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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
to .
Commission file number: 0-28926
ePlus inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 54-1817218
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
400 Herndon Parkway, Herndon, VA 20170
(Address, including zip code, of principal offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (703) 834-5710
Securities registered pursuant to Section
12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section
12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Company, computed by reference to the price at which the stock was sold as of
June 19, 2000 was $126,219,258.
The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of June 19, 2000,
was 9,669,589.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following documents are incorporated by reference into the following parts
of this Form 10-K:
Document Part
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portions of the Company's definitive Proxy
Statement to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission within 120 days after the Company's
fiscal year end. Part III
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This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual
results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking
statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under the
caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operation, Financial
Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources - Factors That May Affect Future
Operating Results" and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as
factors which may be identified from time to time in our other filings with the
Securities and Exchange commission or in the documents where such
forward-looking statements appear.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ePlus inc. CORPORATE STRUCTURE
ePlus inc. ("the Company" or "ePlus"), a Delaware corporation, was formed in
1996. ePlus changed its name from MLC Holdings, Inc. on October 19, 1999. ePlus
engages in no other business other than serving as the parent holding company
for the following companies:
o ePlus Group, inc. ("ePlus Group" - named changed effective February 1, 2000
from MLC Group, Inc.);
o ePlus Technology of NC, inc. (name changed effective January 31, 2000 from
MLC Network Solutions, Inc.);
o ePlus Technology of PA, inc. (name changed effective January 31, 2000 from
Educational Computer Concepts, Inc. which conducted business as MLC
Integrated, Inc.);
o ePlus Technology, inc. (name changed effective February 1, 2000 from PC
Plus, Inc.);
o ePlus Government, inc. (name changed effective February 1, 2000 from MLC
Federal, Inc.);
o ePlus Capital, inc. (name changed February 1, 2000 from MLC Capital, Inc.);
and
o MLC Leasing, S.A. de C.V., (a subsidiary wholly owned by ePlus Group, inc.
and ePlus Technology of NC, inc.)
ePlus Group also has a 5% membership interest in MLC/CLC LLC and serves as its
manager. ePlus Group previously had a 50% ownership interest in MLC/GATX Leasing
Corporation which was the general partner of MLC/GATX Limited Partnership I. On
December 31, 1998, ePlus Group terminated its ownership interest in MLC/GATX
Leasing Corporation and purchased all of the assets of MLC/GATX Limited
Partnership I. ePlus Government, inc. was incorporated on September 17, 1997 to
handle business servicing the federal government marketplace which includes
financing transactions that are generated through government contractors. ePlus
Capital, inc. did not transact any business during the fiscal year ended March
31, 2000 and is not expected to transact business in the near future. On October
22, 1997, the Company formed MLC Leasing, S.A. de C.V., which is directly owned
by ePlus Group, inc. and ePlus Technology of NC, inc., to provide a legal entity
capable of conducting a leasing business in Mexico. To date, this entity has
conducted no business and has no employees or business locations.
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ACQUISITIONS
Business Accounting
Date Acquired Company Acquired Location Method Consideration Paid
- --------------------- ------------------------ ------------------- ----------------- ---------------------------
July 24, 1997 Compuventures of Pitt Wilmington, Pooling of 260,978 shares of Common
County, Inc. (now Greenville, and Interests Stock valued at $3,384,564
named ePlus Technology Raleigh, NC
of NC, inc.)
September 29, 1997 Educational Computer Pottstown, PA Pooling of 498,998 shares of Common
Concepts, Inc. (now Interests Stock valued at $7,092,000
named ePlus Technology
of PA, inc.)
July 1, 1998 PC Plus, Inc. (now Herndon, VA Purchase 263,478 shares of Common
named ePlus Stock valued at $3,622,823
Technology, inc.) and $3,622,836 in cash
September 30, 1999 CLG, Inc. (merged into Raleigh, NC Purchase 392,990 shares of Common
ePlus Group, inc. upon Stock valued at $3,900,426,
acquisition) subordinated notes to seller
of $3,064,574 and $29,535,000
in cash.
OUR BUSINESS
We provide Internet-based, business-to-business supply chain management
solutions for information technology and other operating resources. On November
2, 1999, we introduced our remotely-hosted electronic commerce solution,
ePlusSuite, which combines Internet-based tools with dedicated customer service
to provide a comprehensive outsourcing solution for the automated procurement,
management, financing and disposition of operating resources.
The ePlusSuite solution consists of four modules which can be operated
independently or integrated to provide a full suite of services:
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o Procure(+) is an electronic procurement and content management
solution which allows customers to automate their internal workflow
procedures for the procurement of operating resources.
o Manage(+) is an electronic infrastructure management solution which
provides asset management through an asset repository and tracking
database.
o Finance(+) facilitates automated financing solutions for assets
procured through Procure(+) or Manage(+).
o Service(+) provides implementation and customization services,
fulfillment and asset disposition.
We have been in the business of selling, leasing, financing, and managing
information technology and other assets for nearly ten years and currently
derive the majority of our revenues from such activities. We sell, using our
internal sales force and through vendor relationships, primarily to commercial
customers and federal, state and local governments. We also lease and finance
equipment, software, and services directly and through relationships with
vendors, equipment manufacturers, and systems integrators. The introduction of
ePlusSuite reflects our transition to a business-to-business electronic commerce
solutions provider from our historical sales and financing business. Over time,
we plan to use our ePlusSuite platform to facilitate sales and financing
transactions between our customers and third parties rather than originate these
transactions as principal. As a result, we expect our electronic commerce
revenues to substantially increase and represent a greater portion of our total
revenues.
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
Growth of the Internet as a Platform for Efficient Business-to-Business
Electronic Commerce.
The Internet is rapidly becoming the preferred channel for business-to-business
transactions. It has fundamentally changed how companies of all sizes
communicate and share information. In the intensely competitive global business
environment, businesses have increasingly adopted the Internet to streamline
their business processes, lower costs and make their employees more productive.
Traditional Areas of Business Process Automation
Businesses have traditionally attempted to reduce costs through the automation
of internal processes. In particular, these efforts focused on the procurement
of direct goods such as raw materials and unfinished products. Similar efforts
have been made to improve the procurement process for operating resources, which
include information technology and telecommunications equipment, office
equipment and supplies, travel and entertainment, professional services and
other repeat purchase items. The purchase and sale of these goods comprise a
large portion of business-to-business transactions.
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Many organizations conduct procurement and management of operating resources
through costly paper-based processes that require actions by many individuals
both inside and outside the organization. Traditional processes also do not
generally feature automated spending and procurement controls and, as a result,
may fail to direct spending to preferred vendors and may permit spending on
unapproved goods and services.
Many large companies have installed enterprise resource planning ("ERP") and
supply chain automation systems and software to increase their procurement
efficiency for operating resources. These systems are often complex and are
designed to be used by a relatively small number of sophisticated users. They
may not provide the necessary inter-activity with the vendor. In addition, a
variety of point-to-point solutions such as electronic data interchange have
been developed. However, the expense and complexity associated with licensing,
implementing and managing these solutions can make them unsuitable for all but
the largest organizations.
Certain providers of business-to-business electronic commerce solutions have
attempted to link purchasers and vendors of operating resources and services
into trading communities over the Internet. Their solutions are software-based
and enable development of marketplaces to operate among participants with
similar systems and primarily cater to larger firms.
Opportunity for Business-to-Business Electronic Commerce and Supply Chain
Management Solutions
We believe that an opportunity exists to provide Internet-based supply chain
management solutions which are remotely-hosted. Our end-to-end business process
solutions integrate the procurement and management of assets with financing,
fulfillment and other asset services. These solutions streamline processes
within an organization and provide integrated access to third-party content,
commerce and services. Our comprehensive approach also facilitates relationships
with preferred vendors.
Our target customers are primarily middle-market companies, with revenues
between $25 million and $1 billion per year. We believe there are over 60,000
customers in our target market.
Our target customer has one or more of the following business characteristics
that we believe make ePlusSuite a preferred solution:
o seeks a lower cost alternative to enterprise software solutions;
o will benefit from the cost savings and efficiency gains that can be
obtained from an Internet-based procurement solution;
o prefers to retain the flexibility to negotiate prices with designated
vendors or buying exchanges;
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o wants to lower its total cost of ownership of information technology
assets by standardizing configurations and proactively managing its
fixed asset base over the life of the asset; and
o seeks a comprehensive solution for its entire asset management supply
chain.
THE ePlus SOLUTION
We provide an integrated suite of Internet-based business-to-business supply
chain management solutions designed to improve productivity and enhance
operating efficiency on a company-wide basis. Our ePlusSuite currently includes
Internet-based applications for the procurement and management of operating
resources that can be integrated with financing and other asset services. In
addition, our solution uses the Internet as a gateway between employees and
third-party content, commerce and service providers. We believe our solution
makes our customers' companies more efficient, while providing better
information to management.
ePlusSuite allows customers to automate and customize their existing business
rules and procurement processes using an Internet-based workflow tool. We offer
a remotely-hosted solution with a transaction-based fee structure that reduces
up-front costs for customers, facilitates quick adoption, and eliminates the
need for customers to maintain and update software. We believe our solution can
be implemented faster with less customer training than many competing
software-based solutions.
STRATEGY
Our goal is to become a leading provider of Internet-based supply chain
management solutions. The key elements of our strategy include the following:
Convert our existing customer base to become users of ePlusSuite
We have an existing client base of approximately 1,500 customers. We believe our
years of experience in developing supply chain management solutions, including
financing, asset management and information technology sales and service, give
us significant advantages over our competitors. Consequently, we believe we are
well-positioned to offer a comprehensive Internet-based supply chain management
solution tailored to meet our customers' specific needs.
Since the introduction of ePlusSuite on November 2, 1999, we have implemented or
are in the process of implementing, as of June 17, 2000, the ePlusSuite solution
with 55 customers.
Expand our sales force and marketing activities
We currently have approximately 92 people in our sales function in 11 offices,
and we plan to substantially increase the number of salespersons and locations
in the next 12 months. We intend to expand our presence in locations that have a
high concentration of fast-growing middle market companies. In addition, we plan
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to add sales staff to some of our existing offices. We will seek to hire
experienced personnel with established customer relationships and with
backgrounds in hardware and software sales, telecommunications sales, and supply
chain management. We also plan to increase market awareness of ePlusSuite
through advertising and public relations campaigns. We may also selectively
acquire companies that have attractive customer relationships, skilled sales
forces or have technology or services that may enhance our ePlusSuite offerings.
Expand the functionality of our Internet-based solutions
We intend to continue to modify ePlusSuite to expand its functionality to serve
customer needs. In addition, we intend to use the flexibility of our platform to
offer additional products and services through ePlusSuite. As part of this
strategy, we may also acquire technology companies to expand and enhance the
platform of ePlusSuite to provide additional functionality and value added
services.
Expand our strategic relationships to market and enhance ePlusSuite
We intend to expand and develop strategic relationships to accelerate market
acceptance of our electronic commerce business solutions. We believe these
strategic relationships will allow us to access a wider customer base and expand
the functionality of ePlusSuite. We recently entered into joint marketing
arrangements with PSINet, Inc. and with finance subsidiaries of Chase Manhattan,
Inc. and Wachovia Corporation, that enable us to market ePlusSuite to their
customers. We believe these marketing relationships can be a potential
substantial source of growth.
Increase our role as intermediary in sales and financing transactions
Over time, we plan to use our ePlusSuite platform to facilitate sales and
financing transactions between our customers and third parties, rather than
originate these transactions as principal. We currently buy and sell information
technology assets and provide financing directly to our customers. We believe we
can leverage our financing expertise and relationships to arrange programs with
specific institutions to provide financing directly to our electronic commerce
customers.
DESCRIPTION OF ePlusSuite
ePlusSuite consists of four services, Procure(+), Manage(+), Finance(+) and
Service(+). These components are fully integrated in that each component links
with and shares information with the other components. Procure(+) and Manage(+)
are remotely-hosted electronic commerce solutions, and Finance(+) and Service(+)
are services provided by us.
Procure(+). Procure(+) offers Internet-based procurement capabilities that
enable companies to reduce their purchasing costs while increasing their overall
supply chain efficiency. Cost reductions are achieved through user-friendly
application functionality designed to reduce off-contract, or unauthorized
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purchases, automate unnecessary manual processes, improve leverage with
suppliers and provide links to a sophisticated asset information repository,
Manage(+). Procure(+) is a remotely-hosted solution. Its core technology is
based on Microsoft active server pages and Microsoft Sequel Server. Active
server pages (ASP) and common object method software technology permits
scalability, flexibility and open architecture standards.
Procure(+) provides the following features and functions for the customer:
o Electronic Catalogs--combines multiple vendor catalogs including item
pricing and availability information which can be updated as required.
Catalog content can be viewed in customized formats and can include detailed
product information.
o Workflow and Business Rules--graphically displays complex business rules to
build the internal workflow process to mirror the customer's organization.
Multiple business rules can be used, and changes can be made by the customer
or ePlus. Approval thresholds and routing rules can be set by dollar amount,
quantity, asset type or other criteria. No coding or expensive programming
is required at the customer level.
o Order Tracking--provides detailed information online about every order,
including date and time stamps from requestors, approvers, purchasers,
vendors and shippers enabling customers to track orders and to create
detailed order audit trails.
o Order Information--contains multiple data fields which can be easily
customized to provide complete information to the customer, such as
accounting codes, budget costs, cost center information, notes, and shipping
and billing information.
The key benefits of Procure(+) include:
o easy to use, Internet-based interface that requires no software to be
installed at a customer's location and limited training;
o easy implementation without the assistance of consultants, and at the
present time, no upfront license fees, ongoing maintenance or upgrade
costs;
o integration of multiple vendor catalogs and advanced search, filtering
and viewing capabilities that allow the customer to control views by
user groups;
o an easily configured workflow module that automates and controls each
customer's existing business processes for requisition or order
routing, approval and preparation;
o order status reporting throughout the requisition process as well as
real-time connections to suppliers for pricing and availability and
other critical information; and
o controls unauthorized purchasing and enables usage of preferred
vendors for volume discounts.
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Manage(+). Manage(+) offers Internet-based asset management capabilities that
are designed to provide customers with comprehensive asset information to enable
them to proactively manage their fixed assets and lower the total cost of
ownership of the assets. Assets procured using Procure(+) or from other sources
populate the Manage(+) database to provide a seamless link. Manage(+) is a
remotely-hosted solution. Its core technology is based on Sybase's Enterprise
Application Server and CORBA (common object request broker architecture) and
JAVA script.
Manage(+) provides the following information to the customer:
o Asset Information--contains descriptive information on each asset
including serial number, tracking number, purchase order number,
manufacturer number, model number, vendor, category, billing code,
order date, shipping date, delivery date, install date, equipment
status and, if applicable, lease number, lease schedule, lease start
date, lease end date, lease term, remaining term and information on
any options ordered with the equipment.
o Location Information--provides asset location information including an
address, building or room number, or other information required by the
customer.
o Cost Center Information--supports invoicing assets to cost center or
budget categories.
o Maintenance Information--maintains a history of the asset. As
maintenance and warranty repairs are made, information may be updated.
The information includes the date, a description of the service
performed and the cost.
o Invoice Information--maintains information from the original invoice
on the asset for warranty and tracking purposes.
o Financial Information--tracks all financial information on the asset,
including purchase price or lease cost, software licensing costs and
warranty and maintenance information.
o Customized Information--user specific information can also be
maintained.
The key benefits of Manage(+) include:
o an easy to use Internet-based interface that requires no software to
be installed at a customer's location and limited training;
o easy implementation without the assistance of consultants and entails
no upfront license fee or ongoing maintenance or upgrade costs;
o providing the information necessary to proactively manage the fixed
asset base, including property and sales tax calculations, upgrade and
replacement planning, technological obsolescence and total cost of
ownership calculations;
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o automating invoice reconciliation to reduce errors and track vendor
performance, including evaluating scheduled delivery versus actual
delivery performance;
o management of warranty and maintenance information to reduce redundant
maintenance fees and charges on equipment no longer in use;
o tracking of all pertinent financial, contractual, location, cost
center, configuration, upgrade and usage information for each asset
enabling customers to calculate the return of their investment by
model, vendor, department or other factors; and
o reducing overruns and assists with application rollouts and the annual
budgeting process.
Finance(+). Finance(+) is a service that facilitates the financing of purchases
on terms previously negotiated by a customer with a financing provider while
automating the accumulation of data to assist in the financing process.
Finance(+) allows customers to order equipment when desired and aggregate a
substantial number of orders onto one or more financing transactions at the end
of a pre-determined order period (usually one to three months). Transactions can
then be invoiced by location, division, or business unit if so desired by the
customer. Finance(+) can help a customer simplify the process, lower costs and
increase productivity.
We can assist customers in structuring loans, leases, sales/leasebacks,
tax-exempt financing, vendor programs, private label programs, off-balance sheet
leases and federal government financing in order to meet their requirements.
Service(+) is our technology business unit which provides implementation and
customization services for the rapid implementation of ePlusSuite, as well as
fulfillment and asset disposition services. Service(+) allows customers to
obtain high-quality services which can be seamlessly linked with other
components of our ePlusSuite solution. Assets which are procured through
Procure(+) can be configured, imaged, staged, and installed by us on the
customer site. Our services also assist our customers in managing their existing
information technology asset base, including maintenance, engineering , and
other technology services.
IMPLEMENTATION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
We use a project management approach to the implementation of ePlusSuite with
each new ePlusSuite customer. Our team consists of ePlusSuite implementation
specialists who are responsible for the customer evaluation and implementation
of the solution, customer relationship managers who lead the customer's
long-term support team, and the appropriate Service(+) staff members to provide
technology services, if required, to the customer.
Our implementation of ePlusSuite is a multi-step process that requires, on
average, approximately four weeks and involves the following steps:
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o We conduct an extensive operational audit to understand the customer's
business processes across multiple departments, existing ERP and
outsourced applications, future plans, procurement approval processes
and business rules and internal control structure.
o We design a customized procurement, management and service program to
fit the customer's organizational needs.
o We implement an Internet-based supply chain management system which
can include: customer workflow processes and business rules using our
graphical route-builder, custom catalogs linking to chosen vendors,
including ePlus, custom reporting and querying, and data capture
parameters for the Manage(+) asset repository.
o We beta test the site and train the customer's personnel.
We provide ePlusSuite as a service solution to our customers, and the ongoing
support of the customer and our commitment to the highest possible customer
satisfaction is fundamental to our strategy. We use a team approach to providing
customer care and assign each customer to a specific team so that they are able
to continue to interact with the same ePlus personnel who have experience and
expertise with the customer's specific business processes and requirements.
TECHNOLOGY
General. Our Procure(+) and Manage(+) applications are fully standards-based,
designed for the Internet and built upon an underlying architecture that is
based on the Microsoft and Sybase distributed Internet application frameworks.
These frameworks provide access security, load balancing, resource pooling,
message queuing, distributed transaction processing and reusable components and
services. We may use XML software to enhance the business-to-business transfer
of data and documents between multiple systems. Our development strategy relies
on object-oriented programming and stresses modularity, inheritance and reuse
when feasible.
Our applications are designed to be scalable, due to our multi-tiered
architecture employing thin client, multi-threaded application servers and
relational databases. We use standard software programming languages, packages
and protocols, including Visual Basic, PowerBuilder, PowerDynamo, JavaScript,
ASP, C++, HTTP, DCOM, CORBA, Native and OBDC Data constructs. Our applications
are provided to our customers over any standard Internet browser without the
need to download applets or executables.
We use a component-based application infrastructure composed of
readily-configurable business rules, a workflow engine, advanced data management
capabilities and an electronic cataloging system. Each of these core elements
plays a crucial role in deploying enterprise-wide solutions that can capture a
customer's unique policies and processes and manage key business functions.
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Business Rules. Our business rules engine allows Procure(+) to be configured so
that our customers can effectively enforce their requisition approval policies
while providing flexibility so that the business rules can be edited and
modified as our customers' policies change. Users of the system are presented
with appropriate guidance to facilitate adherence to corporate policies. The
business rules dramatically reduce reworking of procedures, track and resolve
policy exceptions online and eliminate re-keying of data into back-end systems.
The business rules permit management by exception, in which items requiring
managerial attention are automatically routed.
Workflow Engine. Our workflow engine allows information to flow through the
customer organization in a timely, secure and efficient manner. For example, in
addition to incorporating policy-based business rules, it incorporates
time-based standards to reroute purchase requisitions if the original recipient
does not respond within the allocated performance time frame. Our application
also provides e-mail notification to users of the status of a procedure or of
events requiring attention, alteration and action, such as notifying the creator
of a purchase requisition of its location in the purchasing cycle or notifying a
manager of a requisition requiring attention.
Content Management. Our electronic catalog allows multiple vendor information to
be linked to customized customer catalogs. Information can be updated when
required by the customer. Our electronic cataloging system accepts XML, EDI and
other industry data standards for information transfer.
Asset Management. Manage(+) is based upon an RDBMS (relational database
management system) that is designed to be scalable and can be easily customized
to provide customer-specific fields and data elements. New functionality can
also be assigned to existing controls, or new controls, with little application
modification and minimal programming.
ePlusSuite can integrate with external systems such as ERP systems, financial
management systems, human resource systems (for user information and
organizational structure) and project accounting systems. These interfaces allow
for the exhange of data between ePlusSuite and other enterprise systems. These
integration processes can be scheduled according to the needs of our customer's
information services and finance departments.
Data Accuracy. Data input from internal departments is quality controlled within
the entering department before it is released for use to other functions.
Customer input is also quality controlled before it is released for use to other
functions.
System Security. Our design allows for multiple layers of security through the
use of defined users and roles, secured logins, digital certificates and
encryption. We currently use security
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software to protect our internal network systems from unauthorized access. Our
firewall is a comprehensive, security suite providing access control,
authentication, network address translation, auditing and state table
synchronization.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
To date, the majority of our software development has been outsourced to
third-party software companies. We have obtained perpetual license rights and
source code from these third-party software companies. Subject to certain
exceptions, we generally retain the source code and intellectual property rights
of the customized software. To accelerate the development of our ePlusSuite, we
have built an internal software development team and are expanding upon it as
dictated by business needs.
To successfully implement our business strategy, we have to provide hosted
software functionality and related services that meet the demands of our
customers and prospective customers. We expect that competitive factors will
create a continuing need for us to improve and add to our ePlusSuite. The
addition of new products and services will also require that we continue to
improve the technology underlying our applications. We intend to maintain our
competitive advantage by investing significantly greater resources in our
internal development efforts, including adding a significant number of in-house
software engineers, and executives. In addition, to complement our in-house
development efforts, we expect significant future expenditures on software
licenses and third-party software development and consulting costs.
SALES AND MARKETING
We focus our marketing efforts on achieving brand recognition, market awareness,
lead generation, and converting our existing customer base to our ePlusSuite
solution. The target market for our ePlusSuite is primarily middle market
companies with revenues between $25 million and $1 billion. We believe there are
over 60,000 customers in our target market. Our sales representatives are paid
on commission, with specific incentives for generating new ePlusSuite customers
and revenues.
We typically market to the senior financial officer or the senior information
officer in an organization. To date, the majority of our customers have been
generated from direct sales. As part of our strategy to grow our electronic
commerce business, we intend to hire additional sales personnel and open new
sales locations. In the future, we plan to conduct public relations campaigns to
create brand and market awareness of product benefits, developments and major
initiatives. We anticipate that these will include advertising in business and
financial publications, Internet advertising, trade shows, seminars, and direct
mail. We also intend to develop strategic relationships to expand market
acceptance of our electronic commerce business solutions. We recently entered
into joint marketing arrangements with PSINet, Inc. and with the finance
subsidiaries of Chase Manhattan, Inc. and Wachovia Corporation. We believe these
strategic relationships can be a potential substantial source of growth.
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Our sales force is organized under three regional directors located in our
headquarters in Herndon, Virginia and our Pottstown, Pennsylvania and Raleigh,
North Carolina regional operating centers. We have sales locations in: Herndon,
Virginia; Dallas, Texas; San Diego and Sacramento, California; Golden, Colorado;
Greenville, Wilmington, Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina; and Pottstown and
West Chester, Pennsylvania. As of June 17, 2000 our sales organization included
92 total direct sales and sales support personnel.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Our success depends in part upon proprietary business methodologies, and
technologies which we have licensed and modified. We have entered into software
licensing agreements in connection with the development of ePlusSuite. These
agreements grant us a perpetual license to the source code or gives us the right
to obtain such a license upon payment of an additional fee. Each of these
licenses is nonexclusive. The agreements permit us to modify the software source
code in conjunction with normal use or upon payment of an additional fee.
Generally, the agreements provide that any software developed to interface with
licensed software is our property if such work is based on our proprietary
information. The licensing agreements provide the payment of initial and on
going fees. In addition, certain of our licensing agreements provide for
additional fees based on transaction volume. If we commit a material breach of
any one of the agreements, it may be terminated. These agreements do not provide
any indemnification for intellectual property infringement. We rely on a
combination of copyright, service mark and trade secret protection,
confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements and licensing arrangements to
establish and protect intellectual property rights. We seek to protect our
software, documentation and other written materials under trade secret and
copyright laws, which afford only limited protection.
We currently have no patents, although we have filed applications in the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office to register the service marks ePlus, ePlusSuite,
Procure(+), Manage(+), Finance(+), Service(+), EPLUS LEASING, EPLUS ONLINE and
EPLUS ADVANTAGE. The applications for EPLUS LEASING, EPLUS ONLINE and EPLUS
ADVANTAGE are currently based on intent-to-use. The grant of registrations for
these intent-to-use marks is conditioned upon each mark being used in commerce,
assuming the mark is found to be allowable. We also may file provisional patent
applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office relating to various
features and processes embodied in our applications. A provisional patent
application is a type of application under which a patent will not be issued,
but which provides a priority date for a regular patent application that is
filed within a one year period following the filing of the provisional patent
application. We cannot assure you that any regular patents will be filed based
on our provisional applications, or that any patents will issue on our pending
provisional applications from any such regular applications. Further, we cannot
provide any assurance that any patents, if issued, will prevent the development
of competitive products or that our patents will not be successfully challenged
by others or invalidated through administrative process or litigation.
15
Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may
attempt to copy aspects of our products or to obtain and use information that we
regard as proprietary. Policing unauthorized use of our products is difficult,
and while we are unable to determine the extent to which piracy of our software
products exists, software piracy can be expected to be a persistent problem. Our
means of protecting our proprietary rights may not be adequate and our
competitors may independently develop similar technology, duplicate our products
or design around our proprietary intellectual property.
FINANCING AND SALES ACTIVITIES
We have been in the business of selling, leasing, financing, and managing
information technology and other assets for nearly ten years and currently
derive the majority of our revenues from such activities. Over time, we plan to
use our ePlusSuite platform to facilitate sales and financing transactions
between our customers and third parties rather than originate these transactions
as principal. We believe we can develop formal contractual arrangements with our
current as well as new financing sources to provide equipment financing and
leasing for our ePlusSuite customers.
Leasing and Financing. Our leasing and financing transactions generally fall
into two categories, direct financing, and operating leases. Direct financing
transfer substantially all of the benefits and risks of equipment ownership to
the customer. Operating leases consist of all other leases that do not meet the
criteria to be direct financing or sales-type leases. Our lease transactions
include true leases and installment sales or conditional sales contracts with
corporations, not-for-profit entities and municipal and federal government
contracts. Substantially all of our lease transactions are net leases with a
specified non-cancelable lease term. These non-cancelable leases have a
provision which requires the lessee to make all lease payments regardless of any
lessee dissatisfaction with its equipment. A net lease requires the lessee to
make the full lease payment and pay any other expenses associated with the use
of equipment, such as maintenance, casualty and liability insurance, sales or
use taxes and personal property taxes.
In anticipation of the expiration of the initial term of a lease, we initiate
the remarketing process for the related equipment. Our goal is to maximize
revenues on the remarketing effort by either: (1) releasing or selling the
equipment to the initial lessee; (2) renting the equipment to the initial lessee
on a month-to-month basis; (3) selling or leasing the equipment to a different
customer; or (4) selling the equipment to equipment brokers or dealers. The
remarketing process is intended to enable us to recover or exceed the residual
value of the leased equipment. Any amounts received over the estimated residual
value less any commission expenses becomes profit margin to us and can
significantly impact the degree of profitability of a lease transaction.
We aggressively manage the remarketing process of our leases to maximize the
residual values of our leased equipment portfolio. To date, we have realized a
premium over our original booked residual assumption. The majority of these
gains are attributable to early termination fees as a direct result of our
remarketing strategy.
16
Sales. We have been providing technology sales and services since 1997. We are
an authorized reseller or have the right to resell products and services from
over 150 manufacturers, distributors, resellers, content management solution
providers and sourcing organizations. Our largest vendor relationships include
Ingram Micro, Inc., Dell Computer Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, and Sun
Microsystems, Inc. We expect the number of vendor relationships to grow
significantly as we expand Procure(+) beyond its traditional information
technology and telecommunications products. Our flexible platform and
customizable catalogs facilitate the addition of new vendors with little
incremental effort. Our value added reseller product transactions have varying
sales on account terms from net 45 days to collect on delivery, depending on the
customer's credit and payment term requirements.
Financing and Bank Relationships. We have a number of bank and finance company
relationships which we use to provide working capital for all of our businesses
and long term financing for our lease financing businesses. Our finance
department is responsible for maintaining and developing relationships with a
diversified pool of regional commercial banks, money-center banks, finance
companies, insurance companies and financial intermediaries with varying terms
and conditions. See "Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations, Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources."
Risk Management and Process Controls. It is our goal to minimize our on-balance
sheet financial asset risk. To accomplish this goal we use and maintain
conservative underwriting policies and disciplined credit approval processes. We
also have strong internal control processes, including contract origination and
management, cash management, servicing, collections, remarketing and accounting.
Whenever possible, we use non-recourse financing for which we try to obtain
lender commitments before asset origination. We have over 35 non-recourse
financing sources that we use regularly, including GE Capital Corporation, Key
Corporate Capital, Inc., Fleet Business Credit Corporation, Citizens Banking
Corporation and BancOne Leasing Corporation.
Whenever possible and desirable we sell assets, including the residual portion
of leases, to third-parties rather than maintaining them on our balance sheet.
We try to obtain commitments for these asset sales before asset origination in a
financing transaction. We have sold assets to GE Capital Corporation, Firstar
Equipment Finance Company, Fleet Business Credit Corporation, and John Hancock
Leasing Corp., among others. We also use agency purchase orders to procure
equipment as an agent, not a principal, and otherwise take measures to minimize
our inventory. Additionally, we use match funding to reduce interest rate risk
and issue proposals that adjust for material adverse interest rate movements as
well as material adverse changes to the financial condition of the customer.
We have an executive management review process and other internal controls in
place to protect against entering into lease transactions that may have
undesirable financial terms or unacceptable levels of risk. Our leases and sales
contracts are reviewed by senior management for pricing, structure,
documentation and credit quality. Due in part to our strategy of focusing on a
few equipment categories, we have extensive product knowledge, historical
re-marketing information and experience on the products we lease, sell and
service. We rely on our experience in setting and adjusting our sale prices,
lease rate factors and the residual values.
17
Default and Loss Experience. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 we
reserved for $732,839 in credit losses and incurred actual credit losses of
$529,031. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, we reserved for $810,565
in credit losses and incurred actual credit losses of $12,452. Until the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1998, when we incurred a $17,350 credit loss, we had not
taken any write-offs due to credit losses with respect to lease transactions
since our inception.
During the quarter ended December 31, 1999, a customer of CLG, Inc., which we
recently acquired, filed for voluntary bankruptcy protection. During our due
diligence process prior to the acquisition, we had identified the customer,
Tultex, as well as several other potential problem credits, and we required
Centura Bank, the seller of CLG, Inc., to provide financing on a non-recourse
basis for a portfolio of identified bad credit customers. The interest costs and
principal for this non-recourse debt is paid solely from amounts collected from
customers, and the only costs to us are the costs of collection and managing the
accounts. Therefore, should these accounts need to be written-off, there would
be a corresponding write-off of the underlying non-recourse debt and there would
be no loss of income to us. The book value of Tultex is less than $52,000, and
the total non-recourse debt associated with these identified potential bad
credits is approximately $1,608,000.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, two customers filed for voluntary
bankruptcy protection. The largest was Allegheny Health, Education & Research
Foundation, or AHERF, which was a Pittsburgh based not-for-profit hospital
entity. As of March 31, 2000, our net book value of leases to AHERF was
approximately $415,000 and receivable balance was approximately $478,000. We
will probably sustain a loss, and have accordingly provided for such loss in the
statement of earnings for the year ended March 31, 1999. The undetermined status
of our claims in the bankruptcy court and amount and timing of such loss cannot
be accurately estimated at this time due to the size and nature of this
bankruptcy. During the quarter ended December 31, 1998, PHP Healthcare, Inc. a
lessee of ours, was placed in receivership by the New Jersey Insurance
Commission which led to them filing for voluntary bankruptcy protection. As of
March 31, 2000, we have a net book value of assets totaling approximately
$421,000 at risk with this lessee. We believe that as of March 31, 2000, our
reserves are adequate to provide for the potential losses resulting from these
customers.
COMPETITION
The market for our electronic commerce products is intensely competitive,
subject to rapid change and significantly affected by new product introductions
and other market activities of industry participants. Our primary source of
direct competition comes from independent software vendors of procurement
applications. We also face indirect competition from potential customers'
internal development efforts and have to overcome potential customers'
reluctance to move away from existing legacy systems and processes.
Our current and potential competitors in the electronic commerce market include,
among others, Ariba, Inc., Commerce One, Inc., Comdisco, Inc., Clarus
18
Corporation, Concur Technologies, Inc., Connect, Inc., Harbinger Corporation, i2
Technologies, International Business Machines Corporation, Intellisys Group,
Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Netscape Communications Corporation, Oracle
Corporation, PeopleSoft, Inc. and SAP Corporation Systems. In addition, there
are a number of companies developing and marketing business-to-business
electronic commerce solutions targeted at specific vertical markets. Some of
these competitors offer Internet-based solutions that are designed to enable an
enterprise to buy more effectively from its suppliers. Other competitors are
also attempting to migrate their technologies to an Internet-enabled platform.
Some of these competitors and potential competitors include ERP vendors, that
are expected to sell their procurement products along with their application
suites. These ERP vendors have a significant installed customer base and have
the opportunity to offer additional products to those customers as additional
components of their respective application suites.
We believe that the principal competitive factors for business-to-business
electronic commerce solutions are scalability, functionality, ease-of-use,
ease-of-implementation, ability to integrate with existing legacy systems,
experience in business-to-business supply chain management and knowledge of a
business' asset management needs. We believe we compete favorably with our
competitors in these areas.
In addition, we expect to continue to compete in the information technology and
telecommunications equipment leasing and financing market. We compete directly
with various leasing companies such as Comdisco, Inc. and GE Capital Corporation
as well as captive finance companies such as IBM Credit Corporation. Many of
these competitors are well established, have substantially greater financial,
marketing, technical and sales support than we do and have established
reputations for success in the purchase, sale and lease of computer-related
products. In addition, many computer manufacturers may sell or lease directly to
our customers, and our continued ability to compete effectively may be affected
by the policies of such manufacturers.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 31, 2000 we employed 365 full-time and part-time employees who
operated through 11 locations, including our principal executive offices and
regional sales offices. No employees are represented by a labor union and we
believe our relationships with our employees are good. The functional areas of
our employees are as follows:
Number of Employees
------------------------
Sales and Marketing 92
Technical Support 136
Contractual 43
Accounting and Finance 41
Administrative 43
Executive 10
19
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company has eleven offices and one remote warehouse site with approximately
66,605 square feet under lease at a monthly rental of $82,828. We do not own any
real estate.
Approximate
Number of Square
Location Company Employees Footage Function
- --------------------- ----------------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Herndon, VA ePlus Group 110 11,453 Corporate
headquarters
and sales
Sacramento, CA ePlus Group 2 954 Sales
San Diego, CA ePlus Group 4 800 Sales
Golden, CO ePlus Group 1 150 Sales
Raleigh, NC ePlus Group 22 8,000 Sales
West Chester, PA ePlus Group 3 635 Sales
Dallas, TX ePlus Group 1 943 Sales
Charlotte, NC ePlus Group 1 1,230 Sales
Wilmington, NC ePlus 41 4,460 Subsidiary
Technology of headquarters,
NC, inc. sales office
and warehouse
Greenville, NC ePlus 22 6,119 Sales office
Technology of and warehouse
NC, inc.
Pottstown, PA ePlus 70 17,000 Subsidiary
Technology of headquarters,
PA, inc. sales office
and warehouse
Herndon, VA ePlus 75 13,245 Subsidiary ,
Technology, inc. headquarters
annex location
and warehouse
Herndon, VA ePlus 2 1,616 Storage
Technology, inc. warehouse
Lenexa, Kansas ePlus 11 None Provided site
Technology, inc. by customerfor
technical
personnel
20
ePlus inc., ePlus Group, inc. and ePlus Technology, inc. share space in the same
building. All the above locations are leased facilities. The two largest
locations are Herndon, VA and Pottstown, PA which have lease expiration dates of
March 31, 2001 and June 30, 2005 respectively.
The Company also has an arrangement with an independent contractor who works
primarily for the Company from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not aware of any pending or threatened legal proceedings that
would have a material adverse effect upon the Company's business, financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
21
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCK-HOLDER MATTERS
MARKET INFORMATION
The Company's Common Stock has traded on the Nasdaq National Market since
November 20, 1996 under the symbol "MLCH." Since November 1, 1999, the Company's
Common Stock has traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "PLUS."
The following table sets forth the range of high and low sale prices for the
Common Stock for the period April 1, 1998 through March 31, 2000, by quarter.
Quarter Ended High Low
June 30, 1998 $15.75 $12.75
September 30, 1998 $14.50 $ 7.25
December 31, 1998 $10.25 $ 6.23
March 31, 1999 $ 9.25 $ 8.25
June 30, 1999 $ 9.50 $ 7.50
September 30, 1999 $11.25 $ 7.00
December 31, 1999 $46.00 $ 8.75
March 31, 2000 $74.63 $27.13
On June 19, 2000 the closing price of the Common Stock was $24.84 per share. On
June 19, 2000, there were 155 shareholders of record of our common stock. We
believe there are over 400 beneficial holders of the Company's common stock.
DIVIDENDS
The Company has never paid a cash dividend to stockholders. We have retained our
earnings for use in the business. There is also a contractual restriction in our
ability to be able to pay dividends. Our First Union Facility restricts
dividends to 50% of net income accumulated after September 30, 1998. Therefore,
the payment of cash dividends on the Common Stock is unlikely in the foreseeable
future. Any future determination concerning the payment of dividends will depend
upon the elimination of this restriction and the absence of similar restrictions
in other agreements, our financial condition, results of operations and any
other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
On September 30, 1999, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of CLG,
Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Centura Bank. Total consideration for the
acquisition was $36.5 million, including $29.5 million in cash, a subordinated
note in the amount of $3.1 million and 392,990 shares of the Company's Common
Stock.
22
On April 11, 2000, the Company issued to TC Plus, LLC 709,956 shares of Common
Stock upon the cashless exercise by TC Plus, LLC of a stock purchase warrant for
1,090,909 shares, with an exercise price of $11.00 per share. The cashless
exercise was made based on the closing price of the Company's Common Stock on
April 11, 2000.
The issuances of securities described above were made in reliance on exemptions
from registration provided by Section 4(2) or Regulation D of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, as issuances by the issuer not involving a public offering.
The entities receiving securities from us in the transactions described above
represented their intention to acquire the securities for investment only and
not with a view to or for distribution in connection with such transactions and
appropriate legends were affixed to the share certificates issued in such
transactions. All recipients had adequate access to information about the
Company, through their relationships with the Company or through information
about the Company made available to them.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and
related Notes thereto and the information included under "Item 7, Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations, Financial Condition, Liquidity
and Capital Resources - As of and For the Years Ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and
2000" and "Item 1, Business."
23
ePLUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended March 31,
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Revenue:
Sales of equipment $ 47,591 $ 52,167 $ 47,419 $ 83,516 166,252
Sales of leased equipment 16,318 21,634 50,362 84,379 57,360
Lease revenues 5,928 9,909 14,882 20,611 31,374
Fee and other income 1,877 2,503 5,779 5,464 8,371
ePlus Suite revenues - - - - 1,376
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total revenues 71,714 86,213 118,442 193,970 264,733
------ ------ ------- ------- -------
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of sales of equipment 38,782 42,180 37,423 71,367 147,209
Cost of sales of leased equipment 15,522 21,667 49,669 83,269 55,454
Direct lease costs 2,697 4,761 5,409 6,184 8,025
Professional and other costs 709 577 1,073 1,222 2,126
Salaries and benefits 6,682 8,241 10,357 11,880 19,189
General and administrative expenses 2,040 2,286 3,694 5,152 7,090
Interest and financing costs 1,702 1,649 1,837 3,601 11,390
Nonrecurring acquisition costs - - 250 - -
------ ------ ------- ------- -------
Total costs and expenses 68,134 81,361 109,712 182,675 250,483
------ ------ ------- ------- -------
Earnings before provision for income taxes
and extraordinary item 3,580 4,852 8,730 11,295 14,250
Provision for income taxes 881 1,360 2,691 4,579 5,875
--- ----- ----- ----- -----
Net earnings before extrardinary item 2,699 3,492 6,039 6,716 8,375
Extraordinary gain (1) 117 - - - -
---
Net earnings $ 2,816 $ 3,492 $ 6,039 $ 6,716 $ 8,375
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Net earnings per common share, before
extraordinary item 0.59 0.67 1.00 0.99 1.09
Extraordinary gain per common share 0.03 - - - -
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net earnings per common share - Basic $ 0.62 $ 0.67 $ 1.00 $ 0.99 $ 1.09
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Pro forma net earnings (2) $ 2,389 $ 3,133 $ 5,426 $ 6,716 $ 8,375
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Pro forma net earnings per common share - Basic $ 0.52 $ 0.60 $ 0.90 $ 0.99 $ 1.09
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic 4,572,635 5,184,261 6,031,088 6,769,732 7,698,287
(1) The extraordinary gain in fiscal 1996 was the result of an insurance
settlement for a fire at a subsidiary of the Company.
(2) Pro forma net earnings as if companies which were subchapter S corporations
prior to their business combination with the Company, which were accounted
for under the pooling of interests method, had been subject to federal
income tax throughout the periods presented.
24
ePLUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
As of March 31,
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
BALANCE SHEETS
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 651 $ 6,654 $ 18,684 $ 7,892 $ 21,910
Accounts receivable 4,526 8,846 16,383 44,090 60,167
Notes receivable 92 2,154 3,802 547 1,195
Inventories 965 1,278 1,214 658 2,445
Investment in direct financing and sales
type leases, net 16,273 17,473 32,496 83,371 221,885
Investment in operating lease equipment, net 10,220 11,065 7,296 3,530 10,114
Other assets 1,935 741 2,137 12,357 24,628
All other assets 522 813 1,184 1,914 2,991
--- --- ----- ----- -----
Total assets $ 35,184 $ 49,024 $ 83,196 $ 154,359 $ 345,335
======== ======== ======== ========= =========
Liabilities:
Accounts payable - equipment $ 4,973 $ 4,946 $ 21,284 $ 18,049 $ 22,976
Accounts payable - trade 2,215 3,007 6,865 12,518 29,452
Salaries and commissions payable 153 672 390 536 957
Recourse notes payable 2,106 439 13,037 19,081 39,017
Nonrecourse notes payable 18,352 19,705 13,028 52,429 182,845
All other liabilities 2,153 3,778 5,048 7,932 12,967
----- ----- ----- ----- ------
Total liabilities 29,952 32,547 59,652 110,545 288,214
Stockholders' equity 5,232 16,477 23,544 43,814 57,121
----- ------ ------ ------ ------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 35,184 $ 49,024 $ 83,196 $ 154,359 $ 345,335
======== ======== ======== ========= =========
25
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, FINANCIAL
CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES - AS OF AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH
31, 1998, 1999 AND 2000
The following discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial
condition of the Company should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements and the related Notes included elsewhere in this report.
Certain statements contained herein are not based on historical fact, but are
forward-looking statements that are based upon numerous assumptions about future
conditions that may not occur. Actual events, transactions and results may
materially differ from the anticipated events, transactions, or results
described in such statements. Our ability to consummate such transactions and
achieve such events or results is subject to certain risks and uncertainties.
Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the existence of
demand for and acceptance of the Company's services, economic conditions, the
impact of competition and pricing, results of financing efforts and other
factors affecting the Company's business that are beyond our control. The
Company undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update, revise or
otherwise publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking
statements that may be made to reflect future events or circumstances.
Our results of operations are susceptible to fluctuations for a number of
reasons, including, without limitation, customer demand for our products and
services, supplier costs, interest rate fluctuations and differences between
estimated residual values and actual amounts realized related to the equipment
we lease. Operating results could also fluctuate as a result of the sale of
equipment in our lease portfolio prior to the expiration of the lease term to
the lessee or to a third party. Such sales of leased equipment prior to the
expiration of the lease term may have the effect of increasing revenues and net
earnings during the period in which the sale occurs, and reducing revenues and
net earnings otherwise expected in subsequent periods.
In November 1999, we introduced ePlusSuite, a comprehensive business-to-business
electronic commerce supply chain management solution for information technology
and other operating resources. We currently derive the majority of our revenue
from sales and financing of information technology and other assets. The
introduction of ePlusSuite reflects our transition to a business-to-business
electronic commerce solutions provider from our historical sales and financing
business. Our strategy is to reduce or eliminate our balance sheet risk over
time by outsourcing lease and other financing to third-party financial
institutions, while charging a transaction fee and arranging the sales of
information technology and other assets for a transaction fee, rather than
purchasing and reselling such assets ourselves.
We expect our electronic commerce revenues to be derived primarily from (1)
amounts charged to customers with respect to procurement activity executed
through Procure(+), (2) fees from third-party financing sources that provide
leasing and other financing for transactions that we arrange through Procure(+)
26
on behalf of our customers, (3) fees from third-party vendors for sales in
transactions that we arrange through Procure(+) on behalf of our customers and
(4) amounts charged to customers for the Manage(+) service. We expect to
generate increased revenues from our electronic commerce business unit, while
revenues from our leasing and sales business may decrease over time. Because
revenues for the sale of leased and other equipment include the full purchase
price of the item sold, total revenues may decline to the extent leasing and
sales revenues begin to represent a smaller portion of our total revenues.
However, in the near term, as we seek to implement our electronic commerce
business strategy, we will continue to derive most of our revenues from our
traditional businesses.
We expect to incur substantial increases in the near term in our sales and
marketing, research and development, and general and administrative expenses. In
particular, we expect to significantly expand the marketing of our electronic
commerce business solution and increase spending on advertising and marketing.
To implement this strategy, we plan to hire additional sales personnel, open new
sales locations and hire additional staff for advertising, marketing and public
relations. We also plan to hire additional technical personnel and third parties
to assist in the implementation and upgrade of ePlusSuite and to develop
complementary electronic commerce business solutions. As a result of these
increases in expenses, we expect to incur significant losses in our ePlusSuite
business which may, in the near term, have a material adverse effect on
operating results for the company as a whole.
To the extent the Company successfully implements this strategy, it expects the
business to become less capital intensive over time. As a result, management
expects total assets and total liabilities will decrease. The Company expects to
significantly reduce its receivables and lease assets along with the associated
liabilities including debt and equipment payables.
The Company has added new classifications to its financial statement
presentation in order to reflect the changes in its business. A line item,
ePlusSuite revenues, has been added to the statement of earnings which includes
the revenues associated with the e-commerce business unit. A new business
segment, e-commerce, has been added for segment reporting purposes to present
separately e-commerce business unit revenues.
As a result of the foregoing, the Company's historical results of operations and
financial position may not be indicative of its future performance over time.
However, the Company's results of operations and financial position will
continue to primarily reflect its traditional sales and financing businesses for
at least the next twelve months.
SELECTED ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Amounts charged for the e-commerce business unit's Procure(+) service are
recognized as services are rendered. Amounts charged for the Manage(+) service
will be recognized on a straight line basis over the period the services are to
be provided.
The manner in which lease finance transactions are characterized and reported
for accounting purposes has a major impact upon reported revenue and net
earnings. Lease accounting methods significant to our business are discussed
below.
27
We classify our lease transactions, as required by the Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 13, Accounting for Leases, or FASB No. 13, as: (1)
direct financing; (2) sales- type; or (3) operating leases. Revenues and
expenses between accounting periods for each lease term will vary depending upon
the lease classification.
For financial statement purposes, we present revenue from all three
classifications in lease revenues, and costs related to these leases in direct
lease costs.
Direct Financing and Sales-Type Leases. Direct financing and sales-type leases
transfer substantially all benefits and risks of equipment ownership to the
customer. A lease is a direct financing or sales-type lease if the
creditworthiness of the customer and the collectability of lease payments are
reasonably certain and it meets one of the following criteria: (1) the lease
transfers ownership of the equipment to the customer by the end of the lease
term; (2) the lease contains a bargain purchase option; (3) the lease term at
inception is at least 75% of the estimated economic life of the leased
equipment; or (4) the present value of the minimum lease payments is at least
90% of the fair market value of the leased equipment at the inception of the
lease.
Direct finance leases are recorded as investment in direct financing leases upon
acceptance of the equipment by the customer. At the inception of the lease,
unearned lease income is recorded which represents the amount by which the gross
lease payments receivable plus the estimated residual value of the equipment
exceeds the equipment cost. Unearned lease income is recognized, using the
interest method, as lease revenue over the lease term.
Sales-type leases include a dealer profit or loss which is recorded by the
lessor at the inception of the lease. The dealer's profit or loss represents the
difference, at the inception of the lease, between the fair value of the leased
property and its cost or carrying amount. The equipment subject to such leases
may be obtained in the secondary marketplace, but most frequently is the result
of re-leasing our own portfolio. This profit or loss which is recognized at
lease inception, is included in net margin on sales-type leases. For equipment
sold through our technology business unit subsidiaries, the dealer margin is
presented in equipment sales revenue and cost of equipment sales. Interest
earned on the present value of the lease payments and residual value is
recognized over the lease term using the interest method and is included as part
of our lease revenues.
Operating Leases. All leases that do not meet the criteria to be classified as
direct financing or sales-type leases are accounted for as operating leases.
Rental amounts are accrued on a straight-line basis over the lease term and are
recognized as lease revenue. Our cost of the leased equipment is recorded on the
balance sheet as investment in operating lease equipment and is depreciated on a
straight-line basis over the lease term to our estimate of residual value.
Revenue, depreciation expense and the resulting profit for operating leases are
recorded on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.
As a result of these three classifications of leases for accounting purposes,
the revenues resulting from the "mix" of lease classifications during an
accounting period will affect the profit margin percentage for such period and
28
such profit margin percentage generally increases as revenues from direct
financing and sales-type leases increase. Should a lease be financed, the
interest expense declines over the term of the financing as the principal is
reduced.
Residual Values. Residual values represent our estimated value of the equipment
at the end of the initial lease term. The residual values for direct financing
and sales-type leases are recorded in investment in direct financing and
sales-type leases, on a net present value basis. The residual values for
operating leases are included in the leased equipment's net book value and are
recorded in investment in operating lease equipment. The estimated residual
values will vary, both in amount and as a percentage of the original equipment
cost, and depend upon several factors, including the equipment type,
manufacturer's discount, market conditions and the term of the lease.
We evaluate residual values on an ongoing basis and record any required changes
in accordance with FASB No. 13. Residual values are affected by equipment supply
and demand and by new product announcements and price changes by manufacturers.
In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, residual value
estimates are adjusted downward when such assets are impaired.
We seek to realize the estimated residual value at lease termination through:
(1) renewal or extension of the original lease; (2) sale of the equipment either
to the lessee or the secondary market; or (3) lease of the equipment to a new
user. The difference between the proceeds of a sale and the remaining estimated
residual value is recorded as a gain or loss in lease revenues when title is
transferred to the lessee, or, if the equipment is sold on the secondary market,
in equipment sales revenues and cost of equipment sales when title is
transferred to the buyer. The proceeds from any subsequent lease are accounted
for as lease revenues at the time such transaction is entered into.
Initial Direct Costs. Initial direct costs related to the origination of direct
financing, sales-type or operating leases are capitalized and recorded as part
of the net investment in direct financing leases, or net operating lease
equipment, and are amortized over the lease term.
Sales. Sales revenue includes the following types of transactions: (1) sales of
new or used equipment which is not subject to any type of lease; (2) sales of
equipment subject to an existing lease, under which we are lessor, including any
underlying financing related to the lease; and (3) sales of off-lease equipment
to the secondary market.
Other Sources of Revenue. Amounts charged for the electronic commerce business
unit's Procure(+) service are recognized as services are rendered. Amounts
charged for the Manage(+) service will be recognized on a straight line basis
over the period the services are provided. These revenues are included in our
ePlusSuite revenues in our statement of earnings.
Fee and other income results from (1) income from events that occur after the
initial sale of a financial asset such as escrow/prepayment income, (2)
re-marketing fees, (3) brokerage fees earned for the placement of financing
transactions and (4) interest and other miscellaneous income. These revenues are
included in fee and other income in our statements of earnings.
29
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Year Ended March 31, 2000 Compared to the Year Ended March 31, 1999
Total revenues generated by the Company during the year ended March 31, 2000
were $264.7 million compared to revenues of $194.0 million for the year ended
March 31, 1999, an increase of 36.5%. This increase is primarily attributable to
an increase in equipment sales. The increase in total revenues for the year
ended March 31, 2000, without the inclusion of the operations of CLG, Inc.,
would have been 31.1%. The Company's revenues are composed of sales and other
revenue, and may vary considerably from period to period.
Sales revenue, which includes sales of equipment and sales of leased equipment,
increased 33.2% to $223.6 million during the year ended March 31, 2000, as
compared to $167.9 million in the prior fiscal year.
The majority of sales of equipment are generated through the Company's
technology business unit subsidiaries. Sales of used and/or off-lease equipment
are also generated from the Company's brokerage and re-marketing activities. For
the year ended March 31, 2000, equipment sales through the Company's technology
business unit subsidiaries accounted for 98.1% of sales of equipment, with the
remainder being sales from brokerage and re-marketing activities. Sales of
equipment increased significantly during the year ended March 31, 2000,
primarily a result of increased technology sales through the Company's
subsidiaries. For the year ended March 31, 2000, sales of equipment increased
99.1% to $166.3 million. The acquisition of CLG, Inc. in September, 1999, did
not materially contribute to the increase in sales of equipment for the periods
presented.
The Company realized a gross margin on sales of equipment of 11.5% for the year
ended March 31, 2000, as compared to a gross margin of 14.5% realized on sales
of equipment generated during the year ended March 31, 1999. This decrease in
net margin percentage can be primarily attributed to increased sales to larger
volume customers who are more price competitive. The Company's gross margin on
sales of equipment may be affected by the mix and volume of products sold.
The Company also recognizes revenue from the sale of leased equipment. During
the year ended March 31, 2000 compared to the prior fiscal year, sales of leased
equipment decreased 32% to $57.4 million. The revenue and gross margin
recognized on sales of leased equipment can vary significantly depending on the
nature and timing of the sale, as well as the timing of any debt funding
recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 125. The decrease in sales of leased
equipment can be primarily attributed to the decline in the volume of leases
sold to MLC/CLC, LLC, a joint venture in which the Company owns a 5% interest.
During the years ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, sales to MLC/CLC, LLC, accounted
for 50% and 96.1% of sales of leased equipment, respectively. Sales to the joint
venture require the consent of the joint venture partner. Firstar Equipment
Finance Corporation, which owns 95% of MLC/CLC, LLC, discontinued their
continued investment in new lease acquisitions effective May, 2000. The Company
has developed and will continue to develop relationships with additional lease
equity investors and financial intermediaries to diversify its sources of equity
financing.
30
During the year ended March 31, 2000, the Company recognized a gross margin of
3.3% on leased equipment sales of $57.4 million as compared to a gross margin of
1.3% on leased equipment sales of $84.4 million during the prior fiscal year.
The increase in gross margin is due primarily to increased origination fees
charged to the equity purchasers of leased equipment.
The Company's lease revenues increased 52.2% to $31.4 million for the year ended
March 31, 2000, compared with the prior fiscal year. This increase consists of
increased lease earnings and rental revenues reflecting a higher average
investment in direct financing and sales-type leases. The investment in direct
financing and sales-type leases at March 31, 2000 and March 31, 1999 were $221.9
million and $83.4 million, respectively. The March 31, 2000 balance represents
an increase of $138.5 million or 166.1% over the balance as of March 31, 1999.
The increase in the net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases, as
well as the corresponding lease revenues, was due in large part to the
acquisition of CLG, Inc. The increases in lease revenues for the year ended
March 31, 2000, without the operations of CLG, Inc., would have been 14.5%.
For the year ended March 31, 2000, fee and other income increased 53.2% over the
prior fiscal year. This increase is attributable to increases in revenues from
adjunct services and fees, including broker fees, support fees, warranty
reimbursements, and learning center revenues generated by the Company's
technology business unit subsidiaries. Included in the Company's fee and other
income are earnings from certain transactions which are in the Company's normal
course of business but there is no guarantee that future transactions of the
same nature, size or profitability will occur. The Company's ability to
consumate such transactions, and the timing thereof, may depend largely upon
factors outside the direct control of management. The earnings from these types
of transactions in a particular period may not be indicative of the earnings
that can be expected in future periods. The acquisition of CLG, Inc. did not
materially affect the increases for the periods presented.
For the year ended March 31, 2000, the Company recorded $1.4 million in
ePlusSuite revenues. These revenues consisted of amounts charged for the
arrangement of procurement transactions executed through Procure(+), and
Manage(+), components of ePlusSuite. There were no ePlusSuite revenues recorded
in the prior fiscal year, as ePlusSuite was introduced on November 2, 1999.
During the year ended March 31, 2000, the selling, general and administrative
expenses allocated to the e-commerce busines unit consisted primarily of a
corporate overhead allocation.
The Company's direct lease costs increased 29.8% during the year ended March 31,
2000, as compared to the prior fiscal year. The largest component of direct
lease costs is depreciation expense on operating lease equipment. The increase
for the year ended March 31, 2000 is attributable to the acquisition of CLG,
Inc., which has a higher percentage of operating leases, and as a result, added
$3.4 million in direct lease costs.
31
Salaries and benefits expenses increased 61.5% during the year ended March 31,
2000 over the same period in the prior year. These increases reflect the
increased number of personnel employed by the Company, higher commission
expenses in the technology business unit, and the acquisition of CLG, Inc.
Interest and financing costs incurred by the Company for the year ended March
31, 2000 increased 216.3%, and relate to interest costs on the Company's
indebtedness. In addition to increased borrowing under the Company's lines of
credit, the Company's lease related non-recourse debt portfolio increased
significantly (See "Liquidity and Capital Resources"). Payment for interest
costs on the majority of non-recourse and certain recourse notes are typically
remitted directly to the lender by the lessee.
The Company's provision for income taxes increased to $5.9 million for the year
ended March 31, 2000 from $4.6 million for the prior fiscal year, reflecting
effective income tax rates of 41.2% and 40.5%, respectively.
The foregoing resulted in a 24.7% increase in net earnings for the year ended
March 31, 2000, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Basic and fully diluted earnings per common share were $1.09 and $0.91 for the
year ended March 31, 2000, as compared to $0.99 and $0.98 for both methods for
the year ended March 31, 1999, based on weighted average common shares
outstanding of 7,698,287 and 9,155,056, for 2000 and 6,769,732 and 6,827,528,
respectively, for 1999.
The Year Ended March 31, 1999 Compared to the Year Ended March 31, 1998
Total revenues generated by the Company during the year ended March 31, 1999
were $194.0 million compared to revenues of $118.4 million for the year ended
March 31, 1998, an increase of 63.9%. This increase is primarily attributable to
an increase in equipment sales.
Sales revenue, which includes sales of equipment and sales of leased equipment,
increased 71.2% to $167.9 million during the year ended March 31, 1999, as
compared to $97.8 million in the prior fiscal year.
For the year ended March 31, 1999, equipment sales through the Company's
technology business unit subsidiaries accounted for 97.1% of sales of equipment,
with the remainder being sales from brokerage and re-marketing activities. Sales
of equipment increased significantly during the year ended March 31, 1999,
primarily a result of increased technology sales through the Company's
subsidiaries.
The Company realized a gross margin on sales of equipment of 14.5% for the year
ended March 31, 1999, as compared to a gross margin of 21.1% realized on sales
of equipment generated during the year ended March 31, 1998. This decrease in
gross margin percentage can be primarily attributed to the Company's July 1,
1998 acquisition of PC Plus, Inc., which has a concentration of higher volume
customers with lower gross margin percentages.
32
During the year ended March 31, 1999 compared to the prior fiscal year, sales of
leased equipment increased 67.5% to $84.4 million. During the years ended March
31, 1999 and 1998, sales to MLC/CLC, LLC, accounted for 96.1% and 88.9% of sales
of leased equipment, respectively.
During the year ended March 31, 1999, the Company recognized a gross margin of
1.3% on leased equipment sales of $84.4 million as compared to a gross margin of
1.4% on leased equipment sales of $50.4 million during the prior fiscal year.
The Company's lease revenues increased 38.5% to $20.6 million for the year ended
March 31, 1999, compared with the prior fiscal year. This increase consists of
increased lease earnings and rental revenues reflecting a higher average
investment in direct financing and sales-type leases. The investment in direct
financing and sales-type leases at March 31, 1999 and March 31, 1998 were $83.4
million and $32.5 million, respectively. The March 31, 1999 balance represents
an increase of $50.9 million or 156.7% over the balance as of March 31, 1998.
For the year ended March 31, 1999, fee and other income decreased 5.4% over the
prior fiscal year. This decrease is attributable to decreases in revenues from
adjunct services and fees, including broker fees, support fees, warranty
reimbursements, and learning center revenues generated by the Company's
technology business unit subsidiaries.
The Company's direct lease costs increased 14.3% during the year ended March 31,
1999, as compared to the prior fiscal year. The increase for the year ended
March 31, 1999 is attributable to increased depreciation of operating lease
equipment and amortization of initial direct costs.
Salaries and benefits expenses increased 14.7% during the year ended March 31,
1999 over the same period in the prior year. These increases reflect the
increased number of personnel employed by the Company and higher commission
expenses in the technology business unit.
Interest and financing costs incurred by the Company for the year ended March
31, 1999 increased 96.1%, and relate to interest costs on the Company's
indebtedness. In addition to increased borrowing under the Company's lines of
credit, the Company's lease related non-recourse debt portfolio increased
significantly.
The Company's provision for income taxes increased to $4.6 million for the year
ended March 31, 1999 from $2.7 million for the prior fiscal year, reflecting
effective income tax rates of 40.5% and 30.8%, respectively. The March 31, 1997
rate reflects the effects of the pooling of interests of two subsidiaries
acquired in that year that were sub-chapter S Corporations.
The foregoing resulted in a 11.2% increase in net earnings for the year ended
March 31, 1999, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Basic and fully diluted earnings per common share were $0.99 and $0.98 for the
year ended March 31, 1999, as compared to $1.00 and $0.98 for both methods for
the year ended March 31, 1998, based on weighted average common shares
outstanding of 6,769,732 and 6,827,528, for 1999 and 6,031,088 and 6,143,017,
respectively, for 1998.
33
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
During the year ended March 31, 2000, the Company generated cash flows in
operations of $18.4 million, and used cash flows from investing activities of
$124.9 million. Cash flows generated by financing activities amounted to $120.5
million during the same period. The net effect of these cash flows was a net
increase in cash and cash equivalents of $14.0 million during the year. During
the same period, our total assets increased $190.9 million, or 123.7%, primarily
the result of increases in direct financing leases and the acquisition of CLG,
Inc. on September 30, 1999. The Company's net investment in operating lease
equipment increased during the period, primarily due to the acquisition of
operating lease assets from CLG, Inc. The cash balance at March 31, 2000 was
$21.9 million as compared to $7.9 million the prior year. This increase is due
to both a higher amount of cash from non-recourse loans and a greater than
expected receipts on account receivables from customers in the technology sales
subsidiaries received at the end of the fiscal year.
Working capital financing in our leasing business is provided by a $65 million
committed credit facility provided through First Union National Bank, N.A. This
current credit facility was renewed for another one-year period on December 19,
1999, has full recourse to the Company, and is secured by a blanket lien against
all of our assets. In addition, we have entered into pledge agreements to pledge
the common stock of each of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. The interest rates
charged under this facility are LIBOR plus 1.5% or Prime minus .5%, depending on
the term of the borrowing. The line is collateral based and our ability to
borrow is limited to the amount of eligible collateral at any given time.
Collateral is eligible under the line for up to a year. However, we generally
finance the underlying contracts on a non-recourse basis as soon as practical.
The facility expires on December 19, 2000. The loss of this relationship could
have a material adverse effect on our future results as we rely on this facility
for daily working capital and liquidity for our leasing business.
Our First Union Credit Facility has been increased as our credit needs have
expanded as follows:
Maximum Line
Of Credit
--------------------------
December 19, 1999 $65,000,000
December 18, 1998 $50,000,000
June 30, 1998 $35,000,000
September 5, 1997 $25,000,000
June 5, 1997 $15,000,000
In general, we use this facility to pay the cost of equipment to be put on
lease, and we repay borrowings from the proceeds of: (1) long-term,
non-recourse, fixed rate financing which we obtain from lenders after the
underlying lease transaction is finalized or (2) sales of leases to third
parties. As of March 31, 2000 and 1999, the outstanding balances on this First
Union Facility amounted to $34.5 million and $18.0 million, respectively and
represented 88.5% and 94.2% of the outstanding recourse debt. The Company has a
$3.1 million subordinated recourse note payable due to Centura Bank resulting
from the acquisition of CLG, Inc. This note comes due in October, 2006 and has
an 11% interest rate payable monthly.
34
Non-recourse notes payable increased to $182.8 million at March 31, 2000 from
$52.4 million as of March 31, 1999. The increase is the result of the debt
funding of the increased lease portfolio retained on our balance sheet.
Non-recourse financings are loans whose repayment is the responsibility of a
specific customer, although we may make representations and warranties to the
lender regarding the specific contract or have ongoing loan servicing
obligations. Under a non-recourse loan, we borrow from a lender an amount based
on the present value of the contractually committed lease payments under the
lease at a fixed rate of interest, and the lender secures a lien on the financed
assets. When the lender is fully repaid from the lease payment, the lien is
released and all further rental or sale proceeds are ours. We are not liable for
the repayment of non-recourse loans unless we breach our representations and
warranties in the loan agreements. The lender assumes the credit risk of each
lease, and their only recourse, upon a default under a lease by the lessee, is
against the lessee and the specific equipment under lease.
The Company's debt financing activities typically provide approximately 80% to
100% of the purchase price of the equipment purchased by the Company for lease
to its customers. Any balance of the purchase price (the Company's equity
investment in the equipment) must generally be financed by cash flow from its
operations, the sale of the equipment lease to third parties, or other internal
means of financing. Although the Company expects that the credit quality of its
leases and its residual return history will continue to allow it to obtain such
financing, no assurances can be given that such financing will be available, at
acceptable terms, or at all. The financing necessary to support the Company's
leasing activities has principally been provided from non-recourse and recourse
borrowings. Non-recourse debt and debt that is partially recourse is provided by
various lending institutions. We have programs with Heller Financial, Inc., Key
Corporate Capital, Inc., and Fleet Business Credit Corporation. These programs
require that each transaction is specifically approved and done solely at the
lender's discretion.
We sell our leases to a number of financial institutions. In particular, through
MLC/CLC LLC, we had a formal joint venture arrangement with an institutional
investor, which purchased a substantial portion of our total equipment under
lease. Firstar Equipment Finance, a subsidiary of Firstar Corporation, a bank
holding company, is an unaffiliated investor that owns 95% of MLC/CLC LLC.
MLC/CLC LLC represented approximately $28.7 million of our total leased
equipment sales of $57.4 million or 50% for the year ended March 31, 2000. It
represented approximately $81.1 million of our leased equipment sales of $84.4
million or 96.1% for the year ended March 31, 1999. Firstar Equipment Finance
Corporation discontinued its investment in new lease acquisitions after May,
2000.
When we sell a lease, we generally retain little or no residual risk, and we
usually preserve the right to share in remarketing proceeds of the equipment on
a subordinated basis after the investor has received an agreed-to return on its
investment.
35
We obtain working capital for the financing of accounts receivables and
inventory in our technology sales subsidiaries from various floor planning
finance agreements in place between the subsidiaries with Bank of America
Commercial Finance, Finova Capital Corporation, and IBM Credit Corporation. We
also have a general line of credit for ePlus Technology of PA, inc. with PNC
Banks, N.A. with a maximum credit limit of $2.5 million. There was no
outstanding balance on this facility on March 31, 2000. These facilities are
fully recourse to our subsidiary companies and have various levels of recourse
to us. Interest charges under the floor planning facilities are paid by the
manufacturers of the products through the distributor for up to 40 days after
the sale, and we are responsible for interest charges thereafter. Bank of
America Commercial Finance notified ePlus Technology, inc. on June 16, 2000 that
effective August 16, 2000 they will no longer provide floor planning services.
We feel that we will be able to obtain an alternative supplier within the time
frame allowed and that we have adequate internal financial capacity to function
under the normal financing terms of the information technology sales
distributors.
As of March 31, 2000 and 1999, the floor planning agreements have the following
credit limits and amounts outstanding:
Balance at March
Entity Floor Plan Supplier Credit Limit 31, 2000
------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------
ePlus Technology of NC, inc. Finova Capital Corporation $ 4,000,000 $2,271,500
IBM Credit Corporation $ 750,000 $ -
ePlus Technology of PA, inc. Finova Capital Corporation $ 7,000,000 $3,587,580
IBM Credit Corporation $ 750,000 $ 202,274
ePlus Technology, inc. Bank of America Commercial $18,000,000 $1,605,562
Finance
Balance at March
Entity Floor Plan Supplier Credit Limit 31, 1999
------------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------- -------------------
ePlus Technology of NC, inc. Deutsche Financial, Inc. $ 2,600,000 $1,102,577
ePlus Technology of PA, inc. Finova Capital Corporation $ 5,000,000 $3,399,018
IBM Credit Corporation $ 750,000 $ 400,831
ePlus Technology, inc. NationsCredit Corporation $ 8,000,000 $ 487,155
The above credit facilties and sources of non-recourse debt have allowed us to
significantly expand our business. Overall, our total assets increased 123.7% to
$345.3 million as of March 31, 2000 as compared to $154.4 million in total
assets as of March 31, 1999. Our cash and cash equivalents represented 6.3% and
5.1% of total assets as of March 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Our cash
balances are invested in overnight, interest bearing investments.
36
The largest component of assets is our investment in direct financing and sales
type leases and investment in operating lease equipment. These assets represent
67.2% and 56.3% of total assets as of March 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The
Company's investment in direct financing leases and operating lease equipment
amounted to $232.0 and $86.9 million at the end of fiscal years 2000 and 1999,
respectively, reflecting an increased lease transaction volume due partly from
the acquisition of CLG, Inc.. The size and composition of our lease portfolio
may vary depending on the nature and volume of new leases originated, as well as
the nature and timing of sales of lease rental streams and sale of equipment
underlying the leases.
As of March 31, 2000 and 1999, the Company had $1.2 and $0.5 million in notes
receivable, respectively. As of March 31, 2000, we had an outstanding note
receivable of $.8 million from a corporation in which we also had warrants to
acquire a major equity share. Subsequent to year end, the maker of the note was
acquired and the note receivable was converted into cash from partial repayment,
common stock and additional warrants of the acquiring entity. The remainder of
the notes receivable are from our joint venture equity partner and related to
the rental stream on leases attached to equipment which was sold to the equity
partner. The vast majority of these notes receivable are paid off with the
proceeds of a non-recourse funding secured on behalf of the joint venture 30 to
90 days subsequent to an equity sale. In the event that a rental stream is not
funded on behalf of the joint venture partner, we will continue to receive the
rental payments from the lessee.
The Company's liabilities are composed primarily of amounts due to vendors for
equipment to be placed on lease, recourse lines of credit, and nonrecourse debt
associated with our lease portfolio.
As of March 31, 2000 amounts due to vendors for inventory and general expenses
("Accounts Payable - trade") and amounts due to vendors for equipment which will
be placed on lease ("Accounts Payable - equipment") totaled $52.4 million, as
compared to $30.6 million at March 31, 1999. The increase is primarily
attributable to an increase in amounts payable for equipment from our
information technology sales subsidiaries due to increased sales volume.
ADEQUACY OF CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's current working capital lines of credit, if maintained, and its
expected access to the public and private debt securities markets (including
financings for its equity investment in leases) and its estimated cash flow from
operations are anticipated to provide adequate capital to fund the Company's
operations, including minor acquisitions and financings under its relationships
with vendors, for at least the next 12 months. Although no assurances can be
given, the Company expects to be able to maintain, renew, or replace its
existing short-term lines of credit and to continue to have access to the public
and private securities markets, both for debt and for equity financings.
37
FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS
Certain statements contained herein are not based on historical fact, but are
forward-looking statements that are based upon numerous assumptions about future
conditions that may not occur. Actual events, transactions and results may
materially differ from the anticipated events, transactions, or results
described in such statements. The Company's ability to consummate such
transactions and achieve such events or results is subject to certain risks and
uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the
matters set forth below.
The Company's e-commerce business has an extremely limited operating history.
Although it has been in the business of financing and selling information
technology equipment since 1990, the Company expects to derive a significant
portion of its future revenues from its ePlusSuite services. As a result, the
Company will encounter some of the challenges, risks, difficulties and
uncertainties frequently encountered by early stage companies using new and
unproven business models in new and rapidly evolving markets. Some of these
challenges relate to the Company's ability to:
o increase the total number of users of ePlusSuite services;
o adapt to meet changes in its markets and competitive developments; and
o continue to update its technology to enhance the features and functionality
of its suite of products.
The Company cannot be certain that its business strategy will be successful or
that it will successfully address these and other challenges, risks and
uncertainties.
Over the longer term, the Company expects to derive a significant portion of its
revenues from ePlusSuite services, which is based on an unproven business model.
The Company expects to incur increased expenses that may negatively impact
profitability. The Company also expects to incur significant sales and
marketing, research and development, and general and administrative expenses in
connection with the development of this business. As a result, the Company may
incur significant losses in its e-commerce business unit in the foreseeable
future, which may have a material adverse effect on the future operating results
of the Company as a whole.
The Company began operating its ePlusSuite services in November, 1999. Broad and
timely acceptance of the ePlusSuite services, which is critical to the Company's
future success, is subject to a number of significant risks. These risks
include:
o operating resource management and procurement on the Internet is a new
market;
o the system's ability to support large numbers of buyers and suppliers is
unproven;
o significant enhancement of the features and services of ePlusSuite services
is needed to achieve widespread commercial initial and continued widespread
acceptance of the system;
o the pricing model may not be acceptable to customers;
38
o if the Company is unable to develop and increase transaction volume on
ePlusSuite, it is unlikely that it will ever achieve or maintain
profitability in this business;
o businesses that have made substantial up-front payments for e-commerce
solutions may be reluctant to replace their current solution and adopt the
Company's solution;
o the Company's ability to adapt to a new market that is characterized by
rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards and frequent new
product announcements;
o significant expansion of internal resources is needed to support planned
growth of the Company's ePlusSuite services.
THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE
We have completed the Year 2000 compliance modification to our
information-technology and non-information technology based applications. To
date, we have not experienced any disruptions in any aspect of our operations.
We continue to monitor our infrastructure, the products we offer, and our
critical business partners to ensure continued success. We do not anticipate any
significant future costs related to maintaining our Year 2000 compliance.
39
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Although a substantial portion of the Company's liabilities are non-recourse,
fixed interest rate instruments, the Company is reliant upon lines of credit and
other financing facilities which are subject to fluctuations in interest rates.
Should interest rates significantly increase, the Company would incur higher
interest expense, and to the extent that the Company is unable to recover these
higher costs, potentially lower earnings.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See accompanying Table of Contents to Financial Statements and Schedule on page
F-1.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
40
PART III
Except as set forth below, the information required by Items 10, 11, 12 and 13
is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not
later than 120 days after the close of the Company's fiscal year.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following table sets forth the name, age and position with the Company of
each person who is an executive officer, director or significant employee.
NAME AGE POSITION CLASS
Phillip G. Norton..............56 Chairman of the Board, III
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Bruce M. Bowen.................48 Director and Executive Vice III
President
Steven J. Mencarini............44 Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Kleyton L. Parkhurst...........37 Senior Vice President,
Secretary, and Treasurer
Terrence O'Donnell.............56 Director II
Carl J. Rickertsen.............40 Director II
C. Thomas Faulders, III... ....50 Director I
Dr. Paul G. Stern.......... ...61 Director II
David Rose................ ....39 President, ePlus Technology
of NC, inc.
Vincent M. Marino......... ....42 President, ePlus Technology
of PA, inc.
Nadim Achi................. ...38 President, ePlus Technology, inc.
41
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1) Financial Statements
The financial statements listed in the accompanying Index to Financial
Statements and Schedule are filed as a part of this report and incorporated
herein by reference.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedule
The financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying Index to Financial
Statements and Schedules are filed as a part of this report and incorporated
herein by reference.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
The Company filed four Form 8-K's during the last quarter of the period covered
by this report.
Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 3, 2000 reporting the
establishment of a $65,000,000 credit facility with First Union Bank as Agent.
No financial statements were included.
Form 8-K/A dated September 30, 1999 and filed on February 24, 2000 amending a
Form 8-K originally filed on October 18, 1999, as amended by a Form 8-K/A filed
on December 17, 1999 to provide the historical and pro forma financial
information required under Item 7 of Form 8-K. The filing included an Unaudited
Condensed Balance Sheet as of June 30, 1999, Unaudited Condensed Statement of
Earnings for the Six Months Ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, Unaudited Condensed
Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 and
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements.
Form 8-K dated February 25, 2000 and filed with the Commission on March 9, 2000
reporting the filing of a registration statement for a proposed underwriting of
a public offering of common stock and also reporting an agreement between the
Company and TC Plus, LLC amending and restating the Stockholders Agreement among
ePlus inc. and certain of its stockholders. No financial statements were
included.
Form 8-K dated March 6, 2000 and filed on March 21, 2000 reporting the
establishment of a marketing and distribution agreement with PSINet Inc. No
financial statements were included.
(c) Exhibits
Exhibit
Number Description
------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
2.1(1) Agreement and Plan of Merger dated July 24, 1997, by and
among MLC Holdings, Inc., MLC Network Solutions, Inc.,
Compuventures of Pitt County, Inc., and the Stockholders of
Compuventures of Pitt County, Inc.
2.2(2) Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 29, 1997, by and
among MLC Holdings, Inc., MLC Acquisition Corporation,
Educational Computer Concepts, Inc. and the Stockholders of
Educational Computer Concepts, Inc.
42
2.3(3) Agreement and Plan of Merger dated July 1, 1998, by and among
MLC Holdings, Inc., MLC Network Solutions of Virginia, Inc., PC
Plus, Inc., and the Stockholders of PC Plus, Inc.
2.4(4) Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 23, 1998 by and
between MLC Holdings, Inc. and TC Leasing, LLC
2.5(5) Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2000 by and between
ePlus inc. and TC Plus, LLC waiving certain provisions of the
Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of October 23, 1998 by and
between MLC Holdings, Inc. and TC Leasing, LLC
2.6(6) Amendment, dated as of April 11, 2000, to the Agreement,
dated as of February 25, 2000 by and between ePlus inc. and TC
Plus, LLC
2.7(7) Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of August 31, 1999 by and
among MLC Holdings, Inc., CLG Inc. and Centura Bank
3.1(2) Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended
3.2 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation
3.3(8) Bylaws of the Company
4.1(8) Specimen certificate of Common Stock of the Company
10.1(8) Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the
Company and its directors and officers
10.2(8)* Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and
Phillip G. Norton
10.3(8)* Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and
Bruce M. Bowen
10.4(8)* Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and
William J. Slaton
10.5(8)* Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and
Kleyton L. Parkhurst
10.6(9)* Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and
Thomas B. Howard, Jr.
10.7(9)* Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and
Steven J. Mencarini
10.8(3)* Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and
Nadim Achi
43
10.9(2)* MLC Master Stock Incentive Plan
10.10(2)* Amended and Restated Incentive Stock Option Plan
10.11(2)* Amended and Restated Outside Director Stock Option Plan
10.12(2)* Amended and Restated Nonqualified Stock Option Plan
10.13(2)* 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
10.14(10)* 1998 Long Term Incentive Stock Option Plan
10.15(11) Loan and Security Agreement dated January 31, 1997 between
MLC Group, Inc. and Heller Financial, Inc.
10.16(11) First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated March
12, 1997 between MLC Group, Inc. and Heller Financial, Inc.
10.17(12) Credit Agreement dated December 18, 1998 between MLC
Holdings, Inc., MLC Group, Inc., and MLC Federal, Inc. and
Certain Banking Institutions with First Union National Bank As
Agent
10.18(12) Security Agreement dated December 18, 1998 between MLC
Holdings, Inc., MLC Group, Inc., and MLC Federal, Inc., and
Certain Banking Institutions with First Union National Bank As
Agent
10.19(12) Pledge Agreement dated December 18, 1998 between MLC
Holdings, Inc., MLC Group, Inc., and MLC Federal, Inc., and
Certain Banking Institutions with First Union National Bank As
Agent
10.20(12) Notes by and between MLC Holdings, Inc., MLC Group, Inc.,
MLC Federal, Inc. and First Union National Bank, Bank Leumi USA,
Riggs Bank N.A., Wachovia Bank, Summit Bank, and Key Bank
National Association, respectively.
10.21(12) Amendment Number One dated June 21, 1999 to Credit Agreement
between the Company and First Union National Bank dated
December 18, 1998
10.22(12) Amendment Number Two dated September 22, 1999 to Credit
Agreement between the Company and First Union National Bank
dated December 18, 1998
10.23(12) Amendment Number Three dated October 27, 1999 to Credit
Agreement between the Company and First Union National Bank
dated December 18, 1998
10.24(12) Amendment Number Four dated December 20, 1999 to Credit
Agreement between the Company and First Union National Bank
dated December 18, 1998
44
10.25(13) Sublease by and between Cisco Systems ("Tenant") and MLC
Holdings, Inc. ("Sub-tenant")
10.26(3) Escrow Agreement between the Company, Crestar Bank and Nadim
Achi as representative of PC Plus, Inc. shareholders dated July
1, 1998
10.27(6) Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement dated as of
April 11, 2000, 1998, by and among ePlus inc., TC Plus, LLC,
Phillip G. Norton, Bruce M. Bowen, J.A.P. Investment Group,
L.P., Kevin M. Norton and Patrick J. Norton, Jr.
10.28(4) Stock Purchase Warrant, dated as of October 23, 1998, by
and between MLC Holdings, Inc. and TC Leasing, LLC
10.29(9) Form of Irrevocable Proxy and Stock Rights Agreement
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
----------------------------------------------------
* Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or
arrangement
(1) Incorporated herein by reference to the indicated exhibit filed
as part of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on August 8, 1997
(2) Incorporated herein by reference to the indicated exhibit filed
as part of the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed on November 14, 1997
(3) Incorporated herein by reference to the indicated exhibit filed
as a part of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 31, 1998
(4) Incorporated herein by reference to exhibits 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3
filed as a part of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on November
13, 1998
(5) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 filed as part of
the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 9, 2000
(6) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 filed as part of
the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2000
(7) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed as part of
Registrant's Form 8-K filed on September 14, 1999
(8) Incorporated herein by reference to the indicated exhibit filed
as part of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(No. 333-11737)
(9) Incorporated herein by reference to the indicated exhibit filed
as part of the Registrant's Form 10-K filed on June 30, 1997
(10) Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.27 filed as a part
of the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed on November 12, 1998
(11) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits 5.1 and 5.2 filed as
part of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed March 28, 1997
(12) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4,
5.5, 5.6, 5.7 and 5.8 filed as part of the Registrant's Form
8-K filed on January 3, 2000
(13) Incorporated herein by reference to the Exhibit 5.5 filed as part
of the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed on February 16, 1999
45
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ePlus inc.
/s/ PHILLIP G. NORTON
By: Phillip G. Norton, Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: June 28, 2000
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ PHILLIP G. NORTON
By: Phillip G. Norton, Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: June 28, 2000
/s/ STEVEN J. MENCARINI
By: Steven J. Mencarini, Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer
Date: June 28, 2000
/s/ BRUCE M. BOWEN
By: Bruce M. Bowen, Director and Executive
Vice President
Date: June 28, 2000
/s/ TERRENCE O'DONNELL
By: Terrence O'Donnell, Director
Date: June 28, 2000
/s/ CARL J. RICKERTSEN
By: Carl J. Rickertsen, Director
Date: June 28, 2000
/s/C. THOMAS FAULDERS, III
By: C. Thomas Faulders, III, Director
Date: June 28, 2000
46
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
PAGE
----
Independent Auditors' Report F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1999 and 2000 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Years Ended
March 31, 1998, 1999, and 2000 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years
Ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-8
SCHEDULE
II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Three Years S-1
Ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000.
F-1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
ePlus inc.
Herndon, Virginia
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of ePlus inc. and subsidiaries
as of March 31, 2000 and 1999, and the related consolidated statements of
earnings, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended March 31, 2000. Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a)(2). These consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of ePlus inc. and subsidiaries as of
March 31, 2000 and 1999, and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2000 in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when
considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a
whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth
therein.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
McLean, Virginia
June 23, 2000
F-2
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of March 31,
1999 2000
---- ----
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,891,661 $ 21,909,784
Accounts receivable 44,090,101 60,166,596
Notes receivable (1) 547,011 1,195,264
Employee advances 20,078 94,693
Inventories 658,355 2,445,425
Investment in direct financing and sales-type leases - net 83,370,950 221,884,864
Investment in operating lease equipment - net 3,530,179 10,114,392
Property and equipment - net 2,018,133 2,895,711
Other assets (2) 12,232,130 24,628,019
---------- ----------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 154,358,598 $ 345,334,748
============= =============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable - equipment $ 18,049,059 $ 22,975,545
Accounts payable - trade 12,518,533 29,451,907
Salaries and commissions payable 535,876 956,762
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 4,638,708 8,519,353
Income Taxes Payable - 3,685,870
Recourse notes payable 19,081,137 39,017,168
Nonrecourse notes payable 52,429,266 182,845,152
Deferred taxes 3,292,210 762,139
--------- -------
Total Liabilities 110,544,789 288,213,896
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7) - -
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized;
none issued or outstanding - -
Common stock, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 authorized;
7,470,595 and 7,958,433 issued and outstanding at
March 31, 1999 and 2000, respectively 74,706 79,584
Additional paid-in capital 24,999,371 29,926,168
Retained earnings 18,739,732 27,115,100
---------- ----------
Total Stockholders' Equity 43,813,809 57,120,852
---------- ----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 154,358,598 $ 345,334,748
============= =============
(1) Includes amounts with related parties of $518,955 and $985,767 as of March 31, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
(2) Includes amounts with related parties of $1,281,474 and $1,509,450 as of March 31, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-3
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Year Ended March 31,
1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ----
REVENUES
Sales of equipment $ 47,419,115 $ 83,516,254 $ 166,252,178
Sales of leased equipment 50,362,055 84,378,800 57,360,366
---------- ---------- ----------
97,781,170 167,895,054 223,612,544
Lease revenues 14,882,420 20,610,542 31,374,244
Fee and other income 5,778,685 5,464,242 8,371,115
ePlusSuite revenues - - 1,375,901
---------- ----------- -----------
20,661,105 26,074,784 41,121,260
---------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL REVENUES (1) 118,442,275 193,969,838 264,733,804
----------- ----------- -----------
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of sales, equipment 37,423,397 71,367,090 147,209,320
Cost of sales, leased equipment 49,668,756 83,269,110 55,454,033
---------- ---------- ----------
87,092,153 154,636,200 202,663,353
Direct lease costs 5,409,338 6,183,562 8,025,343
Professional and other fees 1,072,691 1,222,080 2,125,523
Salaries and benefits 10,356,456 11,880,062 19,189,271
General and administrative expenses 3,694,309 5,151,494 7,090,070
Nonrecurring acquisition costs 250,388 - -
Interest and financing costs 1,836,956 3,601,348 11,389,682
--------- --------- ----------
22,620,138 28,038,546 47,819,889
---------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES (2) 109,712,291 182,674,746 250,483,242
----------- ----------- -----------
Earnings before provision for income taxes 8,729,984 11,295,092 14,250,562
--------- ---------- ----------
Provision for income taxes 2,690,890 4,578,625 5,875,194
--------- --------- ---------
NET EARNINGS $ 6,039,094 $ 6,716,467 $ 8,375,368
=========== =========== ===========
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC $ 1.00 $ 0.99 $ 1.09
====== ====== ======
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - DILUTED $ 0.98 $ 0.98 $ 0.91
====== ====== ======
PRO FORMA NET EARNINGS (Note 8) $ 5,425,833 $ 6,716,467 $ 8,375,368
=========== =========== ===========
PRO FORMA NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC $ 0.90 $ 0.99 $ 1.09
====== ====== ======
PRO FORMA NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - DILUTED $ 0.88 $ 0.98 $ 0.91
====== ====== ======
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC 6,031,088 6,769,732 7,698,287
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING - DILUTED 6,143,017 6,827,528 9,155,056
(1) Includes amounts from related parties of $46,710,190, $82,652,623 and
$28,976,999 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000,
respectively.
(2) Includes amounts from related parties of $44,831,701, $80,966,659 and
$28,261,282 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000,
respectively.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-4
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Additional
Common Stock Paid-in Retained
Shares Par Value Capital Earnings TOTAL
------ --------- ------- -------- -----
Balance April 1, 1997 5,909,976 $ 59,100 $ 9,346,214 $ 7,071,431 $ 16,476,745
Sale of common shares 161,329 1,613 1,998,387 - 2,000,000
Issuance of shares for option exercise 200 2 1,748 - 1,750
Compensation to outside directors - - 113,982 - 113,982
Distributions to owners - - - (1,087,260) (1,087,260)
Net earnings - - - 6,039,094 6,039,094
--------- -------- ------------ ------------- ------------
Balance March 31, 1998 6,071,505 60,715 11,460,331 12,023,265 23,544,311
--------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Issuance of shares for option exercise 10,500 105 91,770 - 91,875
Issuance of shares to employees 14,001 140 112,452 - 112,592
Issuance of shares in business combination 263,478 2,635 3,620,188 - 3,622,823
Sale of common shares 1,111,111 11,111 9,714,630 - 9,725,741
Net earnings - - - 6,716,467 6,716,467
--------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance, March 31, 1999 7,470,595 74,706 24,999,371 18,739,732 43,813,809
--------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Issuance of shares for option exercise 61,044 610 662,406 - 663,016
Issuance of shares to employees 33,804 338 315,395 - 315,733
Issuance of shares in business combination 392,990 3,930 3,896,496 - 3,900,426
Issuance of common stock purchase warrants - - 52,500 - 52,500
Net earnings - - - 8,375,368 8,375,368
--------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance, March 31, 2000 7,958,433 $ 79,584 $ 29,926,168 $ 27,115,100 $ 57,120,852
========= ======== ============ ============ ============
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-5
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended March 31,
1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ----
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net earnings $ 6,039,094 $ 6,716,467 $ 8,375,368
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 4,628,272 4,720,241 7,359,180
Provision for credit losses (1,000) 500,000 374,580
Deferred taxes 897,000 1,805,210 (2,530,071)
Loss (Gain) on sale of operating lease equipment (1) (55,881) 57,984 (753,787)
Adjustment of basis to fair market value of operating lease
equipment and investments - 306,921 12,000
Payments from lessees directly to lenders (1,788,611) (970,483) (7,523,540)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment - 26,246 47,492
Compensation to outside directors - stock options 113,982 - -
Changes in:
Accounts receivable (7,536,888) (19,809,403) (17,839,402)
Notes receivable (2) (1,647,558) 3,316,261 (494,622)
Employee advances 17,030 33,028 (48,736)
Inventories 64,410 1,293,081 6,791,464
Other assets (3) (893,959) (4,094,505) (3,724,798)
Accounts payable - equipment 16,337,160 (3,964,145) 4,926,486
Accounts payable - trade 3,858,482 528,181 16,175,112
Salaries and commissions payable, accrued
expenses and other liabilities 629,380 1,097,776 7,279,067
------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 20,660,913 (8,437,140) 18,425,793
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of operating equipment 726,714 138,003 820,015
Purchase of operating lease equipment (4) (2,065,079) (487,418) (1,904,985)
Increase in investment in direct financing and sales-type leases (5) (18,833,704) (80,744,494) (120,118,484)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 800 2,000 -
Purchases of property and equipment (1,032,243) (1,249,214) (1,608,190)
Cash used in acquisitions, net of cash acquired - (3,485,279) (1,845,730)
Increase in other assets (6) (472,962) (788,856) (219,603)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (21,676,474) (86,615,258) (124,876,977)
----------- ----------- ------------
F-6
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Continued
Year Ended March 31,
1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ----
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Borrowings:
Nonrecourse $ 4,511,517 $ 79,941,563 $ 126,758,387
Recourse 174,894 415,606 732,276
Repayments:
Nonrecourse (4,872,557) (10,200,352) (22,234,446)
Recourse (307,819) (195,892) (1,408,934)
Repayments of loans from stockholders (10,976) - -
Distributions to shareholders of combined companies
prior to business combination (1,087,260) - -
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock, net of expenses 2,001,750 9,930,209 978,749
Issuance of common stock purchase warrants - - 52,500
Proceeds from lines of credit 12,635,599 4,369,129 15,590,775
---------- --------- ----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 13,045,148 84,260,263 120,469,307
---------- ---------- -----------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents 12,029,587 (10,792,135) 14,018,123
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period 6,654,209 18,683,796 7,891,661
--------- ---------- ---------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year $ 18,683,796 $ 7,891,661 $ 21,909,784
============ =========== ============
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest $ 347,757 $ 1,475,497 $ 3,591,943
========= =========== ===========
Cash paid for income taxes $ 2,681,867 $ 2,913,818 $ 6,473,357
=========== =========== ===========
See Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements.
(1) Includes amounts provided by (used by) related parties of $(35,540), $-0-,
and $-0- for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000.
(2) Includes amounts (used by) provided by related parties of $(1,897,094),
$3,291,681 and $(466,812) for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1998, 1999
and 2000.
(3) Includes amounts provided by related parties of $51,482, $ 329,275, and
$(1,383) for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000.
(4) Includes amounts provided by related parties of $935,737, $-0-, and $-0-
for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000.
(5) Includes amounts (used by) provided by related parties of $43,418,347,
$80,510,214, and $28,033,282 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1998,
1999 and 2000.
(6) Includes amounts provided by (used by) related parties of $(473,621),
$652,701, and ($219,603) for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1998, 1999
and 2000.
F-7
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of and For the Years Ended March 31, 1998, 1999, and 2000
1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation - Effective October 19, 1999, MLC Holdings, Inc. changed
its name to ePlus inc. ("ePlus" or the "Company"). Effective January 31, 2000,
ePlus inc.'s wholly owned subsidiaries MLC Group, Inc., MLC Federal, Inc., MLC
Capital, Inc., PC Plus, Inc., MLC Network Solutions, Inc. and Educational
Computer Concepts, Inc. changed their names to ePlus Group, inc., ePlus
Government, inc., ePlus Capital, inc., ePlus Technology, inc., ePlus Technology
of NC, inc. and ePlus Technology of PA, inc., respectively. The accompanying
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the wholly owned
subsidiary companies (MLC Network Solutions, Inc. and Educational Computer
Concepts, Inc.) at historical amounts as if the business combinations had
occurred on March 31, 1997 in a manner similar to a pooling of interest. The
accompanying financial statements also include the accounts of the wholly owned
subsidiary (PC Plus, Inc.) from July 1, 1998, accounted for as a purchase.
Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of ePlus inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Business Combinations - On July 1, 1998, the Company, through a new wholly owned
subsidiary, MLC Network Solutions of Virginia, Inc., issued 263,478 common
shares, valued at $3,622,823, and cash of $3,622,836 for all the outstanding
common shares of PC Plus, Inc., a value-added reseller of PC's, related network
equipment and software products and provider of various support services to its
customers from its facility in Reston, Virginia. Subsequent to the acquisition,
MLC Network Solutions of Virginia, Inc. changed its name to PC Plus, Inc. This
business combination has been accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting, and accordingly, the results of operations of PC Plus, Inc. have
been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from July 1,
1998. The Company's other assets include goodwill of $6,045,330, calculated as
the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable
assets acquired, and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 27.5
years. As of March 31, 1999 and 2000, the net balance of such goodwill is
$5,880,457 and $5,825,500, respectively. See Note 12.
On October 1, 1999, the Company purchased all of the stock of CLG, Inc., a
technology equipment leasing business, from Centura Bank. The acquisition added
approximately 400 customers and $93 million of assets to the Company's leasing
customer base in the Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina, Greenville, North
Carolina, and southern Virginia commercial markets. Total consideration for the
acquisition was $36.5 million, paid by the issuance of 392,990 shares of ePlus
inc. common stock valued at $3,900,426 (based on $9.925 per share), subordinated
debt of $3,064,574 and $29,535,000 in cash. The subordinated debt bears annual
interest at 11%, payable monthly, and the principal repayment is due on October
10, 2006. The note may be prepaid in whole at anytime at its par value. The cash
portion was partially financed by a non-recourse borrowing under an agreement
with Fleet Business Credit Corporation, which provided $27,799,499 of cash at
7.25% and is collateralized by certain CLG, Inc. leases. Goodwill of $6,444,447
is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a fifteen year period. As of
March 31, 2000, the net balance of such goodwill is $6,229,462. Concurrent with
the acquisition, CLG, Inc. was merged into MLC Group, Inc., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ePlus inc. See Note 12.
F-8
Asset Purchase - On July 12, 1999, the Company purchased certain assets and the
sales operations of Daghigh Software Company, Inc., which operated its
technology sales business as International Computer Networks and as ICN in the
metropolitan Washington, DC area. The total consideration of $751,452 consisted
of $251,452 in cash and a $500,000, 8% interest bearing, non-negotiable
promissory note, payable monthly, which matures on August 9, 2000. The assets
and staff were merged into PC Plus, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company. Goodwill of $635,441 related to this asset purchase is being amortized
on a straight-line basis over a fifteen year period. As of March 31, 2000, the
net balance of such goodwill is $593,078.
Revenue Recognition - The Company sells information technology equipment to its
customers and recognizes revenue from equipment sales at the time equipment is
accepted by the customer. The Company is the lessor in a number of its
transactions and these are accounted for in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 13, "Accounting for Leases." Each
lease is classified as either a direct financing lease, sales-type lease, or
operating lease, as appropriate. Under the direct financing and sales-type lease
methods, the Company records the net investment in leases, which consists of the
sum of the minimum lease term payments, initial direct costs, and unguaranteed
residual value (gross investment) less the unearned income. The difference
between the gross investment and the cost of the leased equipment for direct
finance leases is recorded as unearned income at the inception of the lease. The
unearned income is amortized over the life of the lease using the interest
method. Under sales-type leases, the difference between the fair value and cost
of the leased property (net margins) is recorded as revenue at the inception of
the lease. No sales type leases have been consummated during the three years
ended March 31, 2000. The Company adopted SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for
Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities"
effective January 1, 1997. This standard establishes new criteria for
determining whether a transfer of financial assets in exchange for cash or other
consideration should be accounted for as a sale or as a pledge of collateral in
a secured borrowing. Certain assignments of direct finance leases made on a
non-recourse basis by the Company after December 31, 1996 meet the criteria for
surrender of control set forth by SFAS No. 125 and have therefore been treated
as sales for financial statement purposes. SFAS No. 125 prohibits the
retroactive restatement of transactions consummated prior to January 1, 1997
which would have otherwise met the requirements of a sale under the standard.
Sales of leased equipment represents revenue from the sales of equipment subject
to a lease in which the Company is the lessor. If the rental stream on such
lease has non-recourse debt associated with it, sales revenue is recorded at the
amount of consideration received, net of the amount of debt assumed by the
purchaser. If there is no non-recourse debt associated with the rental stream,
sales revenue is recorded at the amount of gross consideration received, and
costs of sales is recorded at the book value of the lease. Sales of equipment
represents revenue generated through the sale of equipment sold primarily
through the Company's technology business unit. For equipment sold through the
Company's technology business unit subsidiaries, the dealer margin is presented
in equipment sales revenue and cost of equipment sales.
F-9
Lease revenues consist of rentals due under operating leases and amortization of
unearned income on direct financing and sales-type leases. Equipment under
operating leases is recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis
over the lease term to the Company's estimate of residual value.
The Company assigns all rights, title, and interests in a number of its leases
to third-party financial institutions without recourse. These assignments are
accounted for as sales since the Company has completed its obligations at the
assignment date, and the Company retains no ownership interest in the equipment
under lease.
Amounts charged for the Company's electronic commerce business unit's Procure(+)
service are recognized as services are rendered. Amounts charged for the
Manage(+) service are recognized on a straight line basis over the period the
services are provided.
Residuals - Residual values, representing the estimated value of equipment at
the termination of a lease, are recorded in the financial statements at the
inception of each sales-type or direct financing lease as amounts estimated by
management based upon its experience and judgment. The residual values for
operating leases are included in the leased equipment's net book value.
The Company evaluates residual values on an ongoing basis and records any
required adjustments. In accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, no upward revision of residual values is made subsequent to the
period of the inception of the lease. Residual values for sales-type and direct
financing leases are recorded at their net present value and the unearned
interest is amortized over the life of the lease using the interest method.
Reserve for Credit Losses - The reserve for credit losses (the "reserve") is
maintained at a level believed by management to be adequate to absorb potential
losses inherent in the Company's lease and accounts receivable portfolio.
Management's determination of the adequacy of the reserve is based on an
evaluation of historical credit loss experience, current economic conditions,
volume, growth, the composition of the lease portfolio, and other relevant
factors. The reserve is increased by provisions for potential credit losses
charged against income. Accounts are either written off or written down when the
loss is both probable and determinable, after giving consideration to the
customer's financial condition, the value of the underlying collateral and
funding status (i.e., discounted on a non-recourse or recourse basis). As of
March 31, 1999 and 2000, the Company's reserve for credit losses was $727,593
and $2,658,846, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents include short-term
repurchase agreements with an original maturity of three months or less.
Inventories - Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (weighted average
basis) or market.
Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of
accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are
computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
related assets, which range from three to seven years.
Income Taxes - Deferred income taxes are accounted for in accordance with SFAS
No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under this method, deferred income tax
F-10
liabilities and assets are based on the difference between financial statement
and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using tax rates currently in effect.
The Company acquired two companies which were accounted for under the pooling of
interests method. Prior to their business combinations with the Company, the two
companies had elected to be taxed under the provisions of Subchapter "S" of the
Internal Revenue Code. Under this election, each company's income or loss was
included in the taxable income of the stockholders. See Note 8.
Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications - Certain items have been reclassified in the March 31, 1998
and 1999 financial statements to conform to the March 31, 2000 presentation.
Earnings Per Share - Earnings per share have been calculated in accordance with
SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share." In accordance with SFAS No. 128, basic EPS
amounts were calculated based on weighted average shares outstanding of
6,031,088 in fiscal 1998, 6,769,732 in fiscal 1999, and 7,698,287 in fiscal
2000. Diluted EPS amounts were calculated based on weighted average shares
outstanding and common stock equivalents of 6,143,017 in fiscal 1998, 6,827,528
in fiscal 1999, and 9,155,056 in fiscal 2000. Additional shares included in the
diluted earnings per share calculations are attributable to incremental shares
issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options and other common stock
equivalents.
Capital Structure - On October 23, 1998, The Company sold 1,111,111 shares of
common stock for a price of $9.00 per share to TC Plus LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company (formerly TC Leasing LLC). In addition, the Company granted TC
Plus LLC stock purchase warrants granting the right to purchase an additional
1,090,909 shares of common stock at a price of $11.00 per share, subject to
certain anti-dilution adjustments. The warrant is exercisable through December
31, 2001, unless it is extended under the terms of the warrant. Pursuant to a
purchase agreement, the Company's ability to pay dividends was restricted
through October 23, 1999. On February 25, 2000, the Company entered into an
agreement, which was amended April 11, 2000, which allowed TC Plus LLC to
exercise the warrants on a cashless basis at an exercise price of $11.00 per
share, contingent upon the Company's completion of a secondary offering. On
April 11, 2000, TC Plus LLC exercised their options on a cashless basis and were
issued 709,956 shares of common stock.
On July 1, 1997, the Company sold 161,329 shares of common stock to a single
investor for $12.40 per share.
New Accounting Pronouncements - In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities." The statement requires companies to recognize all derivatives as
either assets or liabilities, with the instruments measured at fair value. The
accounting for changes in fair value and gains and losses depends on the
intended use of the derivative and its resulting designation. The statement was
originally effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. In June
1999, FASB delayed implementation of this statement by one year, to June 15,
2000. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 133 in the first quarter of fiscal year
2002 and is evaluating the impact that implementation of this statement will
have on its consolidated financial statements.
F-11
2. INVESTMENT IN DIRECT FINANCING AND SALES-TYPE LEASES
The Company's investment in direct financing and sales-type leases consists of
the following components:
As of March 31,
1999 2000
---- ----
(In Thousands)
Minimum lease payments $ 75,449 $ 213,284
Estimated unguaranteed residual value 17,777 33,584
Initial direct costs, net of amortization (1) 1,606 2,958
Less: Unearned lease income (10,915) (26,093)
Reserve for credit losses (546) (1,848)
----- ------
Investment in direct finance and sales
type leases, net $ 83,371 $ 221,885
========= =========
(1) Initial direct costs are shown net of amortization of $2,590 and
$3,686 at March 31, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
Future scheduled minimum lease rental payments as of March 31, 2000 are as
follows:
(In Thousands)
Year ending March 31, 2001 $ 112,343
2002 70,817
2003 25,145
2004 3,348
2005 and thereafter 1,631
----------
$ 213,284
The Company's net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases is
collateral for non-recourse and recourse equipment notes. See Note 5.
3. INVESTMENT IN OPERATING LEASE EQUIPMENT
Investment in operating leases primarily represents equipment leased for two to
three years and leases that are short term renewals on month-to-month status.
The components of the net investment in operating lease equipment are as
follows:
As of March 31,
1999 2000
---- ----
(In Thousands)
Cost of equipment under operating leases $ 8,742 $ 26,979
Initial direct costs 21 19
Less: Accumulated depreciation and
Amortization (5,233) (16,884)
------ -------
Investment in operating lease equipment, net $ 3,530 $ 10,114
======== =========
F-12
As of March 31, 2000, future scheduled minimum lease rental payments are as
follows:
(In Thousands)
Year ending March 31, 2001 $ 5,679
2002 2,856
2003 674
2004 52
-------------
$ 9,261
=============
4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following:
As of March 31,
1999 2000
---- ----
(In Thousands)
Furniture, fixtures and equipment $ 2,333 $ 3,086
Vehicles 139 140
Capitalized software 635 1,350
Leasehold improvements 193 241
Less: Accumulated depreciation and
Amortization (1,282) (1,921)
------ ------
Property and equipment, net $ 2,018 $ 2,896
======== ========
5. RECOURSE AND NON-RECOURSE NOTES PAYABLE
Recourse and non-recourse obligations consist of the following:
As of March 31,
1999 2000
---- ----
(In Thousands)
Recourse equipment notes secured by
related investments in leases with
varying interest rates ranging from
6.9% to 7.9% in fiscal years 1999 and
2000 $ 497 $ 637
Recourse line of credit with a maximum
balance of $50,000,000 bearing interest
at the LIBOR rate plus 150 basis
points, or, at the Company's option,
prime less 1/2% expiring December, 1999 18,000 -0-
F-13
Recourse line of credit with a maximum
balance of $65,000,000 bearing interest
at the LIBOR rate plus 150 basis
points, or, at the Company's option,
prime less 1/2% expiring December, 2000 -0- 34,500
Recourse line of credit with a maximum
balance of $2,500,000 bearing interest
at prime 175 -0-
Recourse equipment notes with varying
interest rates ranging from 7.13% to 8.25%,
secured by related investment in equipment 409 316
Promissory notes with interest rate of 8%
per terms and conditions of the Asset
Purchase Agreement between ePlus Technology,
inc and Daghigh Software Company, Inc. -0- 500
Recourse note payable secured by investment
in leases with 11% interest payable monthly,
and principal balance due October, 2006 -0- 3,064
-------- ---------
Total recourse obligations $ 19,081 $ 39,017
======== =========
Non-recourse equipment notes secured by
related investments in leases with interest
rates ranging from 5.14% to 10.95% in fiscal
years 1999 and 2000 $ 52,429 $ 182,845
======== =========
Principal and interest payments on the recourse and non-recourse notes payable
are generally due monthly in amounts that are approximately equal to the total
payments due from the lessee under the leases that collateralize the notes
payable. Under recourse financing, in the event of a default by a lessee, the
lender has recourse against the lessee, the equipment serving as collateral, and
the borrower. Under non-recourse financing, in the event of a default by a
lessee, the lender generally only has recourse against the lessee, and the
equipment serving as collateral, but not against the borrower.
Borrowings under the Company's $65 million line of credit are subject to certain
covenants regarding minimum consolidated tangible net worth, maximum recourse
debt to worth ratio, cash flow coverage, and minimum interest expense coverage
ratio. The borrowings are secured by the Company's assets such as leases,
receivables, inventory, and equipment. Borrowings are limited to the Company's
collateral base, consisting of equipment, lease receivables and other current
assets, up to a maximum of $65 million. In addition, the credit agreement
restricts, and under some circumstances prohibits, the payment of dividends.
F-14
Recourse and non-recourse notes payable as of March 31, 2000, mature as follows:
Recourse Non-recourse
Notes Payable Notes Payable
------------- -------------
(In Thousands)
Year ending March 31, 2001 $ 35,473 $ 94,538
2002 53 61,583
2003 195 23,423
2004 231 2,580
2005 and thereafter 3,065 721
----- ---
$ 39,017 $ 182,845
========== ==========
6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company provided loans and advances to employees and/or stockholders, the
balances of which amounted to $20,078 and $94,693 as of March 31, 1999 and 2000,
respectively. Such balances are to be repaid from commissions earned on
successful sales or financing arrangements obtained on behalf of the Company, or
via scheduled payroll deductions.
As of March 31, 1999 and 2000, the Company's other assets includes $100,602 and
$99,219 payable to United Federal Leasing, which is owned in part by an
individual related to a Company executive. During the year ended March 31, 1998,
the Company recognized re-marketing fees of $561,000 from United Federal
Leasing.
At March 31, 1999 accrued expenses and other liabilities include $19,416 due to
a company in which an employee/stockholder has a 45% ownership interest. During
the years ended March 31, 1998 and 1999, the Company recognized remarketing fees
from the company amounting to $216,828 and $88,180, respectively.
During the year ended March 31, 2000, the Company advanced money to an entity in
which the Company owns a stock purchase warrant. As of March 31, 2000, the
balance of advances to this entity was $816,506, and is included in notes
receivable in the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
During the year ended March 31, 1998, the Company sold leased equipment to
MLC/GATX Limited Partnership I (the "Partnership"), in which the Company has a
9.5% limited partnership interest in and owns a 50% interest in the corporation
that owns a 1% general partnership interest in the Partnership. Revenue
recognized from the sale was $406,159, and the basis of the equipment sold was
$372,306 for the year ended March 31, 1998. Other assets include $6,989 due from
the Partnership as of March 31, 1999. The Company received $104,277 for the year
ended March 31, 1998 and $-0- for the years ended March 31, 1999 and 2000, for
accounting and administrative services provided to the Partnership.
F-15
During the years ended March 31, 1998 and 1999 the recoverability of certain
capital contributions made by the Company to the Partnership was determined to
be impaired. As a result, the Company recognized a write-down of its recorded
investment balance of $105,719 and $161,387 to reflect the revised net
realizable value. These write-downs were included in cost of sales in the
consolidated statements of earnings.
During the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999, and 2000, the Company sold leased
equipment to MLC/CLC LLC, a joint venture in which the Company has a 5%
ownership interest, that amounted to 38%, 42% and 11% of the Company's revenues,
respectively. Revenue recognized from the sales was $44,784,727, $81,089,883,
and $28,666,120 respectively. The basis for the equipment sold was $44,353,676,
$80,510,214, and $28,033,282, respectively. Notes receivable includes $518,955
and $169,261 due from the partnership as of March 31, 1999 and 2000. Other
assets reflects the investment in the joint venture of $1,389,065 and
$1,608,669, as of March 31, 1999 and 2000, respectively, accounted for using the
cost method. The Company receives an origination fee on leased equipment sold to
the joint venture. In addition, the Company recognized $170,709, $301,708 and
$310,879 for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 for accounting and
administrative services provided to MLC/CLC LLC.
The Company leases certain office space from entities which are owned, in part,
by executives of subsidiaries of the Company. During the years ended March 31,
1998, 1999, and 2000, rent expense paid to these related parties was $306,479,
$269,558, and $228,000, respectively.
The Company is reimbursed for certain general and administrative expenses by a
company owned, in part, by an executive of a subsidiary of the Company. The
reimbursements totaled $81,119, $25,500, and $-0- for the years ended March 31,
1998, 1999 and 2000.
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company leases office space and certain office equipment for the conduct of
its business. Rent expense relating to these operating leases was $505,032,
$629,456, and $799,384 for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999, and 2000,
respectively. As of March 31, 2000, the future minimum lease payments are due as
follows:
Year ending March 31, 2001 $ 942,067
2002 591,083
2003 353,731
2004 350,303
---------
$ 2,237,184
===========
8. INCOME TAXES
A reconciliation of income tax computed at the statutory Federal rate to the
provision for income tax included in the consolidated statements of earnings is
as follows:
F-16
For the Year Ended March 31,
1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ----
Statutory Federal income tax rate 34% 34% 34%
Income tax expense computed at the statutory
Federal rate $ 2,968,195 $ 3,840,331 $ 4,845,186
Income tax expense based on the statutory
Federal rate for subsidiaries which were
Sub-S prior to their combination with the
Company (568,893) (-0-) (-0-)
State income tax expense, net of Federal tax 250,692 528,447 546,709
Non-taxable interest income (35,350) (16,137) (20,566)
Non-deductible expenses 76,246 225,984 503,866
------ ------- -------
Provision for income taxes $ 2,690,890 $ 4,578,625 $ 5,875,195
=========== =========== ===========
Effective tax rate 30.8% 40.58% 41.23%
==== ===== =====
The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
For the Year Ended March 31,
1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ----
(In Thousands)
Current:
Federal $ 1,669 $ 2,519 $ 7,126
State 125 255 1,278
--- --- -----
1,794 2,774 8,404
----- ----- -----
Deferred:
Federal $ 802 $ 1,259 $ (2,080)
State 95 546 (449)
-- --- ----
897 1,805 (2,529)
--- ----- ------
$ 2,691 $ 4,579 $ 5,875
======== ======== =========
The components of the deferred tax expense (benefit) resulting from net
temporary differences are as follows:
For the Year Ended March 31,
1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ----
(In Thousands)
Alternative minimum tax $ 18 $ (1,307) $ (161)
Lease revenue recognition 797 3,083 (1,681)
Other 82 29 (687)
-- --- ----
$ 897 $ 1,805 $(2,529)
====== ======== =======
F-17
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The tax effects of items
comprising the Company's deferred tax liability consists of the following:
For the Year Ended March 31,
1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ----
(In Thousands)
Alternative minimum tax $ 232 $ 1,539 $ 1,701
Lease revenue recognition (1,637) (4,720) (3,039)
Other (82) (111) 576
--- ---- ---
$ (1,487) $ (3,292) $ (762)
During the year ended March 31, 1998, the Company entered into business
combinations with companies which, prior to their combination with the Company,
had elected to be treated as Sub-chapter "S" ("Sub-S") corporations. As Sub-S
corporations, taxable income and losses were passed through the corporate entity
to the individual shareholders. These business combinations were accounted for
using the pooling of interests method. Therefore, the consolidated financial
statements do not reflect a provision for income taxes relating to the pooled
companies for the periods prior to their combination with the Company.
In accordance with SFAS No. 109, the following pro forma income tax information
is presented as if the pooled companies had been subject to federal income taxes
throughout the periods presented.
For the Year Ended March 31,
1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ----
Net earnings before pro
forma adjustment $ 6,039,094 $ 6,716,467 $ 8,375,368
Additional provision
for income taxes (613,261) -0- -0-
----------- ----------- ---------
Pro forma net earnings $ 5,425,833 $ 6,716,467 $ 8,375,368
=========== =========== ===========
9. NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
The Company recognized a reduction in recourse and non-recourse notes payable
(Note 5) associated with its direct finance and operating lease activities from
payments made directly by customers to third-party lenders amounting to
$5,258,955, $10,733,555 and $28,739,422 for the years ended March 31, 1998,
1999, and 2000, respectively. In addition, the Company realized a reduction in
recourse and non-recourse notes payable from the sale of the associated assets
and liabilities amounting to $1,057,389, $10,231,793 and $22,727,174 for the
years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
F-18
10. BENEFIT AND STOCK OPTION PLANS
The Company provides its employees with contributory 401(k) profit sharing
plans. To be eligible to participate in the plan, employees must be at least 21
years of age and have completed a minimum service requirement. Full vesting in
the plans vary from after the fourth to the sixth consecutive year of plan
participation. Employer contributions percentages are determined by the Company
and are discretionary each year. The Company's expense for the plans was
$80,291, $104,617 and $88,500 for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000,
respectively.
The Company has established a stock incentive program (the "Master Stock
Incentive Plan") to provide an opportunity for directors, executive officers,
independent contractors, key employees, and other employees of the Company to
participate in the ownership of the Company. The Master Stock Incentive Plan
provides for the award to eligible directors, employees, and independent
contractors of the Company, of a broad variety of stock-based compensation
alternatives under a series of component plans. These component plans include
tax advantaged incentive stock options for employees under the Incentive Stock
Option Plan, formula length of service based nonqualified options to
non-employee directors under the Outside Director Stock Plan, nonqualified stock
options under the Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, a program for employee
purchase of Common Stock of the Company at 85% of fair market value under a tax
advantaged Employee Stock Purchase Plan approved by the Board of Directors and
effective September 16, 1998, as well as other restrictive stock and performance
based stock awards and programs which may be established by the Board of
Directors. The aggregate number of shares reserved for grant under all plans
which are a part of the Master Stock Incentive Plan represent a floating number
equal to 20% of the issued and outstanding stock of the Company (after giving
effect to pro forma assumed exercise of all outstanding options and purchase
rights). The number that may be subject to options granted under the Incentive
Stock Option Plan is also further capped at a maximum of 4,000,000 shares to
comply with IRS requirements for a specified maximum. As of March 31, 2000 a
total of 2,040,648 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance upon
exercise of options granted under the Plan, which encompasses the following
component plans:
a) the Incentive Stock Option Plan ("ISO Plan"), under which 999,182 options
are outstanding or have been exercised as of March 31, 2000;
b) the Nonqualified Stock Option Plan ("Nonqualified Plan"), under which
265,000 options are outstanding as of March 31, 2000;
c) the Outside Director Stock Option Plan ("Outside Director Plan"), under
which 73,507 are outstanding or have been exercised as of March 31, 2000;
d) the Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") under which 47,805 shares have
been issued as of March 31, 2000.
The exercise price of options granted under the Master Stock Incentive Plan is
equivalent to the fair market value of the Company's stock on the date of grant,
or, in the case of the ESPP, not less than 85% of the lowest fair market value
F-19
of the Company's stock during the purchase period, which is generally six
months. Options granted under the plan have various vesting schedules with
vesting periods ranging from one to five years. The weighted average fair value
of options granted during the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 was
$4.84, $3.69 and $5.50 per share, respectively.
A summary of stock option activity during the three years ended March 31, 2000
is as follows:
Weighted
Exercise Price Average Exercise
Number of Shares Range Price
---------------- ----- -----
Outstanding, April 1, 1997 353,800 - -
Options granted 277,200 $10.75 - $13.25 $11.94
Options exercised (200) $8.75 $ 8.75
Options forfeited (18,900) $8.75 - $13.00 $11.18
----------------
Outstanding, March 31, 1998 611,900
================
Exercisable, March 31, 1998 199,540
================
Outstanding, April 1, 1998 611,900 - -
Options granted 275,507 $7.25 - $13.63 $ 9.89
Options exercised (10,500) $8.75 $ 8.75
Options forfeited (97,000) $8.75 - $13.50 $12.57
----------------
Outstanding, March 31, 1999 779,907
================
Exercisable, March 31, 1999 326,566
================
Outstanding, April 1, 1999 779,907 - -
Options granted 576,400 $7.75 - $21.25 $ 8.08
Options exercised (61,044) $7.25 - $12.25 $10.84
Options forfeited (29,318) $8.75 - $13.00 $ 9.28
----------------
Outstanding, March 31, 2000 1,265,945
================
Exercisable, March 31, 2000 448,513
================
Additional information regarding options outstanding as of March 31, 2000 is as
follows:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
------------------- -------------------
Weighted
Average Weighted Weighted
Number Remaining Average Number Average
Outstanding Contractual Life Exercise Price Exercisable Exercise Price
----------- ---------------- -------------- ----------- --------------
1,265,945 7.2 years $8.81 448,513 $9.14
Effective April 1, 1996, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation." This Statement gave the Company the option of either
(1) continuing to account for stock-based employee compensation plans in
accordance with the guidelines established by Accounting Principles Board
("APB") No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" while providing the
disclosures required under SFAS No. 123, or (2) adopting SFAS No. 123 accounting
for all employee and non-employee stock compensation arrangements. The Company
F-20
opted to continue to account for its stock-based awards using the intrinsic
value method in accordance with APB No. 25. Accordingly, no compensation expense
has been recognized in the financial statements for employee stock arrangements.
Option grants made to non-employees, including outside directors, which have
been accounted for using the fair value method resulted in $113,982 in
compensation expense during the year ended March 31, 1998. The following table
summarizes the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No. 123 assuming the
Company had adopted the fair value method for stock-based awards to employees as
of the beginning of fiscal year 1998:
Year Ended March 31,
1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ----
Net earnings, as reported $ 6,039,094 $ 6,716,467 $ 8,375,368
=========== =========== ===========
Net earnings, pro forma $ 5,346,761 $ 5,687,667 $ 6,861,442
=========== =========== ===========
Basic earnings per share, as reported $ 1.00 $ 0.99 $ 1.09
=========== ========= =========
Basic earnings per share, pro forma $ 0.89 $ 0.84 $ 0.89
=========== ========= =========
Diluted earnings per share, as reported $ 0.98 $ 0.98 $ 0.91
=========== ========= =========
Diluted earnings per share, pro forma $ 0.87 $ 0.83 $ 0.75
=========== ========= =========
Under SFAS No. 123, the fair value of stock-based awards to employees is derived
through the use of option pricing models which require a number of subjective
assumptions. The Company's calculations were made using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
F-21
For the Year Ended March 31,
1998 1999 2000
---- ---- ----
Options granted under the Incentive Stock
Option Plan:
Expected life of option 5 years 5 years 5 years
Expected stock price volatility 30.95% 37.02% 80.67%
Expected dividend yield 0% 0% 0%
Risk-free interest rate 5.82% 5.46% 5.95%
Options granted under the Nonqualified
Stock Option Plan:
Expected life of option 8 years 5 years -
Expected stock price volatility 30.95% 37.02% -
Expected dividend yield 0% 0% -
Risk-free interest rate 5.62% - -
Options granted under the Outside Director
Stock Option Plan:
Expected life of option - 8 years -
Expected stock price volatility - 37.02% -
Expected dividend yield - 0% -
Risk-free interest rate - 4.95% -
F-22
11. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following disclosure of the estimated fair value of the Company's financial
instruments is in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures
About Fair Value of Financial Instruments." The valuation methods used by the
Company are set forth below.
The accuracy and usefulness of the fair value information disclosed herein is
limited by the following factors:
- - These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and
matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with
precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
- - These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result
from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holding of a
particular financial asset.
- - SFAS No. 107 excludes from its disclosure requirements lease contracts and
various significant assets and liabilities that are not considered to be
financial instruments.
Because of these and other limitations, the aggregate fair value amounts
presented in the following table do not represent the underlying value of the
Company.
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial
instruments are as follows:
As of March 31, 1999 As of March 31, 2000
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
------ ----- ------ -----
(In Thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $7,892 $7,892 $21,910 $21,910
Liabilities:
Non-recourse notes payable 52,429 55,341 182,845 177,954
Recourse notes payable 19,081 19,092 39,017 39,024
12. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
During the year ended March 31, 1999, the Company acquired PC Plus, Inc., a
value-added reseller of personal computers, related network equipment and
software products and provider of various support services. This business
combination has been accounted for as a purchase.
F-23
During the year ended March 31, 2000, the Company purchased all of the stock of
CLG, Inc., a technology equipment leasing business, from Centura Bank. This
business acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase.
The following pro forma financial information presents the combined results of
operations of PC Plus, Inc. and CLG, Inc. as if the acquisitions had occurred as
of the beginning of the twelve months ended March 31, 1999 and 2000, after
giving effect to certain adjustments, including amortization of goodwill. The
pro forma financial information does not necessarily reflect the results of
operations that would have occurred had the Company, PC Plus, Inc. and CLG, Inc.
constituted a single entity during such periods.
Unaudited
Year Ended March 31,
(In Thousands, except per share data)
1999 2000
---- ----
Total Revenues $244,319 $280,732
Net Earnings 7,509 7,977
Net Earnings per Common Share - Basic 1.05 1.04
Net Earnings per Common Share - Diluted 1.04 0.87
13. PRIVATE PLACEMENTS OF COMMON STOCK AND WARRANT
On July 1, 1997, the Company sold 161,329 shares of common stock to a single
investor for a price of $9.00 per share.
On October 23, 1998, the Company sold 1,111,111 shares of common stock to TC
Leasing LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, for a price of $9.00 per
share. In addition, the Company granted to TC Leasing LLC, a stock purchase
warrant granting the right to purchase an additional 1,090,909 shares of common
stock at a price of $11.00 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution
adjustments. The warrant was exercisable through December 31, 2001, unless
extended pursuant to the terms of the warrant. On February 25, 2000, the Company
entered into an agreement, which was amended April 11, 2000, which allowed TC
Plus LLC (formerly TC Leasing LLC) to exercise the warrant on a cashless basis
at an exercise price of $11.00 per share, contingent upon the Company's
completion of a secondary offering. On April 11, 2000, TC Plus LLC exercised
their warrant on a cashless basis and were issued 709,956 shares of common
stock. Pursuant to the terms of this private placement, the Company agreed to
expand its Board of Directors to six persons, four of whom shall be appointed,
in whole or in part, by TC Plus LLC. Additionally, the terms of the private
placement restricted the Company's ability to pay dividends until October 23,
1999 without the consent of TC Plus LLC.
On December 10, 1999 the Company issued a purchase warrant to an outside
business partner. The warrant allows the holder to purchase 7,500 shares of the
Company's common stock at a price of $23.00 per share and expires December 10,
2009.
14. SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company manages its business segments on the basis of the products and
services offered. The Company's reportable segments consist of its traditional
F-24
financing and technology business units (previously known as the lease financing
and value added re-selling segments), as well as its newly created electronic
commerce ("e-commerce") business unit. The financing business unit offers lease
financing solutions to corporations and governmental entities nationwide. The
technology business unit sells information technology equipment and related
services primarily to corporate customers in the eastern United States. The
e-commerce business unit provides Internet-based business-to-business supply
chain management solutions for information technology and other operating
resources. The Company evaluates segment performance on the basis on segment net
earnings.
Sales of equipment for the e-commerce business unit represents customer
equipment purchases executed through Procure(+), and an element of the Company's
e-commerce business solution. The amounts charged for using Procure(+) are
presented as ePlusSuite revenues in the statement of earnings. The e-commerce
business unit's assets consist primarily of capitalized software costs.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note
1, "Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies." Corporate
overhead expenses are allocated on the basis of revenue volume, estimates of
actual time spent by corporate staff, and asset utilization, depending on the
type of expense.
Financing Technology E-commerce
Business Business Business
Unit Unit Unit Total
---- ---- ---- -----
(In Thousands)
Twelve months ended March 31, 1998
Sales of equipment $ 8,450,633 $ 38,968,482 $ - $ 47,419,115
Sales of leased equipment 50,362,055 - - 50,362,055
Lease revenues 14,882,420 - - 14,882,420
Fee and other income 3,483,215 2,295,470 - 5,778,685
--------- --------- ---------
Total Revenues 77,178,323 41,263,952 - 118,442,275
Cost of sales 56,736,836 30,355,317 - 87,092,153
Direct lease costs 5,409,338 - - 5,409,338
Selling, general and administrative
expenses 7,157,552 8,216,292 - 15,373,844
--------- --------- ----------
Segment earnings 7,874,597 2,692,343 - 10,566,940
Interest expense 1,732,067 104,889 - 1,836,956
--------- ------- ---------
Earnings before income taxes 6,142,530 2,587,454 - 8,729,984
========= ========= =========
Assets $ 75,921,360 $ 7,274,255 $ - $ 83,195,615
F-25
Financing Technology E-commerce
Business Business Business
Unit Unit Unit Total
---- ---- ---- -----
(In Thousands)
Twelve months ended March 31, 1999
Sales of equipment $ 2,427,196 $ 81,089,058 $ - $ 83,516,254
Sales of leased equipment 84,378,800 - - 84,378,800
Lease revenues 20,610,542 - - 20,610,542
Fee and other income 2,945,225 2,519,017 - 5,464,242
--------- --------- ---------
Total Revenues 110,361,763 83,608,075 - 193,969,838
Cost of sales 85,124,386 69,511,814 - 154,636,200
Direct lease costs 6,183,562 - - 6,183,562
Selling, general and administrative
expenses 7,038,094 11,215,542 - 18,253,636
--------- ---------- ----------
Segment earnings 12,015,721 2,880,719 - 14,896,440
Interest expense 3,367,149 234,199 - 3,601,348
--------- ------- ---------
Earnings before income taxes 8,648,572 2,646,520 - 11,295,092
========= ========= ==========
Assets $ 127,784,876 $ 26,573,722 $ - $ 154,358,598
Twelve months ended March 31, 2000
Sales of equipment $ 2,103,603 $156,735,622 $7,412,953 $ 166,252,178
Sales of leased equipment 57,360,366 - - 57,360,366
Lease revenues 31,374,244 - - 31,374,244
Fee and other income 1,365,675 7,005,440 - 8,371,115
ePlusSuite revenues - - 1,375,901 1,375,901
----------- ------------ ---------- -------------
Total Revenues 92,203,888 163,741,062 8,788,854 264,733,804
Cost of sales 56,796,063 139,431,514 6,435,776 202,663,353
Direct lease costs 8,025,343 - - 8,025,343
Selling, general and administrative -
expenses 11,643,013 16,052,509 709,342 28,404,864
---------- ---------- ------- ----------
Segment earnings 15,739,469 8,257,039 1,643,736 25,640,244
Interest expense 11,016,120 373,562 - 11,389,682
---------- ------- ----------
Earnings before income taxes 4,723,349 7,883,477 1,643,736 14,250,562
========= ========= ========= ==========
Assets $ 295,161,280 $ 49,644,139 $ 529,329 $ 345,334,748
15. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On April 17, 2000 the Company completed a secondary offering of 1,000,000 shares
of its common stock at a price of $28.00 per share. Net proceeds to the Company
were $25,999,884.
16. QUARTERLY DATA - UNAUDITED
Condensed quarterly financial information is as follows (amounts in thousands,
except per share amounts). Adjustments reflect the results of operations of
business combinations accounted for under the pooling of interests method and
the reclassification of certain prior period amounts to conform with current
period presentation.
F-26
First Quarter Second Quarter
Previously Adjusted Previously Adjusted
Reported Adjustments Amount Reported Adjustments Amount
-------- ----------- -------- -------- ----------- ------
Year Ended March 31, 1999
Sales $ 35,185 $ - $ 35,185 $ 31,479 $ - $ 31,479
Total revenues 41,583 - 41,583 38,001 - 38,001
Cost of sales 33,097 - 33,097 28,065 - 28,065
Total costs and expenses 39,143 - 39,143 35,268 - 35,268
Earnings before provision for income taxes 2,440 - 2,440 2,733 - 2,733
Provision for income taxes 976 - 976 1,093 - 1,093
Net earnings 1,464 - 1,464 1,640 - 1,640
===== ===== ===== =====
Net earnings per common share-Basic $ 0.24 $ 0.24 $ 0.26 $ 0.26
====== ====== ====== ======
Year Ended March 31, 2000
Sales $ 47,562 $ (408) $ 47,154 $ 52,621 $ (1,143) $ 51,478
Total revenues 54,363 (408) 53,955 61,192 (1,143) 60,049
Cost of sales 43,925 (408) 43,517 47,778 (1,143) 46,635
Total costs and expenses 51,859 (408) 51,451 57,710 (1,143) 56,567
Earnings before provision for income taxes 2,504 - 2,504 3,482 - 3,482
Provision for income taxes 1,002 - 1,002 1,393 - 1,393
Net earnings 1,502 - 1,502 2,089 - 2,089
===== ===== ===== =====
Net earnings per common share-Basic (1) $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ 0.28 $ 0.28
====== ====== ====== ======
Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
Previously Adjusted Previously Adjusted
Reported Adjustments Amount Reported Adjustments Amount
-------- ----------- ------ -------- ----------- ------
Year Ended March 31, 1999
Sales $ 63,689 $ - $ 63,689 $ 37,542 $ - $ 37,542
Total revenues 69,947 - 69,947 44,439 - 44,439
Cost of sales 59,625 - 59,625 33,849 - 33,849
Total costs and expenses 67,117 - 67,117 41,147 - 41,147
Earnings before provision for income taxes 2,830 - 2,830 3,292 - 3,292
Provision for income taxes 1,132 - 1,132 1,378 - 1,378
Net earnings 1,698 - 1,698 1,914 - 1,914
===== ===== ===== =====
Net earnings per common share-Basic $ 0.24 $ 0.24 $ 0.25 $ 0.25
====== ======== ====== ======
Year Ended March 31, 2000
Sales $ 63,549 $ (1,977) $ 61,572 $ 63,409 $ - $ 63,409
Total revenues 76,240 (1,977) 74,263 76,460 - 76,460
Cost of sales 57,625 (1,977) 55,648 56,860 - 56,860
Total costs and expenses 72,289 (1,977) 70,312 72,146 - 72,146
Earnings before provision for income taxes 3,951 - 3,951 4,314 - 4,314
Provision for income taxes 1,580 - 1,580 1,900 - 1,900
Net earnings 2,371 - 2,371 2,413 - 2,413
===== ===== ===== =====
Net earnings per common share-Basic (1) $ 0.30 $ 0.30 $ 0.30 $ 0.30
====== ====== ====== ======
(1) The sum of quarterly amounts does not equal the annual amount due to
quarterly calculations being based on varying weighted average shares
outstanding.
F-27
SCHEDULE II
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the three years ended March 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000
(In Thousands)
Column C - Additions
Column B (1) (2) Column E
Balance at Charged to Charged to Balance at
beginning costs and other Column D end of
Column A - Description of period expenses accounts Deductions period
---------------------- --------- -------- -------- ---------- ------
2000 Allowance for doubtful accounts
and credit losses $ 728 $ 733 $ 1,731 $ 533 $ 2,659
======= ======= ======== ======= ========
1999 Allowance for doubtful accounts
and credit losses $ 142 $ 811 $ 75 $ 300 $ 728
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
1998 Allowance for doubtful accounts
and credit losses $ 143 $ 56 $ - $ 57 $ 142
======= ====== ===== ======= =======
S-1
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number Description
3.2 Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
27.1 Financial Data Schedule