UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 22, 2024

ePlus inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
001-34167
 
54-1817218
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
 
(Commission
File Number)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

13595 Dulles Technology Drive
Herndon, Virginia 20171-3413
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(703) 984-8400
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value
 PLUS
 Nasdaq Global Market Select

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter):

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition
 
On May 22, 2024, ePlus inc. announced by press release its results of operations for its fiscal year end and fourth quarter ended March 31, 2024. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information in Item 2.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K and Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed to be "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 8.01 Other Events

Also on May 22, 2024, the Company announced via the same press release that its Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan. Under the plan the Company may repurchase up to 1,250,000 shares of ePlus' outstanding common stock beginning on May 28, 2024, through May 27, 2025. The Company's prior repurchase plan expires on May 27, 2024.  The Company is authorized to repurchase its common stock through open market purchases, including under a trading plan adopted pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), or private transactions, in accordance with applicable federal securities laws, including Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. The timing of repurchases and the exact number of shares to be purchased will be determined by the Company's management, in its discretion, or pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, and will depend upon market conditions and other factors.


Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
 
(d) The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
 
Exhibit No.
Description
   
99.1
Press release dated May 22, 2024, issued by ePlus inc.
   
104
 Cover Page Interactive Date File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)



SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
ePlus inc.








By: /s/ Elaine D. Marion



Elaine D. Marion



Chief Financial Officer

 
Date: May 22, 2024




EXHIBIT 99.1


ePlus Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results and Announces New Share Repurchase Program

- Return to Double Digit Net Sales Growth in 4Q Marked a Strong Close to The Year -

Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year 2024
 
•  
Net sales increased 12.7% to $554.5 million from last year’s fourth quarter; technology business net sales increased 12.6% to $544.1 million; services revenues increased 14.8% to $78.9 million.
•  
Technology business gross billings increased 13.8% to $834.3 million.
•  
Consolidated gross profit decreased 1.5% to $130.3 million.
•  
Consolidated gross margin was 23.5%, lower than last year’s 26.9%.
•  
Net earnings decreased 33.1% to $22.0 million.
•  
Adjusted EBITDA decreased 24.4% to $36.8 million.
•  
Diluted net earnings per common share decreased 33.3% to $0.82. Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per common share decreased 31.6% to $0.93.

Fiscal Year 2024
 
•  
Net sales increased 7.6% to $2,225.3 million; technology business net sales increased 8.0% to $2,175.9 million; services revenues increased 10.4% to $292.1 million.
•  
Technology business gross billings increased 5.8% to $3,329.8 million.
•  
Consolidated gross profit increased 6.4% to $550.8 million.
•  
Consolidated gross margin was 24.8%, compared with 25.0% last year.
•  
Net earnings decreased 3.0% to $115.8 million.
•  
Adjusted EBITDA decreased 0.1% to $190.4 million.
•  
Diluted net earnings per common share decreased 3.3% to $4.33. Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per common share decreased 2.0% to $4.92.

HERNDON, VA – May 22, 2024 – ePlus inc. (NASDAQ:  PLUS), a leading provider of technology and financing solutions, today announced financial results for the three months and fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.

Management Comment

“ePlus returned to double digit revenue growth in the quarter to finish out a strong year.  For the quarter, technology business revenue grew a healthy 12.6%, and gross billings grew 13.8%, driving consolidated annual revenue growth of 7.6% and gross profit of 6.4% to $550.8 million.  We experienced strong increases in gross billings in networking, cloud and collaboration in the quarter, especially from enterprise customers within our telecom, media and entertainment, and finance end markets.,” said Mark Marron, president and CEO of ePlus. “We are pleased with the 15% increase in our higher margin services, highlighted by a 22% increase in managed services along with a nearly 9% growth in professional services.”

Mr. Marron continued, “We experienced lower product margins in the quarter, due in part to a significant increase in sales mix to our enterprise customers as part of our land and expand strategy.  We expect a return to our normal product margin range in future quarters.  Services margins increased by 270 basis points in the quarter and 250 basis points for the year, as our customers continue to value ePlus’ professional and managed services for their critical IT needs.  We continued to invest in customer facing headcount both organic and through acquisition to gain market share and build a team to capture future AI opportunities.  Along with acquisition expenses, , higher tax rate, and lower gross profit on product sales, net earnings in the quarter declined 33% and 3% for the year.  We continue to be focused on managing our cost structure and believe we are well positioned to see operating leverage and revenue growth from our investments in the future.

1
Our fiscal 2024 sales performance, which outpaced industry growth and most of our peers, demonstrates that our portfolio of products is resonating with our customer base.  From a cash perspective, we delivered healthy cash flow, and with more than $250 million in cash on-hand, our balance sheet remains strong and gives us tremendous resources to make opportunistic investments in headcount and acquisitions.  We remain focused on disciplined, consistent execution to meet the needs and demands of our customers in this dynamic marketplace.”

Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year 2024 Results

For the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2023:

Consolidated net sales increased 12.7% to $554.5 million, from $492.2 million.

Technology business net sales increased 12.6% to $544.1 million, from $483.2 million driven by higher sales of product and services. Technology business gross billings increased 13.8% to $834.3 million from $733.1 million.

Product sales increased 12.2% to $465.2 million due to increases in net sales of networking, cloud and collaboration products. Gross profit decreased 9.3% because of a 450-bps decline in product margin to 19.3% from 23.8% last year, due to a larger volume of sales to enterprise customers at lower margin.

Professional service revenues increased 8.7% from last year to $40.7 million.  Gross profit increased 22.9% and gross margins expanded 580 bps to 50.0% from 44.2% last year due to an increase in project and consulting services offset by declines in demand for staff augmentation services.

Managed service revenues increased 22.0% to $38.2 million due to ongoing growth in these offerings, including Enhanced Maintenance Support, Cloud, and Service Desk services. Gross profit increased 23.2% from last year due to the scaled growth in these services resulting in a 30-bps gross margin improvement.

Financing business segment net sales increased 15.5% to $10.4 million, from $9.0 million due to increases in transactional gains and portfolio earnings. Gross profit in the financing business segment increased $1.2 million while the gross margin declined by 10 bps.

Consolidated gross profit decreased 1.5% to $130.3 million, from $132.3 million. Consolidated gross margin was 23.5%, down from last year’s 26.9%, due to lower product margin in our technology business.

Consolidated operating expenses were $101.3 million, up 12.7% from $89.9 million last year, primarily due to increases in salaries and benefits from additional headcount, variable compensation, and changes in reserve for credit losses, as well as increases in acquisition-related depreciation and amortization expenses.  Our headcount at the end of the quarter was 1,900, up 146 from a year ago, including 83 employees from Network Solutions Group (“NSG”) acquired in May 2023 and 29 employees from PEAK Resources, Inc. (“PEAK”) acquired in January 2024. Of the 146 additional employees, 141 were customer facing employees.

2
Consolidated operating income decreased 31.6% to $29.0 million. During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, we had other income of $2.2 million, including interest income of $1.6 million and foreign currency transaction gains of $0.4 million, compared to foreign currency transaction loss of $0.2 million in the prior year quarter. Earnings before tax decreased 26.4% to $31.2 million.

Our effective tax rate for the current quarter was 29.5%, higher than the prior year quarter of 22.4% due to lower than forecasted non-deductible expenses, increased benefits from foreign sales along with favorable state adjustments last year.

Net earnings decreased 33.1% to $22.0 million from $32.9 million.

Consolidated adjusted EBITDA decreased 24.4% to $36.8 million from $48.7 million.

Diluted net earnings per common share was $0.82, compared with $1.23 in the prior year quarter. Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per common share was $0.93, compared with $1.36 last year.

Fiscal Year 2024 Results

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the prior fiscal year ended March 31, 2023:

Consolidated net sales increased 7.6% to $2,225.3 million, from $2,067.7 million.

Technology business net sales increased 8.0% to $2,175.9 million, from $2,015.2 million due to higher sales of product and services. Technology business gross billings increased 5.8% to $3,329.8 million from $3,145.9 million.

Product sales grew 7.6% to $1,883.8 million due to an increase in net sales of networking equipment and collaboration products, offset by a decline in net sales of cloud and security products.  Gross profit from sales of products increased 4.4% to $397.6 million. Product margin was 21.1%, down 60 bps from last year due to product mix and a smaller portion of third-party maintenance and services sold which are recorded on a net basis.

Professional service revenues increased 1.8% due to an increase in project and consulting services offset by a decline in revenue from staff augmentation.  Gross profit increased 10.7% as the gross margins expanded 350 bps to 44.1% from 40.6% last year.

Managed service revenues increased 22.1% to $137.5 million due to ongoing growth in these offerings, including Enhanced Maintenance Support, Service Desk, and Security Operations Center services. Gross profit from managed services increased 32.7% to $42.7 million due to the scaled growth in these services reflected in a 250-bps improvement in gross margin.

Financing business segment net sales decreased 5.8% to $49.4 million, from $52.5 million, due to lower post-contract earnings, resulting in a decrease of $0.7 million in gross profit, partially offset by a decline in cost of leased equipment sold.

3
Consolidated gross profit increased 6.4% to $550.8 million, from $517.5 million. Consolidated gross margin was 24.8%, a decline of 20 bps from last year’s 25.0%, attributable to the lower product margin in our technology business.

Consolidated operating expenses were $392.5 million, up 11.7% from $351.4 million last year, primarily due to increases in salaries and benefits as a result of additional headcount, increasing by 146 employees due to organic growth and acquisitions, variable compensation stemming from higher gross profit, as well as expenses in travel, software & maintenance, advertising & marketing, and acquisition-related amortization expenses.

Consolidated operating income decreased 4.8% to $158.3 million. During fiscal year 2024, we had other income of $2.8 million, including $2.7 million in interest income, compared to other expense of $3.2 million last year, which included foreign currency transaction losses of $5.4 million, partially offset by $1.9 million related to our claim in a class action lawsuit.  Earnings before tax decreased 1.2% to $161.1 million.

Our effective tax rate for the current year period was 28.1%, higher than last year’s 26.8%, primarily due to lower state taxes in the same period in the prior year.

Net earnings decreased 3.0% to $115.8 million from $119.4 million.

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $190.4 million from $190.6 million.

Diluted net earnings per common share was $4.33, compared with $4.48 in the prior year. Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per common share was $4.92, compared with $5.02 in the prior year.

Balance Sheet Highlights

As of March 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were $253.0 million, up from $103.1 million as of March 31, 2023, primarily due to improvements in working capital, offset by the acquisitions of NSG and PEAK and repurchases of our common stock.  Inventory decreased 42.6% to $139.7 million compared with $243.3 million as of March 31, 2023.  Total stockholders’ equity was $901.8 million, compared with $782.3 million as of March 31, 2023.  Total shares outstanding were 27.0 million and 26.9 million on March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, respectively.

Fiscal Year Guidance

ePlus is initiating fiscal year 2025 guidance for net sales growth over the prior fiscal year of between 3% and 6%, and an adjusted EBITDA range of $200.0 million to $215.0 million.  ePlus cannot predict with reasonable certainty and without unreasonable effort, the ultimate outcome of unusual gains and losses, the occurrence of matters creating GAAP tax impacts, fluctuations in interest expense or interest income and share-based compensation, and acquisition-related expenses. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could be material to ePlus’ results computed in accordance with GAAP.  Accordingly, ePlus is unable to provide a reconciliation of GAAP net earnings to adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2025 forecast.

Summary and Outlook

“In fiscal 2024, we delivered solid financial results outpacing our peers and ending the year with a strong cash position. This performance reflects our focus on engaging with our customers to expand wallet share, broadening our product offerings and attracting new customers. Throughout the year, we also invested in our talent, expanding our sales team and adding client-facing professionals to build upon our industry leading positioning providing customers with innovative solutions.  In sum, we are successfully executing our strategy to build a world-class IT solutions platform to serve our customers and partners.

4
“Our performance in fiscal 2024 sets the stage for a successful year in fiscal 2025. To that end, we are introducing our initial F2025 guidance which reflects 3.0% to 6.0% growth in revenue.  We are also announcing a new share repurchase plan which increases repurchases of up to 1,250,000 million shares over the twelve-month term.”

Mr. Marron concluded, “ePlus is well-positioned to meet our customers’ evolving needs in areas including AI, cloud, security and consultative, professional, and managed services. Furthermore, we are diversified across end markets and geographies and we have a strong balance sheet to support our organic and acquisition growth initiatives. As we look ahead to the current fiscal year, we remain confident that our strategic investments are enhancing our solid foundation, creating further differentiation, and positioning us to continue to drive long-term shareholder value.”

ePlus Announces New Stock Repurchase Program

ePlus inc. today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized ePlus to repurchase up to 1,250,000 shares of ePlus’ outstanding common stock over a 12-month period commencing May 28, 2024.  ePlus’ current repurchase plan will expire on May 27, 2024.  ePlus had approximately 27.0 million shares of common stock outstanding as of May 20, 2024.

The purchases may be made from time to time in the open market, or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to availability.  Any repurchased shares will have the status of treasury shares and may be used, if and when needed, for general corporate purposes.  ePlus has no obligation to repurchase shares under the authorization, and the timing, actual number and value of the shares which are repurchased will be at the discretion of management and will depend on a number of factors, including the price of ePlus’ common stock.  ePlus may suspend or discontinue repurchases at any time.

Recent Corporate Developments/Recognitions

•  
In the month of May:
 
o  
Honored as Growth Partner of the Year by Varonis
•  
In the month of April:
 
o  
Achieved AWS Migration Competency Status
•  
In the month of March:
 
o  
Placed on CRN’s 2024 MSP 500 Elite 150 and Tech Elite 250 Lists
 
o  
Named F5’s North America 2023 Strategic Solutions Partner of the Year
•  
In the month of February:
 
o  
Announces AI Ignite: Artificial Intelligence Assessment, Enablement and Implementation Offerings
•  
In the month of January:
 
o  
ePlus Acquires Peak Resources
 
o  
ePlus Joins US Chamber of Commerce

5
Conference Call Information

ePlus will hold a conference call and webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET on May 22, 2024:

Date:
May 22, 2024
Time:
4:30 p.m. ET
Audio Webcast (Live & Replay
https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/690482659
   
Live Call:
(888) 596-4144 (too-free/domestic)
 
(646) 968-2525 (international)
   
Archived Call:
(800) 770-2030 (toll-free/domestic)
 
(609) 800-9909 (international)
   
Conference ID:
6354397#  (live call and replay)

A replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the call through May 29, 2024.  A transcript of the call will also be available on the ePlus Investor Relations website at https://www.eplus.com/investors.

About ePlus inc.

ePlus has an unwavering and relentless focus on leveraging technology to create inspired and transformative business outcomes for its customers. Offering a robust portfolio of solutions, as well as a full set of consultative and managed services across the technology spectrum, ePlus has proudly achieved more than 30 years of success in the business, carrying customers forward through adversity, rapidly changing environments, and other obstacles. ePlus is a trusted advisor, bringing expertise, credentials, talent and a thorough understanding of innovative technologies, spanning security, cloud, networking, collaboration and emerging solutions, to organizations across all industry segments. With complete lifecycle management services and flexible payment solutions, ePlus' more than 1,890 associates are focused on cultivating positive customer experiences and are dedicated to their craft, harnessing new knowledge while applying decades of proven experience. ePlus is headquartered in Virginia, with offices in the United States, UK, Europe, and Asia‐Pacific. For more information, visit www.eplus.com, call 888-482-1122, or email info@eplus.com.  Connect with ePlus on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

ePlus, Where Technology Means More®.

ePlus® and ePlus products referenced herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of ePlus inc. in the United States and/or other countries.  The names of other companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

6
Forward-looking statements

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements," including, among other things, statements regarding the future financial performance of ePlus. Actual and anticipated future results may vary materially due to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, national and international political instability fostering uncertainty and volatility in the global economy including exposure to fluctuation in foreign currency rates, interest rates, and inflation, including increases in our costs and our ability to increase prices to our customers which may result in adverse changes in our gross profit; significant adverse changes in, reductions in, or loss of one or more of our larger volume customers or vendors; a possible decrease in the capital spending budgets of our customers or a decrease in purchases from us; reliance on third-parties to perform some of our service obligations to our customers, and the reliance on a small number of key vendors in our supply chain with whom we do not have long-term supply agreements, guaranteed price agreements, or assurance of stock availability; our ability to remain secure during a cybersecurity attack, including both disruptions in our or our vendors' Information Technology ("IT") systems and data and audio communication networks; our ability to secure our own and our customers' electronic and other confidential information, while maintaining compliance with evolving data privacy and regulatory laws and regulations; ongoing remote work trends, and the increase in cybersecurity attacks that have occurred while employees work remotely and our ability to adequately train our personnel to prevent a cyber event; the possibility of a reduction of vendor incentives provided to us; maintaining and increasing advanced professional services by recruiting and retaining highly skilled, competent personnel, and vendor certifications; our ability to manage a diverse product set of solutions, including artificial intelligence (“AI”) products, in highly competitive markets with a number of key vendors; changes in the IT industry and/or rapid changes in product offerings, including the proliferation of the cloud, infrastructure as a service, software as a service, platform as a service and AI; supply chain issues, including a shortage of IT products, may increase our costs or cause a delay in fulfilling customer orders, or increase our need for working capital, or delay completing professional services, or purchasing IT products or services needed to support our internal infrastructure or operations, resulting in an adverse impact on our financial results; our ability to identify acquisition candidates, or perform sufficient due diligence prior to completing an acquisition, or failure to integrate a completed acquisition may affect our earnings; our ability to raise capital, maintain or increase as needed our lines of credit with vendors or floor planning facility, obtain debt for our financing transactions, or the effect of those changes on our common stock price; significant and rapid inflation may cause price, wage, and interest rate increases, as well as increases in operating costs that may impact the arrangements that have pricing commitments over the term of the agreement; our ability to implement comprehensive plans for the integration of sales forces, cost containment, asset rationalization, systems integration, and other key strategies; and other risks or uncertainties detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information set forth in this press release is current as of the date of this release and ePlus undertakes no duty or obligation to update this information.



Contact:
Kleyton Parkhurst, SVP
ePlus inc.
kparkhurst@eplus.com
703-984-8150
7

ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
        
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
        
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
        
         
   
March 31, 2024
  
March 31, 2023
ASSETS
        
         
Current assets:
        
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$253,021
  
$103,093
Accounts receivable—trade, net
  
644,616
  
504,122
Accounts receivable—other, net
 
46,884
  
55,508
Inventories
  
139,690
  
243,286
Financing receivables—net, current
 
102,600
  
89,829
Deferred costs
 
59,449
  
44,191
Other current assets
 
27,269
  
55,101
Total current assets
 
1,273,529
  
1,095,130
 
 
      
Financing receivables and operating leases—net
  
79,435
  
84,417
Deferred tax asset
  
5,620
  
3,682
Property, equipment and other assets
  
89,289
  
70,447
Goodwill
  
161,503
  
136,105
Other intangible assets—net
 
44,093
  
25,045
TOTAL ASSETS
  
$1,653,469
  
$1,414,826
 
 
 
  
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
        
         
LIABILITIES
        
         
Current liabilities:
 
 
  
 
Accounts payable
 
$315,676
  
$220,159
Accounts payable—floor plan
  
105,104
  
134,615
Salaries and commissions payable
  
43,696
  
37,336
Deferred revenue
 
134,596
  
114,028
Recourse notes payable—current
  
-
  
5,997
Non-recourse notes payable—current
 
23,288
  
24,819
Other current liabilities
  
34,630
  
24,372
Total current liabilities
 
656,990
  
561,326
 
 
      
Non-recourse notes payable—long-term
  
12,901
  
9,522
Deferred tax liability
  
-
  
715
Other liabilities
 
81,799
  
60,998
TOTAL LIABILITIES
  
751,690
  
632,561
   
 
  
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  
 
  
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 per share par value; 2,000 shares
        authorized; none outstanding
  
-
 
-
Common stock, $0.01 per share par value; 50,000 shares
        authorized; 26,952 outstanding at March 31, 2024 and 26,905
        outstanding at March 31, 2023
  
274
  
272
Additional paid-in capital
  
180,058
  
167,303
Treasury stock, at cost, 447 shares at March 31, 2024 and
        261 shares at March 31, 2023
    (23,811)    (14,080)
Retained earnings
  
742,978
  
627,202
Accumulated other comprehensive income—foreign currency
        translation adjustment
  
2,280
  
1,568
Total Stockholders' Equity
 
901,779
  
782,265
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  
$1,653,469
  
$1,414,826

8


ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
Year Ended March 31,
 
2024
  
2023
  
2024
  
2023
               
Net sales
      
 
      
     Product
$475,589
  
$423,462
  
$1,933,225
  
$1,803,275
     Services
78,872
  
68,715
  
292,077
  
264,443
          Total
554,461
  
492,177
  
2,225,302
  
2,067,718
               
Cost of sales
              
     Product
377,247
  
317,148
  
1,493,293
  
1,379,500
     Services
46,869
  
42,704
  
181,216
  
170,694
          Total
424,116
  
359,852
  
1,674,509
  
1,550,194
               
Gross profit
130,345
  
132,325
  
550,793
  
517,524
               
Selling, general, and administrative
95,403
  
85,319
  
367,734
  
333,520
Depreciation and amortization
5,204
  
3,322
  
21,025
  
13,709
Interest and financing costs
723
  
1,270
  
3,777
  
4,133
Operating expenses
101,330
  
89,911
  
392,536
  
351,362
               
Operating income
29,015
  
42,414
  
158,257
  
166,162
               
Other income (expense), net
2,163
  
(76)
  
2,836
  
(3,188)
               
Earnings before taxes
31,178
  
42,338
  
161,093
  
162,974
               
Provision for income taxes
9,195
  
9,484
  
45,317
  
43,618
               
Net earnings
$21,983
  
$32,854
  
$115,776
  
$119,356
               
Net earnings per common share—basic
$0.83
  
$1.24
  
$4.35
  
$4.49
Net earnings per common share—diluted
$0.82
  
$1.23
  
$4.33
  
$4.48
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic
26,644
  
26,593
  
26,610
  
26,569
Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted
26,806
  
26,702
  
26,717
  
26,654

9

Technology Business
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
      
Year Ended March 31,
    
 
2024
  
2023
  
Change
  
2024
  
2023
  
Change
 
(in thousands)
      
(in thousands)
    
                       
Net sales
                      
    Product
$465,228
  
$414,493
  
12.2%
  
$1,883,809
  
$1,750,802
  
7.6%
    Professional services
40,679
  
37,416
  
8.7%
  
154,549
  
151,785
  
1.8%
    Managed services
38,193
  
31,299
  
22.0%
  
137,528
  
112,658
  
22.1%
          Total
544,100
  
483,208
  
12.6%
  
2,175,886
  
2,015,245
  
8.0%
                       
Gross profit
                      
     Product
89,559
  
98,699
  
(9.3%)
  
397,618
  
380,741
  
4.4%
     Professional services
20,342
  
16,548
  
22.9%
  
68,194
  
61,594
  
10.7%
     Managed services
11,661
  
9,463
  
23.2%
  
42,667
  
32,155
  
32.7%
          Total
121,562
  
124,710
  
(2.5%)
  
508,479
  
474,490
  
7.2%
                       
Selling, general, and administrative
91,846
  
82,738
  
11.0%
  
353,540
  
317,885
  
11.2%
Depreciation and amortization
5,204
  
3,294
  
58.0%
  
20,951
  
13,598
  
54.1%
Interest and financing costs
-
  
780
  
(100.0%)
  
1,428
  
2,897
  
(50.7%)
Operating expenses
97,050
  
86,812
  
11.8%
  
375,919
  
334,380
  
12.4%
                       
Operating income
$24,512
  
$37,898
  
(35.3%)
  
$132,560
  
$140,110
  
(5.4%)
Gross billings
$834,313
  
$733,085
  
13.8%
  
$3,329,764
  
$3,145,888
  
5.8%
Adjusted EBITDA
$32,239
  
$44,049
  
(26.8%)
  
$164,409
  
$164,184
  
0.1%

Technology Business Gross Billings by Type
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
      
Year Ended March 31,
    
 
2024
  
2023
  
Change
  
2024
  
2023
  
Change
 
(in thousands)
      
(in thousands)
    
                       
Networking
$332,636
  
$250,558
  
32.8%
  
$1,172,274
  
$927,319
  
26.4%
Cloud
183,008
  
184,228
  
(0.7%)
  
824,128
  
892,308
  
(7.6%)
Security
145,233
  
130,175
  
11.6%
  
625,392
  
639,416
  
(2.2%)
Collaboration
23,849
  
26,228
  
(9.1%)
  
120,960
  
127,027
  
(4.8%)
Other
58,634
  
77,145
  
(24.0%)
  
262,439
  
282,748
  
(7.2%)
Product gross billings
743,360
  
668,334
  
11.2%
  
3,005,193
  
2,868,818
  
4.8%
Service gross billings
90,953
  
64,751
  
40.5%
  
324,571
  
277,070
  
17.1%
Total gross billings
$834 313
  
$733,085
  
13.8%
  
$3,329,764
  
$3,145,888
  
5.8%

 Technology Business Net Sales by Type
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
      
Year Ended March 31,
    
 
2024
  
2023
  
Change
  
2024
  
2023
  
Change
 
(in thousands)
      
(in thousands)
    
                       
Networking
$281,919
  
$219,367
  
28.5%
  
$1,005,679
  
$803,678
  
25.1%
Cloud
118,976
  
116,246
  
2.3%
  
546,341
  
587,097
  
(6.9%)
Security
37,452
  
40,836
  
(8.3%)
  
193,956
  
214,459
  
(9.6%)
Collaboration
12,067
  
11,900
  
1.4%
  
65,714
  
57,472
  
14.3%
Other
14,814
  
26,144
  
(43.3%)
  
72,119
  
88,096
  
(18.1%)
Total product
465,228
  
414,493
  
12.2%
  
1,883,809
  
1,750,802
  
7.6%
Professional services
40,679
  
37,416
  
8.7%
  
154,549
  
151,785
  
1.8%
Managed services
38,193
  
31,299
  
22.0%
  
137,528
  
112,658
  
22.1%
Total net sales
$544,100
  
$483,208
  
12.6%
  
$2,175,886
  
$2,015,245
  
8.0%

10
 Technology Business Net Sales by Customer End Market
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
      
Year Ended March 31,
    
 
2024
  
2023
  
Change
  
2024
  
2023
  
Change
 
(in thousands)
      
(in thousands)
    
                       
Telecom, Media, & Entertainment
$142,333
  
$101,652
  
40.0%
  
$547,525
  
$532,921
  
2.7%
Technology
111,418
  
94,506
  
17.9%
  
379,720
  
393,594
  
(3.5%)
SLED
65,198
  
82,802
  
(21.3%)
  
329,617
  
290,624
  
13.4%
Healthcare
64,711
  
69,639
  
(7.1%)
  
278,893
  
274,936
  
1.4%
​Financial Services
69,239
  
37,339
  
85.4%
  
243,630
  
156,257
  
55.9%
All other
91,201
  
97,270
  
(6.2%)
  
396,501
  
366,913
  
8.1%
Total net sales
$544,100
  
$483,208
  
12.6%
  
$2,175,886
  
$2,015,245
  
8.0%

Financing Business Segment
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
      
Year Ended March 31,
    
 
2024
  
2023
  
Change
  
2024
  
2023
  
Change
 
(in thousands)
      
(in thousands)
    
                       
Portfolio earnings
$3,824
  
$3,404
  
12.3%
  
$13,937
  
$11,356
  
22.7%
Transactional gains
2,681
  
1,000
  
168.1%
  
19,016
  
16,125
  
17.9%
Post-contract earnings
2,944
  
4,300
  
(31.5%)
  
14,301
  
23,581
  
(39.4%)
Other
912
  
265
  
244.2%
  
2,162
  
1,411
  
53.2%
Net sales
10,361
  
8,969
  
15.5%
  
49,416
  
52,473
  
(5.8%)
                       
Gross profit
8,783
  
7,615
  
15.3%
  
42,314
  
43,034
  
(1.7%)
                       
Selling, general, and administrative
3,557
  
2,581
  
37.8%
  
14,194
  
15,635
  
(9.2%)
Depreciation and amortization
-
  
28
  
(100.0%)
  
74
  
111
  
(33.3%)
Interest and financing costs
723
  
490
  
47.6%
  
2,349
  
1,236
  
90.0%
Operating expenses
4,280
  
3,099
  
38.1%
  
16,617
  
16,982
  
(2.1%)
                       
Operating income
$4,503
  
$4,516
  
(0.3%)
  
$25,697
  
$26,052
  
(1.4%)
Adjusted EBITDA
$4,566
  
$4,610
  
(1.0%)
  
$26,032
  
$26,408
  
(1.4%)

11

ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP INFORMATION

We included reconciliations below for the following non-GAAP financial measures: (i) Adjusted EBITDA, (ii) Adjusted EBITDA for business segments, (iii) non-GAAP Net Earnings and (iv) non-GAAP Net Earnings per Common Share - Diluted.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings calculated in accordance with US GAAP, adjusted for the following: interest expense, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, acquisition and integration expenses, provision for income taxes, and other income (expense). Adjusted EBITDA presented for the technology business segments and the financing business segment is defined as operating income calculated in accordance with US GAAP, adjusted for interest expense, share-based compensation, acquisition and integration expenses, and depreciation and amortization. We consider the interest on notes payable from our financing business segment and depreciation expense presented within cost of sales, which includes depreciation on assets financed as operating leases, to be operating expenses. As such, they are not included in the amounts added back to net earnings in the Adjusted EBITDA calculation.

Non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP net earnings per common share – diluted are based on net earnings calculated in accordance with GAAP, adjusted to exclude other income (expense), share based compensation, and acquisition related amortization expense, and the related tax effects.

We use the above non-GAAP financial measures as supplemental measures of our performance to gain insight into our operating performance and performance trends. We believe that such non-GAAP financial measures provide management and investors a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of our business and operating results by excluding items that management believes are not reflective of our underlying operating performance. Accordingly, we believe that such non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results.

Our use of non-GAAP information as analytical tools has limitations, and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our financial results as reported under GAAP. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, might calculate adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP net earnings per common share or similarly titled measures differently, which may reduce their usefulness as comparative measures.

12

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
Year Ended March 31,
 
2024
  
2023
  
2024
  
2023
 
(in thousands)
Consolidated
              
               
Net earnings
$21,983
  
$32,854
  
$115,776
  
$119,356
Provision for income taxes
9,195
  
9,484
  
45,317
  
43,618
Depreciation and amortization [1]
5,204
  
3,322
  
21,025
  
13,709
Share based compensation
2,586
  
2,143
  
9,731
  
7,824
Interest and financing costs
-
  
780
  
1,428
  
2,897
Other expense, net [2]
(2,163)
  
76
  
(2,836)
  
3,188
Adjusted EBITDA
$36,805
  
$48,659
  
$190,441
  
$190,592
               

Technology Business
              
Operating income
$24,512
  
$37,898
  
$132,560
  
$140,110
Depreciation and amortization [1]
5,204
  
3,294
  
20,951
  
13,598
Share based compensation
2,523
  
2,077
  
9,470
  
7,579
Interest and financing costs
-
  
780
  
1,428
  
2,897
Adjusted EBITDA
$32,239
  
$44,049
  
$164,409
  
$164,184
               

Financing Business Segment
              
Operating income
$4,503
  
$4,516
  
$25,697
  
$26,052
Depreciation and amortization [1]
-
  
28
  
74
  
111
Share based compensation
63
  
66
  
261
  
245
Adjusted EBITDA
$4,566
  
$4,610
  
$26,032
  
$26,408
         
 
    

13

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
Year Ended March 31,
 
2024
  
2023
  
2024
  
2023
 
(in thousands)
GAAP: Earnings before taxes
$31,178
  
$42,338
  
$161,093
  
$162,974
Share based compensation
2,586
  
2,143
  
9,731
  
7,824
Acquisition related amortization expense [3]
3,832
  
2,229
  
15,180
  
9,411
Other (income) expense [2]
(2,163)
  
76
  
(2,836)
  
3,188
Non-GAAP: Earnings before provision for income taxes
35,433
  
46,786
  
183,168
  
183,397
               
GAAP: Provision for income taxes
9,195
  
9,484
  
45,317
  
43,618
Share based compensation
767
  
480
  
2,772
  
2,104
Acquisition related amortization expense [3]
1,133
  
497
  
4,306
  
2,527
Other (income) expense, net [2]
(641)
  
17
  
(831)
  
950
Tax benefit (expense) on restricted stock
51
  
-
  
277
  
267
Non-GAAP: Provision for income taxes
10,505
  
10,478
  
51,841
  
49,466
               
Non-GAAP: Net earnings
$24,928
  
$36,308
  
$131,327
  
$133,931
               

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
Year Ended March 31,
 
2024
  
2023
  
2024
  
2023
               
GAAP: Net earnings per common share – diluted
$0.82
  
$1.23
  
$4.33
  
$4.48
               
Share based compensation
0.07
  
0.07
  
0.27
  
0.21
Acquisition related amortization expense [3]
0.10
  
0.06
  
0.40
  
0.26
Other (income) expense, net [2]
(0.06)
  
-
  
(0.07)
  
0.08
Tax benefit (expense) on restricted stock
-
  
-
  
(0.01)
  
(0.01)
Total non-GAAP adjustments – net of tax
0.11
  
0.13
  
0.59
  
0.54
               
Non-GAAP: Net earnings per common share – diluted
$0.93
  
$1.36
  
$4.92
  
$5.02

[1] Amount consists of depreciation and amortization for assets used internally.
[2] Legal settlement, interest income and foreign currency transaction gains and losses.
[3] Amount consists of amortization of intangible assets from acquired businesses.



14

v3.24.1.1.u2
Document and Entity Information
May 22, 2024
Cover [Abstract]  
Document Type 8-K
Amendment Flag false
Document Period End Date May 22, 2024
Entity File Number 001-34167
Entity Registrant Name ePlus inc.
Entity Central Index Key 0001022408
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE
Entity Tax Identification Number 54-1817218
Entity Address, Address Line One 13595 Dulles Technology Drive
Entity Address, City or Town Herndon
Entity Address, State or Province VA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 20171-3413
City Area Code 703
Local Phone Number 984-8400
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $.01 par value
Trading Symbol PLUS
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Written Communications false
Soliciting Material false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
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