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, 2013
 
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)

Registrant’s 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 232.405 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 x   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 x
Non-accelerated filer o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
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 31, 2013 was 8,171,006.
 


 
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Part I. Financial Information:
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4
 
 
 
 
 
 
5
 
 
 
 
 
 
6
 
 
 
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
 
 
 
9
 
 
 
 
 
 
10
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
22
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
37
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
37
 
 
 
 
Part II. Other Information:
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
39
 
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
39
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
40
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
40
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
41
 
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
41
 
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
41
 
 
 
 
8
 
 
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, or “Exchange Act,” 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— integrating information technology (IT) hardware sales, third-party maintenance, third-party software assurance, professional services, proprietary software, and financing, and may encounter some of the challenges, risks, difficulties and uncertainties frequently faced by similar companies, such as:
 
·
managing a diverse product set of solutions in highly competitive markets with a small number of key vendors;
 
·
increasing the total number of customers utilizing integrated solutions by up-selling within our customer base and gaining new customers;
 
·
adapting to meet changes in markets and competitive developments;
 
·
maintaining and increasing advanced professional services by retaining highly skilled personnel and vendor certifications;
 
·
integrating with external IT systems, including those of our customers and vendors;
 
·
continuing to enhance our proprietary software and update our technology infrastructure to remain competitive in the marketplace; and
 
·
reliance on third parties to perform some of our service obligations;
 
·
our dependence on key personnel, and our ability to hire and retain sufficient qualified personnel;
 
·
our ability to implement comprehensive plans for the integration of sales forces, cost containment, asset rationalization, systems integration and other key strategies;
 
·
a possible decrease in the capital spending budgets of our customers or purchases from us;
 
·
our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and successfully defend any challenges to the validity of our patents, and, when appropriate, protect license required technology;
 
·
the creditworthiness of our customers and our ability to reserve adequately for credit losses;
 
·
the possibility of goodwill impairment charges in the future;
 
·
uncertainty and volatility in the global economy and financial markets;
 
·
changes in the IT industry and/or rapid changes in product offerings;
 
·
our ability to secure our electronic and other confidential information;
 
·
our ability to raise capital, maintain or increase as needed our lines of credit with vendors or floor planning facility, or obtain debt for our financing transactions;
 
·
future growth rates in our core businesses;
 
·
our ability to realize our investment in leased equipment;
 
·
significant adverse changes in, reductions in, or losses of relationships with major customers or vendors;
 
·
our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses;
 
·
our ability to maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting;
 
·
reduction of manufacturer incentives provided to us;
 
·
exposure to changes in, interpretations of, or enforcement trends related to tax rules and other regulations; and
 
·
significant changes in accounting standards including changes to the financial reporting of leases which could impact the demand for our leasing services, or misclassification of products and services we sell resulting in the misapplication of revenue recognition policies.

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 Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections contained elsewhere in this report, as well as other reports that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

 
3

 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. 
Financial Statements

ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   
As of
   
As of
 
   
September 30, 2013
   
March 31, 2013
 
ASSETS
 
(in thousands)
 
   
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 53,696     $ 52,720  
Short-term investments
    -       982  
Accounts receivable—trade, net
    160,008       173,445  
Accounts receivable—other, net
    35,397       18,809  
Inventories—net
    20,202       14,795  
Notes receivable—net
    49,110       31,893  
Investment in leases and leased equipment—net
    91,421       90,710  
Property and equipment—net
    3,963       2,213  
Deferred costs
    8,350       10,234  
Other assets
    10,220       9,107  
Goodwill and other intangible assets
    32,934       32,964  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 465,301     $ 437,872  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
                 
LIABILITIES
               
                 
Accounts payable—equipment
  $ 13,523     $ 5,379  
Accounts payable—trade
    31,042       31,331  
Accounts payable—floor plan
    80,294       66,251  
Salaries and commissions payable
    10,617       12,911  
Deferred revenue
    14,886       16,970  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    13,692       20,264  
Recourse notes payable
    1,520       1,484  
Non-recourse notes payable
    42,148       40,255  
Deferred tax liability
    4,795       4,795  
Total Liabilities
    212,517       199,640  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  (Note 7)
               
                 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
                 
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 13,025,021 issued and 8,170,282 outstanding at September 30, 2013 and 12,899,386 issued and 8,149,706 outstanding at March 31, 2013
    130       129  
Additional paid-in capital
    103,684       99,641  
Treasury stock, at cost, 4,854,739 and 4,749,680 shares, respectively
    (73,207 )     (67,306 )
Retained earnings
    221,804       205,358  
Accumulated other comprehensive income—foreign currency  translation adjustment
    373       410  
Total Stockholders' Equity
    252,784       238,232  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 465,301     $ 437,872  
 
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
4

 
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(amounts in thousands, except shares and per share data)
 
                         
Sales of product and services
  $ 261,283     $ 250,178     $ 508,320     $ 484,460  
Financing revenue
    8,001       7,413       18,761       15,313  
Fee and other income
    1,845       2,460       3,365       5,002  
                                 
TOTAL REVENUES
    271,129       260,051       530,446       504,775  
                                 
COSTS AND EXPENSES
                               
                                 
Cost of sales, product and services
    214,854       205,199       418,184       399,590  
Direct lease costs
    3,495       2,461       6,748       4,704  
      218,349       207,660       424,932       404,294  
                                 
Professional and other fees
    1,908       2,707       5,146       5,820  
Salaries and benefits
    29,685       26,919       60,367       53,273  
General and administrative expenses
    6,059       5,411       11,060       10,066  
Interest and financing costs
    433       446       893       851  
      38,085       35,483       77,466       70,010  
                                 
TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES
    256,434       243,143       502,398       474,304  
                                 
EARNINGS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
    14,695       16,908       28,048       30,471  
                                 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
    6,104       6,875       11,607       12,376  
                                 
NET EARNINGS
  $ 8,591     $ 10,033     $ 16,441     $ 18,095  
                                 
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHAREBASIC
  $ 1.07     $ 1.26     $ 2.05     $ 2.27  
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHAREDILUTED
  $ 1.06     $ 1.25     $ 2.03     $ 2.25  
                                 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDINGBASIC
    7,975,590       7,770,206       7,944,932       7,745,506  
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDINGDILUTED
    8,019,557       7,847,227       8,006,572       7,822,079  
 
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
5


ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
( amounts in thousands)
 
                         
NET EARNINGS
  $ 8,591     $ 10,033     $ 16,441     $ 18,095  
                                 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX:
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    57       91       (37 )     41  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    57       91       (37 )     41  
                                 
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  $ 8,648     $ 10,124     $ 16,404     $ 18,136  
 
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
6


ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
           
Net earnings
  $ 16,441     $ 18,095  
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
         
Depreciation and amortization
    7,359       5,615  
Reserves for credit losses, inventory obsolescence and sales returns
    211       137  
Share-based compensation expense
    1,954       1,578  
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    (1,536 )     (756 )
Payments from lessees directly to lendersoperating leases
    (4,062 )     (2,391 )
Gain on disposal of property, equipment and operating lease equipment
    (1,001 )     (560 )
Gain on sale of notes receivable
    (4,025 )     (525 )
Excess increase in cash value of life insurance
    (67 )     (75 )
Other
    109       (255 )
Changes in:
               
Accounts receivable—trade
    12,897       (11,958 )
Accounts receivable—other
    (4,087 )     (7,593 )
Notes receivable
    (624 )     1,028  
Inventories
    (5,043 )     7,635  
Investment in direct financing and sale-type leases—net
    (7,569 )     (795 )
Deferred costs, other intangible assets and other assets
    1,513       (506 )
Accounts payableequipment
    1,700       (9,081 )
Accounts payabletrade
    (222 )     (2,037 )
Salaries and commissions payable, deferred revenue and accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (8,387 )     (4,949 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 5,561     $ (7,393 )
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from sale of property, equipment and operating lease equipment
  $ 1,929     $ 877  
Purchases of property, equipment and operating lease equipment
    (6,759 )     (6,223 )
Purchases of assets to be leased
    (7,032 )     -  
Purchases of short-term investments
    -       (1,232 )
Maturities of short-term investments
    982       6,658  
Issuance of notes receivable
    (45,847 )     (17,237 )
Repayments of notes receivable
    16,031       9,387  
Proceeds from sale or transfer of notes receivable
    15,456       13,420  
Premiums paid on life insurance
    (93 )     (43 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
  $ (25,333 )   $ 5,607  

 
7

 
UNAUDITED CONSENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS – continued
 
   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
           
Borrowings of non-recourse and recourse notes payable
  $ 12,779     $ 14,605  
Repayments of non-recourse and recourse notes payable
    (1,135 )     (500 )
Repurchase of common stock
    (5,901 )     (1,557 )
Dividends paid
    (105 )     -  
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock through option exercise
    559       178  
Payments of contingent consideration
    (1,027 )     -  
Excess tax benefit from share based compensation
    1,536       756  
Net borrowings (repayments) on floor plan facility
    14,042       (1,545 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    20,748       11,937  
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    -       6  
                 
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    976       10,157  
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
    52,720       33,778  
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
  $ 53,696     $ 43,935  
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 15     $ 1  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 10,334     $ 6,738  
                 
Schedule of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
               
Purchase of property and equipment included in accounts payable
  $ 71     $ 62  
Purchase of operating lease equipment included in accounts payable
  $ 241     $ 175  
Purchase of assets financed as notes receivables included in accounts payable
  $ 10,664     $ -  
Proceeds from sales of operating lease equipment included in accounts receivable
  $ 12     $ 143  
Repayments of non-recourse and recourse notes payable
  $ 9,715     $ 7,374  
Vesting of share-based compensation
  $ 7,769     $ 3,558  
 Origination and concurrent sale of notes receivable    80,769      -  
 
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
8


ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(amounts in thousands, except shares data)
 
                                 
Accumulated
       
               
Additional
               
Other
       
   
Common Stock
   
Paid-In
   
Treasury
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
       
   
Shares
   
Par Value
   
Capital
   
Stock
   
Earnings
   
Income
   
Total
 
                                           
                                           
Balance, April 1, 2013
    8,149,706     $ 129     $ 99,641     $ (67,306 )   $ 205,358     $ 410     $ 238,232  
                                                         
Issuance of shares for option exercises
    40,000       -       559       -       -       -       559  
Excess tax benefit of share- based compensation
    -       -       1,536       -       -       -       1,536  
Issuance of restricted stock awards
    85,635       1       -       -       -       -       1  
Share-based compensation
                    1,948       -       5       -       1,953  
Repurchase of common stock
    (105,059 )     -       -       (5,901 )     -       -       (5,901 )
Net earnings
    -       -       -       -       16,441       -       16,441  
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax of $1)
    -       -       -       -       -       (37 )     (37 )
                                                         
Balance, September 30, 2013
    8,170,282     $ 130     $ 103,684     $ (73,207 )   $ 221,804     $ 373     $ 252,784  
 
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
9

 
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. 
ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
BASIS OF PRESENTATION — Our company was founded in 1990 and is a Delaware corporation. ePlus inc. is sometimes referred to in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as “we,” “our,” “us,” “ourselves,” or “ePlus.” 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.

INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — The condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 are unaudited, but include all normal and recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations, changes in equity and cash flows for such periods. Operating results for the three and six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 or any other future period. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures required by the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for annual financial statements. Our audited consolidated financial statements are contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2013 (“2013 Annual Report”), which should be read in conjunction with these interim financial statements.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS — Management has evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date through the date our financial statements are issued.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Estimates are used when accounting for items and matters including, but not limited to, revenue recognition, residual values, vendor consideration, lease classification, goodwill and intangibles, reserves for credit losses, inventory obsolescence, and the recognition and measurement of income tax assets and other provisions and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE—TRADE — Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and typically do not bear interest. The Company provides allowances for doubtful accounts related to accounts receivable for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. Our reserve for credit losses was $1.0 million as of September 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE—OTHER — Accounts receivable—other consists of advances and payments made on behalf of our customers, as well as amounts due from vendors. Prior to the effective date of a lease or financing arrangement with our customer, any payments made by our financing segment for products and services for our customers are presented in accounts receivable—other as we generally act as an agent of our customer until the financing arrangement is accepted by our customer. We also receive incentives from vendors, including consideration pursuant to volume sales incentive programs, volume purchase incentive programs and shared marketing expense programs. These incentives generally relate to vendor programs with specified performance requirements, and estimated amounts earned but not paid by the vendors are included in accounts receivable—other. Our reserve for credit losses was $0.1 million as of September 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013.

REVENUE RECOGNITION — The majority of our revenues are derived from the following sources: sales of products, sales of third-party software, sales of services provided by us, sales of third-party maintenance and services, financing revenues and sales of our software. For all these revenue sources, we determine whether we are the principal or agent in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) Topic, Revenue Recognition, Subtopic Principal Agent Considerations. Our revenue recognition policies vary based upon these revenue sources.

For the sale of third party software assurance, maintenance and services we concluded that we are acting as an agent and recognize revenue for these transactions on a net basis at the date of sale, which is presented within sales of products and services in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Gross billings for all products and services for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 were $321.2 million and $318.8 million, respectively. Gross billings for all products and services for the six months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 were $624.4 million and $597.6 million, respectively.

 
10

 
DEFERRED COSTS AND DEFERRED REVENUE – Deferred costs include internal and third party costs associated with deferred revenue arrangements. Deferred revenue relate to professional services, which are generally recognized upon completion, and maintenance, managed service or hosting arrangements that are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the arrangement.

EARNINGS PER SHARE — Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings attributable to common shareholders by the basic weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of securities that could participate in our earnings, including incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of “in-the-money” stock options and other common stock equivalents during each period. We use the two-class method to allocate net income between common shares and other participating securities. For additional information, see Note 8, “Earnings Per Share”.

CONCENTRATIONS OF RISK — Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, notes receivable and investments in direct financing and sales-type leases. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments are maintained principally with financial institutions in the United States, which have high credit ratings. Risk associated with our accounts receivable, notes receivable and investments in direct financing and sales-type leases is reduced by the large number of diverse industries comprising our customer base and through the ongoing evaluation of collectability of our portfolio. Our credit risk is further mitigated through the underlying collateral and whether the lease is funded with recourse or non-recourse notes payable.

A substantial portion of our sales of product and services are from sales of Cisco, Hewlett Packard, and NetApp products, which represented 46.8%, 11.2%, and 5.5%, and 50.5%, 10.4%, and 7.4%, respectively, of our sales of product and services for the three and six months ended September 30, 2013, as compared to 49.8%, 10.0%, and 7.2%, and 51.6%, 10.1%, and 6.7%, respectively, of our sales of product and services for the three and six months ended September 30, 2012. Any changes in our vendors’ ability to provide products could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS — There were no new accounting standards issued during the three months ended September 30, 2013 that materially impacted our condensed consolidated financial statements or could materially impact our financial statements or related disclosures in a future period.

2. 
FINANCING INVESTMENTS
 
Our investments in leases, leased equipment and notes receivables consist of assets that we financed for our customers, which we manage as a portfolio of financing investments. Our leases to our customers are accounted for as investments in direct financing, sales-type or operating leases in accordance with Codification Topic, Leases. We also finance third-party software and services for our customers, which are classified as notes receivables. Our notes receivables are interest bearing and are often due over a period of time that corresponds with the terms of the leased products. Our financing investments consist of the following (in thousands):

   
September 30,
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
 
Notes receivable—net
  $ 49,110     $ 31,893  
Investment in direct financing and sales-type leases—net
    66,229       66,243  
Investment in operating lease equipment—net
    25,192       24,467  
    $ 140,531     $ 122,603  
 
NOTES RECEIVABLE—NET
 
Our notes receivable balance as of September 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013 consists of the following (in thousands):

   
September 30,
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
 
Notes receivable
  $ 52,233     $ 35,030  
Less:  Reserve for credit losses
    (3,123 )     (3,137 )
Notes receivable—net
  $ 49,110     $ 31,893  

 
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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):

   
September 30,
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
 
Minimum lease payments
  $ 63,529     $ 64,614  
Estimated unguaranteed residual value (1)
    7,796       7,557  
Initial direct costs, net of amortization (2)
    658       684  
Less:  Unearned lease income
    (4,856 )     (5,767 )
Less:  Reserve for credit losses (3)
    (898 )     (845 )
Investment in direct financing and sales-type leases—net
  $ 66,229     $ 66,243  

(1)
Includes estimated unguaranteed residual values of $3,647 thousand and $3,361 thousand as of September 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013, respectively, for direct financing leases which have been sold and accounted for as sales under Codification Topic, Transfers and Servicing.
(2)
Initial direct costs are shown net of amortization of $509 thousand and $479 thousand as of September 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013, respectively.
(3)
For details on reserve for credit losses, refer to Note 4, “Reserves for Credit Losses.”

INVESTMENT IN OPERATING LEASE EQUIPMENT—NET
 
Investment in operating lease equipment—net primarily represents leases that do not qualify as direct financing leases. The components of the investment in operating lease equipment—net are as follows (in thousands):

   
September 30,
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
 
Cost of equipment under operating leases
  $ 45,971     $ 46,106  
Less:  Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (20,779 )     (21,639 )
Investment in operating lease equipment—net (1)
  $ 25,192     $ 24,467  
 
(1)
Includes estimated unguaranteed residual values of $7,009 thousand and $7,763 thousand as of September 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013, respectively, for operating leases.
 
TRANSFERS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS

We enter into arrangements to transfer the contractual payments due under financing investments, which are accounted for as sales or secured borrowings in accordance with Codification Topic, Transfers and Servicing. For transfers accounted for as a secured borrowing, the corresponding investments serve as collateral for non-recourse notes payable. See Note 6, “Notes Payable and Credit Facility.”

For transfers accounted for as sales, we derecognize the carrying value of the asset transferred and recognize a net gain or loss on the sale, which is presented within financing revenues in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations. During the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we recognized net gains of $1.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Total proceeds from these sales were $34.9 million and $12.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we recognized net gains of $5.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, and total proceeds from these sales were $122.4 million and $42.0 million, respectively.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2013, we transferred the payments due under a note receivable to third-party lenders which were accounted for as a sale. Upon subsequent review, we identified certain forms of continuing involvement, which was completed in July 2013. Accordingly, the assignment should have been accounted for as a secured borrowing as of June 30, 2013 and subsequently met the sale criteria in July 2013. We concluded that the impact on our quarterly results for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 was not material.

 
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3.
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Our goodwill and other intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):

   
September 30,
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
 
Goodwill
  $ 28,660     $ 28,660  
Customer relationships
    2,418       2,897  
Capitalized software development
    1,856       1,407  
    $ 32,934     $ 32,964  

Goodwill represents the premium paid over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets we have acquired in business combinations. As of September 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013, goodwill attributed to our technology and software document management reporting units was $27.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively.
 
The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of customer relationships were $6.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2013, and $6.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2013. The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of capitalized software development costs were $2.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2013, and $1.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2013. Customer relationships and capitalized software development costs are amortized over their estimated useful live, which is generally between 3 to 5 years.

4.
RESERVES FOR CREDIT LOSSES

Activity in our reserves for credit losses for the six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

   
Accounts Receivable
   
Notes Receivable
   
Lease-Related Receivables
   
Total
 
Balance April 1, 2013
  $ 1,147     $ 3,137     $ 845     $ 5,129  
Provision for bad debts, net of recoveries
    152       (14 )     53       191  
Write-offs and other
    (121 )     -       -       (121 )
Balance September 30, 2013
  $ 1,178     $ 3,123     $ 898     $ 5,199  
 
   
Accounts Receivable
   
Notes Receivable
   
Lease-Related Receivables
   
Total
 
Balance April 1, 2012
  $ 1,307     $ 2,963     $ 1,336     $ 5,606  
Provision for bad debts, net of recoveries
    (206 )     117       19       (70 )
Write-offs and other
    (48 )     -       (3 )     (51 )
Balance September 30, 2012
  $ 1,053     $ 3,080     $ 1,352     $ 5,485  

Our reserves for credit losses and minimum payments associated with our notes receivables and lease related receivables disaggregated on the basis of our impairment method were as follows (in thousands):

   
September 30, 2013
   
March 31, 2013
 
   
Notes Receivable
   
Lease-Related Receivables
   
Notes Receivable
   
Lease-Related Receivables
 
Reserves for credit losses:
                       
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 296     $ 796     $ 310     $ 747  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
    2,827       102       2,827       98  
Ending balance
  $ 3,123     $ 898     $ 3,137     $ 845  
                                 
Minimum payments:
                               
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 48,996     $ 63,131     $ 31,793     $ 64,246  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
    3,237       398       3,237       368  
Ending balance
  $ 52,233     $ 63,529     $ 35,030     $ 64,614  

As of September 30, 2013, we had $3.3 million of receivables from a specific customer in bankruptcy and total reserves for credit losses of $2.8 million, which represented our estimated probable loss. As of March 31, 2013, we had $3.4 million of receivables from this customer and total reserves for credit losses of $2.8 million.

 
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As of September 30, 2013, the age of the recorded minimum lease payments and net credit exposure associated with our investment in direct financing and sales-type leases that are past due, disaggregated based on our internally assigned credit quality ratings (“CQR”), were as follows (in thousands):

   
31-60 Days Past Due
   
61-90 Days Past Due
   
Greater than 90 Days Past Due
   
Total Past Due
   
Current
   
Unbilled Minimum Lease Payments
   
Total Minimum Lease Payments
   
Unearned Income
   
Non-Recourse Notes Payable
   
Net Credit Exposure
 
                                                             
September 30, 2013
                                                           
                                                             
High CQR
  $ 63     $ 14     $ 146     $ 223     $ 344     $ 38,388     $ 38,955     $ (1,967 )   $ (6,354 )   $ 30,634  
Average CQR
    8       2       12       22       99       24,055       24,176       (1,508 )     (10,635 )     12,033  
Low CQR
    -       -       61       61       -       337       398       (31 )     -       367  
Total
    71       16       219       306       443       62,780       63,529       (3,506 )     (16,989 )     43,034  
                                                                                 
March 31, 2013
                                                                         
                                                                                 
High CQR
  $ 454     $ 316     $ 28     $ 798     $ 322     $ 38,278     $ 39,398     $ (2,777 )   $ (10,337 )   $ 26,284  
Average CQR
    51       51       5       107       101       24,640       24,848       (1,596 )     (7,857 )     15,395  
Low CQR
    -       -       61       61       -       307       368       (39 )     -       329  
Total
    505       367       94       966       423       63,225       64,614       (4,412 )     (18,194 )     42,008  

As of September 30, 2013, the age of the recorded notes receivable balance disaggregated based on our internally assigned CQR were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
31-60 Days Past Due
   
61-90 Days Past Due
   
Greater than 90 Days Past Due
   
Total Past Due
   
Current
   
Unbilled Notes Receivable
   
Total Notes Receivable
   
Non-Recourse Notes Payable
   
Net Credit Exposure
 
                                                       
September 30, 2013
                                                     
                                                       
High CQR
  $ 33     $ 33     $ 4,470     $ 4,536     $ 225     $ 39,347     $ 44,108     $ (12,469 )   $ 31,639  
Average CQR
    -       -       -       -       723       4,165       4,888       (2,096 )     2,792  
Low CQR
    -       -       791       791       -       2,446       3,237       -       3,237  
Total
  $ 33     $ 33     $ 5,261     $ 5,327     $ 948     $ 45,958     $ 52,233     $ (14,565 )   $ 37,668  
                                                                         
March 31, 2013
                                                                       
                                                                         
High CQR
  $ 1,342     $ 127     $ 832     $ 2,301     $ 3,450     $ 22,097     $ 27,848     $ (5,621 )   $ 22,227  
Average CQR
    1,379       -       -       1,379       -       2,566       3,945       (1,203 )     2,742  
Low CQR
    -       -       726       726       -       2,511       3,237       -       3,237  
Total
  $ 2,721     $ 127     $ 1,558     $ 4,406     $ 3,450     $ 27,174     $ 35,030     $ (6,824 )   $ 28,206  
                                                                         

We estimate losses on our net credit exposure to be between 0% - 5% for customers with highest CQR, as these customers are investment grade or the equivalent of investment grade. We estimate losses on our net credit exposure to be between 2% - 25% for customers with average CQR, and between 50% - 100% for customers with low CQR, which includes customers in bankruptcy.

 
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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):

   
September 30,
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
 
             
Unbilled accounts receivable
  $ 744     $ 3,095  
Prepaid assets
    4,255       2,667  
Other
    5,221       3,345  
Total other assets
  $ 10,220     $ 9,107  
 
   
September 30,
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
 
             
Accrued expenses
  $ 6,013     $ 9,533  
Other
    7,679       10,731  
Total accrued expenses and other liabilities
  $ 13,692     $ 20,264  

Other assets include cash surrender value of life insurance policies, escrow deposits and off-lease equipment. Other liabilities include accrued taxes, deferred compensation, and lease rental payments due to third parties.

6.
NOTES PAYABLE AND CREDIT FACILITY
 
Non-recourse and recourse obligations consist of the following (in thousands):

   
September 30,
   
March 31,
 
   
2013
 
             
Recourse note payable at 4.84% maturing on March 2, 2017
  $ 1,520     $ 1,484  
                 
Non-recourse notes payable secured by related investments in notes receivables and leases with interest rates ranging from 2.00% to 10.0% at September 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013
  $ 42,148     $ 40,255  

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 customer under the leases or notes receivable that collateralize the notes payable.  The weighted average interest rate for our non-recourse notes payable was 3.82% and 4.23%, as of September 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013, respectively. Under recourse financing, in the event of a default by a customer, the lender has recourse to the customer, the assets serving as collateral, and us. Under non-recourse financing, in the event of a default by a customer, the lender generally only has recourse against the customer, and the assets serving as collateral, but not against us.
 
Our technology 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 technology segment. 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 $80.3 million and $66.3 million as of September 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013, respectively. Under the accounts receivable component, we had no outstanding balances as of September 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013. As of September 30, 2013, the facility agreement had an aggregate limit of the two components of $175.0 million, and the accounts receivable component had a sub-limit of $30.0 million, which bears interest assessed at a rate of the One Month LIBOR plus two and one half percent.
 
 
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The credit facility has full recourse to ePlus Technology, inc. and is secured by a blanket lien against all its assets, such as receivables and inventory. Availability under the 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 excess availability of the facility and minimum earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) of ePlus Technology, inc. We were in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2013. 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 with certain exceptions for dividends to ePlus inc. The facility also requires that financial statements of ePlus Technology, inc. be provided within 45 days of each quarter and 90 days of each fiscal year end and also includes that other operational reports be provided on a regular basis. 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 $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, 2013, 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 segment and as an operational function of our accounts payable process.

We have an agreement with First Virginia Community Bank, (formerly 1st Commonwealth Bank of Virginia), to provide us with a $0.5 million credit facility, which matures on October 27, 2014. The 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, 2013 and March 31, 2013, we had no outstanding balance on this credit facility.

7.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings
 
On May 19, 2009, we filed a complaint (the "Lawson litigation") in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (the “trial court”) 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. We obtained a jury verdict against the remaining defendant, Lawson Software, Inc. (“Lawson”) on January 27, 2011. The jury unanimously found that Lawson infringed certain ePlus patents relating to electronic procurement systems, and additionally found that all ePlus patent claims tried in court were not invalid.

On May 23, 2011, the trial court issued a permanent injunction, ordering Lawson and its successors to: immediately stop selling and servicing products relating to its electronic procurement systems that infringe our patents; cease providing any ongoing or future maintenance, training or installation of its infringing products; and refrain from publishing any literature or information that encourages the use or sale of its infringing products. Lawson appealed the trial court’s judgment, and we appealed the trial court’s evidentiary ruling which precluded us from seeking monetary damages. On November 21, 2012, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the “Appeals Court”) reversed in part, vacated in part, affirmed in part, and remanded. The Appeals Court upheld the trial court’s ruling precluding us from seeking monetary damages. The Appeals Court also upheld the finding that the patent claims were not invalid and upheld, in part, the finding of infringement. On June 11, 2013, consistent with the Appeals Court’s decision, the trial court issued an Order modifying the injunction so that it would continue in full effect with respect to those configurations of Lawson’s electronic procurement systems that the Appeals Court affirmed are infringing.

 
16

 
On August 16, 2013, the trial court issued an order finding, by clear and convincing evidence, that Lawson is in contempt of the trial court’s May 23, 2011, injunction, entering judgment in our favor in the amount of $18.2 million, and ordering that Lawson pay to the court a daily coercive fine in the amount of $62,362 until Lawson establishes that it is in compliance with the injunction. Lawson has appealed both the order modifying the injunction, and the order finding it in contempt. Lawson posted a bond, and collection of the judgment has been stayed pending the appeal. Briefing on the appeals is scheduled through January 2014, however, we do not know if or when the Appeals Court will hold oral arguments, or when it will issue a ruling. Additionally, upon Lawson’s request, the Appeals Court has granted a stay, pending appeal, of the daily coercive fine. However, the Appeals Court did not stay the trial court’s order to the extent that Lawson is required to immediately comply with the injunction. Court calendars and rulings are inherently unpredictable, and we cannot predict when any motion or appeal will be resolved, or the outcome thereof.
 
Patent litigation is extremely complex and issues regarding a patent’s validity can arise even subsequent to a patent’s issuance.  Reexamination proceedings concerning the validity of a patent at issue in the Lawson litigation are currently ongoing, and an adverse decision in those proceedings has been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board.  We have appealed that decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. An unfavorable decision in that appeal may adversely affect the Lawson litigation. As noted above, court calendars and rulings are inherently unpredictable, and we cannot predict when any motion or appeal will be resolved, or the outcome thereof.

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 claim for a contempt finding or damages, whether any award ultimately received will exceed the costs incurred to pursue this matter, or how long it will take to bring this matter to resolution.

Other Matters

We may become party to various legal proceedings arising in the normal 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, employment related claims, claims by competitors, vendors or customers, and claims related to alleged violations of laws and regulations. We accrue for costs associated with these contingencies when a loss is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. Refer to Note 4, "Reserves for Credit Losses," for information regarding loss contingencies associated with our accounts, notes and lease-related receivables.

8.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings attributable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net earnings per share include the potential dilution of securities that could participate in our earnings, but not securities that are anti-dilutive. Certain unvested shares of restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, whether paid or unpaid. As a result, these RSAs are considered participating securities because their holders have the right to participate in earnings with common stockholders. We use the two-class method to allocate net income between common shares and other participating securities. As of September 30, 2013, we had 45 thousand shares of RSAs that contained non-forfeitable rights to dividends, which vest over the next 9 months. In addition, we no longer grant RSAs that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends.

We corrected our reported earnings per share for the three and six months ended September 30, 2012. The weighted average shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share decreased by 74 thousand and 91 thousand for the three and six months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. Basic and diluted earnings per share decreased by $0.03 and $0.02, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2012. Basic and diluted earnings per share decreased by $0.06 and $0.04, respectively, for the six months ended September 30, 2012.

 
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The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used to calculate basic and diluted net earnings per common share as disclosed in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 (in thousands, except per share data).

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Basic and diluted shares outstanding
                       
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic
    7,976       7,770       7,945       7,745  
Effect of dilutive shares
    44       77       62       77  
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted
    8,020       7,847       8,007       7,822  
                                 
Calculation of earnings per share - basic
                               
Net earnings
  $ 8,591     $ 10,033     $ 16,441     $ 18,095  
Net earnings attributable to participating securities
    66       234       192       497  
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders
  $ 8,525     $ 9,799     $ 16,249     $ 17,598  
                                 
Earnings per share - basic
  $ 1.07     $ 1.26     $ 2.05     $ 2.27  
                                 
Calculation of earnings per share - diluted
                               
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders— basic
  $ 8,525     $ 9,799     $ 16,249     $ 17,598  
Add: undistributed earnings attributable to participating securities
    -       2       1       5  
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders— diluted
  $ 8,525     $ 9,801     $ 16,250     $ 17,603  
                                 
Earnings per share - diluted
  $ 1.06     $ 1.25     $ 2.03     $ 2.25  

All unexercised stock options were included in the computations of diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended September 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2013, we had no unexercised stock options.

9.
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

On August 13, 2012, our Board authorized a new share repurchase plan which authorized share repurchases up to 500,000 shares commencing on September 16, 2012, through September 15, 2013. 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 six months ended September 30, 2013, we repurchased 62,986 shares of our outstanding common stock at an average cost of $53.92 per share for a total purchase price of $3.4 million. Since the inception of our initial repurchase program on September 20, 2001 to September 30, 2013, we have repurchased 4.7 million shares of our outstanding common stock at an average cost of $14.47 per share for a total purchase price of $68.7 million.

10.
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
 
Share-Based Plans

We have share-based awards outstanding under the following plans: (1) the Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Amended LTIP (2003)”), (2) the 2008 Non-Employee Director Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2008 Director LTIP”), (3) the 2008 Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2008 Employee LTIP”) and (4) the 2012 Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2012 Employee LTIP"). All the share-based plans defined fair market value as the previous trading day's closing price when the grant date falls on a date the stock was not traded.

For a summary of descriptions and vesting periods of the Amended LTIP (2003), the 2008 Director LTIP, the 2008 Employee LTIP, and the 2012 Employee LTIP discussed above, refer to our 2013 Annual Report.

Stock Option Activity
 
During the three and six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, there were no stock options granted. As of April 1, 2013, we had 40,000 options outstanding with an average exercise price between $12.73 and $15.25. During the six months ended September 30, 2013, all 40,000 shares were exercised. As of September 30, 2013, we had no outstanding shares of stock options.
 
 
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Restricted Stock Activity

For the six months ended September 30, 2013, we granted 8,520 restricted shares under the 2008 Director LTIP, and 77,115 restricted shares under the 2012 Employee LTIP. For the six months ended September 30, 2012, we granted 7,831 restricted shares under the 2008 Director LTIP, and 96,590 restricted shares under the 2008 Employee LTIP. A summary of the restricted shares is as follows:

   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value
 
             
Nonvested April 1, 2013
    246,048     $ 26.32  
Granted
    85,635     $ 57.39  
Vested
    (131,348 )   $ 24.39  
Nonvested September 30, 2013
    200,335     $ 41.03  

Upon each vesting period of the restricted stock awards, employees are subject to minimum tax withholding obligations. The 2008 Director LTIP, 2008 Employee LIIP and 2012 Employee LTIP allow us, at the participant’s election, to withhold a sufficient number of shares due to the participant to satisfy their minimum tax withholding on employee stock awards. During the six months ended September 30, 2013, we withheld 42,073 shares of common stock at a value of $2.5 million, which was included in treasury stock.

Compensation Expense
 
We recognize compensation cost for awards of restricted stock with graded vesting on a straight line basis over the requisite service period and estimate the forfeiture rate to be zero, which is based on historical experience. There are no additional conditions for vesting other than service conditions. During the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we recognized $1,068 thousand and $915 thousand, respectively, of total share-based compensation expense. During the six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we recognized $1.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively, of total share-based compensation expense. Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock was $7.1 million, which will be fully recognized over the next 33 months.

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 pro-ratably over a four-year service period by the employees, after which all employer contributions will be fully vested. For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, our contribution expense for the plan was approximately $147 thousand and $236 thousand, respectively. For the six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, our contribution expense for the plan was approximately $524 thousand and $465 thousand, respectively.

11.
INCOME TAXES
 
We recognize interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions. As of September 30, 2013, our gross liability related to uncertain tax positions was $316 thousand. At September 30, 2013, if the unrecognized tax benefits of $316 thousand were to be recognized, including the effect of interest, penalties and federal tax benefit, the impact would be $439 thousand. We also recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax expense. We recorded interest expense of $4 thousand and $9 thousand for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. We did not recognize any additional penalties. We had $206 thousand and $189 thousand accrued for the payment of interest at September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 
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12.
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. Accordingly, we established a three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The fair value of our contingent consideration liability is calculated using the discounted cash flow approach based on significant unobservable inputs, which is considered a level 3 measurement.
 
The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of our contingent consideration liability as of March 31, 2013 (in thousands):

          Fair Value Measurement Using  
   
March 31, 2013
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
   
Total Gains (Losses)
 
                               
Liabilities:
                             
                               
Contingent consideration
  $ 918     $ -     $ -     $ 918     $ -  

For the six months ended September 30, 2013, the adjustment to the fair value of the contingent consideration was an increase of $355 thousand, which was presented within general and administrative expenses in our unaudited consolidated statement of operations. During the six months ended September 30, 2013, we paid $1,272 thousand in consideration to satisfy our contingent liability. As of September 30, 2013, there were no outstanding amounts due under the contingent consideration arrangement.

For the six months ended September 30, 2012, the adjustment to the fair value of the contingent consideration was a decrease of $170 thousand, which was presented as a reduction to general and administrative expenses in our unaudited consolidated statement of operations.

 
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13.
SEGMENT REPORTING

We manage our business segments on the basis of the products and services offered. Our reportable segments consist of our technology and financing segments. The technology segment sells information technology equipment and software and related services to corporate and governmental customers on a nationwide basis. The technology segment also provides Internet-based business-to-business supply chain management solutions for information technology and other operating resources. The financing segment offers lease-financing solutions to corporations and governmental entities nationwide. We evaluate segment performance on the basis of total revenue, segment earnings and earnings before provision for income taxes.

Both segments utilize our proprietary software and services within the organization. Our reportable segment information is as follows (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
   
Technology
   
Financing
   
Total
   
Technology
   
Financing
   
Total
 
                                     
Sales of product and services
  $ 261,283     $ -     $ 261,283     $ 250,178     $ -     $ 250,178  
Financing revenue
    -       8,001       8,001       -       7,413       7,413  
Fee and other income
    1,829       16       1,845       1,591       869       2,460  
Total revenues
    263,112       8,017       271,129       251,769       8,282       260,051  
                                                 
Cost of sales, product and services
    214,854       -       214,854       205,199       -       205,199  
Direct lease costs
    -       3,495       3,495       -       2,461       2,461  
Professional and other fees
    1,580       328       1,908       2,260       447       2,707  
Salaries and benefits
    27,244       2,441       29,685       24,414       2,505       26,919  
General and administrative expenses
    5,701       358       6,059       5,011       400       5,411  
Interest and financing costs
    26       407       433       21       425       446  
Total costs and expenses
    249,405       7,029       256,434       236,905       6,238       243,143  
Earnings before provision for income taxes
  $ 13,707     $ 988     $ 14,695     $ 14,864     $ 2,044     $ 16,908  
                                                 
Total assets
  $ 269,149     $ 196,152     $ 465,301     $ 250,138     $ 190,656     $ 440,794  

   
Six Months Ended September 30, 2013
   
Six Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
   
Technology
   
Financing
   
Total
   
Technology
   
Financing
   
Total
 
                                     
Sales of product and services
  $ 508,320     $ -     $ 508,320     $ 484,460     $ -     $ 484,460  
Financing revenue
    -       18,761       18,761       -       15,313       15,313  
Fee and other income
    3,286       79       3,365       3,593       1,409       5,002  
Total revenues
    511,606       18,840       530,446       488,053       16,722       504,775  
                                                 
Cost of sales, product and services
    418,184       -       418,184       399,590       -       399,590  
Direct lease costs
    -       6,748       6,748       -       4,704       4,704  
Professional and other fees
    4,443       703       5,146       4,763       1,057       5,820  
Salaries and benefits
    55,142       5,225       60,367       48,496       4,777       53,273  
General and administrative expenses
    10,515       545       11,060       9,450       616       10,066  
Interest and financing costs
    46       847       893       52       799       851  
Total costs and expenses
    488,330       14,068       502,398       462,351       11,953       474,304  
Earnings before provision for income taxes
  $ 23,276     $ 4,772     $ 28,048     $ 25,702     $ 4,769     $ 30,471  
                                                 
Total assets
  $ 269,149     $ 196,152     $ 465,301     $ 250,138     $ 190,656     $ 440,794  

 
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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, 2013.  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 2013 Annual Report and in Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in this report on Form 10-Q.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Business Description
 
ePlus and its consolidated subsidiaries provide leading IT products and services, flexible leasing solutions, and enterprise supply management software to enable our customers to optimize their IT infrastructure and supply chain processes. Our revenues are composed of sales of product and services, financing revenues and fee and other income. Our operations are conducted through two business segments: our technology segment and our financing segment.
 
Financial Summary
 
In recent years, the United States experienced substantial uncertainty in the economic environment, including financial market disruption. In addition, the debt crisis in certain countries in the European Union as well as the United States federal budget and debt ceiling debates has contributed to continuing economic weakness and uncertainty in the United States. A reoccurrence of the economic downturn 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. 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, a reoccurrence of the economic downturn may adversely affect our access to additional capital.

In 2012, IT spending in the United States increased by 4.0% as compared to 2011, according to industry analysts. Some analysts have lowered their forecast for overall IT spending for calendar year 2013 to less than 3.0% on average, with higher variability depending on industry. We believe that customers are continuing to focus on cost savings initiatives by utilizing technologies such as virtualization and cloud computing, and we continue to provide these and other advanced technology solutions to meet these needs.

During the three months ended September 30, 2013, total revenue increased 4.3% to $271.1 million and total costs and expenses increased 5.5% to $256.4 million, as compared to the same period last fiscal year. During the six months ended September 30, 2013, total revenue increased 5.1% to $530.4 million and total costs and expenses increased 5.9% to $502.4 million, as compared to the same period last fiscal year. We had open orders of $65.7 million as of September 30, 2013, compared to $54.8 million as of September 30, 2012. Open orders represent orders received from our customers that have not been shipped. These orders are normal course of business transactions, which we expect to be processed within our customary time frame. To drive our growth and to expand our geographical footprint and solution offerings, we increased hiring in our technology segment. We expanded from 851 employees as of September 30, 2012 to 940 employees as of September 30, 2013.

Gross margin for product and services was 17.8% and 18.0% during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The decrease in our gross margin was impacted by the amount of vendor incentives earned as well as the amount of revenues from third party software assurance, maintenance and services, which are presented on a net basis. During the six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, our gross margin for product and services was 17.7% and 17.5%, respectively. The increase was primarily due to higher service margins. Our gross margin on sales of product and services increased sequentially from 17.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to 17.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2013. Gross margins on sales of product and services are subject to variability due to changes in the amount of vendor incentives earned, the pricing and product mix of sales to our customers and the amount of third party software assurance, maintenance and services sold, which are presented on a net basis.

Net earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2013 decreased 14.4% to $8.6 million, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2012. Net earnings for the six months ended September 30, 2013 decreased 9.1% to $16.4 million, compared to the six months ended September 30, 2012. Cash and cash equivalents were $53.7 million at September 30, 2013, up from $52.7 million at March 31, 2013.
 
 
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Business Segment Overview

Technology Segment

The technology segment sells IT equipment, 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 segment also provides Internet-based business-to-business supply chain management solutions for information technology products. Our technology segment derives revenue from the sales of new equipment and service engagements. These revenues are reflected on our consolidated statements of operations under sales of product and services and fee and other income. Customers who purchase IT equipment and services from us may have customer master agreements, or CMAs, with us, which stipulate the terms and conditions of the relationship. Some CMAs contain pricing arrangements, and most contain mutual voluntary termination clauses. 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 NetApp products, which represented 50.5%, 10.4%, and 7.4%, respectively, of our sales of product and services for the six months ended September 30, 2013, as compared to 51.6%, 10.1%, and 6.7%, respectively, of our sales of product and services for the six months ended September 30, 2012.

Included in sales of product and services are revenues derived from performing advanced professional services that may be bundled with sales of equipment, as well as managed services. Our professional 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. Our managed service arrangements include network and infrastructure maintenance, monitoring and security contracts, which generally range between one to five years.

We endeavor to minimize the cost of sales in our technology segment through vendor consideration programs provided by manufacturers and other incentives provided by distributors. The programs we qualify 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 primary manufacturers:

Manufacturer
Manufacturer Authorization Level
 
 
Apple
Apple Authorized Corporate Reseller
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 Cisco Telepresence Video Master Partner
 
ATP Rich Media Communications
 
Master Cloud Builder Specialization
 
Master Managed Services Partner
 
Master Security Specialization
 
Master UC Specialization
Citrix Systems, Inc.
Citrix Gold (National)
EMC
Velocity Premier Level
Hewlett Packard
HP Preferred Elite Partner (National)
IBM
Premier IBM Business Partner (National)
Lenovo
Lenovo Premium (National)
Microsoft
Microsoft Gold (National)
NetApp
NetApp STAR Partner
Oracle Gold Partner
Sun SPA Executive Partner (National)
 
Sun National Strategic Data Center Authorized
VMware
National Premier Partner

 
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We also generate revenue in our technology segment through hosting arrangements and sales of our Internet-based business-to-business supply chain management software, agent fees received from various manufacturers, support fees, and warranty reimbursements. Our revenues include 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. These revenues are reflected on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations under fee and other income.

Financing Segment

The financing segment offers financing solutions to domestic governmental entities and corporations nationwide and in certain other countries. The financing segment derives revenue primarily from leasing IT and medical equipment and the disposition of that equipment at the end of the lease. These revenues are reflected under financing revenues on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The financing segment also derives revenues from the financing of third-party software licenses, software assurance, maintenance and other services through notes receivable. These revenues are included in financing revenues on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Financing revenues consists of interest income on notes receivable, direct financing and sales-type leases, revenue from operating leases, net gains or losses on the transfer of financial assets, net gains on the sales of equipment at the end of a lease, as well as other financing revenue.

We classify investments in leases as 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 present value of minimum lease payments and the cost of the leased property plus initial direct costs (net margins) is recorded as profit 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 financing revenue.

We account for the transfer of financial assets as sales or secured borrowings in accordance with Transfers and Servicing in the Codification. For transfers accounted for as a secured borrowing, the corresponding investments serve as collateral for non-recourse notes payable. For transfers accounted for as sales, we recognize a net gain or loss on the sale, which is presented within the financing revenues in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Our financing segment sells the equipment underlying a lease to the lessee or a third-party other than the lessee. These sales occur at the end of the lease term and revenues from the sales of such equipment are recognized at the date of sale. The net gain or loss on these transactions is presented within financing revenue in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations.

At times we sell the title to equipment under lease to a third-party and retain remarketing rights, which includes rights to a certain amount of the proceeds upon sale of the equipment. Remarketing fees earned are reflected in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations under fee and other income.

Our financing revenues include earnings from certain transactions that are inconsistent, such as net gains on the transfer of financial assets, net gains from sales of the equipment underlying a lease and remarketing fees. 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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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, changes in vendor incentive programs, interest rate fluctuations, general economic conditions, 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 net gains from the transfer of financial assets, or a sale of the equipment on lease prior to the expiration of the lease term to the lessee or to a third-party or from other post-term events.

We expect to continue to expand by opening new sales locations and hiring additional staff for specific targeted market areas in the near future whenever we can find both experienced personnel and desirable geographic areas. These investments may reduce our results from operations in the short term.

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
There were no new accounting standards issued during the three and six months ended September 30, 2013 that materially impacted our condensed consolidated financial statements or are likely to materially impact our financial statements or related disclosures in a future period.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

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, residual values, vendor consideration, lease classification, goodwill and intangibles, reserves for credit losses and income taxes specifically relating to uncertain tax positions. 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 such 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 information on these and other 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 the following sources: sales of third-party products, software, software assurance, maintenance and services; sales of our services and software, and financing revenues. The products and services we sell, and the manner in which they are bundled, are technologically complex and the characterization of these products and services require judgment in order to apply revenue recognition policies. For all these revenue sources, we determine whether we are the principal or agent in accordance with Codification Topic, Revenue Recognition, Subtopic Principal Agent Considerations. Our revenue recognition policies vary based upon these revenue sources and the mischaracterization of these products and services could result in misapplication of revenue recognition polices.

Generally, sales of third-party products and software 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, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Using these tests, the vast majority of our 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 an analysis of current quarter and historical delivery dates.

We sell software assurance, maintenance and service contracts where the services are performed by a third party. Software assurance is a service that allows customers to upgrade at no additional cost to the latest technology, if new applications are introduced during the period for which the software assurance is in effect. As we enter into contracts with third-party service providers, we evaluate whether we are acting as a principal or agent in the transaction. We conclude that we are acting as an agent and recognize revenue on a net basis at the date of sale when we are not responsible for the day-to-day provision of services in these arrangements and our customers are aware that the third-party service provider will provide the services to them.

 
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We also sell services that are performed by us in conjunction with product sales. We allocate the total arrangement consideration to the deliverables based on an estimated selling price of our products and services. We determine the estimated selling price using cost plus a reasonable margin for each deliverable, which was based on our established policies and procedures for providing customers with quotes, as well as historical gross margins for our products and services. Revenue from the sales of products is generally recognized upon delivery to the customers and revenue for the services performed by us is generally recognized when the services are complete, which normally occurs within 90 days after the products are delivered to the customer.

Financing revenues include income earned from investments in leases, leased equipment, and financed third-party software and services. We classify our investments in leases and leased equipment as either direct financing lease, sales-type lease, or operating lease, as appropriate. Revenue on direct financing and sales-type leases is deferred at the inception of the leases and is recognized over the term of the lease using the interest method. Revenue on operating leases is recorded on a straight line basis over the lease term. We classify third-party software and services that we finance for our customers as notes receivable and recognize interest income over the term of the arrangement using the effective interest method.

We account for the transfer of financial assets as sales or secured borrowings in accordance with Transfers and Servicing in the Codification. For transfers that qualify for sale treatment, we recognize a net gain on the effective date of the transfer, which is presented within financing revenues in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

RESIDUAL VALUES. Residual values represent our estimated value of the equipment at the end of the initial lease term. 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, manufacturer's discount, market conditions, lease term, equipment supply and demand, and new product announcements by manufacturers.

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. No upward adjustment to residual values is made subsequent to lease inception.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS. Goodwill represents the premium paid over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets we have acquired in business combinations. We review our goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include a sustained, significant decline in our share price and market capitalization, a decline in our expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, unanticipated competition, and/or slower growth rates, among others.

We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Qualitative factors we consider include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, company specific events, changes in circumstances, after tax cash flows and market capitalization.

We perform a two-step process to assess our goodwill for impairment. First, we compare the fair value of each of our reporting units with its carrying value. We estimate the fair value of the reporting unit using various valuation methodologies, including discounted expected future cash flows. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired, and no further testing is necessary. If the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we perform a second test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. To measure the amount of any impairment loss, we determine the fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if our reporting unit were being acquired in a business combination. Specifically, we allocate the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical calculation that would yield the estimated fair value of goodwill. If the estimated fair value of goodwill is less than the goodwill recorded on our balance sheet, we record an impairment charge for the difference.

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 we estimate the amount of vendor consideration earned when it is probable and reasonably estimable using the best information available, including historical data.

 
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Vendor consideration received pursuant to volume sales incentive programs is recognized as a reduction to cost of sales of product and services on our 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 of 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 our consolidated statements of operations.

RESERVES FOR CREDIT LOSSES. We maintain our reserves for credit losses at a level believed by management to be adequate to absorb potential losses inherent in the respective balances. We assign an internal credit quality rating to all new customers and update these ratings regularly, but no less than annually. Management’s determination of the adequacy of the reserve for credit losses for our accounts and notes receivable is based on the age of the receivable balance, the customer’s credit quality rating, an evaluation of historical credit losses, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors.

Management’s determination of the adequacy of the reserve for credit losses for minimum lease payments associated with investments in direct financing and sales-type leases may be based on the following factors: an internally assigned credit quality rating, historical credit loss experience, current economic conditions, volume, growth, the composition of the lease portfolio, the fair value of the underlying collateral, and the funding status (i.e. not funded, funded on a recourse or partial recourse basis, or funded on non-recourse basis), and other relevant factors.

The reserve for credit losses as of September 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013 included a specific reserve of $2.8 million, due to one specific customer, which filed for bankruptcy in May 2012.

RESERVES FOR SALES RETURNS. Sales are reported net of returns and allowances, which are maintained at a level believed by management to be adequate to absorb potential returns of sales of 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 TAXES. 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.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS. We account for business combinations using the acquisition method, which requires that the total purchase price of each of the acquired entities be allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the acquisition date. The purchase price of the acquired entities may include an estimate of the fair value of contingent consideration. The allocation process requires an analysis of intangible assets, customer relationships, trade names, acquired contractual rights and assumed contractual commitments and legal contingencies to identify and record all assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair value.

Any premium over the fair value of assets acquired less the liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. To the extent the purchase price is less than the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed we recognize a gain in our statements of operations. The results of operations for an acquired company are included in our financial statements from the date of acquisition.

 
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The Three and Six Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to the Three and Six Months Ended September 30, 2012

Technology Segment

The results of operations for our technology segment for the three and six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
Change
   
2013
   
2012
   
Change
 
Sales of product and services
  $ 261,283     $ 250,178     $ 11,105       4.4 %   $ 508,320     $ 484,460     $ 23,860       4.9 %
Fee and other income
    1,829       1,591       238       15.0 %     3,286       3,593       (307 )     (8.5 %)
Total revenues
    263,112       251,769       11,343       4.5 %     511,606       488,053       23,553       4.8 %
                                                                 
Cost of sales, product and services
    214,854       205,199       9,655       4.7 %     418,184       399,590       18,594       4.7 %
Professional and other fees
    1,580       2,260       (680 )     (30.1 %)     4,443       4,763       (320 )     (6.7 %)
Salaries and benefits
    27,244       24,414       2,830       11.6 %     55,142       48,496       6,646       13.7 %
General and administrative
    5,701       5,011       690       13.8 %     10,515       9,450       1,065       11.3 %
Interest and financing costs
    26       21       5       23.8 %     46       52       (6 )     (11.5 %)
Total costs and expenses
    249,405       236,905       12,500       5.3 %     488,330       462,351       25,979       5.6 %
Segment earnings
  $ 13,707     $ 14,864     $ (1,157 )     (7.8 %)   $ 23,276     $ 25,702     $ (2,426 )     (9.4 %)

Total revenues. Total revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2013 were $263.1 million compared to $251.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012, an increase of 4.5%, which was due to increases in demand for our products and services. Total revenues increased 4.8% during the six months ended September 30, 2013 to $511.6 million compared to $488.1 million during the six months ended September 30, 2012. We experienced year over year increases in the sales of product and services for all the quarters ended from September 30, 2012 through September 30, 2013. The sequential and year over year change in sales of product and services is summarized below:

Quarter Ended
Sequential
Year over Year
September 30, 2012
6.8%
29.3%
December 31, 2012
(8.8%)
7.4%
March 31, 2013
(1.9%)
6.6%
June 30, 2013
10.4%
5.4%
September 30, 2013
5.8%
4.4%

Our gross margin for product and services was 17.8% and 18.0% during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The decrease in our gross margin was impacted by the amount of vendor incentives earned as well as the amount of revenues from third party software assurance, maintenance and services, which are presented on a net basis. During the six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, our gross margin for product and services was 17.7% and 17.5%, respectively. The increase was primarily due to higher professional services margins. The change in the amount of vendor incentives earned during the three and six months ended September 30, 2013 resulted in a 0.5% and 0.3% decrease, respectively, in gross margins from the prior year. Our gross margin on sales of product and services increased sequentially from 17.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to 17.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2013. This increase was due to higher professional services margins. There are ongoing changes to the incentives programs offered to us by our vendors. Accordingly, if we are unable to maintain the level of manufacturer incentives we are currently receiving, gross margins may decrease.

Total costs and expenses. Total costs and expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2013 increased $12.5 million, or 5.3%, to $249.4 million due to increases in cost of sales of product and services, salaries and benefits and general and administrative expenses. Total costs and expenses for the six months ended September 30, 2013 increased $26.0 million, or 5.6%, to $488.3 million due to increases in cost of sales of product and services, salaries and benefits and general and administrative expenses. The increase in cost of sales, product and services was consistent with the increase in sales of product and services for both the three and six months ended September 30, 2013.

 
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Professional and other fees decreased $0.7 million, or 30.1%, to $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $2.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $0.4 million in fees related to the patent infringement litigation. Professional and other fees decreased $0.3 million, or 6.7%, to $4.4 million for the six months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $4.8 million during the six months ended September 30, 2012. This decrease was primarily due to fees of $0.9 million related to the restatement of our financial statements incurred in the same period of the prior year, offset by an increase of $0.2 million in fees related to the patent infringement litigation and other outside accounting and technical consulting fees.
 
Salaries and benefits expense increased $2.8 million, or 11.6%, to $27.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $24.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012. For the six months ended September 30, 2013, salaries and benefits expense increased $6.6 million, or 13.7%, to $55.1 million, compared to $48.5 million during the six months ended September 30, 2012. These increases were driven by increases in the number of employees and related benefits as well as commission expenses. Our technology segment had 881 employees as of September 30, 2013, an increase of 88 from 793 at September 30, 2012. Most of the increase in personnel relates to sales and engineering personnel. We continue to invest in sales and engineering talent in order to expand our geographical presence in the continental U.S. as well as extend our advanced technology solutions offerings. In addition, commission expense increased for the three and six months ended September 30, 2013 due to the increase in the gross profit from sales of product and services.

General and administrative expenses increased $0.7 million, or 13.8%, and $1.1 million, or 11.3%, during the three months and six months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, over the same periods for prior year. These increases were primarily due to increases in office locations and our sales force and engineering team as a result of our continued expansion efforts, which resulted in higher rent and travel expenses. In addition, we adjusted the fair value of contingent consideration related to a previous acquisition, which was settled and paid during the quarter.

Segment earnings before tax. As a result of the foregoing, earnings before provision for income taxes decreased $1.2 million, or 7.8%, and $2.4 million, or 9.4%, for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, over prior year periods.
 
Financing Segment

The results of operations for our financing segment for the three and six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
Change
   
2013
   
2012
   
Change
 
Financing revenue
  $ 8,001     $ 7,413     $ 588       7.9 %   $ 18,761     $ 15,313     $ 3,448       22.5 %
Fee and other income
    16       869       (853 )     (98.2 %)     79       1,409       (1,330 )     (94.4 %)
Total revenues
    8,017       8,282       (265 )     (3.2 %)     18,840       16,722       2,118       12.7 %
                                                                 
Direct lease costs
    3,495       2,461       1,034       42.0 %     6,748       4,704       2,044       43.5 %
Professional and other fees
    328       447       (119 )     (26.6 %)     703       1,057       (354 )     (33.5 %)
Salaries and benefits
    2,441       2,505       (64 )     (2.6 %)     5,225       4,777       448       9.4 %
General and administrative
    358       400       (42 )     (10.5 %)     545       616       (71 )     (11.5 %)
Interest and financing costs
    407       425       (18 )     (4.2 %)     847       799       48       6.0 %
Total costs and expenses
    7,029       6,238       791       12.7 %     14,068       11,953       2,115       17.7 %
Segment earnings
  $ 988     $ 2,044     $ (1,056 )     (51.7 %)   $ 4,772     $ 4,769     $ 3       0.1 %

Total revenues. Total revenues decreased by $0.3 million, or 3.2%, to $8.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2012. Financing revenues increased $0.6 million, or 7.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2013, as compared to the prior year primarily due to gains on sales of financial assets of $1.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $0.5 million last year, due to a higher volume of transactions sold. Total proceeds from sales of financial assets were $34.9 million and $12.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Total revenues increased by $2.1 million, or 12.7%, to $18.8 million for the six months ended September 30, 2013, as compared to the prior year. Financing revenues increased $3.4 million, or 22.5%, for the six months ended September 30, 2013, as compared to the prior year primarily due to gains on sales of financial assets of $5.6 million during the six months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $1.7 million last year, due to a higher volume of transactions sold. Total proceeds from sales of financial assets were $122.4 million and $42.0 million for the six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At September 30, 2013, we had $140.5 million of investment in notes and leases, compared to $130.5 million at September 30, 2012, an increase of $10.0 million, or 7.7%.
 
 
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Fee and other income decreased $0.9 million and $1.3 million for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, over prior year due to decreases in remarketing income and broker fee income.

Total costs and expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, total costs and expenses increased $0.8 million, or 12.7%. Direct lease costs increased $1.0 million, or 42.0%, to $3.5 million due to depreciation expense related to increases in operating leases. Our investment in operating leases increased to $25.2 million at September 30, 2013 from $21.7 million as of September 30, 2012. Professional and other fees decreased $0.1 million, or 26.6% due to lower broker and outside service fees.

Compared to the six months ended September 30, 2012, total costs and expenses for the six months ended September 30, 2013 increased $2.1 million, or 17.7%. Direct lease costs increased $2.0 million, or 43.5%, to $6.7 million due to depreciation expense related to operating leases. Professional and other fees decreased $0.4 million, or 33.5% due to lower broker and legal fees. Salaries and benefits expenses increased $448 thousand, or 9.4%, to $5.2 million due to higher commissions and bonuses as a result of the increase in revenues during the period. The number of personnel employed increased slightly to 59 as of September 30, 2013, compared to 58 as of September 30, 2012.

Interest and financing costs were consistent with prior periods. Non-recourse and recourse notes payable was $43.7 million at September 30, 2013, as compared to $34.7 million at September 30, 2012. Our weighted average interest rate for non-recourse notes payable was 3.82% and 5.22%, as of September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively.

Segment earnings before tax. As a result of the foregoing, earnings before provision for income taxes decreased $1.1 million and increased $3 thousand for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, over prior year periods.

Consolidated
 
Income taxes. Our provision for income tax expense was $6.1 million and $11.6 million for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, as compared to $6.9 million and $12.4 million for the same periods last year. Our effective income tax rates for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2013 were 41.5% and 41.4%, respectively, as compared to 40.7% and 40.6% for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2012. The change in our effective income tax rate was due primarily to an increase in non-deductible compensation.
 
Net earnings. The foregoing resulted in net earnings of $8.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of 14.4%, as compared to $10.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012.  For the six months ended September 30, 2013, net earnings were $16.4 million, a decrease of 9.1%, as compared to $18.1 million during the six months ended September 30, 2012.
 
Basic and fully diluted earnings per common share were $1.07 and $1.06, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2013, as compared to $1.26 and $1.25, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2012. Basic and fully diluted earnings per common share were $2.05 and $2.03, respectively, for the six months ended September 30, 2013, as compared to $2.27 and $2.25, respectively, for the six months ended September 30, 2012.

Weighted average common shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2013 were 7,975,590 and 8,019,557, respectively. Weighted average common shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were 7,770,206 and 7,847,227, respectively.

Weighted average common shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the six months ended September 30, 2013 were 7,944,932 and 8,006,572, respectively. Weighted average common shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the six months ended September 30, 2012 were 7,745,506 and 7,822,079, respectively.
 
 
30

 
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 equipment for lease, 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 segment, finances its operations with funds generated from operations, and with a credit facility with GE Commercial Distribution Finance, or 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” in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Payments on the floor plan component are due on three specified dates each month, generally 30-60 days from the invoice date. 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 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. There was no outstanding balance at September 30, 2013 or March 31, 2013, while the maximum credit limit was $30.0 million for both periods. The borrowings and repayments under the floor plan component are reflected as “net borrowings on floor plan facility” in the cash flows from financing activities section of our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

Most customer payments in our technology 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 on floor plan facility” in the cash flows from 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 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 working capital generally fluctuates as a result of changes in demand for our products and services; however, specific changes in certain elements of working capital may not coincide with changes in other elements of our financial statements. The increase in accounts receivable—other is due to non-interest bearing advances made by our financing segment to third parties, which are generally due within 90 days. In our technology segment, amounts included in accounts receivable-other include vendor consideration earned but not received, which are generally recorded as reductions to inventory or cost of goods sold.

Our accounts receivable—trade decreased by $13.4 million, or 7.7%, from March 31, 2013 due to timing of billings from our fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 as compared to our second quarter of fiscal 2014, as well as an improvement in collections. Amounts in inventory increased $5.4 million from March 31, 2013 due to the timing of our deliveries, as we had an increase in the amount of inventory in-transit to our customers at the end of September 30, 2013. Our total accounts payable increased $21.9 million from March 31, 2013 due to increases in accounts payable—equipment related to the timing of payments for equipment under lease, and increases in the accounts payable—floor plan. The increase in accounts payable—floor plan was due to higher volumes of purchases of third-party product and services through the GECDF credit facility, which are generally paid within 30-60 days from the invoice date. This increase was partly offset by a decrease in accounts payable—trade, which includes certain purchases of third-party product and services procured from distributors and manufacturers that are generally paid between 15-30 days from the invoice date.

 
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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.

Cash Flows
 
The following table summarizes our sources and uses of cash over the periods indicated (in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 5,561     $ (7,393 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (25,333 )     5,607  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    20,748       11,937  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    -       6  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 976     $ 10,157  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities. Cash provided by operating activities totaled $5.6 million during the six months ended September 30, 2013, compared to cash used in operations of $7.4 million during the same period last year. Cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended September 30, 2013 related to decreases in accounts receivable—trade of $12.9 million, offset by increases in accounts receivable—other of $4.1 million, inventories of $5.0 million and investment in direct financing and sales-type leases—net of $7.6 million, and decreases in salaries and commission payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities and deferred revenue of $8.4 million. Cash used during the six months ended September 30, 2012 resulted primarily from increases in accounts receivable—trade of $12.0 million and accounts receivable—other of $7.6 million, decreases in accounts payable—equipment and accounts payable—trade of $11.1 million, and salaries and commissions payable, deferred revenue and accrued expenses and other liabilities of $4.9 million, partially offset by a reduction in inventories of $7.6 million, depreciation and amortization expenses of $5.6 million and notes receivable of $1.0 million.

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities. Cash used in investing activities was $25.3 million during the six months ended September 30, 2013, compared to cash provided by investing activities of $5.6 million during the same period last year. Cash used in investing activities during the six months ended September 30, 2013 was primarily driven by issuance of notes receivable (net of issuance, proceeds from the sale on notes, and repayments) of $14.4 million, purchase of assets to be leased of $7.0 million, and purchases of property, equipment and operating lease equipment of $6.8 million. Cash provided by investing activities during the six months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily driven by a net decrease in notes receivable of $5.6 million, and a decrease in short-term investments of $6.6 million, offset by purchases of property, equipment and operating lease equipment of $6.2 million.

Net cash provided by financing activities. Cash provided by financing activities was $20.7 million during the six months ended September 30, 2013, which was due to net borrowings on the floor plan facility of $14.0 million and net borrowings of non-recourse and recourse notes payable of $11.6 million, partially offset by the purchase of treasury stock of $5.9 million. In the prior year, we had net cash provided by financing activities of $11.9 million primarily due to net borrowings of notes payable of $14.1 million, partially offset by repurchases of our common stock of $1.6 million and net repayments on floor plan facility of $1.5 million

 
32

 
Non-Cash Activities

We transfer financial assets to third-party financial institutions, some of which are accounted for as non-recourse notes payable financing activities. As a condition to the agreement, certain financial institutions may request the customer remit their payments to a trustee rather than to us, and the trustee pays the financial institution. Alternatively, if the structure of the agreement does not require a trustee, the customer will continue to make payments to us, and we will remit the payment to the financial institution. The economic impact to us under either structure is similar, in that the assigned contractual payments are paid by the customer and remitted to the lender to pay down the corresponding non-recourse notes payable. However, these structures are classified differently within our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. More specifically, we are required to exclude non-cash transactions from our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows, so payments made by our customer to the trustee are excluded from our operating or investing cash receipts and the corresponding re-payment of the non-recourse notes payable from the trustee to the third party financial institution are excluded from our cash flows from financing activities. Given that the transfer of these payments is economically the same regardless of the structure of the payments, we evaluate our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities as if the transfer had been structured without an intermediary.

The non-GAAP financial measure for our cash flows from operating activities for the six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
GAAP: net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 5,561     $ (7,393 )
Principal payments from customers directly to lenders
    9,084       7,374  
Non-GAAP: adjusted net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 14,645     $ (19 )

The non-GAAP financial measure for our cash flows from investing activities for the six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
GAAP: net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
  $ (25,333 )   $ 5,607  
Principal payments from customers directly to lenders
    631       -  
Non-GAAP: adjusted net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
  $ (24,702 )   $ 5,607  

The non-GAAP financial measure for our cash flows from financing activities for the six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
GAAP: net cash provided by financing activities
  $ 20,748     $ 11,937  
Principal payments from customers directly to lenders
    (9,715 )     (7,374 )
Non-GAAP: adjusted net cash provided by financing activities
  $ 11,033     $ 4,563  

A “non-GAAP financial measure” is a numerical measure of a company’s historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding amounts, that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP in the statement of income, balance sheet or statement of cash flows of the company; or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of including amounts, that are excluded from the most directly comparable measure so calculated and presented. We use the financial measures in our internal evaluation and management of our business. We believe that these measures and the information they provide are useful to investors because they permit investors to view our performance using the same tools that we use and to better evaluate our ongoing business performance. These measures should not be considered an alternative to measurements required by U.S. GAAP, such as cash provided by (used in) operating activities, cash provided by (used in) investing activities and cash provided by (used in) financing activities. These non-GAAP measures are unlikely to be comparable to non-GAAP information provided by other companies.

 
33

 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

We may utilize non-recourse notes payable to finance approximately 80% to 100% of the purchase price of the products being leased by 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 been provided by our cash and non-recourse borrowings. We monitor our exposure closely. Historically, we have obtained mostly non-recourse borrowings from banks and finance companies. We continue to be able to obtain financing through our traditional lending sources. 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 payments, 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, 2013, our non-recourse notes payable increased 4.7% to $42.1 million, as compared to $40.3 million at March 31, 2013. Recourse notes payable remained stable at $1.5 million as of September 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013.
 
Whenever desirable, we arrange for equity investment financing, which includes selling lease payments, 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.

Credit Facility — ePlus Technology, inc.
 
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, 2013, the facility had an aggregate limit of the two components of $175.0 million with an accounts receivable sub-limit of $30.0 million.

Availability under the 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 excess availability of the facility and minimum earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of ePlus Technology, inc. We were in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2013. 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 with certain exceptions for dividends to ePlus inc.  Interest on the facility is assessed at a rate of the One Month LIBOR plus two and one half percent if the payments are not made on the three specified dates each month. The facility also requires that financial statements of ePlus Technology, inc. be provided within 45 days of each quarter and 90 days of each fiscal year end and also requires other operational reports be provided on a regular basis. Either party may terminate the facility with 90 days advance written 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 $10.5 million by ePlus inc. The guaranty requires ePlus inc. to deliver its annual audited financial statements by a certain date. We have delivered the annual audited financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2013, 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 segment and as an operational function of our accounts payable process.

 
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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 thirty to sixty 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 fifteen to sixty-day time frame and represent assigned accounts payable originally generated with the manufacturer/distributor. In some cases we are able to pay invoices early and receive a discount, but if the fifteen to sixty-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, 2013
   
Balance as of 
September 30, 2013
   
Maximum Credit Limit at
March 31, 2013
   
Balance as of
 March 31, 2013
 
$ 175,000     $ 80,294     $ 175,000     $ 66,251  

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 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. There was no outstanding balance at September 30, 2013 or March 31, 2013, while the maximum credit limit was $30.0 million for both periods.

Credit Facility — General

1st Commonwealth Bank of Virginia provides us with a $0.5 million credit facility, which matured on October 26, 2012. This credit facility was renewed for two years effective October 27, 2012. The credit facility is available for use by us and our affiliates and is full recourse to us. Borrowings under this facility bear interest at 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, 2013, 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 financial condition or results 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, 2013, we were not involved in any unconsolidated special purpose entity transactions.
 
Adequacy of Capital Resources
 
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 and/or engineering forces. We may also start offices in new geographic areas, which may require a significant investment of cash. We may also acquire technology companies to expand and enhance the platform of bundled solutions to provide additional functionality and value-added services. We may continue to use our internally generated funds to finance investments in leased assets or investments in notes receivables due from our customers. 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.

 
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Inflation

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, 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 and the transfer of financial assets.  Sales of equipment and transfers of financial assets 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 2013 Annual Report and Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in this report on Form 10-Q.
 
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.

 
36

 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Although a portion of our liabilities are non-recourse, fixed-interest-rate instruments, we utilize our line 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. Changes in interest rates may affect our ability to fund or transfer our financing arrangements if the rate rises above the fixed rate of the instrument. Borrowings under the GECDF facility bear interest at a market-based variable rate. As of September 30, 2013, the aggregate fair value of our non-recourse notes payable approximated their carrying value.
 
We have financed certain customer leases for equipment which is located in Canada and Iceland. As such, we have entered into lease contracts and non-recourse, fixed-interest-rate financing denominated in Canadian dollars and Icelandic krona. To date, our Canadian and Icelandic operations have been insignificant and we believe that potential fluctuations in currency exchange rates will not have a material effect on our financial position.

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 of 1934 (“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 not effective as of September 30, 2013 due to ineffective controls related to the accounting for assignment agreements in accordance with Codification Topic, Transfers and Servicing. More specifically, during the quarter ended September 30, 2013, we identified an assignment that was improperly accounted for as a sale as of June 30, 2013. While we concluded this assignment was not material to our consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, we concluded that there was more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements would not have been prevented or detected, as we did not have compensating controls that would have detected a material misstatement.

To address this control weakness, we implemented certain controls and procedures as of September 30, 2013, and performed additional analysis and other procedures in order to prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Management is working with the Audit Committee to identify and implement corrective actions, where required, to improve the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and to remediate the control deficiency that gave rise to the material weakness. Specifically, these changes include revisions to our internal authorizations to execute assignment agreements, more in-depth assessment of the agreements to determine whether we met the criteria for sale treatment, and training on the accounting for these arrangements.

Changes in Internal Controls
 
As noted above, we identified a material weakness related to the accounting for agreements under Codification Topic, Transfers and Servicing. As of September 30, 2013, we modified certain controls in an effort to remediate this material weakness. Specifically, we modified our internal authorizations to execute assignment agreements, enhanced our internal disclosure review processes, and provided training on the accounting for these arrangements.

Other than as described above, there have not been any other changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2013, which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
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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.

We are the plaintiff in a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (“the trial court”) in which a jury unanimously found that Lawson Software, Inc. (“Lawson”) infringed certain ePlus patents. The jury verdict, which was reached on January 27, 2011, also found that all of ePlus’ patent claims tried in court were not invalid. On May 23, 2011, the trial court issued a permanent injunction, ordering Lawson and its successors to: immediately stop selling and servicing products relating to its electronic procurement systems that infringe our patents; cease providing any ongoing or future maintenance, training or installation of its infringing products; and refrain from publishing any literature or information that encourages the use or sale of its infringing products. Lawson appealed the trial court’s judgment, and we appealed the trial court’s evidentiary ruling which precluded us from seeking monetary damages. On November 21, 2012 the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the “Appeals Court”) reversed in part, vacated in part, affirmed in part, and remanded. The Appeals Court upheld the trial court’s ruling precluding us from seeking monetary damages. The Appeals Court also upheld the finding that the patent claims were not invalid and upheld, in part, the finding of infringement. The Appeals Court remanded the case to the trial court for consideration of what changes, if any, are required to the terms of the injunction. On June 11, 2013, the trial court issued an Order modifying the injunction. Consistent with the Appeals Court’s decision, the injunction was modified so that it would continue in full effect with respect to those configurations of Lawson’s electronic procurement systems that the Appeals Court affirmed are infringing.

On August 16, 2013, the trial court issued an order finding, by clear and convincing evidence, that Lawson is in contempt of the trial court’s May 23, 2011, injunction, entering judgment in our favor in the amount of $18.2 million, and ordering that Lawson pay to the court a daily coercive fine in the amount of $62,362 until Lawson establishes that it is in compliance with the injunction. Lawson has appealed both the order modifying the injunction, and the order finding it in contempt. Lawson posted a bond, and collection of the judgment and the coercive fine have been stayed pending the appeal. Briefing on the appeals is scheduled through January 2014, however, we do not know if or when the Appeals Court will hold oral arguments, or when it will issue a ruling. Additionally, upon Lawson’s request, the Appeals Court has granted a stay, pending appeal, of the daily coercive fine. However, the Appeals Court did not stay the trial court’s order to the extent that Lawson is required to immediately comply with the injunction. Court calendars and rulings are inherently unpredictable, and we cannot predict when any motion or appeal will be resolved, or the outcome thereof.
 
Patent litigation is extremely complex and issues regarding a patent’s validity can arise even subsequent to a patent’s issuance.  Reexamination proceedings concerning the validity of a patent at issue in the Lawson litigation are currently ongoing, and an adverse decision in those proceedings has been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board.  We have appealed that decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.  An unfavorable decision in that appeal may adversely affect the Lawson litigation. As noted above, court calendars and rulings are inherently unpredictable, and we cannot predict when any motion or appeal will be resolved, or the outcome thereof.
 
Other Matters

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, employment related claims, claims by competitors, vendors or customers, 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.
 
We Identified a Material Weakness in Our Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and We Could Identify Additional Material Weaknesses in the Future

Our failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in material misstatements in our financial statements, which could require us to restate financial statements, cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information and have an adverse effect on our share price.

Management, through documentation, testing and assessment of our internal control over financial reporting has concluded that we had a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2013. If we are unable to remediate this material weakness in a timely manner, or if we identify one or more additional material weaknesses in the future, investors could lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could have an adverse effect on our share price.
 
 
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Additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting may be identified in the future. Any failure to maintain or implement required new or improved controls, or any difficulties we encounter in their implementation, could result in additional material weaknesses, cause us to fail to meet our periodic reporting obligations or result in material misstatements in our financial statements. Any such failure could also adversely affect the results of periodic management evaluations and annual auditor attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. The existence of a material weakness could result in errors in our financial statements that could result in a restatement of financial statements, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, leading to a decline in our share price.

Other than the risk factor above, 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, 2013.
 
Item 2.
 
The following table provides information regarding our purchases of ePlus inc. common stock during the six months ended September 30, 2013.

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, 2013 through April 30, 2013
    -       -       -       500,000       (2 )
May 1, 2013 through May 31, 2013
    -       -       -       500,000       (3 )
June 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013
    28,222     $ 60.06       -       500,000       (4 )
July 1, 2013 through July 31, 2013
    -       -       -       500,000       (5 )
August 1, 2013 through August 31, 2013
    30,010     $ 55.33       16,159       483,841       (6 )
September 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013
    46,827     $ 54.37       46,827       -       (7 )

(1)
All shares acquired were in open-market purchases, except for 42,073 shares, which were repurchased to satisfy tax withholding obligations that arose due to the vesting of shares of restricted stock.
(2)
The share purchase authorization in place for the month ended April 30, 2013 had purchase limitations on the number of shares of up to 500,000 shares. As of April 30, 2013, the remaining authorized shares to be purchased were 500,000.
(3)
The share purchase authorization in place for the month ended May 31, 2013 had purchase limitations on the number of shares of up to 500,000 shares. As of May 31, 2013, the remaining authorized shares to be purchased were 500,000.
(4)
The share purchase authorization in place for the month ended June 30, 2013 had purchase limitations on the number of shares of up to 500,000 shares. As of June 30, 2013, the remaining authorized shares to be purchased were 500,000.
(5)
The share purchase authorization in place for the month ended July 31, 2013 had purchase limitations on the number of shares of up to 500,000 shares. As of July 31, 2013, the remaining authorized shares to be purchased were 500,000.
(6)
The share purchase authorization in place for the month ended August 31, 2013 had purchase limitations on the number of shares of up to 500,000 shares. As of August 31, 2013, the remaining authorized shares to be purchased were 483,841.
(7)
The share purchase authorization in place for the period from September 1, 2013 to September 15, 2013 had purchase limitations on the number of shares of up to 500,000 shares. As of September 15, 2013, stock repurchase authorization expired and no more shares were authorized to be purchased.

The timing and expiration date of the stock repurchase authorizations are included in Note 9, “Stockholders’ Equity” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

Item 3.

Not Applicable.
 
 
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Item 4.

Not Applicable.

Item 5.

None.

Item 6.

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.
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 
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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 7, 2013
/s/ PHILLIP G. NORTON
 
 
By: Phillip G. Norton, Chairman of the Board,
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
Date: November 7, 2013
/s/ ELAINE D. MARION
 
 
By: Elaine D. Marion
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
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