ePlus (NASDAQ: PLUS) reported Q4 EPS of $1.41, $0.22 better than the analyst estimate of $1.19. Revenue for the quarter came in at $352.6 million versus the consensus estimate of $390.81 million.

“Our fourth quarter earnings performance reflected continued progress driving profitable growth from our IT solutions, particularly in the areas of security, cloud/data center, collaboration and annuity services, coupled with a steady focus on managing our cost structure. In the fourth quarter, gross profit increased 6.6%, and we realized an strong gross profit margin of 27.8%, our highest ever, due to growth in services revenue, increased product margins, and a high gross to net conversion. Our improved margins and lower costs drove operating income up 31.9% in the quarter and 11.6% for the year. EPS increased 17.2%, to $1.16, and adjusted EBITDA grew 25.7%, reflecting the strength and resilience of our business model,” said Mark Marron, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“In what was an unprecedented year, I am extremely proud of the entire ePlus team for responding with agility and unwavering commitment to support our customers’ evolving needs for integrated technology solutions. For fiscal 2021, lower net sales were due, in part, to the industry’s continuing conversion to the XaaS revenue model and revenues recorded on a net basis. We grew our services revenue, a key focus area that offers enhanced visibility due to our annuity-quality services offerings. Importantly, we recorded substantive increases in operating income, adjusted EBITDA, and earnings per share.”

Summary and Outlook

“Fiscal 2021 was a very successful and productive year for ePlus, as we strengthened our capabilities both organically and through acquisitions, while generating growth in adjusted gross billings, margins and earnings. Although component shortages may delay some near-term revenue, as the market continues to evolve, we expect to see accelerated demand for collaboration, remote work solutions, security, and cloud services. We remain positive in our outlook for fiscal 2022 as ePlus continues to focus on the high growth areas that are critical to our customers’ digital transformation initiatives.”

For earnings history and earnings-related data on ePlus (PLUS) click here.