ePlus (NASDAQ:PLUS) Reports Strong Q3, Stock Soars

Core Insights - ePlus has shown a solid historical growth rate of 7.3% compounded annually over the last five years, but recent performance indicates a slowdown with flat revenue over the past two years [1][2] - The company reported $2.26 billion in revenue over the past 12 months, positioning it as a mid-sized player in the business services sector, which may limit its competitive advantages compared to larger firms [2] - ePlus has transitioned from a financing company to a full-service technology provider, offering IT solutions, professional services, and financing options [3] Financial Performance - In fiscal 2026, ePlus experienced a strong start with net sales growing 23.4% and diluted EPS increasing nearly 63%, marking a significant milestone with quarterly gross billings exceeding $1 billion for the first time [4] - For Q3 CY2025, ePlus's revenue increased by 18.2% year-on-year to $608.8 million, surpassing Wall Street's expectations by 17.5% [5][6] - The company’s operating margin averaged 7.5% over the last five years, which is considered weak for the business services sector, and it decreased by 1.1 percentage points during this period [9][10] Earnings Analysis - ePlus's EPS grew at a compounded annual growth rate of 10.3% over the last five years, indicating improved profitability on a per-share basis [12] - The company has engaged in stock buybacks, reducing its share count by 1.4%, which has contributed to the increase in EPS, suggesting that the growth in EPS is partly due to financial engineering rather than operational efficiency [13] - In Q3, ePlus reported adjusted EPS of $1.53, up from $1.36 in the same quarter last year, exceeding analysts' estimates [15][17] Market Outlook - Analysts project a revenue decline of 6.2% over the next 12 months, indicating potential demand challenges for ePlus's products and services [6] - Despite a strong quarterly performance, the long-term business quality and valuation will be critical in determining if ePlus is a good investment [18]