (LTV), customer acquisition cost (CAC), and churn rate. These metrics help companies to track their progress and make decisions that will lead to long-term success.
Recurring Revenue
Monthly Recurring Revenue
Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) is a metric used to measure the monthly income generated from recurring customer subscriptions or licenses. MRR is a key indicator of a company’s performance and growth, as it captures the total amount of money collected from customers each month. A company’s MRR can be calculated by taking the total amount of money collected from customers in a month and dividing it by the number of customers.
Annual Recurring Revenue
Annual recurring revenue (ARR) is a metric used to measure the total amount of money generated from customer subscriptions or licenses over a 12-month period. It is calculated by taking the total amount of money collected from customers in a 12-month period and dividing it by the number of customers at the beginning of that period. ARR is an important metric for companies to understand as it provides an indication of the sustainability of the business and can be used to assess the performance of the company.
Life Time Value
Customer lifetime value (LTV) is a metric used to measure the total amount of money that a customer contributes to a company over the lifetime of their relationship. It is calculated by taking the total revenue generated from a customer’s purchases over their lifetime and subtracting the cost of acquiring and servicing them. LTV is an important metric for companies to understand as it helps them to assess the profitability of their customer base and identify customer segments that are most profitable.
Customer Acquisition Cost
Customer acquisition cost (CAC) is a metric used to measure the cost of acquiring a new customer. It is calculated by taking the total costs associated with acquiring a new customer (such as marketing, sales, and advertising) and dividing it by the number of customers acquired. CAC is important for companies to understand as it provides an indication of the effectiveness of their customer acquisition strategies and can be used to assess whether the costs associated with acquiring new customers are worth the revenue generated.
New of New Customers
Gaining new customers is important to SaaS and recurring revenue businesses because it helps to ensure that the company’s revenue stream is sustainable and growing. New customers provide the company with an opportunity to increase its revenue, as well as to expand its customer base and brand reach. Additionally, new customers may bring in fresh ideas and perspectives, which can help the company to innovate and remain competitive in the market.
Customer Payback Period
Customer payback period is a metric used to measure the length of time it takes for a company to recoup the cost of acquiring a customer. It is calculated by taking the total cost of acquiring a customer and dividing it by the total revenue generated from that customer. Customer payback period is important for companies to understand as it provides an indication of the effectiveness of their customer acquisition strategies and can be used to assess whether the costs associated with acquiring new customers are worth the revenue generated.
Life Time Value : Customer Acquisition Cost Ratio (LTV:CAC Ratio)
The LTV:CAC ratio is a metric used to measure the relationship between customer lifetime value (LTV) and customer acquisition cost (CAC). It is calculated by taking the LTV and dividing it by the CAC. The higher the ratio, the more value a company is getting for their investment in acquiring new customers. The LTV:CAC ratio is important for companies to understand as it provides an indication of the profitability of their customer base and can be used to assess the effectiveness of customer acquisition strategies.
Benchmarking LTV:CAC
The ideal LTV:CAC ratio is 3:1, which means that for every $1 spent in acquiring a customer, the customer should generate £3 in lifetime value. This ratio is not set in stone and can vary depending on the company and the industry. Companies should strive to achieve this ratio or higher as it indicates that their customer acquisition strategies and pricing models are effective and that the company is sustainable and profitable.
Average Revenue Per Customer (ARPC)
Average Revenue per Customer (ARPC) is a metric used to measure the average amount of money generated from each customer. It is calculated by taking the total revenue generated from all customers in a given period of time and dividing it by the total number of customers at the beginning of that period. ARPC is important for companies to understand as it provides an indication of the company’s pricing and can be used to assess the effectiveness of pricing strategies.
Churn Rate
Churn rate is a metric used to measure the percentage of customers who cancel their subscription or license within a given period of time. It is calculated by taking the total number of customers who have cancelled their subscription or license in a given period of time and dividing it by the total number of customers at the beginning of that period. Churn rate is important for companies to understand as it provides an indication of customer loyalty and satisfaction and can be used to assess the effectiveness of customer retention strategies.
SME Geek's Conclusion
It is important to track key metrics for SaaS and recurring revenue businesses because it provides an insight into the performance and sustainability of the business. These metrics can be used to assess the profitability of the business, identify customer segments that are most profitable, assess the effectiveness of customer acquisition and retention strategies, and assess the effectiveness of pricing strategies. By tracking these key metrics, companies can make better decisions that will lead to long-term sccess.
Need help identifying key metrics for your business and tracking your growth? Get in touch for a no-obligation chat.