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Donnelley Financial Solutions (DFIN)
NYSE:DFIN

Donnelley Financial Solutions (DFIN) AI Stock Analysis

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Donnelley Financial Solutions

(NYSE:DFIN)

70Outperform
Donnelley Financial Solutions demonstrates robust financial performance with high profitability and effective leverage management. The significant positive sentiment from the earnings call, driven by software growth and strategic initiatives, enhances the outlook. However, technical indicators suggest potential caution due to overbought conditions, and valuation metrics indicate a fairly priced stock. The company must address revenue decline and negative free cash flow to improve its overall standing.
Positive Factors
Business transition
Donnelley Financial Solutions is successfully executing its plan to wind down low-margin print services while scaling its software offerings.
Software revenue growth
Software revenue grew at a healthy pace organically (11.6% Y/Y) and is now over 40% of revenue.
Stock buyback
DFIN has ramped up the buyback, with the company announcing that they have repurchased approximately 5% of the outstanding shares.
Negative Factors
De-Spac mergers impact
De-Spac mergers have been falling and have negatively impacted revenue, down 56% year over year.
Lowered financial expectations
Revenues and EBITDA have been lowered for the first and second quarters.
Market volatility
There is uncertainty in short-term capital markets volumes due to ongoing market volatility.

Donnelley Financial Solutions (DFIN) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Donnelley Financial Solutions Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionDonnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. operates as a risk and compliance solutions company worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Capital Markets – Software Solutions (CM-SS), Capital Markets – Compliance and Communications Management (CM-CCM), Investment Companies – Software Solutions (IC-SS), and Investment Companies – Compliance and Communications Management (IC-CCM). The CM-SS segment provides Venue, ActiveDisclosure, eBrevia, and other solutions to public and private companies to manage public and private transaction processes, extract data, and analyze contracts; collaborate; and tag, validate, and file SEC documents. The CM-CCM segment offers tech-enabled services and print and distribution solutions to public and private companies for deal solutions and SEC compliance requirements. The IC-SS segment provides clients with the Arc Suite platform that contains a comprehensive suite of cloud-based solutions and services that enable storage and management of compliance and regulatory information in a self-service and central repository for accessing, assembling, editing, translating, rendering, and submitting documents to regulators. The IC-CCM segment offers clients with tech-enabled solutions for creating and filing regulatory communications and solutions for investor communications, as well as XBRL-formatted filings pursuant to the Investment Act, through the SEC EDGAR system. This segment also provides turnkey proxy services, including discovery, planning and implementation, print and mail management, solicitation, tabulation services, shareholder meeting review, and expert support. Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
How the Company Makes MoneyDFIN generates revenue through a combination of software subscription fees, professional services, and transaction-based fees. The company offers a suite of SaaS products that clients subscribe to on a recurring basis, providing a stable revenue stream. These products include solutions for regulatory compliance, data management, and financial reporting. Additionally, DFIN earns revenue through professional services by offering consulting and expertise to assist clients in implementing and optimizing their use of DFIN's software solutions. Another key revenue stream comes from transaction-based fees associated with specific financial transactions, such as capital markets activities and regulatory filings. Partnerships with financial institutions and large corporations also contribute to DFIN's earnings, as these partnerships often lead to long-term contracts and increased adoption of its solutions.

Donnelley Financial Solutions Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Donnelley Financial Solutions presents a solid financial profile with strong profitability and effective leverage management. The income statement reveals high profit margins, although declining revenue growth poses a challenge. The balance sheet is well-managed with a balanced debt structure. Cash flows are stable, yet the negative growth in free cash flow requires attention. Overall, the company is positioned well but should focus on revitalizing revenue growth and optimizing cash flow generation.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Donnelley Financial Solutions demonstrated strong profitability with a gross profit margin of 68% TTM, which improved from the previous year. Net profit margin stood at 11.6% TTM, indicating stable profit generation. However, the revenue growth has been declining with a 1.2% decrease TTM. The EBIT and EBITDA margins, at 11.9% and 26.2% respectively, reflect healthy operational efficiency despite the revenue downturn.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company maintains a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, suggesting a balanced leverage. Return on equity is strong at 21.5% TTM, showcasing effective use of shareholders' equity. However, the equity ratio is at 49.2%, indicating a moderate reliance on liabilities to finance assets. Overall, the balance sheet reflects financial stability with room for improvement in asset management.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
Operating cash flow to net income ratio is robust at 1.79, indicating efficient cash generation from operations. Free cash flow to net income ratio is 1.05, suggesting that most of the earnings translate into free cash flow. However, the free cash flow growth rate has been negative, necessitating improved cash management strategies.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
781.90M797.20M833.60M993.30M894.50M
Gross Profit
484.00M463.90M463.40M580.20M398.50M
EBIT
136.60M110.00M145.00M219.30M82.80M
EBITDA
209.70M192.00M212.00M290.50M82.20M
Net Income Common Stockholders
92.40M82.20M102.50M145.90M-25.90M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
57.30M23.10M34.20M54.50M73.60M
Total Assets
841.60M806.90M828.30M883.30M865.60M
Total Debt
141.40M150.60M213.90M181.30M301.30M
Net Debt
84.10M127.50M179.70M126.80M227.70M
Total Liabilities
405.50M404.70M498.80M506.30M617.80M
Stockholders Equity
436.10M402.20M329.50M377.00M247.80M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
105.20M62.20M96.00M137.70M123.10M
Operating Cash Flow
171.10M124.00M150.20M180.00M154.20M
Investing Cash Flow
-53.30M-51.30M-50.90M-45.00M-19.80M
Financing Cash Flow
-82.10M-84.60M-121.10M-154.90M-77.50M

Donnelley Financial Solutions Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price51.79
Price Trends
50DMA
44.86
Positive
100DMA
53.59
Negative
200DMA
58.95
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
1.56
Negative
RSI
71.09
Negative
STOCH
95.46
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For DFIN, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 51.79 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 43.84, above the 50-day MA of 44.86, and below the 200-day MA of 58.95, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 1.56 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 71.09 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 95.46 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for DFIN.

Donnelley Financial Solutions Risk Analysis

Donnelley Financial Solutions disclosed 32 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Donnelley Financial Solutions reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Donnelley Financial Solutions Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
XPXP
76
Outperform
$8.70B10.4723.13%<0.01%6.71%6.81%
PJPJT
75
Outperform
$5.01B25.2696.33%0.70%16.04%60.32%
73
Outperform
$26.68B23.7742.26%0.36%23.20%2.38%
70
Outperform
$1.45B17.3421.74%-2.79%-8.73%
SFSF
69
Neutral
$9.21B17.0613.32%1.92%12.85%20.21%
MCMC
66
Neutral
$4.42B25.1039.98%4.47%45.14%
64
Neutral
$12.61B9.797.95%16985.69%12.77%-3.98%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
DFIN
Donnelley Financial Solutions
51.79
-11.10
-17.65%
LPLA
LPL Financial
334.06
66.31
24.77%
SF
Stifel Financial
89.04
7.72
9.49%
MC
Moelis
53.45
3.42
6.84%
PJT
PJT Partners
142.54
43.87
44.46%
XP
XP
15.89
-5.15
-24.48%

Donnelley Financial Solutions Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 30, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 11.64%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 30, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted strong financial and operational performance, particularly in software solutions, with significant improvements in adjusted EBITDA margin and strategic share repurchases. However, challenges in capital markets and a decline in Venue sales were notable concerns. The overall sentiment of the call leans positive due to the strong performance and strategic initiatives outweighing the challenges.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong First Quarter Results
Donnelley Financial Solutions reported consolidated net sales of $201.1 million, adjusted EBITDA of $68.2 million, and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 33.9% for the first quarter of 2025.
Growth in Software Solutions
Software Solutions net sales grew by approximately 6% on an organic basis, driven by 16% growth in recurring compliance and regulatory-driven products. Software Solutions represented 42.1% of total net sales, an increase of approximately 260 basis points from last year.
Share Repurchase Program
The company repurchased approximately 5% of its outstanding shares, leveraging recent trading prices to be more aggressive in this area.
Adjusted EBITDA Margin Improvement
The adjusted EBITDA margin improved by approximately 680 basis points from the first quarter of 2024, driven by a favorable sales mix and cost control initiatives.
Arc Suite and ActiveDisclosure Growth
Arc Suite posted significant growth, driven by the Tailored Shareholder Reports regulation, while ActiveDisclosure sales grew approximately 11%.
Negative Updates
Decline in Venue Sales
Venue sales declined moderately in the first quarter due to overlapping several large deal rooms from the previous year.
Challenges in Capital Markets
Capital markets transactional revenue remained depressed due to market volatility, macroeconomic headwinds, and heightened uncertainty.
Decrease in Capital Markets Compliance Revenue
Capital markets compliance revenue fell by $7.8 million compared to the first quarter of 2024, partly due to lower print and distribution volume.
Negative Free Cash Flow
The company reported negative free cash flow of $51 million, primarily driven by unfavorable working capital timing and elevated performance-based payments.
Company Guidance
During the first quarter of 2025, Donnelley Financial Solutions reported strong financial performance with net sales of $201.1 million, adjusted EBITDA of $68.2 million, and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 33.9%. The company repurchased approximately 5% of its outstanding shares, capitalizing on favorable trading prices. Software solutions demonstrated notable growth, with year-over-year net sales increasing by around 6% organically, driven by a 16% surge in recurring compliance products like ActiveDisclosure and Arc Suite, despite a decline in the Venue data room product. Notably, software solutions accounted for 42.1% of total net sales in the first quarter, up 260 basis points from the previous year. Despite challenges in the global capital markets, the company maintained profitability, with a trailing four-quarter adjusted EBITDA margin of 29.5%. The company remains focused on transitioning to a software-centric model, aiming for 60% of total net sales from software solutions by 2028, while also benefiting from a robust balance sheet and a net leverage ratio under one.

Donnelley Financial Solutions Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesPrivate Placements and Financing
Donnelley Financial Solutions Amends Credit Agreement and Appoints New Director
Neutral
Mar 14, 2025

On March 13, 2025, Donnelley Financial Solutions amended its Credit Agreement to include a $115 million term loan A facility and a $300 million revolving facility, maturing in 2030, to refinance existing loans. Additionally, Charles D. Drucker retired from the board, and Ayman Sayed, CEO of BMC Software, was appointed as a new director, bringing extensive software industry experience to the board.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.