ePlus Reports Second Quarter and First Half Financial Results


Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2018

  • Consolidated net sales declined 0.2% to $370.8 million.
  • Technology segment net sales declined 1.1% to $358.8 million; financing segment net sales increased 37.7% to $12.0 million.
  • Technology segment adjusted gross billings of product and services increased 3.3% to $503.6 million.
  • Consolidated gross profit increased 6.9% to $87.6 million; consolidated gross margin expanded 150 basis points to 23.6%.
  • Net earnings increased 2.7% to $17.2 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA increased 3.4% to $31.0 million.
  • Diluted earnings per share increased 1.7% to $1.23. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share increased 3.3% to $1.27.

First Half Fiscal Year 2018

  • Consolidated net sales increased 10.2% to $738.0 million
  • Technology segment net sales increased 9.6% to $716.9 million; financing segment net sales increased 33.8% to $21.1 million.
  • Technology segment adjusted gross billings of product and services increased 11.4% to $985.3 million.
  • Consolidated gross profit increased 10.4% to $165.2 million; consolidated gross margin expanded 10 basis points to 22.4%.
  • Net earnings increased 11.7% to $30.6 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA increased 8.8% to $53.5 million.
  • Diluted earnings per share increased 12.3% to $2.19. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share increased 8.5% to $2.17.

HERNDON, Va., Nov. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ePlus inc. (NASDAQ:PLUS), a leading provider of technology solutions, today announced financial results for the three and six months ended September 30, 2017.

Management Comment

“We continued to execute on our long term strategic plans and performed well on key metrics.  Our net sales were flat based on a higher proportion of sales of third party software assurance, maintenance and services which are presented on a net basis and a challenging comparison to last year’s second quarter results.  We recorded a 3.3% increase in adjusted gross billings and achieved a 6.9% increase in gross profit.  These increases, as well as a 150 basis point expansion in consolidated gross margin, were due in part to an increase in our services revenues and post contract earnings from early terminations of financing agreements.  These results led to net earnings growth of 2.7%, even as we continue to invest in future growth, by increasing our customer facing headcount, absorbing acquisition-related costs necessary to expand our geographic reach and footprint, and expanding our solution set,” said Mark Marron, president and chief executive officer.

“Our net sales growth of 10.2% in the first half of fiscal 2018 follows a similar double-digit sales growth rate in the comparable year ago period, and gross profit increased 10.4% while net earnings increased 11.7%.  These metrics demonstrate solid execution of our strategic growth plan to expand and enhance our solutions in cloud, digital infrastructure, and security.  Underscoring this, adjusted gross billings of security product and services increased 30% year-on-year and accounted for 17.3% of adjusted gross billings.  We are continuing to deliver the transformative IT solutions that our enterprise and mid-market customers need to achieve their desired business outcomes.”

Prior Period Reclassifications due to Stock Split

Reclassifications of prior period amounts related to numbers of shares and per share amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation due to the March 31, 2017, stock split.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2018 Results

For the second quarter ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the second quarter of the prior fiscal year ended September 30, 2016:

Consolidated net sales decreased 0.2% to $370.8 million, from $371.5 million.

Technology segment net sales decreased 1.1% to $358.8 million, from $362.7 million.

Adjusted gross billings of product and services increased 3.3% to $503.6 million. Adjusted gross billings are sales of product and services adjusted to exclude the costs incurred of applicable third-party software assurance, maintenance, and services.

Financing segment net sales increased 37.7% to $12.0 million, from $8.7 million.

Consolidated gross profit rose 6.9% to $87.6 million, from $81.9 million.

Consolidated operating income rose 2.2% to $28.8 million, from $28.2 million.

Net earnings rose 2.7% to $17.2 million.

Adjusted EBITDA rose 3.4% to $31.0 million, from $29.9 million.

Diluted earnings per share was $1.23, compared with $1.21 in the prior year quarter. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share was $1.27, compared with $1.23 last year. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share is based on net earnings calculated in accordance with GAAP, adjusted to exclude other income and acquisition related amortization expense, net of taxes and the tax (benefit) expense recognized due to the vesting of share based compensation.

First Half Fiscal 2018 Results

For the six months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the six months of the prior fiscal year ended September 30, 2016:

Consolidated net sales rose 10.2% to $738.0 million, from $670.0 million.

Technology segment net sales rose 9.6% to $716.9 million, from $654.2 million.

Adjusted gross billings of product and services increased 11.4% to $985.3 million. Adjusted gross billings are sales of product and services adjusted to exclude the costs incurred of applicable third-party software assurance, maintenance, and services.

Financing segment net sales increased 33.8% to $21.1 million, from $15.8 million.

Consolidated gross profit rose 10.4% to $165.2 million, from $149.6 million.

Consolidated operating income rose 8.0% to $49.3 million, from $45.7 million.

Net earnings rose 11.7% to $30.6 million.

Adjusted EBITDA rose 8.8% to $53.5 million, from $49.2 million.

Diluted earnings per share was $2.19, compared with $1.95 in the prior year quarter. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share was $2.17, compared with $2.00 last year. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share is based on net earnings calculated in accordance with GAAP, adjusted to exclude other income and acquisition related amortization expense, net of taxes and the tax (benefit) expense recognized due to the vesting of share based compensation.

Balance Sheet Highlights

As of September 30, 2017, ePlus had cash and cash equivalents of $60.2 million, compared with $109.8 million as of March 31, 2017.  Inventory decreased 45.0% to $51.4 million and deferred revenue decreased 30.2% to $45.6 million primarily due to the partial shipment of large projects within the first half of the fiscal year.  Total stockholders' equity was $376.1 million, compared with $345.9 million as of March 31, 2017. Total shares outstanding were 14.2 million on September 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017.

Summary and Outlook

“We remain confident that our focus on the fastest growing solutions and emerging technologies in the IT market positions us to grow faster than forecast for overall IT spending levels.  ePlus’ approach to supporting customers through every phase of the IT lifecycle, from consulting to designing, architecting, implementing, and managing solutions, helps customers achieve the business outcomes they need in a digital economy.  Our recent acquisitions of IDS and OneCloud have allowed us to complement our cloud consulting capabilities and expand market reach in desired geographies.  We will continue to use our strong balance sheet and deep experience in identifying and integrating acquisitions to supplement organic growth,” Mr. Marron concluded.

Results of Operations – Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

The Company's operations are conducted through two business segments. The technology segment includes sales of information technology products, third-party software, third-party maintenance contracts, advanced professional services and managed services, and the Company's proprietary software to commercial entities and state and local governments. The financing segment consists of the financing of equipment, software, and related services to commercial entities, state and local governments, and government contractors.

Technology Segment

The results of operations for the technology segment for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

    
  Three Months Ended September 30, 
  2017 2016 Change
Sales of product and services $ 357,759 $ 361,227 $ (3,468) (1.0%)
Fee and other income  1,043    1,488   (445) (29.9%)
Net sales    358,802    362,715  (3,913) (1.1%)
         
Cost of sales, product and services  281,953    288,204  (6,251) (2.2%)
         
Gross profit  76,849  74,511  2,338  3.1%
         
Selling, general and administrative    53,503    48,302  5,201  10.8%
Depreciation and amortization  2,128  1,721  407  23.6%
Operating expenses  55,631  50,023  5,608  11.2%
         
Operating income $ 21,218 $ 24,488 $ (3,270) (13.4%)
         
Key Business Metrics        
Adjusted gross billings, product and services $503,581 $487,308 $16,273  3.3%
Adjusted EBITDA $23,346 $26,209 $(2,863) (10.9%)
 

Net sales were $358.8 million, down 1.1% from $362.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to a higher proportion of sales of third party software assurance, maintenance and services in the current period, which are presented on a net basis.

Adjusted gross billings of products and services grew 3.3% to $503.6 million, from $487.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

Gross margin on sales of product and services was 21.2%, up from 20.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.  The increase in margins was due to a shift in product mix, as we sold a higher proportion of third party software assurance, maintenance and services, and increases in sales of services as well as higher margins from sales of services.

Operating expenses rose 11.2% to $55.6 million, from $50.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, mainly attributable to an increase of $2.8 million, or 7.0%, in salaries and benefits due to an increase of 186, or 17.8%, in personnel to 1,233 from 1,047, of which 50 related to the acquisition of IDS in September 2017, 57 related to the acquisition of OneCloud Consulting in May 2017 and 48 related to the acquisition of Consolidated Communication’s IT services and equipment integration business in December 2016. The position additions included 162 sales and engineering positions with the remaining additions being administrative hires. The increase in salaries and benefits was also attributable to higher healthcare cost. General administrative expenses increased $2.0 million primarily due to higher advertising and marketing expense, the incremental expenses from contingent consideration for acquisitions, and additional expenses from recent acquisitions.

Segment operating income was $21.2 million, compared with $24.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.  Adjusted EBITDA was $23.3 million for the current quarter, compared with $26.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. 

Financing Segment

The results of operations for the financing segment for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

              
  Three Months Ended September 30,
       
   2017  2016 Change
Financing revenue $12,035 $8,722 $ 3,313  38.0%
Fee and other income  8  25  (17) (68.0%)
Net sales  12,043  8,747  3,296  37.7%
              
Direct lease costs  1,321  1,325   (4) (0.3%)
              
Gross profit  10,722  7,422  3,300  44.5%
              
              
Selling, general and administrative  2,837  3,305  (468) (14.2%)
Depreciation and amortization  1  2  (1) (50.0%)
Interest and financing costs  274  400  (126
)
 (31.5%)
Operating expenses  3,112  3,707    (595) (16.1%)
         
         
Operating income $7,610 $3,715 $ 3,895  104.8%
         
Key Business Metrics        
Adjusted EBITDA $7,611 $3,717 $3,894  104.8%
              

Net sales were $12.0 million, up 37.7% from $8.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, as a result of higher post-contract earnings due to early terminations of several large leases. In addition, revenues increased due to earnings on consumption based financing arrangements.  Direct lease costs decreased slightly over the previous year period.

Operating expenses decreased $0.6 million, or 16.1%, mainly due to changes in reserve for credit losses.

Segment operating income and adjusted EBITDA both increased to $7.6 million from $3.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

Results of Operations – Six Months Ended September 30, 2017

Technology Segment

The results of operations for the technology segment for the six months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

          
  Six Months Ended September 30,
       
  2017 2016 Change
Sales of product and services $714,839 $651,408 $63,431  9.7%
Fee and other income  2,029  2,764   (735) (26.6%)
Net sales  716,868  654,172  62,696  9.6%
              
Cost of sales, product and services  570,386  518,051  52,335  10.1%
              
Gross profit  146,482  136,121  10,361  7.6%
              
Selling, general and administrative  105,004  93,515  11,489  12.3%
Depreciation and amortization  4,190  3,492  698  20.0%
Operating expenses  109,194  97,007  12,187  12.6%
              
Operating income $37,288 $39,114 $(1,826) (4.7%)
         
Key Business Metrics        
Adjusted gross billings, product and services $985,266 $884,781 $100,485  11.4%
Adjusted EBITDA $41,478 $42,606 $(1,128) (2.6%)
              

Net sales rose 9.6% to $716.9 million, from $654.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2017.

Adjusted gross billings grew 11.4% to $985.3 million, from $884.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2017. The increase in net sales and adjusted gross billings of products and services was a result of an increase in demand for products and services from our large corporate and healthcare customers, and the acquisitions of Consolidated Communication’s IT services and equipment integration business in December 2016 and OneCloud Consulting in May 2017.

Gross margin on sales of product and services was 20.2%, compared with 20.5% in the first half of fiscal 2017.  The decrease in gross margin was due to lower margins from sales of product primarily related to a large competitively bid project, most of which was delivered in the first half of fiscal year 2018, partially offset by higher margins from sales of services.

Operating expenses rose 12.6% to $109.2 million, from $97.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2017, reflecting increased salaries and benefits due to increased variable compensation and a 17.8% increase in personnel to 1,233 from 1,047, of which 50 related to the acquisition of IDS in September 2017, 57 related to the acquisition of OneCloud Consulting in May 2017 and 48 relate to the acquisition of Consolidated Communication’s IT services and equipment integration business in December 2016. The position additions included 162 sales and engineering positions with the remaining additions being administrative hires. Also contributing to the increase in salaries and benefits was higher healthcare cost. General administrative expenses increased $2.4 million primarily due to higher expenses in advertising and marketing, travel, and software license and maintenance. Depreciation and amortization increased $0.7 million due to the acquisitions. Professional and other fees also increased $0.7 million or 22.3%, due to legal fees related to the acquisitions of IDS and OneCloud Consulting.

Segment operating income was $37.3 million, compared with $39.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2017.  Adjusted EBITDA was $41.5 million, compared with $42.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2017.

The Company maintained its balanced portfolio of customer-end markets. The breakdown of net sales by customer-end market for the twelve months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

    
 Twelve Months Ended September 30,  
 2017  2016  Change
Technology24 23 1%
State & Local Government & Educational Institutions18% 22% (4%)
Telecom, Media, and Entertainment15% 15% - 
​Financial Services14% 12% 2%
​Healthcare 12% 10% 2%
​Other17% 18%  (1%)
Total100% 100%  
        

Financing Segment

The results of operations for the financing segment for the six months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

              
  Six Months Ended September 30,
       
  2017 2016 Change
Financing revenue $21,106 $15,709 $5,397  34.4%
Fee and other income  28  84  (56) (66.7%)
Net sales  21,134  15,793  5,341  33.8%
              
Direct lease costs  2,452  2,317   135  5.8%
              
Gross profit  18,682  13,476  5,206  38.6 %
              
Selling, general and administrative  6,000  6,146  (146) (2.4%)
Depreciation and amortization  2  6  (4) (66.7%)
Interest and financing costs  633  749   (116) (15.5%)
Operating expenses  6,635  6,901    (266) (3.9%)
              
Operating income $12,047 $6,575 $ 5,472  83.2%
              
Key Business Metrics             
Adjusted EBITDA $12,049 $6,581 $5,468  83.1%
 

Net sales were $21.1 million, up 33.8% from $15.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2017, as a result of higher post-contract earnings due to early terminations of several large leases, as well as revenues earned from consumption based financing arrangements.

Direct lease costs increased $0.1 million or 5.8% due to higher depreciation expense from operating leases.

Operating expenses were $6.6 million, down 3.9% from the prior year period due to changes in reserve for credit losses and decreases professional and other fees as well as lower interest and financing costs, which were offset by higher salaries and benefits.

Segment operating income and adjusted EBITDA both increased to $12.0 million from $6.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2017.

Recent Corporate Developments

  • On October 24, ePlus announced it will lead a Chief Information Security Officer round table panel at the Triangle InfoSeCon conference in Raleigh, North Carolina on October 27.
  • On October 12, ePlus announced participation in a technology panel presentation at the Rochester Security Summit 2017 on October 19-20.
  • On September 18, ePlus announced the acquisition of IDS, a Midwest data center technology integrator and cloud services provider.
  • On August 30, ePlus announced management would present at the Telecom, Media and Technology Conference held in New York on September 6.
  • On August 30, ePlus announced it was named NetApp FlexPod Partner of the Year at the Inaugural Channel Connect conference in recognition of its overall FlexPod bookings and year-over-year FlexPod bookings growth.  
  • On August 18, ePlus announced its board of directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 500,000 shares of common stock over the 12-month period commencing August 19, 2017.
  • On August 15, ePlus announced the launch of a new website (www.igxglobal.com) for its London-based IGX Global subsidiary.

Conference Call Information

ePlus will hold a conference call and webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET on November 2, 2017:

   
Date:   Thursday, November 2, 2017
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET 
Live Call: (877) 870-9226, domestic, (973) 890-8320, international
Replay:  (855) 859-2056, domestic, (404) 537-3406, international
Passcode: 95927274 (live and replay)
Webcast: http://www.eplus.com/investors (live and replay)
   

The replay of this webcast will be available approximately two hours after the call and be available through November 10, 2017.

About ePlus inc.

ePlus is a leading consultative technology solutions provider that helps customers imagine, implement, and achieve more from their technology.  With the highest certifications from top technology partners and expertise in key technologies from data center to security, cloud, and collaboration, ePlus transforms IT from a cost center to a business enabler.  Founded in 1990, ePlus has more than 1,200 associates serving a diverse set of customers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pac.  The Company is headquartered at 13595 Dulles Technology Drive, Herndon, VA, 20171.  For more information, visit www.eplus.com, call 888-482-1122, or email info@eplus.com.  Connect with ePlus on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ePlusinc and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ePlus

ePlus. Where Technology Means More®.

ePlus® and ePlus products referenced herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of ePlus inc. in the United States and/or other countries.  OneCloud is a trademark of OneCloud Consulting, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.  The names of other companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward-looking statements

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements.”  Actual and anticipated future results may vary materially due to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, possible adverse effects resulting from financial market disruption and volatility in the U.S. economy such as our current and potential customers delaying or reducing technology purchases, increasing credit risk associated with our customers and vendors, reduction of vendor incentive programs, and restrictions on our access to capital necessary to fund our operations; our ability to successfully perform due diligence and integrate acquired businesses; disruptions or a security breach in our IT systems and data and audio communication networks; the possibility of goodwill impairment charges in the future; significant adverse changes in, reductions in, or losses of relationships with major customers or vendors; the demand for and acceptance of, our products and services; our ability to adapt our services to meet changes in market developments; our ability to implement comprehensive plans for the integration of sales forces, cost containment, asset rationalization, systems integration and other key strategies; our ability to reserve adequately for credit losses; our ability to secure our customers’ electronic and other confidential information and remain secure during a cyber-security attack; future growth rates in our core businesses; the impact of competition in our markets; the possibility of defects in our products or catalog content data; our ability to adapt to changes in the IT industry and/or rapid changes in product offerings, including the proliferation of the cloud, infrastructure as a service and software as a service; our ability to realize our investment in leased equipment; our ability to hire and retain sufficient qualified personnel; and other risks or uncertainties detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  All information set forth in this press release is current as of the date of this release and ePlus undertakes no duty or obligation to update this information.

Contact:
Kleyton Parkhurst, SVP
ePlus inc.
kparkhurst@eplus.com
703-984-8150

 
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
      
  As of As of
  September 30, 2017 March 31, 2017
           
ASSETS (in thousands, except per share data) 
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 60,185  $ 109,760 
Accounts receivable—trade, net  293,098   266,029 
Accounts receivable—other, net  29,900   24,987 
Inventories  51,431   93,557 
Financing receivables—net, current  69,932   51,656 
Deferred costs  18,868   7,971 
Other current assets  31,931   43,364 
Total current assets  555,345   597,324 
     
Financing receivables and operating leases—net  61,847   71,883 
Property, equipment and other assets  16,278   11,956 
Goodwill  76,470   48,397 
Other intangible assets—net  29,056   12,160 
TOTAL ASSETS $ 738,996  $ 741,720 
     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY    
     
LIABILITIES    
     
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable $ 99,965  $ 113,518 
Accounts payable—floor plan  120,217   132,612 
Salaries and commissions payable  17,484   18,878 
Deferred revenue  45,562   65,312 
Recourse notes payable—current  688   908 
Non-recourse notes payable—current  31,767   26,085 
Other current liabilities  20,438   19,179 
Total current liabilities  336,121   376,492 
     
Non-recourse notes payable—long term  4,666   10,431 
Deferred tax liability—net  1,791   1,799 
Other liabilities  20,356   7,080 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   362,934   395,802 
     
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES    
     
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY    
Preferred stock, $.01 per share par value; 2,000 shares authorized; none outstanding  -   - 
Common stock, $.01 per share par value; 25,000 shares authorized; 14,171 outstanding at September 30, 2017 and 14,161 outstanding at March 31, 2017  142   142 
Additional paid-in capital  126,716   123,536 
Treasury stock, at cost   (4,383)   - 
Retained earnings  253,467   222,823 
Accumulated other comprehensive income—foreign currency
   120    (583)
Total Stockholders' Equity  376,062   345,918 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 738,996  $ 741,720 


         
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES        
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS      
        
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 September 30, September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
                         
 (in thousands, except per share data)
        
Net sales$370,845  $371,462 $738,002 $669,965
Cost of sales 283,274   289,529  572,838  520,368
Gross profit 87,571   81,933  165,164  149,597
        
Selling, general and administrative expenses 56,340   51,607  111,004  99,661
Depreciation and amortization 2,129   1,723  4,192  3,498
Interest and financing costs 274   400  633  749
Operating expenses 58,743   53,730  115,829  103,908
        
OPERATING INCOME 28,828   28,203  49,335  45,689
        
Other income (expense) (141)  380  130  380
        
EARNINGS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 28,687   28,583  49,465  46,069
        
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 11,466   11,808  18,821  18,623
        
NET EARNINGS$ 17,221  $16,775 $ 30,644 $27,446
        
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE—BASIC$ 1.24  $1.21 $ 2.21 $1.97
NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE—DILUTED$ 1.23  $1.21 $ 2.19 $1.95
        
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING—BASIC 13,879   13,818  13,843  13,941
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING—DILUTED 14,008   13,884  14,021  14,055


        
ePlus inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES       
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP INFORMATION       

We included reconciliations below for the following non-GAAP information: (i) Adjusted Gross Billings of Product and Services, (ii) Adjusted EBITDA, (iii) Segment Adjusted EBITDA, and (iv) non-GAAP Net Earnings per Common Share - Diluted. We define adjusted gross billings of product and services as our sales of product and services calculated in accordance with GAAP, adjusted to exclude the costs incurred related to sales of third-party software assurance, maintenance and services.  We define Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings calculated in accordance with GAAP, adjusted for the following: interest expense, depreciation and amortization, provision for income taxes, and other income. Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating income calculated in accordance with GAAP, adjusted for interest expense, and depreciation and amortization. We consider the interest on notes payable from our financing segment and depreciation expense presented within cost of sales, which includes depreciation on assets financed as operating leases, to be operating expenses.  Non-GAAP net earnings per common share are based on net earnings calculated in accordance with GAAP, adjusted to exclude other income and acquisition related amortization expense, and the related effects on income taxes, and the tax (benefit) expense recognized due to the vesting of share based compensation.

Our use of non-GAAP information as analytical tools has limitations, and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our financial results as reported under GAAP. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, might calculate similar non-GAAP Adjusted Gross Billings, Adjusted EBITDA, and non-GAAP Net Earnings per Common Share - Diluted or similarly titled measures differently, which may reduce their usefulness as comparative measures.

 
 Three Months Ended September 30, Six Months Ended September 30,
  2017  2016  2017  2016
            
 (in thousands)
        
Sales of product and services$ 357,759 $ 361,227 $ 714,839 $651,408
Costs incurred related to sales of third party software assurance, maintenance and services 145,822  126,081  270,427  233,373
Adjusted gross billings of product and services$503,581 $487,308 $ 985,266 $884,781


 
 Three Months Ended September 30, Six Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
                
 (in thousands)
Consolidated       
        
Net earnings$17,221  $16,775  $ 30,644  $ 27,446 
Provision for income taxes 11,466   11,808   18,821     18,623 
Depreciation and amortization [1] 2,129   1,723   4,192   3,498 
Other income [2] 141   (380)   (130)  (380)
Adjusted EBITDA$
30,957
  $29,926  $ 53,527  $ 49,187 
        
    
 Three Months Ended September 30, Six Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016  2017  2016
                
 (in thousands)
Technology Segment       
Operating income$21,218  $24,488  $ 37,288  $ 39,114 
Depreciation and amortization [1] 2,128   1,721   4,190     3,492 
Adjusted EBITDA$23,346  $26,209  $ 41,478  $ 42,606 
        
Financing Segment       
Operating income$7,610  $3,715  $ 12,047  $ 6,575 
Depreciation and amortization [1] 1   2   2     6 
Adjusted EBITDA$7,611  $3,717  $ 12,049  $ 6,581 
        


 Three Months Ended September 30, Six Months Ended September 30,
 2017
 2016 2017 2016
                
 (in thousands, except per share data)
GAAP: Earnings before provision for income taxes$28,687  $28,583  $49,465  $46,069 
Acquisition related amortization expense [3] 1,186   974   2,307   2,063 
Other (income) expense [2] 141   (380)  (130)  (380)
Non-GAAP: Earnings before provision for income taxes 30,014   29,177   51,642   47,752 
        
GAAP: Provision for income taxes 11,466   11,808   18,821   18,623 
Acquisition related amortization expense 450   324   874   689 
Other (income) expense 59   (157)  (55)  (157)
Tax benefit on restricted stock 204   72   1,563   508 
Non-GAAP: Provision for income taxes 12,179   12,047   21,203   19,663 
        
Non-GAAP: Net earnings$17,835  $17,130  $30,439  $28,089 
        
GAAP: Net earnings per common share – diluted$ 1.23  $1.21  $ 2.19  $1.95 
Non-GAAP: Net earnings per common share – diluted$1.27  $1.23  $2.17  $2.00 


[1] Amount consists of depreciation and amortization for assets used internally.
[2] Interest income and foreign currency transaction gains or losses.
[3] Amount consists of amortization of intangible assets from acquired businesses.