form10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
x    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010
 
OR
 
o   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: 1-34167
 
ePlus inc.
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
54-1817218
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
13595 Dulles Technology Drive, Herndon, VA 20171-3413
(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)
 
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (703) 984-8400
 
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 o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes o   No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No x
 
The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of October 29, 2010 was 8,227,664.
 


 
1
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
         
Part I. Financial Information:
   
         
Item 1.
 
Financial Statements
   
         
     
4
         
     
5
         
     
6
         
     
8
         
Item 2.
   
22
         
Item 3.
   
36
         
Item 4.
   
36
         
Part II. Other Information:
   
         
Item 1.
   
37
         
Item 1A.
   
37
         
Item 2.
   
38
         
Item 3.
   
38
         
Item 4.
   
38
         
Item 5.
   
38
         
Item 6.
   
39
         
 
40
 
 
2

 
Cautionary Language About Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are made in reliance upon the protections provided by such acts for forward-looking statements. Such statements are not based on historical fact, but are based upon numerous assumptions about future conditions that may not occur. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking words such as “may,” “should,” “intend,” “estimate,” “will,” “potential,” “could,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. Forward-looking statements are made based upon information that is currently available or management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects upon us, speak only as of the date hereof, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties.  We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or correct any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which we hereafter become aware. 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 matters set forth below:
 
 
we offer a comprehensive set of solutions—the bundling of our direct IT sales, professional services and financing with our proprietary software, and may encounter some of the challenges, risks, difficulties and uncertainties frequently faced by similar companies, such as:
 
o
managing a diverse product set of solutions in highly competitive markets;
 
o
increasing the total number of customers utilizing bundled solutions by up-selling within our customer base and gaining new customers;
 
o
adapting to meet changes in markets and competitive developments;
 
o
maintaining and increasing advanced professional services by retaining highly skilled personnel and vendor certifications;
 
o
integrating with external IT systems, including those of our customers and vendors; and
 
o
continuing to enhance our proprietary software and update our technology infrastructure to remain competitive in the marketplace.
 
our ability to hire and retain sufficient qualified personnel;
 
a decrease in the capital spending budgets of our customers or purchases from us;
 
our ability to protect our intellectual property;
 
the creditworthiness of our customers;
 
the possibility of goodwill impairment charges in the future;
 
uncertainty and volatility in the global economy and financial markets;
 
changes in the IT industry;
 
our ability to raise capital, maintain or increase as needed our line of credit or floor planning facilities, or obtain non-recourse financing for our transactions;
 
our ability to realize our investment in leased equipment;
 
our ability to reserve adequately for credit losses;
 
significant adverse changes in, reductions in, or losses of relationships with major customers or vendors; and
 
significant changes in accounting guidance related to the financial reporting of our leases both as a lessor and lessee.
 
We cannot be certain that our business strategy will be successful or that we will successfully address these and other challenges, risks and uncertainties. For a further list and description of various risks, relevant factors and uncertainties that could cause future results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements, see the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections contained elsewhere in this report, as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, any subsequent Reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, and other filings with the SEC.
 
 
3

 
Item 1.  Financial Statements
 
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
   
 
   
 
 
   
As of
September 30, 2010
   
As of
March 31, 2010
 
ASSETS
 
(in thousands)
 
             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 68,287     $ 85,077  
Accounts receivable—net
    124,352       108,752  
Notes receivable
    2,217       1,991  
Inventories—net
    11,447       9,316  
Investment in leases and leased equipment—net
    124,724       153,553  
Property and equipment—net
    1,891       2,057  
Other assets
    40,313       27,312  
Goodwill
    17,573       17,573  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 390,804     $ 405,631  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
               
                 
LIABILITIES
               
                 
Accounts payable—equipment
  $ 11,737     $ 40,894  
Accounts payable—trade
    13,867       17,501  
Accounts payable—floor plan
    63,617       57,613  
Salaries and commissions payable
    7,138       5,763  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    47,789       40,502  
Income taxes payable
    3,938       2,385  
Recourse notes payable
          102  
Non-recourse notes payable
    41,320       53,577  
Deferred tax liability
    1,803       1,803  
Total Liabilities
    191,209       220,140  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  (Note 8)
               
                 
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
               
 
               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding
    –        –   
Common stock, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 12,141,658 issued and 8,224,509 outstanding at September 30, 2010 and 11,917,129 issued and 8,123,508 outstanding at March 31, 2010
    121       119  
Additional paid-in capital
    87,765       84,100  
Treasury stock, at cost, 3,917,149 and 3,793,621 shares, respectively
    (45,502 )     (43,346 )
Retained earnings
    156,819       144,197  
Accumulated other comprehensive income—foreign currency translation adjustment
    392       421  
Total Stockholders Equity
    199,595       185,491  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
  $ 390,804     $ 405,631  
 
See Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
   
 
   
 
 
   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Six Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(amounts in thousands, except shares and per share data)
 
                         
Sales of product and services
  $ 221,910     $ 157,271     $ 397,803     $ 297,721  
Sales of leased equipment
    1,101       788       1,101       2,276  
      223,011       158,059       398,904       299,997  
                                 
Lease revenues
    8,559       8,884       18,693       16,959  
Fee and other income
    2,782       2,372       5,760       4,779  
Patent settlement income
    125       3,400       125       3,400  
      11,466       14,656       24,578       25,138  
                                 
TOTAL REVENUES
    234,477       172,715       423,482       325,135  
                                 
COSTS AND EXPENSES
                               
                                 
Cost of sales, product and services
    189,791       134,360       340,782       254,931  
Cost of leased equipment
    1,096       779       1,096       2,189  
      190,887       135,139       341,878       257,120  
                                 
Direct lease costs
    1,856       3,142       4,526       5,690  
Professional and other fees
    3,701       2,657       7,228       4,474  
Salaries and benefits
    20,597       18,256       40,647       36,181  
General and administrative expenses
    3,653       3,624       6,798       7,130  
Interest and financing costs
    696       1,098       1,482       2,403  
      30,503       28,777       60,681       55,878  
                                 
TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES (1)(2)
    221,390       163,916       402,559       312,998  
                                 
EARNINGS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
    13,087       8,799       20,923       12,137  
                                 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
    5,178       3,801       8,301       5,238  
                                 
NET EARNINGS
  $ 7,909     $ 4,998     $ 12,622     $ 6,899  
                                 
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE—BASIC
  $ 0.97     $ 0.61     $ 1.55     $ 0.84  
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE—DILUTED
  $ 0.94     $ 0.58     $ 1.51     $ 0.81  
                                 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING—BASIC
    8,131,088       8,331,302       8,127,228       8,239,995  
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING—DILUTED
    8,384,154       8,547,616       8,348,346       8,480,516  
 
(1)
Includes amounts to related parties of $188 thousand and $278 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
(2)
Includes amounts to related parties of $482 thousand and $561 thousand for the six months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
See Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
       
   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
           
Net earnings
  $ 12,622     $ 6,899  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    4,697       5,982  
Reserves for credit losses and sales returns
    (494 )     482  
Provision for inventory allowances and inventory returns
    489       512  
Share-based compensation expense
    490       61  
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
    (94 )     (187 )
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation
    273       414  
Payments from lessees directly to lendersoperating leases
    (2,836 )     (3,737 )
(Gain)/loss on disposal of property and equipment
    (1 )     11  
(Gain)/loss on sale or disposal of operating lease equipment
    (157 )     23  
Excess increase in cash value of officers life insurance
    (71 )     (43 )
Changes in:
               
Accounts receivablenet
    (15,554 )     (10,930 )
Notes receivable
    (226 )     504  
Inventories—net
    (2,620 )     (2,515 )
Investment in direct financing and sale-type leases—net
    17,407       (24,422 )
Other assets
    (12,936 )     (3,198 )
Accounts payableequipment
    (29,219 )     5,228  
Accounts payabletrade
    (3,809 )     (5,199 )
Salaries and commissions payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    10,215       5,686  
Net cash used in operating activities
    (21,824 )     (24,429 )
                 
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from sale or disposal of operating lease equipment
    1,922       2,308  
Purchases of operating lease equipment
    (6,193 )     (943 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    3        
Purchases of property and equipment
    (272 )     (368 )
Premiums paid for officers life insurance
    (70 )     (128 )
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (4,610 )     869  

 
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - continued
(UNAUDITED)
             
   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
 
(in thousands)
 
             
Borrowings:
           
Non-recourse
    6,694       3,501  
Repayments:
               
Non-recourse
    (3,785 )     (7,003 )
Recourse
    (102 )      
Repurchase of common stock
    (2,156 )     (239 )
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock through option exercise
    2,904       2,247  
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    94       187  
Net borrowings on floor plan facility
    6,004       5,584  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    9,653       4,277  
                 
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash
    (9 )     (162 )
                 
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (16,790 )     (19,445 )
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
    85,077       107,788  
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
  $ 68,287     $ 88,343  
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 1,352     $ 118  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 6,790     $ 2,968  
                 
Schedule of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
               
Purchase of property and equipment included in accounts payable
  $ 75     $ 116  
Purchase of operating lease equipment included in accounts payable
  $ 194     $ 27  
Principal payments from lessees directly to lenders
  $ 15,164     $ 16,957  
 
See Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of ePlus inc. and subsidiaries and notes thereto included herein are unaudited and have been prepared by us, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim periods. All adjustments made were of a normal recurring nature.
 
Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules and regulations.
 
In the description of the Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) and Accounting Standards Updates throughout the report, references in italics relate to Codification Topics and Subtopics, and their descriptive titles, as appropriate.
 
These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2010, which was filed on June 15, 2010.  Operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for an entire year.  A detailed description of our significant accounting policies can be found in the audited consolidated financial statements, included in the Form 10-K.  There have been no significant changes to the accounting policies that were included in the Form 10-K.
 
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION — The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ePlus inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
 
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS – Management has evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date through the date our financial statements are issued.
 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — Comprehensive income consists of net income and foreign currency translation adjustments. For the six months ended September 30, 2010, other comprehensive loss was $29 thousand, and net income was $12.6 million. This resulted in total comprehensive income of $12.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2010.  For the six months ended September 30, 2009, other comprehensive income was $246 thousand, and net income was $6.9 million, resulting in total comprehensive income of $7.1 million.
 
RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS —In June 2009, the FASB issued an update to amend Transfers and Servicing in the Codification. This update removes the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity and clarifies the determination of whether a transferor and all of the entities included in the transferor’s financial statements being presented have surrendered control over the transferred financial assets. That determination must consider the transferor’s continuing involvement in the transferred financial asset, including all arrangements or agreements made contemporaneously with, or in contemplation of, the transfer, even if they were not entered into at the time of the transfer. This update was effective for us beginning April 1, 2010. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued an update to Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. This update requires new disclosures of transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. The update also clarifies the existing disclosures for levels of disaggregation and about inputs and valuation techniques. This update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. This update was effective for us beginning April 1, 2010. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
 
 
8

 
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED—In October 2009, the FASB issued an update to amend Revenue Recognition in the Codification. This update removes the fair value criterion from the separation criteria that we use to determine whether a multiple deliverable arrangement involves more than one unit of accounting. It also replaces references to “fair value” with “selling price” to distinguish from the fair value measurements required under Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures in the Codification, provides a hierarchy that entities must use to estimate the selling price, eliminates the use of the residual method for allocation, and expands the ongoing disclosure requirements. This update is effective for us beginning April 1, 2011 and can be applied prospectively or retrospectively. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the timing and the effect that adoption of this update will have on our unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
 
Concurrently to issuing the above update, the FASB also issued another update to the Codification that excludes certain software from the scope of software revenue recognition guidance. If software is contained in a tangible product and is essential to the tangible products functionality, the software and the tangible product can be accounted for as a multiple deliverable arrangement under Revenue Recognition. This update is effective for us beginning April 1, 2011 and can be applied prospectively or retrospectively. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the timing and the effect that adoption of this update will have on our unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
 
In April 2010, an update was made to Compensation – Stock Compensation. This update provides amendments to clarify that an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, an entity would classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010. Earlier adoption is permitted. We will adopt the provisions of this update and do not anticipate a material impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
In July 2010, the FASB issued an update to amend Receivables in the Codification. This update requires more robust and disaggregated disclosures about the credit quality of an entity’s financing receivables and its allowance for credit losses. A financing receivable is defined as a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the entity’s statement of financial position. Thus, examples of financing receivables include (1) loans, (2) trade accounts receivable, (3) notes receivable, (4) credit cards, and (5) lease receivables (other than operating leases). The new and amended disclosures that relate to information as of the end of a reporting period will be effective for us for the period ending December 31, 2010. The disclosures that include information for activity that occurs during a reporting period will be effective for the period ending March 31, 2011. We will adopt the provisions of this update and do not anticipate a material impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
2. INVESTMENT IN LEASES AND LEASED EQUIPMENT—NET
 
Investment in leases and leased equipment—net consists of the following (in thousands):
             
   
As of
 
   
September 30,
2010
   
March 31,
2010
 
             
Investment in direct financing and sales-type leases—net
  $ 105,404     $ 135,221  
Investment in operating lease equipment—net
    20,861       20,262  
Less: Reserve for credit losses
    (1,541 )     (1,930 )
    $ 124,724     $ 153,553  
 
 
9

 
INVESTMENT IN DIRECT FINANCING AND SALES-TYPE LEASES—NET
 
Our investment in direct financing and sales-type leases—net consists of the following (in thousands):
             
   
As of
 
   
September 30,
2010
   
March 31,
2010
 
Minimum lease payments
  $ 110,503     $ 135,352  
Estimated unguaranteed residual value (1)
    8,030       11,246  
Initial direct costs, net of amortization (2)
    715       847  
Less:  Unearned lease income
    (13,844 )     (12,224 )
Investment in direct financing and sales-type leases—net
  $ 105,404     $ 135,221  
 
(1)
Includes estimated unguaranteed residual values of $1,717 thousand and $2,457 thousand as of September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010, respectively, for direct-financing leases accounted for as sales under Transfers and Servicing of the Codification.
(2)
Initial direct costs are shown net of amortization of $674 thousand and $810 thousand as of September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Certain lease schedules included in net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases is collateral for non-recourse and recourse equipment notes, if any.
 
INVESTMENT IN OPERATING LEASE EQUIPMENT—NET
 
Investment in operating lease equipment—net primarily represents leases that do not qualify as direct financing leases or are leases that are short-term renewals on a month-to-month basis. The components of the net investment in operating lease equipment are as follows (in thousands):
             
   
As of
 
   
September 30,
2010
   
March 31,
2010
 
                 
Cost of equipment under operating leases
  $ 43,245     $ 46,639  
Less:  Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (22,384 )     (26,377 )
Investment in operating lease equipment—net (1)
  $ 20,861     $ 20,262  
 
(1)
Includes estimated unguaranteed residual values of $8,725 thousand and $9,750 thousand as of September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010, respectively.
 
During the six months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, we sold portions of our lease portfolio. The sales were reflected in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as sales of leased equipment totaling approximately $1.1 million and $2.3 million, and cost of leased equipment of approximately $1.1 million and $2.2 million, for the six months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
 
10

 
3. GOODWILL
 
Goodwill is recorded in excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in purchase transactions. Our annual impairment test for goodwill is performed during the third quarter of our fiscal year, or when events or circumstances indicate there might be impairment, and follows the two-step process prescribed in Intangibles-Goodwill and OtherAs of September 30, 2010, no indicators of impairment have been identified. We have two reportable segments based on the product and services offered – the financing business segment and the technology sales business segment. Below business segments are reporting units. Based on the nature of products, the nature of production, the type of customers and management, we have four reporting units. Our reporting units are Leasing, Technology, Software Procurement and Software Document Management, two of which contained goodwill as of September 30, 2010.   The following table summarizes the amount of goodwill allocated to our reporting units (in thousands):
 
   
Financing Business Segment
   
Technology Sales Business Segment
       
   
Leasing
   
Technology
   
Software Procurement
   
Software Document Management
   
Total
 
 
                             
Goodwill - gross balance
  $ 4,029     $ 16,484     $ 4,644     $ 1,089     $ 26,246  
Accumulated impairment losses
    (4,029 )           (4,644 )           (8,673 )
Goodwill - net balance March 31, 2010
  $     $ 16,484     $     $ 1,089     $ 17,573  
                                         
Impairment
                             
Goodwill - net balance September 30, 2010
  $     $ 16,484     $     $ 1,089     $ 17,573  
 
4. RESERVES FOR CREDIT LOSSES
 
During the six months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, our activities in our reserves for credit losses were as follows (in thousands):
                   
   
Accounts Receivable
   
Lease- Related Assets
   
Total
 
Balance March 31, 2010
  $ 1,655     $ 1,930     $ 3,585  
                         
Provision for Bad Debts
    (191 )     93       (98 )
Recoveries
    (7 )           (7 )
Write-offs and other
    (317 )     (482 )     (799 )
Balance September 30, 2010
  $ 1,140     $ 1,541     $ 2,681  
 
   
Accounts Receivable
   
Lease- Related Assets
   
Total
 
Balance March 31, 2009
  $ 1,493     $ 1,599     $ 3,092  
                         
Provision for Bad Debts
    55       337       392  
Recoveries
    53       35       88  
Write-offs and other
    (148 )     (1 )     (149 )
Balance September 30, 2009
  $ 1,453     $ 1,970     $ 3,423  
 
Our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations include a reduction in bad debt expense of $156 thousand and $98 thousand for the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, and an increase in bad debt expense of $460 thousand and $392 thousand for the three and six months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.
 
 
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5. OTHER ASSETS AND ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
 
Our other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
             
   
As of
 
   
September 30,
2010
   
March 31,
2010
 
Deferred costs related to sales of bundled hardware and services
  $ 29,755     $ 19,879  
Other
    10,558       7,433  
Other assets
  $ 40,313     $ 27,312  
 
   
As of
 
   
September 30,
2010
   
March 31,
2010
 
Deferred revenue related to sales of bundled hardware and services
  $ 32,776     $ 22,289  
Other
    15,013       18,213  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  $ 47,789     $ 40,502  
 
Other assets include deferred costs, prepaid assets and certain intangible assets. Accrued expenses and other liabilities includes accrued expenses, deferred revenue and amounts collected and payable, such as sales taxes and lease rental payments due to third parties. Deferred revenue and deferred costs are related to bundled hardware and service arrangements that were not completed by the end of the quarter. We will recognize revenue on multiple deliverable revenue arrangements when the service is completed.
 
6. RECOURSE AND NON-RECOURSE NOTES PAYABLE
 
As of September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010, recourse and non-recourse obligations consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
   
As of
 
   
September 30,
2010
   
March 31,
2010
 
First Bank of Highland Park recourse note payable at 5.5% expired on August 1, 2010
  $     $ 102  
                 
Non-recourse equipment notes secured by related investments in leases with interest rates ranging from  3.05% to 9.50% at September 30, 2010 and  March 31, 2010.
  $ 41,320     $ 53,577  
 
Principal and interest payments on the 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 us. 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 us.
 
Our technology sales business segment, through our subsidiary ePlus Technology, inc., finances its operations with funds generated from operations, and with a credit facility with GE Commercial Distribution Finance Corporation (“GECDF”). This facility provides short-term capital for our reseller business. There are two components of the GECDF credit facility: (1) a floor plan component and (2) an accounts receivable component. Under the floor plan component, we had outstanding balances of $63.6 million and $57.6 million as of September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010, respectively.
 
 
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Under the accounts receivable component, we had no outstanding balances as of September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010. As of September 30, 2010, the facility agreement had an aggregate limit of the two components of $125 million, and the accounts receivable component had a sub-limit of $30 million, which bears interest at prime less 0.5%, or 4.75%. Availability under the GECDF facility may be limited by the asset value of equipment we purchase or accounts receivable, and may be further limited by certain covenants and terms and conditions of the facility. These covenants include, but are not limited to, a minimum total tangible net worth and subordinated debt of ePlus Technology, inc., and maximum debt to tangible net worth ratio of ePlus Technology, inc. We were in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2010. The GECDF credit facility does not have a fixed maturity date, but either party may terminate with 90 days’ advance notice. We are not, and do not believe that we are reasonably likely to be, in breach of the GECDF credit facility. In addition, we do not believe that the covenants of the GECDF credit facility materially limit our ability to undertake financing. In this regard, the covenants apply only to our subsidiary, ePlus Technology, inc. This credit facility is secured by the assets of only ePlus Technology, inc. and the guaranty as described below.
 
The facility provided by GECDF requires a guaranty of up to $10.5 million by ePlus inc. The guaranty requires ePlus inc. to deliver its annual audited financial statements by certain dates. We have delivered the annual audited financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2010, as required. The loss of the GECDF credit facility could have a material adverse effect on our future results as we currently rely on this facility and its components for daily working capital and liquidity for our technology sales business and as an operational function of our accounts payable process.
 
On October 26, 2009, we entered into an agreement with 1st Commonwealth Bank of Virginia to provide us with a $500 thousand credit facility, which matured on October 26, 2010. This credit facility was renewed for two years, effective October 27, 2010. This credit facility is available for use by us and our affiliates and the lender has full recourse to us. Borrowings under this facility bear interest at the Wall Street Journal U.S. Prime rate plus 1%. The primary purpose of the facility is to provide letters of credit for landlords, taxing authorities and bids. As of September 30 and March 31, 2010, we had no outstanding balance on this credit facility.
 
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
During the six months ended September 30, 2010, we leased approximately 55,880 square feet for use as our principal headquarters for a monthly payment of approximately $96 thousand which includes rent and operating expenses. We entered into amendments to the office lease agreement on June 18, 2009 and June 22, 2010 pursuant to which we will continue to lease 55,880 square feet for use as our principal headquarters. The term of the amended lease began on January 1, 2010, and will continue through December 31, 2014. In addition, we have the right to terminate the lease, with no penalty fee, on December 31, 2012 in the event that the facility no longer meets our needs, by giving six months’ prior written notice.
 
Through September 21, 2010, the headquarters building was owned by Norton Building 1, LLC, a limited liability company owned in part by Mr. Norton’s spouse and in part in trust for his children. Mr. Norton, our President and CEO, has no managerial or executive role in Norton Building 1, LLC. On September 21, 2010, Norton Building 1, LLC sold the building to an unrelated third party. Rent paid subsequent to the sale was paid to that third party. The sale does not impact any aspect of our lease. However, in connection with the sale of the building, the buyer deposited $600,000 of the purchase price into an escrow account, which will be payable to Norton Building 1 in the event we do not exercise our right to terminate the lease on December 31, 2012.
 
The annual base rent, which includes an expenses factor, is $20.84 per square foot for the first year, with an annual rent escalation for operating cost increases, if any, plus 2.75% of the annual base rent, net of the expenses factor, for each year thereafter. We paid rent to Norton Building 1, LLC, which includes operating expenses, in the amount of $188 thousand and $482 thousand during the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, and $278 thousand and $561 thousand during the same periods in 2009, respectively.
 
To the extent required by our Related Person Transactions Policy, the amendments to the lease were approved by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in accordance with such Policy, and subsequently approved by our Board of Directors, with Mr. Norton abstaining. 
 
 
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8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Litigation
 
We have been involved in several matters relating to a customer named Cyberco Holdings, Inc. (“Cyberco”). The Cyberco principals were perpetrating a scam, and at least five principals have pled guilty to criminal conspiracy and/or related charges, including bank fraud, mail fraud and money laundering. One lender who financed our transaction with Cyberco, Banc of America Leasing and Capital, LLC (“BoA”), filed a lawsuit against ePlus inc. in the Circuit Court for Fairfax County, Virginia on November 3, 2006, seeking to enforce a guaranty in which ePlus inc. guaranteed ePlus Group’s obligations to BoA relating to the Cyberco transaction. The suit, as well as a related suit by ePlus Group against BoA, was settled effective September 7, 2010. In connection with the settlement, BoA assigned to ePlus BoA’s interest in various matters relating to the Cyberco transaction, including BoA’s interest in the lease schedule, certain proofs of claim filed by BoA in Cyberco-related bankruptcy cases, two judgments BoA obtained against Cyberco principals, and certain claims against the United States government resulting from its seizure of Cyberco-related assets.
 
On May 19, 2009, we filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against four defendants, alleging that they used or sold products, methods, processes, services and/or systems that infringe on certain of our patents. During July and August 2009, we entered into settlement and license agreements with three of the defendants. Pursuant to the settlement agreements, we received payments in the aggregate amount of approximately $3.65 million, and the complaint has been dismissed with prejudice with regard to those three defendants. The settlement agreements also granted each of those defendants a license in specified ePlus patents. The case is proceeding with regard to the remaining defendant. The trial court granted an evidentiary motion precluding us from seeking damages at trial. If we are successful in proving liability, we will seek an injunction and appeal the court’s ruling on damages. The case is currently scheduled to go to trial in January 2011, however, court schedules are inherently unpredictable and the actual trial date is subject to change. While we believe that we have a basis for our claims, these types of cases are complex in nature, are likely to have significant expenses associated with them, and we cannot predict whether we will be successful in our claims for damages, whether any award ultimately received will exceed the costs incurred to pursue these matters, or how long it will take to bring these matters to resolution.
 
We are also engaged in other ordinary and routine litigation incidental to our business. While we cannot predict the outcome of these various legal proceedings, management does not believe that the ultimate resolution will have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
9. EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the basic weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the basic weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of “in-the-money” stock options and other common stock equivalents during each period.
 
The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used to calculate basic and diluted net income per common share as disclosed on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009 (in thousands, except per share data).
 
 
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Three months ended September 30,
   
Six months ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Net income available to common shareholders—basic and diluted
  $ 7,909     $ 4,998     $ 12,622     $ 6,899  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic
    8,131       8,331       8,127       8,240  
                                 
Effect of dilutive shares
    253       216       221       241  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted
    8,384       8,547       8,348       8,481  
                                 
Income per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.97     $ 0.61     $ 1.55     $ 0.84  
Diluted
  $ 0.94     $ 0.58     $ 1.51     $ 0.81  
 
All unexercised stock options are included in the computations of diluted EPS for the six months ended September 30, 2010. Unexercised stock options for 195,000 shares of our common stock were not included in the computations of diluted EPS for the six months ended September 30, 2009. These options were excluded because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock during the applicable periods. Inclusion of these options in our diluted EPS calculation would have been anti-dilutive.
 
10. SHARE REPURCHASE
 
On August 11, 2009, our Board authorized a share repurchase plan commencing on September 16, 2009. The share repurchase plan was for a 12-month period that ended September 15, 2010 for up to 500,000 shares of ePlus’ outstanding common stock. The previous stock repurchase program commenced on July 31, 2008 and expired on September 15, 2009. On February 12, 2010, our Board amended the current share repurchase plan, which authorizes us to repurchase up to 500,000 shares of ePlus’ outstanding common stock beginning February 15, 2010 through September 15, 2010. On August 12, 2010, our Board amended our share repurchase plan, which commenced on September 16, 2010 and authorizes us to repurchase up to 500,000 shares of ePlus’ outstanding common stock. The purchases may be made from time to time in the open market, or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to availability. Any repurchased shares will have the status of treasury shares and may be used, when needed, for general corporate purposes.
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2010, we repurchased 99,809 shares of our outstanding common stock at an average cost of $17.52 per share for a total purchase price of $1.7 million. Since the inception of our initial repurchase program on September 20, 2001 to September 30, 2010, we have repurchased 3,917,149 shares of our outstanding common stock at an average cost of $11.62 per share for a total purchase price of $45.5 million.
 
11. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
 
Share-Based Plans
 
We have issued share-based awards under the following plans: (1) the 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1998 LTIP”), (2) Amendment and Restatement of the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (2001) (the “Amended LTIP (2001)”), (3) Amendment and Restatement of the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (2003) (the “Amended LTIP (2003)”), (4) the 2008 Non-Employee Director Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2008 Director LTIP”) and (5) the 2008 Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2008 Employee LTIP”). Currently, awards are only issued under the 2008 Director LTIP and the 2008 Employee LTIP. Sections of these plans are summarized below. All the share-based plans require the use of the previous trading day’s closing price when the grant date falls on a date the stock was not traded.
 
Vesting periods varied for the 1998 LTIP, the Amended LTIP (2001), and the Amended LTIP (2003) depending on individual award agreement. Vesting periods for the 2008 Director LTIP and the 2008 Employee LTIP are discussed below.
 
 
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1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
The 1998 LTIP was adopted by the Board on July 28, 1998, which is its effective date, and approved by the shareholders on September 16, 1998. The allowable number of shares under the 1998 LTIP was 20% of the outstanding shares, less shares previously granted and shares purchased through our then-existing employee stock purchase program. It specified that options shall be priced at not less than fair market value. The 1998 LTIP consolidated our preexisting stock incentive plans and made the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (“Compensation Committee”) responsible for its administration. The 1998 LTIP required that grants be evidenced in writing, but the writing was not a condition precedent to the grant of the award.
 
Under the 1998 LTIP, options were to be automatically awarded to non-employee directors the day after the annual shareholders meeting to all non-employee directors in service as of that day. No automatic annual grants may be awarded under the LTIP after September 1, 2006. The LTIP also permits for discretionary option awards to directors.
 
Amended and Restated 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
Minor amendments were made to the 1998 LTIP on April 1, April 17 and April 30, 2001. The amendments change the name of the plan from the 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan to the Amended and Restated 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan. In addition, provisions were added “to allow the Compensation Committee to delegate to a single board member the authority to make awards to non-Section 16 insiders, as a matter of convenience,” and to provide that “no option granted under the Plan may be exercisable for more than ten years from the date of its grant.”
 
The Amended LTIP (2001) was amended on July 15, 2003 by the Board and approved by the stockholders on September 18, 2003. Primarily, the amendment modified the aggregate number of shares available under the plan to a fixed number (3,000,000). Although the language varies somewhat from earlier plans, it permits the Board or Compensation Committee to delegate authority to a committee of one or more directors who are also officers of the corporation to award options under certain conditions. The Amended LTIP (2003) replaced all the prior plans, and covered option grants for employees, executives and outside directors.
 
On September 15, 2008, our shareholders approved the 2008 Director LTIP and the 2008 Employee LTIP.  Both of the plans were adopted by the Board on June 25, 2008. As a result of the approval of these plans, we do not intend to grant any awards under the Amended LTIP (2003) or any earlier plan.
 
2008 Non-Employee Director Plan
 
Under the 2008 Director LTIP, 250,000 shares were authorized for grant to non-employee directors. The purpose of the 2008 Director LTIP is to align the economic interests of the directors with the interests of shareholders by including equity as a component of pay and to attract, motivate and retain experienced and knowledgeable directors. Under the 2008 Director LTIP, each non-employee director received a one-time grant of a number of restricted shares of common stock having a grant-date fair value of $35 thousand. The grant-date fair value for this one-time grant was determined based on the share closing price on September 25, 2008.  In addition, each director will receive an annual grant of restricted stock having a grant-date fair value equal to the cash compensation earned by an outside director during our fiscal year ended immediately before the respective annual grant-date. Directors may elect to receive their cash compensation in restricted stock. These restricted shares are prohibited from being sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of. Half of these shares will vest on each of the first and second anniversaries from the date of the grant.
 
 
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2008 Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
Under the 2008 Employee LTIP, 1,000,000 shares were authorized for grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards, or other share-based awards to ePlus employees. The purposes of the 2008 Employee LTIP are to encourage our employees to acquire a proprietary interest in the growth and performance of ePlus, thus enhancing the value of ePlus for the benefit of its stockholders, and to enhance our ability to attract and retain exceptionally qualified individuals. The 2008 Employee LTIP is administered by the Compensation Committee. Shares issuable under the 2008 Employee LTIP may consist of authorized but unissued shares or shares held in our treasury. Shares under the 2008 Employee LTIP will not be used to compensate our outside directors, who may be compensated under the separate 2008 Director LTIP, as discussed above. Under the 2008 Employee LTIP, the Compensation Committee will determine the time and method of vesting of the awards.
 
Stock Option Activity
 
During the three months and six months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, there were no stock options granted to employees.
   
Number of Shares
   
Exercise Price Range
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average Contractual Life Remaining
(in years)
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
                               
Outstanding, April 1, 2010
    507,700       $6.86 - $17.38     $ 12.09       2.3     $ 2,770,219  
Options granted
                               
Options exercised
    (200,800 )     $6.86 - $17.38     $ 15.82               493,916  
Options forfeited
    (6,500 )     $17.38 - $17.38     $ 17.38                
Outstanding, September 30, 2010
    300,400       $6.86 - $15.25     $ 9.49       2.6     $ 3,593,230  
                                         
Vested at September 30, 2010
    300,400             $ 9.49       2.6     $ 3,593,230  
Exercisable at September 30, 2010
    300,400             $ 9.49       2.6     $ 3,593,230  
 
Additional information regarding stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2010 is as follows:
                   
   
Options Outstanding and Exercisable
 
Range of
Exercise Prices
 
Options Outstanding
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share
   
Weighted Average Contractual Life Remaining
 
                   
$6.86 - $9.00
    180,400     $ 7.22       1.5  
$9.01 - $13.50
    80,000     $ 11.74       4.7  
$13.51 - $17.38
    40,000     $ 15.23       3.3  
                         
$6.86 - $17.38
    300,400     $ 9.49       2.6  
 
We issue shares from our authorized but unissued common stock to satisfy stock option exercises.  At September 30, 2010, all of our options are vested.
 
Restricted Stock Activity
 
Under the 2008 Director LTIP, each director will receive an annual grant of restricted stock having a grant-date fair value equal to the cash compensation earned by an outside director during our fiscal year ended immediately before the respective annual grant-date.  Directors may elect to receive their cash compensation in restricted stock.  These restricted shares are prohibited from being sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of.  These shares will vest over a two-year period and we will recognize share-based compensation expense over the service period. We estimate the forfeiture rate of the restricted stock to be zero. As of September 30, 2010, we have granted 71,632 shares under the 2008 Director LTIP.
 
 
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Under the 2008 Employee LTIP, employees may receive grants of restricted stock as determined by the Compensation Committee. These restricted shares are prohibited from being sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of. The vesting schedule of restricted stock will be determined by the Compensation Committee, at its discretion. We estimate the forfeiture rate of the restricted stock to be zero. As of September 30, 2010, we have granted 219,500 restricted shares under the 2008 Employee LTIP.
 
A summary of restricted stock activity during the six months ended September 30, 2010 is as follows:
             
   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value
 
           
Outstanding, April 1, 2010
    144,427     $ 14.43  
Shares granted (1)(2)
    146,705     $ 18.31  
Shares forfeited (3)
    (5,479 )   $ 12.77  
Outstanding, September 30, 2010
    285,653     $ 16.45  
 
 
(1)
One of our non-employee directors received restricted shares in lieu of his quarterly cash compensation. Therefore, during the three months ended June 30, 2010, the director was issued 635 shares with a grant-date fair value of $17.70 per share. During the three months ended September 30, 2010, the director was issued 650 shares with a grant-date fair value of $17.29 per share.
 
(2)
Includes a grant of 20,000 restricted shares to employees with a grant-date value of $18.46 per share during the three months ended June 30, 2010; and various employee grants of 114,500 shares with a grant-date fair value of $18.01 per share during the three months ended September 30, 2010.
 
(3)
Includes cancellation of 5,479 unvested restricted shares of one of our non-employee directors. 3,210 shares had a grant-date fair value of $10.90 and 2,269 shares had a grant-date value of $15.42 per share.
 
A summary of the nonvested restricted shares activity is presented as follows:
 
   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value
 
             
Nonvested April 1, 2010
    125,155     $ 14.98  
Granted
    146,705     $ 18.31  
Vested
    (23,729 )   $ 12.17  
Forfeited
    (5,479 )   $ 12.77  
Nonvested September 30, 2010
    242,652     $ 17.32  
 
Share-based Compensation Expense
 
Share-based compensation expense for stock options is calculated by valuing all options at their grant-date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes model uses various assumptions to estimate the fair value of these options, including: historical volatility of our stock, risk-free interest rate, and estimated forfeitures rates. The estimated fair values of these options are then amortized using the straight-line method as compensation cost over the requisite service period. Share-based compensation expense for restricted stock is calculated by multiplying the shares granted by the closing price of the shares on the date of the awards and amortizing it over the vesting period.
 
 
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During the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, we recognized $320 thousand and $61 thousand of total share-based compensation expense, respectively. During the six months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, we recognized $490 thousand and $117 thousand of total share-based compensation expense, respectively. All of the share-based compensation expense was related to restricted stock.  This amount was recorded as professional and other fees and salaries and benefits in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
At September 30, 2010, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested options because all outstanding options were vested. Unrecognized compensation expense related to the restricted stock was $3.6 million which will be fully recognized over the next 36 months.
 
12. INCOME TAXES
 
We recognize interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions. As of September 30, 2010, our gross tax liability related to uncertain tax positions was $461 thousand. At September 30, 2010, if the unrecognized tax benefits of $461 thousand were to be recognized, including the effect of interest, penalties and federal tax benefit, the impact would have been $593 thousand. We also recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax expense. Our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations included interest of $8 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and $9 thousand for the same period last year. We did not recognize any additional penalties. We had $144 thousand and $111 thousand accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
We account for the fair values of our assets and liabilities in accordance with Codification Topic Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure. However, we continue to carry our non-recourse notes payable at carrying values on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as we did not adopt the Fair Value Option in Financial Instruments in the Codification. According to the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, we established a three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. For additional information, see Note 1, “Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included elsewhere in this report. The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of our financial instruments (in thousands):
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Fair Value Measurement Using
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
                         
Liabilities:
                       
Non-recourse notes payable
  $ 41,320     $     $ 41,312     $  
 
14. SEGMENT REPORTING
 
We manage our business segments on the basis of the products and services offered. Our reportable segments consist of our technology sales business segment and our financing business segment. The technology sales business segment sells information technology equipment and software and related services primarily to corporate customers on a nationwide basis. The technology sales business segment also provides Internet-based business-to-business supply chain management solutions for information technology and other operating resources. The financing business segment offers lease-financing solutions to corporations and governmental entities nationwide. We evaluate segment performance on the basis of segment revenue and earnings.
 
Both segments utilize our proprietary software and services within the organization. Sales and services and related costs of our software are included in the technology sales business segment.
 
 
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Three months ended September 30, 2010
   
Three months ended September 30, 2009
 
   
Technology Sales Business Segment
   
Financing Business Segment
   
Total
   
Technology Sales Business Segment
   
Financing Business Segment
   
Total
 
                                     
Sales of product and services
  $ 221,275     $ 635     $ 221,910     $ 157,010     $ 261     $ 157,271  
Sales of leased equipment
          1,101       1,101             788       788  
Lease revenues
          8,559       8,559             8,884       8,884  
Fee and other income
    2,074       708       2,782       2,221       151       2,372  
Patent and license settlement income
    125             125       3,400             3,400  
Total revenues
    223,474       11,003       234,477       162,631       10,084       172,715  
Cost of sales
    189,427       1,460       190,887       134,010       1,129       135,139  
Direct lease costs
          1,856       1,856             3,142       3,142  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    24,800       3,151       27,951       21,327       3,210       24,537  
Segment earnings
    9,247       4,536       13,783       7,294       2,603       9,897  
Interest and financing costs
    23       673       696       19       1,079       1,098  
Earnings before income taxes
  $ 9,224     $ 3,863     $ 13,087     $ 7,275     $ 1,524     $ 8,799  
Assets
  $ 210,016     $ 180,788     $ 390,804     $ 175,846     $ 188,614     $ 364,460  
 
   
Six months ended September 30, 2010
   
Six months ended September 30, 2009
 
   
Technology Sales Business Segment
   
Financing Business Segment
   
Total
   
Technology Sales Business Segment
   
Financing Business Segment
   
Total
 
                                                 
Sales of product and services
  $ 396,885     $ 918     $ 397,803     $ 297,002     $ 719     $ 297,721  
Sales of leased equipment
          1,101       1,101             2,276       2,276  
Lease revenues
          18,693       18,693             16,959       16,959  
Fee and other income
    4,275       1,485       5,760       4,478       301       4,779  
Patent and license settlement income
    125             125       3,400             3,400  
Total revenues
    401,285       22,197       423,482       304,880       20,255       325,135  
Cost of sales
    340,266       1,612       341,878       254,073       3,047       257,120  
Direct lease costs
          4,526       4,526             5,690       5,690  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    47,998       6,675       54,673       41,268       6,517       47,785  
Segment earnings
    13,021       9,384       22,405       9,539       5,001       14,540  
Interest and financing costs
    47       1,435       1,482       36       2,367       2,403  
Earnings before income taxes
  $ 12,974     $ 7,949     $ 20,923     $ 9,503     $ 2,634     $ 12,137  
Assets
  $ 210,016     $ 180,788     $ 390,804     $ 175,846     $ 188,614     $ 364,460  
 
Included in the technology sales business segment above are inter-segment accounts payable of $39.3 million at September 30, 2010. Included in the financing business segment above are inter-segment accounts receivable of $39.3 million at September 30, 2010.
 
Our technology sales business segment sells products to our financing business segment.  For the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, we eliminated revenue of $1.2 million and $2.0 million in our technology sales business segment as a result of these intersegment transactions, respectively.  For the three and six months ended September 30, 2009, we eliminated revenue of $0.5 million and $0.8 million in our technology sales business segment as a result of these intersegment transactions, respectively.
 
 
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15.  LEGAL SETTLEMENT
 
On May 19, 2009, we filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against four defendants, alleging that they used or sold products, methods, processes, services and/or systems that infringe on certain of our patents. During July and August 2009, we entered into settlement and license agreements with three of the defendants which granted each of those defendants a license in specified ePlus patents. Pursuant to the settlement agreements, we received payments in the aggregate amount of $3.65 million, and the complaint was dismissed with prejudice with regard to those three defendants. We do not anticipate incurring any additional costs arising as a result of these settlement agreements and there are no further actions to be taken by us. Except as noted below, we recorded the settlement agreements of $3.4 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2009 in patent license and settlement income in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. We subsequently received payment of $125 thousand in February 2010 and a final payment under the settlement agreement of $125 thousand in September 2010. Both of these payments were recognized as patent settlement income when they were received. We recognized the related legal fees and expenses as they occur in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
 
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
This discussion is intended to further the reader’s understanding of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. It should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2010 (the “2010 Annual Report”).  These historical financial statements may not be indicative of our future performance. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains a number of forward-looking statements, all of which are based on our current expectations and could be affected by the uncertainties and risks described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our 2010 Annual Report.
 
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
 
Business Description
 
ePlus and its consolidated subsidiaries provide leading IT products and services, flexible leasing solutions, and enterprise supply management to enable our customers to optimize their IT infrastructure and supply chain processes. Our revenues are composed of sales of product and services, sales of leased equipment, lease revenues and fee and other income. Our operations are conducted through two business segments: our technology sales business segment and our financing business segment.
 
Financial Summary
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2010, total revenue increased 35.8% to $234.5 million while total costs and expenses increased 35.1% to $221.4 million, compared to the same period last year. Net earnings increased 58.3% to $7.9 million, as compared to the same period last fiscal year. During the six months ended September 30, 2010, total revenue increased 30.2% to $423.5 million while total costs and expenses increased 28.6% to $402.6 million. Total revenue included patent settlement income of $125 thousand and $3.4 million for both the three and six months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase in revenue was primarily driven by strong sales in the technology segment. The economy appears to be stabilizing somewhat and we have had sequential revenue growth over the past six quarters.
 
Gross margin for product and services was 14.5% and 14.6% during the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, and 14.3% and 14.4% during the six months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Our gross margin on sales of product and services was affected by our customers’ investment in technology equipment, the mix and volume of products sold and changes in incentives provided to us by manufacturers. In addition, in certain circumstances, we may modify payment terms with our vendors for better incentives which may enhance gross margin. Cash decreased $16.8 million or 19.7% to $68.3 million at September 30, 2010 compared to March 31, 2010. The decrease in cash was due, in part, to lower balance in accounts payable – equipment, an increase in accounts receivable and inventory, and our share repurchase program.
 
In recent years, the United States has experienced an unstable economy and deteriorated economic conditions, including financial market disruption. As a result of the economic turmoil, softness in the housing markets, difficulties in the financial services sector and continuing economic uncertainties, the direction and relative strength of the U.S. economy is somewhat uncertain. Continuing deterioration of economic conditions could cause our current and potential customers to once again delay or reduce technology purchases and result in longer sales cycles, slower adoption of new technologies and increased price competition. Restrictions on credit may impact economic activity and our results. Credit risk associated with our customers and vendors may also be adversely impacted. In addition, although we do not anticipate the need for additional capital in the near term due to our current financial position, financial market disruption may adversely affect our access to additional capital.
 
Business Segment Overview
 
Technology Sales Business Segment
 
The technology sales business segment sells information technology equipment and software and related services primarily to corporate customers, state and local governments, and higher education institutions on a nationwide basis, with geographic concentrations relating to our physical locations. The technology sales business unit also provides Internet-based business-to-business supply chain management solutions for information technology products.
 
 
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Our technology sales business segment derives revenue from the sales of new equipment and service engagements. These revenues are reflected on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations under sales of product and services and fee and other income.  Customers who purchase information technology equipment and services from us may have Customer Master Agreements (“CMAs”) with us which stipulate the terms and conditions of our relationship. Some CMAs contain pricing arrangements, and most contain mutual termination for convenience clauses. Our other customers place orders using purchase orders without a CMA in place or with other documentation customary for the business. Often, our work with governments is based on public bids and our written bid responses. A substantial portion of our sales of product and services are from sales of Cisco, Hewlett Packard and Sun Microsystem products, which represent approximately 47%, 18% and 5% of sales of product and services, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to 40%, 18% and 5% of sales of product and services, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2009.
 
Included in the sales of product and services in our technology sales business segment are certain service revenues that are bundled with sales of equipment and are integral to the successful delivery of such equipment. Our service engagements are generally governed by Statements of Work, and are primarily fixed price (with allowance for changes); however, some service agreements are based on time and materials.
 
We endeavor to minimize the cost of sales in our technology sales business segment through vendor consideration programs provided by manufacturers and other incentives provided by our distributors. The programs we qualified for are generally set by our reseller authorization level with the manufacturer. The authorization level we achieve and maintain governs the types of products we can resell as well as such items as pricing received, funds provided for the marketing of these products and other special promotions. These authorization levels are achieved by us through sales volume, certifications held by sales executives or engineers and/or contractual commitments by us. The authorization levels are costly to maintain and these programs continually change and, therefore, there is no guarantee of future reductions of costs provided by these vendor consideration programs. We currently maintain the following authorization levels with our major manufacturers:
 
Manufacturer
 
Manufacturer Authorization Level
Hewlett Packard
 
HP Preferred Elite Partner (National)
Cisco Systems
 
Cisco Gold DVAR (National)
   
Advanced Wireless LAN
   
Advanced Unified Communications
   
Advanced Data Center Storage Networking
   
Advanced Routing and Switching
   
Advanced Security
   
ATP Video Surveillance
   
ATP Telepresence
   
ATP Rich Media Communications
   
Master Security Specialization
   
Master UC Specialization
   
Master Managed Services Partner
Microsoft
 
Microsoft Gold (National)
Sun Microsystems
 
Sun SPA Executive Partner (National)
   
Sun National Strategic Data Center Authorized
IBM
 
Premier IBM Business Partner (National)
Lenovo
 
Lenovo Premium (National)
NetApp
 
NetApp STAR Partner
Citrix Systems, Inc.
 
Citrix Gold (National)
VMWare
 
National Premier VMWare Partner
 
We also generate revenue in our technology sales business segment through hosting arrangements and sales of our Internet-based business-to-business supply chain management software. These revenues are reflected on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations under fee and other income. In addition, fee and other income results from: (1) income from events that occur after the initial sale of a financial asset; (2) remarketing fees from our off lease equipment; (3) agent fees received from various manufacturers; (4) settlement fees related to disputes or litigation; and (5) interest and other miscellaneous income.
 
 
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Financing Business Segment
 
The financing business segment offers lease financing solutions to corporations and governmental entities nationwide. The financing business segment derives revenue from leasing primarily information technology equipment and sales of leased equipment. These revenues are reflected under lease revenues and sales of leased equipment on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
Lease revenues consist of rentals due under operating leases, amortization of unearned income on direct financing and sales-type leases, sales of leased assets to lessees and other post-term lease revenue. The types of revenue and costs recognized by us are determined by each lease contract’s individual classification. Each lease is classified as either a direct financing lease, sales-type lease, or operating lease, as appropriate.
 
 
For direct financing and sales-type leases, we record the net investment in leases, which consists of the sum of the minimum lease payments, initial direct costs (direct financing leases only), and unguaranteed residual value (gross investment) less the unearned income. 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 plus initial direct costs (net margins) is recorded as revenue at the inception of the lease.
 
For operating leases, rental amounts are accrued on a straight-line basis over the lease term and are recognized as lease revenue.
 
In some direct financing lease transactions, where the non-recourse debt associated with the lease may be assigned to a lender, and the transfer of financial assets in these transactions meet the criteria for surrender of control, the net amount of the lease and non-recourse debt, if any, is accounted for as a sale for financial reporting purposes and included in lease revenues.
 
Sales of leased equipment represent revenue from the sales to a third party other than the lessee of equipment subject to a lease in which we are the lessor. Such sales of equipment may have the effect of increasing revenues and net income during the quarter in which the sale occurs, and reducing revenues and net income otherwise expected in subsequent quarters. 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.
 
Fluctuations in Revenues
 
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, and changes in incentive programs provided by manufacturers.
 
We have expanded our product and service offerings under our comprehensive set of solutions which represents the continued evolution of our original implementation of our e-commerce products entitled ePlusSuite®. The expansion to our bundled solution is a framework that combines our IT sales and professional services, leasing and financing services, asset management software and services, procurement software, and electronic catalog content management software and services.
 
We expect to expand or open new sales locations and hire additional staff for specific targeted market areas in the near future whenever we can find both experienced personnel and desirable geographic areas.
 
 
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RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued an update to amend Transfers and Servicing in the Codification. This update removes the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity and clarifies the determination of whether a transferor and all of the entities included in the transferor’s financial statements being presented have surrendered control over the transferred financial assets. That determination must consider the transferor’s continuing involvement in the transferred financial asset, including all arrangements or agreements made contemporaneously with, or in contemplation of, the transfer, even if they were not entered into at the time of the transfer. This update was effective for us beginning April 1, 2010. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued an update to Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. This update requires new disclosures of transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. The update also clarifies the existing disclosures for levels of disaggregation and about inputs and valuation techniques. This update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. This update was effective for us beginning April 1, 2010. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
 
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED
 
In October 2009, the FASB issued an update to amend Revenue Recognition in the Codification. This update removes the fair value criterion from the separation criteria that we use to determine whether a multiple deliverable arrangement involves more than one unit of accounting. It also replaces references to “fair value” with “selling price” to distinguish from the fair value measurements required under Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures in the Codification, provides a hierarchy that entities must use to estimate the selling price, eliminates the use of the residual method for allocation, and expands the ongoing disclosure requirements. This update is effective for us beginning April 1, 2011 and can be applied prospectively or retrospectively. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the timing and the effect that adoption of this update will have on our unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
 
Concurrently to issuing the above update, the FASB also issued another update to the Codification that excludes certain software from the scope of software revenue recognition guidance. If software is contained in a tangible product and is essential to the tangible products functionality, the software and the tangible product can be accounted for as a multiple deliverable arrangement under Revenue Recognition. This update is effective for us beginning April 1, 2011 and can be applied prospectively or retrospectively. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the timing and the effect that adoption of this update will have on our unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
 
In April 2010, an update was made to Compensation – Stock Compensation. This update provides amendments to clarify that an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, an entity would classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010. Earlier adoption is permitted. We will adopt the provisions of this update and do not anticipate a material impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
In July 2010, the FASB issued an update to amend Receivables in the Codification. This update requires more robust and disaggregated disclosures about the credit quality of an entity’s financing receivables and its allowance for credit losses.  A financing receivable is defined as a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the entity’s statement of financial position. Thus, examples of financing receivables include (1) loans, (2) trade accounts receivable, (3) notes receivable, (4) credit cards, and (5) lease receivables (other than operating leases). The new and amended disclosures that relate to information as of the end of a reporting period will be effective for us for the period ending December 31, 2010.  The disclosures that include information for activity that occurs during a reporting period will be effective for the period ending March 31, 2011. We will adopt the provisions of this update and do not anticipate a material impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to use judgment in the application of accounting policies, including making estimates and assumptions. If our judgment or interpretation of the facts and circumstances relating to various transactions had been different, or different assumptions were made, it is possible that alternative accounting policies would have been applied, resulting in a change in financial results. On an ongoing basis, we reevaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, residuals, vendor consideration, lease classification, goodwill and intangibles, reserves for credit losses and income taxes specifically relating to uncertain tax positions. Estimates in the assumptions used in the valuation of our share-based compensation expense are updated periodically and reflect conditions that existed at the time of each new issuance of equity-based compensation. We base estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. For all of these estimates, we caution that future events rarely develop exactly as forecasted, and therefore, these estimates may require adjustment.
 
We consider the following accounting policies important in understanding the potential impact of our judgments and estimates on our operating results and financial condition. For additional accounting policies, see Note 1, “Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION.  The majority of our revenues are derived from three sources: sales of products and services, lease revenues and sales of our software. Our revenue recognition policies vary based upon these revenue sources. Generally, sales are recognized when the title and risk of loss are passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement for sale, delivery has occurred and/or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Using these tests, the vast majority of our product sales are recognized upon delivery due to our sales terms with our customers and with our vendors. For proper cutoff, we estimate the product delivered to our customers at the end of each quarter based upon historical delivery dates.
 
We also sell services that are performed in conjunction with product sales, and recognize revenue only when the delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis, there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item(s), and delivery of the undelivered item(s) is probable and substantially under our control. For most of the arrangements with multiple deliverables (hardware and services), we generally cannot establish reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered items.  Therefore, the majority of revenue from these services and hardware sold in conjunction with the services is recognized when the service is complete and we have received an acceptance certificate. However, in some cases, we do not receive an acceptance certificate and we estimate the completion date based upon our records.
 
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 included as part of the investment in direct financing and sales-type leases. The residual values for operating leases are included in the leased equipments net book value and are reported in the investment in leases and leased equipment—net. Our 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, manufacturers discount, market conditions and the term of the lease. In some cases, we obtain third party appraisals of the residual values.
 
We evaluate residual values on a quarterly basis and record any required impairments of residual value, in the period in which the impairment is determined. Residual values may be affected by equipment supply and demand and by new product announcements by manufacturers.
 
We seek to realize the estimated residual value at lease termination mainly through renewal or extension of the original lease, or the sale of the equipment either to the lessee or on the secondary market. 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 sales of product and services and cost of sales, product and services when title is transferred to the buyer.
 
 
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ASSUMPTIONS RELATED TO GOODWILL.  We have accounted for our acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting. This method requires estimates to determine the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired including judgments to determine any acquired intangible assets such as customer-related intangibles, as well as assessments of the fair value of existing assets such as property and equipment. Liabilities acquired can include balances for litigation and other contingency reserves established prior to or at the time of acquisition, and require judgment in ascertaining a reasonable value. Third-party valuation firms may be used to assist in the appraisal of certain assets and liabilities, but even those determinations are based on significant estimates provided by us, such as forecasted revenues or profits on contract-related intangibles. Numerous factors are typically considered in the purchase accounting assessments. Changes in assumptions and estimates of the acquired assets and liabilities would result in changes to the fair values, resulting in an offsetting change to the goodwill balance associated with the business acquired.
 
We review our goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently, if events or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We have reportable segments based on the product and services offered – financing business segment and technology sales business segment. Below our reportable segments are reporting units. For the purpose of testing for impairment, we have four distinct reporting units: Leasing, Technology, Software procurement and Software document management.  In determining reporting units, we consider factors such as nature of products, nature of production, type of customer, management and the availability of separate and distinct financial statements for each entity. We do not have any goodwill remaining in our Software procurement and Leasing reporting units.
 
A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decline in our expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; unanticipated competition; the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; and slower growth rates. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of these assets and could have a material impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
VENDOR CONSIDERATION.  We receive payments and credits from vendors, including consideration pursuant to volume sales incentive programs, volume purchase incentive programs and shared marketing expense programs. Many of these programs extend over one or more quarters sales activities and are primarily formula-based.  Different programs have different vendor/program specific goals to achieve. These programs can be very complex to calculate and sometimes involves estimates. Based on historical financial data for the different programs, we may estimate that we will obtain these goals.
 
Vendor consideration received pursuant to volume sales incentive programs is recognized as a reduction to cost of sales, product and services on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Vendor consideration received pursuant to volume purchase incentive programs is allocated to inventories based on the applicable incentives from each vendor and is recorded in cost of sales, product and services, as the inventory is sold. Vendor consideration received pursuant to shared marketing expense programs is recorded as a reduction of the related selling and administrative expenses in the period the program takes place only if the consideration represents a reimbursement of specific, incremental, identifiable costs. Consideration that exceeds the specific, incremental, identifiable costs is classified as a reduction of cost of sales, product and services on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
We accrue vendor consideration in accordance with the terms of the related program which may include a certain amount of sales of qualifying products or as targets are met or as the amounts are estimable and probable or as services are provided. Actual vendor consideration amounts may vary based on volume or other sales achievement levels, which could result in an increase or reduction in the estimated amounts previously accrued, and can, at times, result in significant earnings fluctuations on a quarterly basis.
 
RESERVES FOR CREDIT LOSSES. The reserves for credit losses are maintained at a level believed by management to be adequate to absorb potential losses inherent in our 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. These determinations require considerable judgment in assessing the ultimate potential for collection of these receivables and include giving consideration to the customer’s financial condition and the value of the underlying collateral and funding status (i.e. funded on a non-recourse or recourse basis).
 
 
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SALES RETURNS ALLOWANCE. The allowance for sales returns is maintained at a level believed by management to be adequate to absorb potential sales returns from product and services.  Management’s determination of the adequacy of the reserve is based on an evaluation of historical sales returns and other relevant factors. These determinations require considerable judgment in assessing the ultimate potential for sales returns and include consideration of the type and volume of product sold.
 
INCOME TAX. We make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement reporting purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities, which principally arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement reporting purposes. We also must analyze income tax reserves, as well as determine the likelihood of recoverability of deferred tax assets, and adjust any valuation allowances accordingly. Considerations with respect to the recoverability of deferred tax assets include the period of expiration of the tax asset, planned use of the tax asset, and historical and projected taxable income as well as tax liabilities for the tax jurisdiction to which the tax asset relates. Valuation allowances are evaluated periodically and will be subject to change in each future reporting period as a result of changes in one or more of these factors. The calculation of our tax liabilities also involves considering uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. We recognize liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be required.
 
SHARE-BASED PAYMENT. We currently have two equity incentive plans which provide us with the opportunity to compensate directors with restricted stock and selected employees with stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units. A stock option entitles the recipient to purchase shares of common stock from us at the specified exercise price. Restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) entitle the recipient to obtain stock or stock units, which vest over a set period of time. RSUs are granted at no cost to the employee and employees do not need to pay an exercise price to obtain the underlying common stock. All grants or awards made under the plans are governed by written agreements between us and the participants. We also have options outstanding under three previous incentive plans, under which we no longer issue equity awards.
 
Under the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation, we measure stock option expense at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model and amortize the compensation expense using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. This model estimates the fair value of the options based on a number of assumptions, such as interest rates, employee exercises, the current price and expected volatility of our common stock and expected dividends, if any. The expected life is a significant assumption as it determines the period for which the risk-free interest rate, volatility and dividend yield must be applied. The expected life is the average length of time in which we expect our employees to exercise their options. The risk-free interest rate is the five-year nominal constant maturity Treasury rate on the date of the award. Expected stock volatility reflects movements in our stock price over a historical period that matches the expected life of the options. The dividend yield assumption is zero since we have historically not paid any dividends and do not anticipate paying any dividends in the near future.
 
The fair value of restricted stock is measured by multiplying the number of shares granted with the closing price of the stock on the grant date. We assumed the forfeiture rate to be zero. The compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, which is often the vesting period.
 
Results of Operations — Three and six months ended September 30, 2010 compared to three and six months ended September 30, 2009
 
REVENUES
 
Total Revenues. Total revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2010 was $234.5 million compared to total revenues of $172.7 million during the three months September 30, 2009, an increase of 35.8%. Total revenues increased 30.2% to $423.5 million during the six months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period last year. The increase in revenue was primarily driven by strong sales in the technology segment. The economy appears to be stabilizing and we have had sequential revenue growth over the past six quarters.
 
Sales of product and services.  Sales of product and services increased 41.1% to $221.9 million and 33.6% to $397.8 million during the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, compared to the same periods last year. We believe our customers’ spending has been increasing, which contributed to the increase in sales for the past six sequential quarters.
 
 
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At September 30, 2010, our open orders from customers was $32.3 million, compared to $62.0 million at June 30, 2010, and $46.2 million at September 30, 2009, as previously constrained products were shipped from our vendors. In addition, we had deferred revenue of $32.8 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $14.8 million at September 30, 2009, which related to bundled hardware and service arrangements that were not completed by the end of the quarter. We will recognize revenue on multiple deliverable revenue arrangements when the services are completed.
 
Gross margin.  We realized a gross margin on sales of product and services of 14.5% and 14.6% during the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and 14.3% and 14.4% during the six months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Our gross margin on sales of product and services was affected by incentives provided to us by our vendors. In addition, our gross margin was also affected by the mix and volume of product and services sold. There are ongoing changes to the programs offered to us by our vendors which may be affected by the current economic conditions and thus, we may not be able to maintain the level of manufacturer incentives we are currently receiving, which may cause gross margins to change.
 
Lease revenues.  Lease revenues can be broadly categorized into two types: 1) income generated from the lease portfolio, including income from direct-financing leases and rent from operating leases, and 2) other lease-related income, including profit from transfer of financial assets, sales of leased assets to lessees and end of lease term income. Lease revenues decreased $325 thousand, or 3.7% to $8.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $8.9 million during the same period in the prior year. The decrease is primarily driven by lower sales of leased assets to lessees and transfer of financial assets, partially offset by increases in earnings from direct financing leases. Lease revenues increased $1.7 million or 10.2% to $18.7 million for the six months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the same period last year. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $750 thousand in profit from the transfer of financial assets, which satisfied the conditions for sale accounting in accordance with Transfers and Servicing in the Codification, and increase in earnings from direct financing leases of about $1.0 million.
 
At September 30, 2010, we had $124.7 million of investment in leases on our balance sheet compared to $153.6 million at March 31, 2010, a decrease of $28.8 million or 18.8%. The decrease in lease portfolio was primarily due to the transfer of two leases of approximately $32.0 million, which qualified as a sale in accordance with Transfers and Servicing, partially offset by the addition of new leases. The profit from the transfer of these financial assets is reported as a component of our lease revenues, while the carrying value of these leases is reduced from our lease portfolio. We retain the residual value of the equipment during these types of sales.
 
Sales of leased equipment. We also recognize revenue from the sale of leased equipment to non-lessee third parties. Sales of leased equipment are proceeds from the sales of leased assets and underlying leases to non-lessee third parties and we retain no residual value of the equipment. Sales of leased equipment fluctuate from quarter to quarter because management determines the timing of such sales as a component of our risk-mitigation process, which we conduct periodically to diversify our portfolio by customer, equipment type, and residual value investments. Sales of leased equipment was $1.1 million during the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, and $800 thousand and $2.3 million during the same periods last year. Gross margins recognized on the sales of leased equipment were 0.5% for the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, and 1.1% and 3.8% for the three and six months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. The revenue and gross margin recognized on sales of leased equipment can vary significantly depending on the nature and timing of the sale.
 
Fee and other income. During the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, fee and other income increased 17.3% to $2.8 million and 20.5% to $5.8 million, respectively, compared to $2.4 million and $4.8 million during the same periods last year. These increases were primarily driven by an increase in remarketing income in our financing business segment, partially offset by lower agent fees from manufacturers and other income. Fee and other income may also include revenues from adjunct services and fees, including broker and agent fees, support fees, warranty reimbursements, monetary settlements arising from disputes and litigation and interest income. Our fee and other income contain earnings from certain transactions that are infrequent, and there is no guarantee that future transactions of the same nature, size or profitability will occur. Our ability to consummate 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.
 
 
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Patent license and settlement income. As previously disclosed, during the year ended March 31, 2010, we entered into settlement and license agreements with three defendants wherein the complaint was dismissed with prejudice and each defendant was granted a license in specified ePlus patents, which resulted in total payments of $3.65 million. These settlement agreements were the result of a lawsuit filed against four defendants alleging that they used or sold products, methods, processes, services and/or systems that infringe on certain of our patents. As of September 30, 2010, we received payment of the full amount of $3.65 million. During the three and six months ended September 30, 2009, we received $3.4 million of settlement agreement payments. We received payment of $125 thousand in February 2010 and the remaining payment of $125 thousand in September 2010. All payments have been recorded as Patent Settlement Income in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations. For additional information, see Note 15, “Legal Settlement” and “Legal Proceedings” included elsewhere in this report.
 
COSTS AND EXPENSES
 
Cost of sales, product and services. During the three months ended September 30, 2010, cost of sales, product and services increased 41.3% to $189.8 million, compared to $134.4 million during the same period last year. During the six months ended September 30, 2010, cost of sales, product and services increased 33.7% to $340.8 million compared to $254.9 million during the same period last year. These increases corresponded to the increase in sales of product and services in our technology sales business segment. Cost of sales, product and services is also affected by incentives from vendors, product mix and volume. Cost of sales, leased equipment was $1.1 million during the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $800 thousand and $2.2 million during the same periods last year.
 
Direct lease costs. During the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, direct lease costs decreased 40.9% and 20.5% to $1.9 million and $4.5 million respectively, compared to the same periods last year. These decreases were due to a decrease in reserves for credit losses and a decrease in depreciation expense for operating lease equipment. Our investment in operating leases increased 25.4% to $20.9 million at September 30, 2010 compared to $16.6 million at September 30, 2009, primarily due to the net addition of new leases. A significant amount of the operating leases were added towards the end of the period, and hence, did not result in a significant amount of depreciation expense during the six months ended September 30, 2010.
 
Professional and other fees.  During three and six months ended September 30, 2010, professional and other fees totaled $3.7 million and $7.2 million, respectively, an increase of 39.3% and 61.6% from $2.7 million and $4.5 million during the same periods last year. This increase was primarily due to increased legal expenses related to the patent infringement litigation. These types of patent infringement cases are complex in nature, are likely to have significant expenses associated with them, and we cannot predict whether we will be successful in our claims for damages, whether any award ultimately received will exceed the costs incurred to pursue these matters, or how long it will take to bring these matters to resolution.
 
Salaries and benefits. During the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, salaries and benefits expense increased 12.8% to $20.6 million and 12.3% to $40.6 million, respectively. The increase in salaries and benefits expense corresponded to increases in bonus and commission expenses driven by an increase in revenue, and an increase in salary expense. We employed 660 people at September 30, 2010, compared to 657 people at September 30, 2009.  
 
We also provide our employees with a contributory 401(k) profit sharing plan. Employer contribution percentages are determined by us and are discretionary each year. The employer contributions vest over a four-year period beginning on the date of hire. For the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, our expenses for the plan were approximately $92 thousand and $203 thousand, respectively, compared to $92 thousand and $193 thousand for the same periods ended in September 30, 2009.
 
General and administrative expenses. During the three months ended September 30, 2010, general and administrative expenses was $3.7 million, about the same as compared to the same period ended in September 30, 2009. During the six months ended September 30, 2010, general and administrative expenses decreased about 4.7% or $332 thousand to $6.8 million compared to the same period ended in September 30, 2009, primarily as a result of decreases in depreciation and communication expenses.
 
 
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Interest and financing costs. During the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, interest and financing costs decreased 36.6% to $700 thousand, and 38.3 % to $1.5 million, respectively, compared to the same periods last year. These decreases were primarily the result of lower non-recourse note balances. Non-recourse notes payable decreased 36.0% to $41.3 million at September 30, 2010 as compared to $64.6 million at September 30, 2009.
 
Income taxes. Our provision for income tax expense increased $1.4 million to $5.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, and $3.1 million to $8.3 million for the six months ended September 30, 2010. Our effective income tax rates for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2010 were 39.6% and 39.7%, as compared to 43.2% for the three and six months ended September 30, 2009. The decreases in our effective income tax rates were due to the absence of non-deductible compensation expense of $800 thousand related to the exercise of 175,000 shares during the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2009.
 
Net Earnings. The foregoing resulted in net earnings of $7.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of 58.3%, as compared to $5.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2009.  Net earnings was $12.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of 83.0%, as compared to $6.9 million during the six months ended September 30, 2009.
 
Basic and diluted earnings per common share were $0.97 and $0.94 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to $0.61 and $ 0.58, for the three months ended September 30, 2009. Basic and diluted earnings per common share were $1.55 and $1.51 for the six months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to $0.84 and $0.81, for the six months ended September 30, 2009.
 
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2010 were 8,131,088 and 8,384,154, respectively. Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2009 were 8,331,302 and 8,547,616, respectively. 
 
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the six months ended September 30, 2010 were 8,127,228 and 8,348,346, respectively. Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the six months ended September 30, 2009 were 8,239,995 and 8,480,516, respectively.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Liquidity Overview
 
Our primary sources of liquidity have historically been cash and cash equivalents, internally generated funds from operations, and borrowings, both non-recourse and recourse. We have used those funds to meet our capital requirements, which have historically consisted primarily of working capital for operational needs, capital expenditures, purchases of operating lease equipment, payments of principal and interest on indebtedness outstanding, acquisitions and the repurchase of shares of our common stock.
 
Our subsidiary ePlus Technology, inc., part of our technology sales business segment, finances its operations with funds generated from operations, and with a credit facility with GECDF, which is described in more detail below. There are two components of this facility: (1) a floor plan component; and (2) an accounts receivable component. After a customer places a purchase order with us and we have completed our credit check, we place an order for the equipment with one of our vendors. Generally, most purchase orders from us to our vendors are first financed under the floor plan component and reflected in “accounts payable—floor plan” on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Payments on the floor plan component are due on three specified dates each month, generally 40-45 days from the invoice date. At each due date, the payment is made by the accounts receivable component of our facility and reflected as “recourse notes payable” on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The borrowings and repayments under the floor plan component are reflected as “net borrowings (repayments) on floor plan facility” in the cash flows from financing activities section of our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
 
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Most customer payments in our technology sales business segment are remitted to our lockboxes. Once payments are cleared, the monies in the lockbox accounts are automatically transferred to our operating account on a daily basis. On the due dates of the floor plan component, we make cash payments to GECDF. These payments from the accounts receivable component to the floor plan component and repayments from our cash are reflected as “net (borrowings) repayments on recourse lines of credit” in the cash flows from the financing activities section of our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. We engage in this payment structure in order to minimize our interest expense and bank fees in connection with financing the operations of our technology sales business segment.
 
We believe that cash on hand, and funds generated from operations, together with available credit under our credit facility, will be sufficient to finance our working capital, capital expenditures and other requirements for at least the next twelve calendar months.
 
Our ability to continue to fund our planned growth, both internally and externally, is dependent upon our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or to obtain additional funds through equity or debt financing, or from other sources of financing, as may be required. While at this time we do not anticipate requiring any additional sources of financing to fund operations, if demand for IT products declines, our cash flows from operations may be substantially affected. Given the current economic environment, management has maintained higher cash reserves to ensure adequate cash is available to fund our working capital requirements should the availability in the debt and equity markets be limited.
 
Cash Flows
 
The following table summarizes our sources and uses of cash over the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net cash used in operating activities
  $ (21,824 )   $ (24,429 )
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (4,610 )     869  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    9,653       4,277  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (9 )     (162 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (16,790 )   $ (19,445 )
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities.  Cash used in operating activities totaled $21.8 million during six months ended September 30, 2010, compared to cash used in operations of $24.4 million during the six months ended September 30, 2009. Cash flows used in operations for the six months ended September 30, 2010 resulted primarily from a decrease of $29.2 million in accounts payable – equipment for the payment of equipment on lease by our customers, and increase in accounts receivable – net of $15.6 million. In addition, the schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities contained repayments of $15.2 million in principal payments by our lessees directly to our lenders for certain leases secured by non-recourse debt. This repayment from our lessees directly to our lenders is not reflected in our cash used in operating activities and hence, had the effect of increasing our cash used in operating activities. These increases in cash used in operating activities were partially offset by a decrease in cash used in investment in direct financing and sales type leases – net, which decreased $29.8 million on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets (see Note 2, “Investment in Leases and Leased Equipment—net,”) to $105.4 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $135.2 million at March 31, 2010.
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $4.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2010, primarily driven by an increase in cash used in purchases of operating lease equipment, partially offset by proceeds from sale or disposal of operating lease equipment of $1.9 million. Investment in operating lease equipment – net increased $ 600 thousand on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets (see Note 2, “Investment in Leases and Leased Equipment—net,) to $20.9 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $20.3 million at March 31, 2010.
 
 
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities was $9.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2010, mostly driven by borrowings of non-recourse notes payable for our financing business segment of $6.7 million and borrowings from our floor plan facility of $6.0 million. The schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities contained repayments of $15.2 million in principal payments by our lessees directly to our lenders for certain leases secured by non-recourse debt. This repayment from our lessees directly to our lenders is not reflected in our cash provided by financing activities and hence had the effect of decreasing our cash used in repayment of non-recourse debt. In addition, we generated $2.9 million from proceeds from the issuance of capital stock as a result of stock option exercises.  These changes are partially offset by our repayments of non-recourse debt of $3.8 million and repurchases of common stock of $2.2 million.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Non-recourse debt financing activities may provide approximately 80% to 100% of the purchase price of the equipment we purchase for leases to our customers.  Any balance of the purchase price remaining after non-recourse funding and any upfront payments received from the lessee (our equity investment in the equipment) must generally be financed by cash flows from our operations, the sale of the equipment leased to third parties, or other internal means. Although we expect that the credit quality of our leases and our residual return history will continue to allow us to obtain such financing, such financing may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all.
 
The financing necessary to support our leasing activities has principally been provided by non-recourse borrowings and our cash. Given the current market, we have been monitoring our exposure closely and conserving our capital. Historically, we have obtained recourse and non-recourse borrowings from banks and finance companies. We continue to be able to obtain financing through our traditional lending sources, however, pricing and availability is dependent upon the lessee’s credit rating. Lesser credits are more difficult to finance in this economic climate. 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 the lender’s only recourse, upon default by the lessee, is against the lessee and the specific equipment under lease. At September 30, 2010, our lease-related non-recourse debt portfolio decreased 22.9% to $41.3 million, as compared to $53.6 million at March 31, 2010.
 
Whenever possible and desirable, we arrange for equity investment financing, which includes selling assets, including the residual portions, to third parties and financing the equity investment on a non-recourse basis. We generally retain customer control and operational services, and have minimal residual risk. We usually reserve 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.
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities includes deferred expenses, deferred revenue and amounts collected and payable, such as sales taxes and lease rental payments due to third parties. We had $47.8 million and $40.5 million of accrued expenses and other liabilities as of September 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010, respectively, an increase of 18.0%. The increase is primarily driven by an increase in deferred revenue related to bundled hardware and service arrangements that were not completed by the end of the quarter.
 
 
 
 
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Credit Facility — Technology Business
 
Our subsidiary, ePlus Technology, inc., has a financing facility from GECDF to finance its working capital requirements for inventories and accounts receivable. There are two components of this facility: (1) a floor plan component; and (2) an accounts receivable component.  This facility has full recourse to ePlus Technology, inc. and is secured by a blanket lien against all its assets, such as chattel paper, receivables and inventory.  As of September 30, 2010, the facility had an aggregate limit of the two components of $125 million with an accounts receivable sub-limit of $30 million. Availability under the GECDF facility may be limited by the asset value of equipment we purchase and the aging of our accounts receivable and may be further limited by certain covenants and terms and conditions of the facility. These covenants include but are not limited to a minimum total tangible net worth and subordinated debt of ePlus Technology, inc., and maximum debt to tangible net worth ratio of ePlus Technology, inc. We were in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2010. In addition, the facility restricts the ability of ePlus Technology, inc. to transfer funds to its affiliates in the form of dividends, loans or advances; however, we do not expect these restrictions to have an impact on the ability of ePlus inc. to meet its cash obligations or materially restrict its ability to undertake additional debt or equity financing. The GECDF credit facility does not have a fixed maturity date, but either party may terminate with 90 days’ advance notice. We are not, and do not believe that we are reasonably likely to be, in breach of the GECDF credit facility. In addition, we do not believe that the covenants of the GECDF credit facility materially limit our ability to undertake financing.  In this regard, the covenants apply only to our subsidiary, ePlus Technology, inc. This credit facility is secured by the assets of only ePlus Technology, inc. and the guaranty as described below.
 
The facility provided by GECDF requires a guaranty of up to $10.5 million by ePlus inc. The guaranty requires ePlus inc. to deliver its audited financial statements by certain dates.  We have delivered the annual audited financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2010 as required. The loss of the GECDF credit facility could have a material adverse effect on our future results as we currently rely on this facility and its components for daily working capital and liquidity for our technology sales business and as an operational function of our accounts payable process. In light of the credit market conditions, we continue to have discussions with GECDF to inquire about the strategic focus of their distribution finance unit. Pursuant to these discussions, we believe that we can continue to rely on the availability of this credit facility. Should the GECDF credit facility no longer be available, we believe we can increase our lines of credit with our vendors and utilize our cash for working capital.
 
Floor Plan Component
 
The traditional business of ePlus Technology, inc. as a seller of computer technology, related peripherals and software products is in part financed through a floor plan component in which interest expense for the first forty to forty-five days, in general, is not charged. The floor plan liabilities are recorded as accounts payable—floor plan on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, as they are normally repaid within the forty-to forty-five-day time frame and represent an assigned accounts payable originally generated with the manufacturer/distributor. If the forty- to forty-five-day obligation is not paid timely, interest is then assessed at stated contractual rates.
 
The respective floor plan component credit limits and actual outstanding balances for the dates indicated were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Maximum Credit Limit at September 30, 2010
 
Balance as of September 30, 2010
   
Maximum Credit Limit at March 31, 2010
   
Balance as of March 31, 2010
 
$ 125,000     $ 63,617     $ 125,000     $ 57,613  
 
Accounts Receivable Component
 
Included within the credit facility, ePlus Technology, inc. has an accounts receivable component from GECDF, which has a revolving line of credit. On the due date of the invoices financed by the floor plan component, the invoices are paid by the accounts receivable component of the credit facility. The balance of the accounts receivable component is then reduced by payments from our available cash. The outstanding balance under the accounts receivable component is recorded as recourse notes payable on our condensed consolidated balance  sheets. There was no outstanding balance at September 30, 2010 or March 31, 2010, while the maximum credit limit was $30.0 million for both periods.
 
 
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Credit Facility — General
 
1st Commonwealth Bank of Virginia provides us with a $500 thousand credit facility, which matured on October 26, 2010. This credit facility was renewed for two years effective October 27, 2010. This credit facility is available for use by us and our affiliates and is full recourse to us. Borrowings under this facility bear interest at the Wall Street Journal U.S. Prime rate plus 1%. The primary purpose of the facility is to provide letters of credit for landlords, taxing authorities and bids.  As of September 30, 2010, we had no outstanding balance on this credit facility.
 
Performance Guarantees
 
In the normal course of business, we may provide certain customers with performance guarantees, which are generally backed by surety bonds. In general, we would only be liable for the amount of these guarantees in the event of default in the performance of our obligations. We are in compliance with the performance obligations under all service contracts for which there is a performance guarantee, and we believe that any liability incurred in connection with these guarantees would not have a material adverse effect on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As part of our ongoing business, we do not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As of September 30, 2010, we were not involved in any unconsolidated special purpose entity transactions.
 
Adequacy of Capital Resources and Inflation
 
The continued implementation of our business strategy will require a significant investment in both resources and managerial focus. In addition, we may selectively acquire other companies that have attractive customer relationships and skilled sales forces. We may also acquire technology companies to expand and enhance the platform of bundled solutions to provide additional functionality and value-added services. As a result, we may require additional financing to fund our strategy, implementation and potential future acquisitions, which may include additional debt and equity financing.
 
For the periods presented herein, inflation has been relatively low and we believe that inflation has not had a material effect on our results of operations.
 
Potential Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results
 
Our future quarterly operating results and the market price of our common stock may fluctuate.  In the event our revenues or earnings for any quarter are less than the level expected by securities analysts or the market in general, such shortfall could have an immediate and significant adverse impact on the market price of our common stock. Any such adverse impact could be greater if any such shortfall occurs near the time of any material decrease in any widely followed stock index or in the market price of the stock of one or more public equipment leasing and financing companies, IT resellers, software competitors, major customers or vendors of ours.
 
Our quarterly results of operations are susceptible to fluctuations for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, reduction in IT spending, our entry into the e-commerce market, any reduction of expected residual values related to the equipment under our leases, the timing and mix of specific transactions, the reduction of manufacturer incentive programs, and other factors. Quarterly operating results could also fluctuate as a result of our sale of equipment in our lease portfolio, at the expiration of a lease term or prior to such expiration, to a lessee or to a third party.  Such sales of equipment may have the effect of increasing revenues and net income during the quarter in which the sale occurs, and reducing revenues and net income otherwise expected in subsequent quarters.  See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our 2010 Annual Report.
 
 
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We believe that comparisons of quarterly results of our operations are not necessarily meaningful and that results for one quarter should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Although a substantial portion of our liabilities are non-recourse, fixed-interest-rate instruments, we utilize our lines of credit and other financing facilities which are subject to fluctuations in short-term interest rates. These instruments, which are denominated in U.S. dollars, were entered into for other than trading purposes and, with the exception of amounts drawn under the GECDF facility, bear interest at a fixed rate. Because the interest rate on these instruments is fixed, changes in interest rates will not directly impact our cash flows. Borrowings under the GECDF facility bear interest at a market-based variable rate. As of September 30, 2010, the aggregate fair value of our recourse borrowings approximated their carrying value.
 
During the year ended March 31, 2003, we began transacting business in Canada. As such, we have entered into lease contracts and non-recourse, fixed-interest-rate financing denominated in Canadian dollars. To date, Canadian operations have been insignificant and we believe that potential fluctuations in currency exchange rates will not have a material effect on our financial position.
 
We also have leasing transactions in Iceland.  To date, Icelandic operations have been insignificant and we believe that potential fluctuations in Icelandic krona currency exchange rates will not have a material effect on our financial position.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and our Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, or “disclosure controls,” as defined in Securities Exchange Act (“Exchange Act”) Rule 13a-15(e). Disclosure controls are controls and procedures designed to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this quarterly report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our disclosure controls include some, but not all, components of our internal control over financial reporting. Based upon that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2010.
 
Changes in Internal Controls
 
There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2010, which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
 
Our management, including our CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system cannot provide absolute assurance due to its inherent limitations; it is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. A control system also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of such limitations, disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting cannot prevent or detect all misstatements, whether unintentional errors or fraud. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process; therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.
 
 
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Cyberco Related Matters

We have been involved in several matters relating to a customer named Cyberco Holdings, Inc. (Cyberco). The Cyberco principals were perpetrating a scam, and at least five principals have pled guilty to criminal conspiracy and/or related charges, including bank fraud, mail fraud and money laundering. We have previously disclosed our losses relating to Cyberco, and are pursuing avenues to recover those losses.

We filed suit against one of our lenders, Banc of America Leasing and Capital, LLC (“BoA”), in the Superior Court in the State of California, County of San Diego (“Superior Court”) seeking to recover losses relating to the Cyberco transaction.  We were also the defendant in one Cyberco-related case, in which BoA filed a lawsuit against ePlus in the Circuit Court for Fairfax County, Virginia, on November 3, 2006, seeking to enforce a guaranty in which ePlus inc. guaranteed ePlus Group’s obligations to BoA relating to the Cyberco matter. Effective September 7, 2010, we settled both suits with BoA, in exchange for BoA’s assigning to ePlus its interest in certain matters relating to Cyberco, including BoA’s interest in the lease schedule, certain proofs of claim filed by BoA in Cyberco-related bankruptcy cases, two judgments BoA obtained against Cyberco principals, and certain claims against the United States government resulting from its seizure of Cyberco-related assets.

In June 2007, ePlus Group, inc. and two other Cyberco victims filed suit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan (the “District Court”) against The Huntington National Bank (“Huntington”). The complaint alleges counts of aiding and abetting fraud, aiding and abetting conversion, and statutory conversion. On or about July 1, 2010, the District Court entered summary judgment in favor of Huntington with regard to our claims in the suit. At this time, a final judgment has not been entered, and we are considering whether to pursue appellate relief. While we believe that we have a basis for these claims to recover certain of our losses related to the Cyberco matter, we cannot predict whether we will be successful in our claims for damages, whether any award ultimately received will exceed the costs incurred to pursue these matters, or how long it will take to bring these matters to resolution.

Other Matters

We are currently engaged in a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in which we allege the defendant used or sold products, methods, processes, services and/or systems that infringe on certain of our patents. The trial court granted an evidentiary motion precluding us from seeking damages at trial.  If we are successful in proving liability, we will seek an injunction and appeal the courts ruling on damages.

We may become party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business including preference payment claims asserted in customer bankruptcy proceedings, claims of alleged infringement of patents, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property rights, claims of alleged non-compliance with contract provisions and claims related to alleged violations of laws and regulations. Although we do not expect that the outcome in any of these matters, individually or collectively, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations, litigation is inherently unpredictable. Therefore, judgments could be rendered or settlements entered that could adversely affect our results of operations or cash flows in a particular period. We provide for costs related to contingencies when a loss is probable and the amount is reasonably determinable.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
There have not been any material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.

 
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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
The following table provides information regarding our purchases of ePlus inc. common stock during the six months ended September 30, 2010.
                         
Period
 
Total number
of shares
purchased (1)
   
Average price paid per share
   
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
   
Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
 
                         
April 1, 2010 through April 30, 2010
    5,163     $ 17.24       66,022       433,978 (2) 
May 1, 2010 through May 31, 2010
    6,095     $ 17.05       72,177       427,883 (3) 
June 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010
    12,461     $ 17.19       84,578       415,422 (4)
July 1, 2010 through July 31, 2010
    60,935     $ 17.04       145,513       354,487 (5)
August 1, 2010 through August 31, 2010
    29,685     $ 18.28       175,198       324,802 (6)
September 1, 2010 through September 15, 2010
    9,189     $ 18.27       184,387       315,613 (7)
September 16, 2010 through September 30, 2010
                      500,000 (8)
 
(1)
All shares acquired were in open-market purchases.
(2)
The share purchase authorization in place for the month ended April 30, 2010 had purchase limitations on the number of shares of up to 500,000 shares.  As of April 30, 2010, the remaining authorized shares to be purchased were 433,978.
(3)
The share purchase authorization in place for the month ended May 31, 2010 had purchase limitations on the number of shares of up to 500,000 shares.  As of May 31, 2010, the remaining authorized shares to be purchased were 427,883.
(4)
The share purchase authorization in place for the month ended June 30 30, 2010 had purchase limitations on the number of shares of up to 500,000 shares.  As of June 30, 2010, the remaining authorized shares to be purchased were 415,422.
(5)
The share purchase authorization in place for the month ended July 31, 2010 had purchase limitations on the number of shares of up to 500,000 shares.  As of July 31, 2010, the remaining authorized shares to be purchased were 354,487.
(6)
The share purchase authorization in place for the month ended August 31, 2010 had purchase limitations on the number of shares of up to 500,000 shares.  As of August 31, 2010, the remaining authorized shares to be purchased were 324,802.
(7)
The share purchase authorization in place from September 1 to September 15, 2010 had purchase limitations on the number of shares of up to 500,000 shares.  As of September 15, 2010, the remaining authorized shares to be purchased were 315,613.
(8)
The share purchase authorization in place from September 16 to September 30, 2010 had purchase limitations on the number of shares of up to 500,000 shares.  As of September 30, 2010, the remaining authorized shares to be purchased were 500,000.

The timing and expiration date of the stock repurchase authorizations as well as an amendment to our current repurchase plan are included in Note 10, “Share Repurchase” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not Applicable.

Item 4.  (Removed and Reserved)

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 
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Item 6. Exhibits

Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, dated September 14, 2010, between ePlus inc. and Philip G. Norton (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2010).

Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, dated September 16, 2010, between ePlus inc. and Bruce M. Bowen (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2010).

Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, dated September 16, 2010, between ePlus inc. and Elaine D. Marion (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2010).

Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, dated September 16, 2010, between ePlus inc. and Mark P. Marron (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2010).

Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, dated September 16, 2010, between ePlus inc. and Steven J. Mencarini (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2010).
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of ePlus inc. pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a).
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of ePlus inc. pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a).
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of ePlus inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.
 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
ePlus inc.
   
Date: November 5, 2010
/s/ PHILLIP G. NORTON
 
By: Phillip G. Norton, Chairman of the Board,
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
Date: November 5, 2010
/s/ ELAINE D. MARION
 
By: Elaine D. Marion
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
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