ePlus(US:PLUS)2025-08-07 21:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter consolidated net sales increased by 19% to $637.3 million, driven by strong performance in both product and service segments [14] - Gross billings reached a record high of $953 million, indicating robust growth [13] - Consolidated gross profit rose by 16.8% to $148.2 million, although gross margin decreased to 23.3% from 23.7% in the previous year [15][16] - Net earnings from continuing operations amounted to $27.1 million, or $1.03 per diluted share, compared to $24.2 million, or $0.90 per diluted share in the prior year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Product sales grew by 13.9% to $521 million, driven by demand for data center, cloud, and security offerings [14] - Service sales surged by 49% year over year, bolstered by the acquisition of Bailiwick and increased demand for managed services [15][9] - Security products and services saw a significant increase of 24.4% year over year, now representing 22.8% of gross billings [8][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Telecom, media, and entertainment, along with SLED, are the two largest end markets, accounting for 25% and 16% of net sales, respectively [15] - Healthcare, technology, and financial services contributed 14% and 13% to net sales, with the remaining 24% from other verticals [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has transitioned to a pure play technology services provider following the sale of its domestic finance business, positioning itself for long-term growth [4][11] - The strategy focuses on delivering integrated service-rich solutions with an emphasis on AI, security, data center, cloud, and networking [4][12] - The company initiated its first quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share and announced a new stock buyback program, reflecting confidence in its financial stability [12][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the strong start to fiscal 2026, with double-digit growth across key metrics and a solid pipeline for future growth [22][24] - The company is adjusting its fiscal 2026 guidance upwards, expecting net sales and gross profit growth in the upper single-digit range, and adjusted EBITDA growth in the mid-teens [23][24] - Management highlighted the transformative impact of AI on demand and the company's readiness to capitalize on this trend [10][40] Other Important Information - The company closed the quarter with a record cash position of $480 million, providing flexibility for growth initiatives and shareholder returns [11][19] - The effective tax rate decreased to 26.3% from 27.1% in the prior year [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the drivers behind the increase in adjusted EBITDA growth guidance? - Management noted solid performance across various metrics, with double-digit growth in net sales and services, particularly in security and AI-related areas [28][30] Question: Are large enterprise customers back to normal spending levels? - Management indicated that while there was a nice quarter with enterprise customers, the spending is still project-based and may not be a consistent trend throughout the year [32] Question: Why was now the right time to divest the financing business? - Management explained that the divestiture was a strategic move to simplify the business model and focus on technology services, capitalizing on market trends in AI and cybersecurity [38][39] Question: Are there areas of investment needed to bolster AI service offerings? - Management acknowledged the need to enhance consultative services related to AI and indicated readiness to explore both organic and inorganic growth opportunities in this area [40][42]