Summary of Conference Call Company Overview - The conference call involved ePlus, with key executives including Mark Marin (CEO), Elaine Marin (CFO), and Erica Stoker (General Counsel) participating in the discussion [1] Financial Performance - **Fourth Quarter Results**: - Consolidated net sales were $498.1 million, down from $554.5 million year-over-year [4] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $43.8 million from $36.8 million in the prior year [4] - Gross profit rose by nearly 12%, with gross margin expanding 580 basis points to 29.3% [2] - Services revenue grew 33% in the quarter and 37% for the year, indicating a strong services-led approach [2][5] - **Full Year Results**: - Consolidated net sales for fiscal year 2025 were $2.07 billion, down from $2.23 billion in fiscal 2024 [8] - A 13.7% decline in product sales was noted, but this was partially offset by a 37.1% growth in services [8] - Consolidated net earnings were $108 million, or $4.05 per diluted share, compared to $115.8 million, or $4.33 per diluted share in the previous year [8] Key Growth Areas - **Strategic Focus**: - The company is concentrating on four key growth areas: AI, cloud, security, and networking [3] - Managed services grew 16.6% for the quarter and 24.6% for the year, providing predictable long-term revenue [3] - **AI Initiatives**: - ePlus is positioned to capitalize on AI growth, with offerings like AI Ignite workshops and a generative AI accelerator solution [3] - The company is the only NVIDIA partner in North America with both DGX-ready SuperPOD and Managed Service Provider specializations [3] Market Dynamics - **Sales Trends**: - Q4 net sales declined 10.2% year-over-year, primarily due to reduced product sales amid economic uncertainty [2] - The technology business net sales declined 10.4% year-over-year, reflecting lower product sales and a shift towards subscription-based services [5] - **Customer Segments**: - Telecom, Media, and Entertainment, and SLED were the largest customer end markets, accounting for 23% and 17% of technology business net sales, respectively [5] Financial Health - **Balance Sheet**: - The company ended the year with a record cash position of approximately $389 million, providing financial flexibility for strategic investments [4] - Total assets exceeded $1.8 billion, with stockholders' equity at $977.6 million [9] Guidance and Outlook - **Fiscal Year 2026 Guidance**: - The company anticipates low single-digit net sales growth, with gross profit and adjusted EBITDA expected to grow at mid-single digits [10] - The guidance considers potential impacts from economic uncertainty but does not factor in recessionary conditions [10] Additional Insights - **Operational Efficiency**: - The cash conversion cycle improved to 29 days from 46 days a year ago, indicating a more normalized supply chain [9] - The company is focused on disciplined capital allocation and strategic investments to enhance service offerings [9][10] - **Employee Growth**: - Headcount increased to 2,199 from 1,900 a year ago, reflecting growth in customer-facing roles [6] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting the company's financial performance, strategic focus areas, market dynamics, and outlook for the future.

Career Advancement & Networking - Networking is more effective than solely relying on job applications for securing better-paying positions [1] - 85% of jobs are filled through networking, according to a 2016 LinkedIn report [1] - Requesting informational interviews is crucial before applying for a job [1] - Preparing 3-5 questions for informational interviews is recommended, focusing on company culture, team goals, and expectations for the first six months [1] Gender Pay Gap & Workplace Dynamics - Women in the US earn an average of 82% of what men earn in comparable roles, according to a 2022 Pew Research Center report [1] - The document advocates for women to proactively create networking opportunities to address pay disparities [1] - The importance of assessing company culture and ensuring a "lifegiving environment" is highlighted [1] Actionable Strategies - Email hiring managers directly to request informational interviews before formally applying [1][2] - Use information gathered during informational interviews in application materials to demonstrate fit and enthusiasm [2] - Focus on "who you know" rather than solely on resume improvements [1]

Good morning. Good morning. Today I want to talk to you about plus ones. And I don't mean a date. I want to talk to you about parents transitioning back into the workforce with my plus one method of networking. I know when you mention networking people get very excited or more often they give me a full body no thank you reaction but let me explain what it is first. It is asking someone in your network to introduce you to someone in theirs with a goal of mutual benefit and building a connection. But what if ...

Personal Branding Importance - Context, urgency, and visibility significantly impact perceived value, similar to a phone charger's price fluctuation [1] - Being capable is insufficient without visibility; personal branding is crucial for recognition and opportunity [1] - Personal branding is about authenticity and vulnerability, not about being an influencer or chasing likes and followers [1] - A strong personal brand ensures your name precedes you, influencing interviews and company perceptions [1] - Personal branding is not self-promotion but about being known for your true self and the value you offer [1] Overcoming Obstacles - Initial struggles, such as cultural shock and language barriers, can be overcome with determination [1] - Rejection is not always due to lack of qualification but can stem from a lack of visibility [1] - Sharing your story, even if it helps only one person, is valuable [1] - Consistency is key in building a digital and physical footprint [2] Practical Steps for Building a Personal Brand - Define what you want to be known for, focusing on impact rather than title [2] - Live your brand before posting it, sharing your learning and evolution [2] - Share your story vulnerably, as people connect with authenticity and growth [2] - Connections are more valuable than resumes; networking creates opportunities [2] - Craft your story, live it authentically, and own it [3]

So, I started working on myself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Speaking of my modeling career, I did small gigs in college here and there. Nothing major, but just casual photo shoots here and there.But then that was enough to make me think, hey, maybe I can pull this off. The more I looked into it, the more I saw it, I understood how a professional model groomed themselves, how they worked on their diet, how they started their workout. And I wanted to be the same. I started to work out and started t ...

If you're a fan of the musical Hamilton, you'll recognize this line, which at the risk of subjecting you to my singing, I'll share with you now. No one really knows how the game is played, the art of the trade, how the sausage gets made. We just assume that it happens.No one else was in the room where it happens. And it's true. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned professional, everyone wants to be in the room where it happens.But let's be honest, most of the time it feels like the doors to the ...

Microchip (MCHP) 2025 Conference June 10, 2025 09:45 AM ET Speaker0 Okay. Good morning, everybody. Thank you for joining us at the Mizuho Tech Conference today. I'm Vijay Rakesh, senior semis analyst for Mizuho. Joining me today is Richard Simonsik, chief operating officer at at Microchip. Just to give a little background, Richard joined Microchip in 1989, became COO in April of twenty twenty four. Mister Simon Sikh oversees Microchip's worldwide operations and is leading the company's AI related efforts. H ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 of fiscal year 2025, consolidated net sales were $498.1 million, down from $554.5 million in Q4 of fiscal year 2024, reflecting a decline of 10.2% year over year [12] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA increased to $43.8 million from $36.8 million in the prior year, exceeding expectations [12] - Gross profit rose by nearly 12% to $145.8 million, with a gross margin of 29.3%, compared to 23.5% in the prior year [15][18] - For the full fiscal year, consolidated net sales were $2.07 billion, down from $2.23 billion in fiscal year 2024, driven by a 13.7% decline in product sales [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Services revenue grew 33% in Q4 and 37% for the full year, highlighting the company's focus on services-led solutions [7][13] - Managed services revenue increased by 16.6% in Q4 and 24.6% for the year, providing predictable long-term revenue [7] - Technology business net sales declined 10.4% year over year to $487.2 million, primarily due to lower product sales [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Telecom, Media and Entertainment, and SLED were the largest customer end markets, accounting for 23% of technology business net sales on a trailing twelve-month basis [14] - The financing segment saw net sales rise 4.9% to $10.9 million, driven by higher transaction gains [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on four key growth areas: AI, cloud, security, and networking, with strategic investments to expand capabilities [8] - AI adoption is seen as a significant business driver, with initiatives like AI Ignite workshops and a generative AI Accelerator solution to support customer needs [9] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined capital allocation strategy while exploring organic and inorganic growth opportunities [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for fiscal year 2026, expecting low single-digit net sales growth and mid single-digit growth in gross profit and adjusted EBITDA [23] - The company acknowledged economic uncertainty impacting revenue but remains committed to its strategic pivot towards services and high-growth technology areas [24] Other Important Information - The company exited fiscal year 2025 with a record cash position of approximately $389 million, providing financial flexibility for future investments [10] - The cash conversion cycle improved to 29 days from 46 days a year ago, indicating a more normalized supply chain [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current demand environment and product side performance - Management noted a pickup in the data center, cloud, and security spaces, but networking demand remains weak [28][31] Question: AI opportunity and enterprise investment - Management indicated that while most AI investments are currently in hyperscaler environments, they expect infrastructure spending to pick up over time as enterprise adoption grows [32][34]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 fiscal year 2025, consolidated net sales were $498.1 million, down from $554.5 million in Q4 fiscal year 2024, reflecting a 10.2% year-over-year decline [12] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA increased to $43.8 million from $36.8 million in the prior year, exceeding expectations [12] - Gross profit rose by nearly 12% to $145.8 million, with a gross margin of 29.3%, up from 23.5% in the prior year [14][18] - For the full fiscal year 2025, consolidated net sales were $2.07 billion, down from $2.23 billion in fiscal year 2024, driven by a 13.7% decline in product sales [18][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Services revenue grew 33% in Q4 and 37% for the full year, highlighting a strategic emphasis on services-led solutions [6][12] - Managed services revenue increased by 16.6% in Q4 and 24.6% for the year, providing predictable long-term revenue [6] - Technology business net sales declined 10.4% year-over-year to $487.2 million, primarily due to lower product sales [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Telecom, Media and Entertainment, and SLED accounted for 23% of technology business net sales on a trailing twelve-month basis, with Technology, Healthcare, and Financial Services contributing 15%, 14%, and 9% respectively [14] - The financing segment saw net sales rise 4.9% to $10.9 million, driven by higher transaction gains [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on four key growth areas: AI, cloud, security, and networking, with strategic investments to expand capabilities [7][8] - AI adoption is seen as a significant business driver, with initiatives like AI Ignite workshops and a generative AI Accelerator solution to support customer needs [8][9] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined capital allocation strategy while exploring organic and inorganic growth opportunities [10][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for fiscal year 2026, anticipating low single-digit net sales growth and mid single-digit growth in gross profit and adjusted EBITDA [23] - The company acknowledged economic uncertainty impacting sales but remains committed to a services and subscription-based model [24] Other Important Information - The company ended fiscal year 2025 with a record cash position of approximately $389 million, up from $253 million at the end of fiscal year 2024 [10][20] - The cash conversion cycle improved to 29 days from 46 days a year ago, indicating a more normalized supply chain [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current demand environment and product side performance - Management noted a pickup in the data center, cloud, and security sectors, but networking demand remains weak [28][29] Question: AI opportunity and enterprise investment - Management indicated that while enterprise AI adoption is not accelerating yet, they expect infrastructure spending to pick up over time as customers engage with their AI workshops and services [34]

Core Insights - ePlus inc. reported improved gross profit and gross margin for the fourth quarter and full year of fiscal year 2025, with double-digit growth in earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter [3][4][13] Financial Performance - For the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2025, consolidated net sales decreased by 10.2% to $498.1 million from $554.5 million, while technology business net sales decreased by 10.4% to $487.2 million [5][8] - Consolidated gross profit increased by 11.8% to $145.8 million, with a gross margin of 29.3%, compared to 23.5% in the previous year [10][8] - Net earnings rose by 14.6% to $25.2 million, and diluted EPS increased by 15.9% to $0.95 [13][8] Yearly Overview - For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, consolidated net sales decreased by 7.0% to $2,068.8 million from $2,225.3 million, with technology business net sales down by 7.7% to $2,009.1 million [14][19] - Consolidated gross profit for the year increased by 3.3% to $569.1 million, with a gross margin of 27.5%, up from 24.8% in fiscal year 2024 [19][21] - Net earnings for the fiscal year decreased by 6.7% to $108.0 million, with diluted EPS down by 6.5% to $4.05 [21][22] Segment Performance - Professional service revenues increased by 48.4% in the fourth quarter to $60.4 million, primarily due to the acquisition of Bailiwick Services, LLC [7][4] - Managed service revenues grew by 16.6% to $44.5 million, driven by growth in Enhanced Maintenance Support and Cloud services [8][17] - The financing business segment saw net sales increase by 4.9% to $10.9 million, attributed to higher transactional gains and portfolio earnings [9][41] Operational Highlights - Operating expenses increased by 9.6% to $111.0 million, mainly due to higher salaries and benefits from increased headcount [11][20] - The company’s headcount rose to 2,199, up by 299 from the previous year, largely due to the acquisition of Bailiwick Services, LLC [11][20] - Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025, were $389.4 million, up from $253.0 million a year earlier [23][20] Strategic Outlook - ePlus is initiating fiscal year 2026 guidance for net sales growth in low single digits, with gross profit and adjusted EBITDA expected to grow in the mid-single digits [24][25] - The company remains focused on evolving its service and product offerings, particularly in fast-growing areas such as AI, cloud, security, and networking [25][4]