Q1 2024 PC Connection Inc Earnings Call
[music].
Marvin: Good afternoon, and welcome to the first quarter 2024 Connection Earnings conference call. My name is Marvin, and I'll be the host for today.
Good afternoon, and welcome to the first quarter of 2020 for connection earnings Conference call. My name is Marvin and I'll be the corner for today.
Marvin: At this time, all participants listen only. Following the prepared remarks, there will be a question and answer session. As a reminder, this conference call is the property of Connexion and may not be recorded or rebroadcast without specific permission from the company. On the call today are Tim McGrath, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Tom Baker, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. I'll now turn the call over to the company.
Speaker Change: At this time all participate in listen only mode.
Speaker Change: Following the prepared remarks, there'll be a question and answer session.
As a reminder, this conference call is the property of connection you may not be recorded or rebroadcast without specific permission from the company on the call today are Tim Mcgrath, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Tom Baker, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, I will now turn the call over to the company.
Samantha Smith: Thanks, Operator. And good afternoon, everyone.
Thomas C. Baker: Thanks, operator, and good afternoon, everyone.
Samantha Smith: I will now read our cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements. Any statements or references made during the conference call that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Various remarks that management may make about the company's future expectations, plans, and prospects constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provision under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those discussed in the risk factors section of the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as in other documents that the company files with the Commission from time to time.
Speaker Change: Now I'll read our cautionary note regarding forward looking statements.
Speaker Change: Any statements or references made during the conference call that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward looking statements. Various remarks that management may make about the company's future expectations plans and prospects constitute forward looking statements for purposes of the safe Harbor provision under the private Securities Litigation Reform Act.
Speaker Change: 1995.
Speaker Change: Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those discussed in the risk factors section of the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31st 2023, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Speaker Change: As well as in other documents that the company files with the commission from time to time.
Samantha Smith: In addition, any forward-looking statements represent management's view as of today and should not be relied upon as representing views as of any subsequent date. While the company may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so other than as required by law, even if estimates change. And therefore, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing management's views as of any date subsequent to today.
Speaker Change: In addition, any forward looking statements represent management's view as of today and should not be relied upon as representing views as of any subsequent date, while the company may elect to update forward looking statements at some point in the future. The company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so other than as required by law.
Speaker Change: Even if estimates change and therefore, you should not rely on these forward looking statements as representing management's views as of any date subsequent to today.
Samantha Smith: During this call, non-GAAP financial measures will be discussed. A reconciliation between any non-GAAP financial measure discussed and its most directly comparable GAAP measure is available in today's earnings release and on the company's website at www.connection.com. Please note that, unless otherwise stated, all references to first quarter 2024 comparisons are being made against the first quarter 2023. Today's call is being webcast and will be available on Connection's website. The earnings release will be available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov and in the investor relations section of our website at www.ir.connection.com. I would now like to turn the call over to our host, Tim McGrath, President and CEO.
Speaker Change: During this call non-GAAP financial measures will be discussed a reconciliation between any non-GAAP financial measures discussed and its most directly comparable GAAP measure is available in todays earning release and on the company's website at www Dot connection Dot com.
Speaker Change: Please note that unless otherwise stated all references to first quarter 2024 comparisons are being made against the first quarter 2023.
Speaker Change: This call is being webcast and will be available on Connection's website.
Speaker Change: Our earnings release will be available on the SEC website at Www Dot SEC Dot Gov and in the Investor Relations section of our website at Www Dot IR Doc connection Dot com.
Timothy J. McGrath: Thank you, Samantha. Good afternoon, everyone.
Timothy J. McGrath: I would now like to turn the call over to our host Tim Mcgrath President and CEO.
Timothy J. McGrath: And thank you for joining us today for Connections Q1 2024 conference call. I'll begin this afternoon with an overview of our first quarter results and highlights of our performance. Tom will then walk us through a more detailed look at our Q1 financials. Clearly, it was a challenging quarter on the top line as the softness we saw last year in endpoint devices continued into the first quarter. There were some encouraging signs in the quarter, and we were successful in adding net new commercial accounts while we continue to help our customers evaluate and prepare for their AI implementation strategy.
Timothy J. McGrath: Tim.
Timothy J. McGrath: Thank you Samantha good afternoon, everyone and thank you for joining us today for our Connection's Q1, 2024 conference call.
Timothy J. McGrath: I'll begin this afternoon with an overview of our first quarter results and highlights of our performance.
Jim will then walk us through a more detailed look at our Q1 financials.
Timothy J. McGrath: Clearly it was a challenging quarter on the topline is the softness we saw last year in endpoint devices continued into the first quarter.
Timothy J. McGrath: There were some encouraging signs in the quarter and we were successful in adding net new commercial accounts, while we continue to help our customers evaluate and prepare for their AI implementation strategy.
Timothy J. McGrath: However, those actions did not produce enough revenue to offset lower device sales. The silver lining is that we believe we are well positioned to help our loyal customers meet the demands of the coming technological revolution and to help them drive deeper adoption of the cloud and other advanced technologies. Toward that end, our backlog grew by high single digits sequentially. In addition, many of our partners believe that we are experiencing the calm before the AI storm. They continue to predict year-over-year growth driven by the AI ecosystem. Consequently, we expect the second half of the year to be stronger than the first half of the year.
Timothy J. McGrath: However, those actions did not produce enough revenue to offset lower device sales.
Timothy J. McGrath: The silver lining is that we believe we are well positioned to help our loyal customers.
Timothy J. McGrath: Man does it come in technological revolution and to help them to drive deeper adoption of cloud and other advanced technologies.
Timothy J. McGrath: Toward that end our backlog grew by high single digits sequentially. In addition, many of our partners believe that we are experiencing the calm before the storm they continue to predict year over year growth driven by the AI ecosystem. Consequently, we expect the second half of the year to be stronger than the.
Timothy J. McGrath: Our business is evolving, and our product mix continues to be dynamic. As we've said before, we believe that gross profit is a more appropriate measurement of our performance. To illustrate this point, I'd like to highlight that while our reported software and cloud revenue declined, our actual gross profit for software and cloud increased 18% from the prior year, which significantly contributed to the gross margin expansion in the quarter. Customers are reprioritizing their capital budgets to prepare for AI initiatives, and we are ready to lead them through that transformation.
Timothy J. McGrath: First half of the year.
Timothy J. McGrath: Our business is evolving and our product mix continues to be dynamic.
Timothy J. McGrath: We've said before we believe that gross profit is a more appropriate measurement of our performance.
Timothy J. McGrath: At this point I'd like to highlight that while our reported software and cloud revenue declined our actual gross profit for software and cloud increased 18% from the prior year, which significantly contributed to the gross margin expansion in the quarter.
Timothy J. McGrath: Customers are re prioritizing their capital budgets to prepare for AI initiatives, and we are ready to lead them through that transformation.
Timothy J. McGrath: Now let's discuss our Q1 performance. Consolidated net sales were $632 million, 13.1% below last year. Gross profit decreased 3.5% to $118.1 million. However, gross margins were up 187 basis points to 18.7% in Q1, compared to the prior year quarter. As previously mentioned, customer demand for software, which includes cloud and software as a service solutions, helped to fuel the improvement in our gross margin.
Timothy J. McGrath: Now, let's discuss our Q1 performance.
Timothy J. McGrath: Consolidated net sales were 632 million $13, 1% below last year gross profit decreased three 5% to $118 1 million. However, gross margins were up 187 basis points to 18, 7% in Q1 compared to.
Timothy J. McGrath: The prior year quarter.
Timothy J. McGrath: As previously mentioned customer demand for software, which includes cloud and software as a service solutions helped to fuel the improvement in our gross margins.
Timothy J. McGrath: Operating income in Q1 was $13.5 million, a decrease of 25.7% compared to Q1 2023. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 2.1% compared to 2.5% of net sales in the prior year quarter. Net income in Q1 was $13.2 million, a decrease of 7.4% compared to $14.2 million in the prior year quarter. In Q1 2023, our diluted earnings per share was $0.50, a decrease of 7.
Timothy J. McGrath: Operating income in Q1 was $13 5 million a decrease of 25, 7% compared to Q1 2023.
Timothy J. McGrath: Operating income as a percentage of net sales was two 1% compared to two 5% of net sales in the prior year quarter.
Timothy J. McGrath: Net income in Q1 was $13 2 million a decrease of seven 4% compared to $14 2 million in the prior year quarter.
Timothy J. McGrath: In Q1 2023, our diluted earnings per share was <unk> 50, a decrease of seven 7% from 54 cents.
Timothy J. McGrath: In Q1 2023.
Timothy J. McGrath: We will now look a little deeper into our segment performance. In our business solution segment, our Q1 net sales were $255.9 million, 6.3% lower than a year ago. The decline in revenue was across most product categories and is a function of our customers exercising caution in their spending, as we noted earlier.
Timothy J. McGrath: We will now look a little deeper into our segment performance and.
Timothy J. McGrath: In our business solutions segment, our Q1 net sales were $255 9 million six 3% lower than a year ago.
Timothy J. McGrath: The decline in revenue was across most product categories and as a function of our customers exercising caution and theyre spending as we noted earlier gross profit for the business solutions segment was $60 6 million, an increase of <unk>, 8% from a year ago gross margin.
Timothy J. McGrath: Gross profit for the business solution segment was $60.6 million, an increase of 0.8% from a year ago. Gross margin increased 165 basis points to a record 23.6% in the quarter compared to. In our public sector solutions business, Q1 net sales were 93.5 million, 33.4% lower than a year ago. Sales to state and local governments and educational institutions decreased by $7.5 million, while sales to the federal government were lower by $39.5 million compared to the prior year quarter.
Timothy J. McGrath: <unk> 165 basis points to a record 23, 6% in the quarter compared to the prior year.
Timothy J. McGrath: And our public sector solutions business Q1, net sales were $93 5 million 33, 4% lower than a year ago.
Timothy J. McGrath: Sales to state and local government and educational institutions decreased by $7 5 million, while sales to the federal government were lower by $39 5 million compared to the prior year quarter. This quarterly performance can be explained by the fact that in Q1 2023. Our results included two large.
Timothy J. McGrath: This quarterly performance can be explained by the fact that in Q1 2023, our results included two large projects with existing customers that accounted for the majority of the decline in revenue in the first quarter of 2024. Gross profit for the public sector segment was $15 million, a decrease of 26.3% compared to Q1'23. Gross margin increased by 156 basis points to 16% in the quarter compared to the prior year. In our enterprise solution segment, Q1 net sales were $282.7 million, 10% lower than a year ago.
Timothy J. McGrath: Projects with existing customers that accounted for the majority of the decline in revenue in the first quarter of 2024.
Timothy J. McGrath: Gross profit for the public sector segment was $15 million a decrease of 26, 3% compared to Q1 'twenty three gross margin increased by 156 basis points to 16% in the quarter compared to the prior year.
Timothy J. McGrath: In our enterprise solutions segment Q1, net sales were $282 7 million.
Timothy J. McGrath: 10% lower than a year ago.
Timothy J. McGrath: Gross profit for the enterprise segment was $42.7 million, 1.6% higher than the prior year quarter. Gross margin increased by 172 basis points to 15.1% in the quarter compared to the prior year. I'll now turn the call over to Tom to discuss additional financial highlights from our Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement.
Timothy J. McGrath: Gross profit for the Enterprise segment was $42 7 million, one 6% higher than the prior year quarter.
Timothy J. McGrath: Gross margin increased by 172 basis points to 15, 1% in the quarter compared to the prior year.
I'll now turn the call over to Tom to discuss additional financial highlights from our income statement balance sheet and cash flow statement Tom.
Thomas C. Baker: Thanks, Tim. SG&A increased by 1.3 percent compared to the prior year quarter. We had a decrease in spending on personnel driven by cost containment measures. However, the increase in SG&A was due to increases in certain taxes, marketing expenses, and investments in our solutions business that align with our strategic initiatives. On a percentage of sales basis, SG&A increased 236 basis points to 16.6% of net sales in the quarter compared to 14.2% in the prior year quarter driven by lower revenues. Our Q1 effective tax rate was 27%, up from 26.8% due to changes in state tax rates.
Tom: Thanks, Tim.
Tom: G&A increased by one 3% compared to the prior year quarter, we had a decrease in spending on personnel driven by cost containment measures. However, the increase in SG&A was due to increases in certain taxes marketing expenses and investments in our solutions business that align with our strategic initiatives.
Tom: On a percentage of sales basis, SG&A increased 236 basis points to 16, 6% of net sales in the quarter compared to 14, 2% in the prior year quarter driven by lower revenues.
Tom: Our Q1 effective tax rate was 27% up from 26, 8% due to changes in state tax rates.
Thomas C. Baker: Net income for the quarter was $13.2 million, a decrease of 7.4% from $14.2 million last year. Diluted earnings per share was 50 cents, a decrease of 7.7%. Our currently 12-month adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization, or adjusted EBITDA, was $120.3 million compared to $127.6 million a year ago, a decrease of 5.8%. In terms of returning cash to shareholders, we paid a 10 cents per share quarterly dividend in March. Today we announce that our Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share. The dividend is payable to shareholders of record on May 14th and will be paid on May 29th, 2024.
Tom: Net income for the quarter was $13 2 million a decrease of seven 4% from $14 2 million last year.
Tom: Diluted earnings per share was <unk> 50, a.
Tom: The decrease from seven 7%.
Tom: Our trailing 12 month adjusted earnings before interest income taxes, depreciation and amortization or adjusted EBITDA was $120 3 million compared to $127 6 million a year ago, a decrease of five 8%.
Tom: In terms of returning cash to shareholders. We paid at 10 cents per share quarterly dividend in March.
Tom: Today, we announced that our board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of <unk> 10 per share the dividend is payable to shareholders of record on may 14th and payable on May 29 2024.
Thomas C. Baker: In addition, the board authorized an additional $40 million increase to Connection's existing share repurchase program. $72.1 million is available for share repurchases after giving effect to this increase. Cash flow generated from operations for the first quarter of 2024 was $57.3 million, an improvement of $37.8 million from the same period a year ago. Our accounts receivable balance decreased $79.3 million for the first quarter of 2024, and our DSO decreased to 70 days from 71 days. Our inventory balance remained flat for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. However, our accounts payable balance decreased $45.1 million for the first quarter ended 2024.
Tom: In addition, the board authorized an additional $40 million increase two connections existing share repurchase program.
Tom: $2 1 million as available for share repurchases after giving effect to this increase.
Tom: Cash flow generated from operations for the first quarter of 2024 was $57 3 million.
Tom: An improvement of $37 8 million from the same period a year ago.
Our accounts receivable balance decreased $79 3 million for the first quarter of 2024, and our DSO decreased to 70 days from 71 days.
Tom: Our inventory balance remained flat for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.
Tom: Our accounts payable balance decreased $45 1 million from the first quarter ended 2024.
Tom: Cash used in investing activities of $51 6 million was a result of $100 million of investment purchases offset by $50 million of investment maturities.
Tom: The company used $3 1 million of cash for financing activities. During the first quarter of 2024, consisting primarily of payments of $2 6 million of dividends to shareholders. We ended Q1 with $352 million of cash cash equivalents and short term investments and.
Thomas C. Baker: Cash used in investing activities of $51.6 million was a result of $100 million of investment purchases offset by $50 million of investment maturities. The company used $3.1 million of cash for financing activities during the first quarter of 2024, consisting primarily of payments of $2.6 million of dividends to shareholders. We ended Q1 with $352 million of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. In terms of capital allocation, we remain committed to growing the business, and we have an ongoing program focused on investing in both organic and inorganic growth opportunities.
Tom: In terms of capital allocation, we remain committed to growing the business and we have an ongoing program focused on investing in both organic and inorganic growth opportunities.
Thomas C. Baker: Furthermore, as announced above, we are continuing to return cash to shareholders in the form of a quarterly dividend, and we will continue to repurchase stock in a disciplined manner. I will now turn the call back over to Tim to discuss current market trends.
Tom: More as announced the Bob we are continuing to return cash to shareholders in the form of a quarterly dividend and we will continue to repurchase stock in a disciplined manner.
Tom: I will now turn the call back over to Tim to discuss current market trends.
Timothy J. McGrath: Thanks, Tom. In the near term, we believe there are a number of factors that should accelerate growth in IT spending. The requirement for customers to migrate to Windows 11, refresh their aging systems, and the demand for the AI PC will drive endpoint device growth. In addition, we expect infrastructure, including server storage and networking, will be positively impacted as customers begin to deploy their AI solutions. The IT industry is undergoing a transformation at an unprecedented pace, driven by rapid advancements in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and edge technology. However, customers continue to be cautious with their AI investments while they're evaluating their AI strategies.
Timothy J. McGrath: Thanks, Tom in the near term, we believe there are a number of factors that should accelerate growth in it spending.
Timothy J. McGrath: The requirement for customers to migrate to Windows 11 refresh their aging systems and the demand for the AI PC will drive endpoint device growth. In addition, we expect infrastructure, including server storage and networking will be positively impacted as customers begin to deploy.
Timothy J. McGrath: Their AI solutions.
Timothy J. McGrath: Industry is undergoing a transformation at an unprecedented pace driven by rapid advancements in areas like artificial intelligence cloud computing and edge technologies.
Timothy J. McGrath: However, customers continue to be cautious with their AI investments, while they are evaluating their AI strategies similar to the competitive landscape sales of endpoint devices were up modestly over Q4 2023, and we believe that this may be the beginning of the recovery we have been <unk>.
Timothy J. McGrath: Similar to the competitive landscape, sales of endpoint devices were up modestly in Q4 2023, and we believe that this may be the beginning of the recovery we have been expecting. Customers are continuing to evaluate AI solutions as they look to improve productivity and increase operational efficiency. We believe that the adoption of AI solutions will be a catalyst that drives demand for additional infrastructure, storage, compute, and cybersecurity solutions. The demands of AI, enhanced collaboration tools, improved security, and the adoption of Windows 11 will require more powerful devices.
Timothy J. McGrath: <unk> cut.
Timothy J. McGrath: <unk> are continuing to evaluate AI solutions as they look to improve productivity and increase operational efficiencies. We believe that the adoption of AI solutions will be a catalyst that drives demand for additional infrastructure storage compute and cyber security solutions.
Timothy J. McGrath: The demands of AI enhanced collaboration tools improved security and the adoption of Windows 11 will require more powerful devices.
Timothy J. McGrath: These factors are also expected to drive a device refresh cycle as AI adoption increases. And, of course, security threats are expected to continue to drive customer demand for hardware, software, and services necessary to properly secure IT environments for the foreseeable future. Now, let's double click on some of these important areas for connection. Hooray, aye.
Timothy J. McGrath: These factors are also expected to drive a device refresh cycle.
Timothy J. McGrath: The adoption increases and of course security threats are expected to continue to drive customer demand for hardware software and services necessary to properly secure environment for the foreseeable future.
Speaker Change: Now, let's double click on some of these important areas for connection.
Timothy J. McGrath: We are also seeing adoption of AI endpoint applications, such as Microsoft CoPilot, as well as organizations developing localized and cloud-based large language model systems. We are continuing to tailor our solutions to better assist our customers on their AI journey. Recall that we launched the Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics, bringing together industry-leading experts, resources, and support during Q4. We are confident that our Helix Center will be a competitive advantage for connectivity in the area of AI, and our customers and partners who work with Helix share that same sentiment. Let me give you an update on our vertical market activity. In retail, while we saw a decline year over year, we are experiencing momentum.
Speaker Change: For AI.
Speaker Change: We are also seeing adoption of AI endpoint applications.
Speaker Change: Microsoft Co pilot as well as organization is developing localized in cloud based large language model systems, we are continuing to tailor our solutions to better assist our customers with their AI journey.
Speaker Change: Recall that we launched the helix center for applied AI robotics, bringing it together industry, leading expertise resources and support during Q4.
Speaker Change: We are confident that our helix center will be a competitive advantage for connection in the area of AI and our customers and partners, who work with helix share that same sentiment.
Speaker Change: Let me give you an update on our vertical market activity in retail while we saw a decline year over year, we are experiencing momentum.
Timothy J. McGrath: For example, we did have sequential quarterly revenue growth, and we are seeing an increase in project planning for future AI solutions. In Financial Services, our revenue and gross profit increased 8% year over year. In Healthcare, we saw a significant increase in proposal requests for services and cybersecurity, driven in part by the need for healthcare providers to secure their patients' data. In manufacturing, our forecast is based on our customers' need for automation and the need to deal with workforce and skillset shortages, as well as inflationary pressures on materials and labor.
Speaker Change: For example, we did have sequential quarterly revenue growth.
Speaker Change: And we are seeing an increase in project planning for future AI solutions and.
Speaker Change: Financial services, our revenue and gross profit increased 8% year over year in.
Speaker Change: In healthcare, we saw a significant increase in proposal requests for services and cyber security driven in part by the need for healthcare providers to secure their patient data.
Speaker Change: In manufacturing our forecast is building based on our customers' need for automation and the need to deal with workforce and skill set shortages as well as inflationary pressures on materials and labor. Many customers are also facing the need to modernize their facilities and technology infrastructure.
Timothy J. McGrath: Many customers are also facing the need to modernize their facilities and technology infrastructure in support of Industry 4.0. In addition, cybersecurity remains a top priority in manufacturing. We're also pleased that, in Q1, for the second consecutive year, Connection was named to the Forbes America's Best Employers list. Connection ranked 13 out of 400 organizations on the 2024 list. Connection was named the 2024 HP Personal Systems National Solution Provider Partner of the Year for exemplary achievements in growth and innovation. In addition, Connection was awarded ServiceNow's Reseller of the Year. Connection was also named a Microsoft Solution Partner for the Microsoft Cloud. This designation was awarded for achieving proficiency in all six solution areas.
Speaker Change: In support of industry for data.
Speaker Change: In addition, cyber security really the top priority and manufacturing.
Speaker Change: We're also pleased that in Q1 for the second consecutive year connection was named to the Forbes America's Best employers list.
Speaker Change: <unk> ranked 13 out of 400 organizations on the 2024 list.
Speaker Change: Connection was named the 2020 for HP personal systems National solution provider partner of the year for exemplary achievements in growth and innovation. In addition connection was awarded service now reseller of the year connect year was also named the Microsoft solution partner for the Microsoft Cloud.
Speaker Change: This designation was awarded for achieving proficiency and all six solutions areas business applications modern work security Azure data and AI Azure infrastructure, and Azure digital and App innovation.
Timothy J. McGrath: Business Applications, Modern Work, Security, Azure Data and AI, Azure Infrastructure, and Azure Digital and App Innovation. The timing of our customer spending on new technology is uncertain, but we're optimistic that by the second half of 2024, we will return to more normalized growth rates. We expect that growth rates for the U.S.
Speaker Change: The timing of our customer spending on new technology is uncertain, but we're optimistic that by the second half of 2024, we will return to more normalized growth rates, we expect the growth rates for the U S market will continue to be challenged in the near term. However, we believe we can outperform it.
Timothy J. McGrath: The IT market will continue to be challenged in the near term. However, we believe we can outperform the IT market and take market share, notwithstanding the challenging macroeconomic environment. We believe our focus and our business strategy remain well aligned with the shifting dynamics of how customers deploy, utilize, and consume technology. We continue to connect our customers with technology that enhances growth, elevates productivity, and empowers innovation. We help our customers expertly navigate through a complex set of choices within the technology landscape.
Speaker Change: Market and take market share notwithstanding the challenging macroeconomic environment.
Speaker Change: We believe our focus on our business strategy remains well aligned with the shifting dynamics of how customers deploy utilized and consumed technologies.
Speaker Change: We continue to connect our customers with technology that enhances growth elevates productivity and empowers innovation.
Speaker Change: We help our customers expertly navigated through a complex set of choices within the technology landscape.
Timothy J. McGrath: We help calm the confusion of IT for our customers. On that note, I'd like to take a moment to thank our extremely dedicated and valued employees for the continued and extraordinary effort in this rapidly changing environment. We will now entertain your questions. Operator. Thank you.
Speaker Change: <unk> com the confusion of IP for our customers on that note I'd like to take a moment to thank our extremely dedicated and valued employees for their continued an extraordinary effort during this rapidly changing environment.
We will now entertain your questions.
Marvin: Thank you. At this time, we will conduct the question and answer session. As a reminder, to ask a question, you will need to press star 11 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press star 11 again. Please stand by while we compile the Q&A list. Our first question comes from the line of Anthony Lebiedzinski of Sidoti & Co. Your line is now open.
Later.
Speaker Change: Thank you at this time, we will conduct a question and answer session. As a reminder to ask a question you will need to press star one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced to withdraw. Your question. Please press star one again, please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster.
Speaker Change: Our first question comes from the line of Anthony Lebowski.
Anthony Chester Lebiedzinski: Sidoti <unk> co. Your line is now open.
Anthony Chester Lebiedzinski: Good afternoon, and thank you for taking the question. So first, I was just wondering if you guys could comment on the pace of your sales throughout the quarter. And, you know, it sounds like there's still, you know, caution, you know, in the second quarter, but maybe you can just also kind of talk about, you know, how we should think about the second quarter? I know you're more hopeful about the second half, but just as far as, you know, maybe we could just talk about the quarter that you just reported and then just your thoughts. Outlook for Q2. If you could share any more details, that'd be great.
Anthony Chester Lebiedzinski: Good afternoon, and thank you for taking the questions.
Anthony Chester Lebiedzinski: So first just wondering if you guys could comment on the cadence of your sales throughout the quarter.
Anthony Chester Lebiedzinski: And it sounds like there is still caution.
Speaker Change: Second quarter, but maybe you can just.
Sidoti: Also all sort of talk about how should we think about the second quarter. I know you are more hopeful on the second half.
Sidoti: But just as far as maybe you could just talk about the quarter this quarter than last year.
Sidoti: Sure.
Sidoti: Outlook for Q2.
Speaker Change: If you could share any more details that'd be great.
Unknown Executive: Hey, Anthony. How are you doing? Good. How are you?
Speaker Change: Okay, Hey, Anthony it's Tom how are you doing.
Unknown Executive: Good. In terms of, you know, the cadence through the quarter, it was a lot like Q4. Typically, what we'll see is 37 to 39% of our revenues coming through in March. This quarter was about 34%. So, you know, I think as the quarter went on, I think people continued to get a little bit more apprehensive about the economy and the interest rate environment.
Tom: Good how are you.
Tom: In terms of the cadence through the quarter.
There's a lot like Q4 to be honest with you.
Tom: Typically what we'll see is <unk>.
37% to 39% of our revenues coming through in March.
Tom: This quarter it was about 34 so.
Tom: I think as the quarter went on I think people continue to get a little bit more apprehensive about the economy and the interest rate environment.
Unknown Executive: So I think that's what was causing the pullback a little bit. In terms of Q2, you know, as you can tell, revenue is getting harder and harder to forecast just because of all the software netting. And so what I'll tell you is that the operating income line, when you back out the effect of the special charges we had last year, we're probably going to be flat, maybe up low single digits year over year. And on the gross profit line, you know, maybe see some low single-digit growth. That's kind of what it's looking like right now.
Tom: I think thats, what was caused caused them to pull back a little bit.
Tom: In terms of Q2.
Tom: As you can tell revenue is getting harder and harder to.
Tom: Forecast just because of all the software netting.
Tom: And so what I'll tell you is that the operating income line when you back out the effect of the special charges, we had last year.
Tom: We're probably going to be flat to maybe up low single digits year over year.
Tom: And on the gross profit line.
Tom: Maybe see some low single digit growth, that's kind of what it's looking like right now.
Unknown Executive: Okay, so gross profit, low single-digit growth year over year, right? Yeah, yep. Okay, gotcha, okay. As far as the timing of the rollout, you have a better sense as to when that could happen. And as far as the ASPs on those devices, you know, anything you can share as to how that could impact your business?
Speaker Change: Okay. So gross profit low single digit growth year over year right.
Speaker Change: Yes, yes.
Speaker Change: Okay, Okay got it okay.
Speaker Change: Flat to up low.
Speaker Change: Low single digits.
Speaker Change: Okay, that's very helpful.
Speaker Change: So you talked about this.
Speaker Change: Paul as well as previous calls about AI enabled Pcs.
Speaker Change: As far as the timing of the rollout.
Speaker Change: Do you have a better sense as to when that could happen as far as the asps on those devices.
Speaker Change: I guess anything you can share as to what.
Speaker Change: How that could impact your business.
Timothy J. McGrath: Sure. So Anthony, this is Tim. Thanks for the question. Hope you're well.
Speaker Change: Sure Anthony This is Tim Thanks for the question and hope you're well.
Timothy J. McGrath: There are still some question marks around it, but the technology itself, the timelines are getting much clearer. So today, as you know, you can get a PC that will run copilots, and it can certainly participate in an AI environment. The generation of products that's coming out over the next couple of months from our suppliers will have the NeuroProcessor, which will enable many, many advantages for users, and Qualcomm is announcing a chipset
Speaker Change: Sure.
Timothy J. McGrath: The timing there is still some question marks around it but the technology itself. The timelines are getting much clear. So today as you know you can get a PC that will run.
Timothy J. McGrath: Co pilots and can certainly participate in AI environment.
Timothy J. McGrath: The generation of products Thats coming out over the next couple of months from our suppliers will have the neuro processor, which will enable.
Timothy J. McGrath: Many many advantages for the users and that Qualcomm is announcing a chipset, but the next generation AI PUC there will be a late in the year and early next year.
Timothy J. McGrath: But the next generation AI PC that will be out late this year and early next year will have more AMD and Intel processing capability, and many more of the legacy apps will run on that. So that, for example, will be a PC that you can run securely with an AI application in your own environment. Better security, better collaboration, and better performance.
Timothy J. McGrath: We will have more AMD Intel.
Timothy J. McGrath: Processing capability and many more of a legacy apps will run on that so that for example will be a next generation PC that you could run securely with an AI application in your own environment.
Timothy J. McGrath: And so that timeline is you can run AI PCs today. There is a generation coming in a couple of months, but that next generation is really end of year. And for many of our customers, we've been helping them with that transformation and understanding that Windows 11 will expire in October of 2025. But many of our customers are starting now to port their applications and to plan their technology rollouts so they're ready.
Better security better collaboration better performance and.
Timothy J. McGrath: So that timeline is you can run a IPC today there is.
Timothy J. McGrath: Generation coming in a couple of months, but that next generation is really end of year end.
Timothy J. McGrath: For many of our customers, though we've been helping them with that transformation and understanding that windows 11 will expire in October of 2025, but many of our customers are starting now to port their applications and to plan their technology Rollouts. So they are ready as you know many <unk>.
Timothy J. McGrath: As you know, many applications will take some time to port over, and finally, a lot of AI testing. So I'd say the future is bright, but the timing of that is still uncertain. It looks more toward the second half and later in the year.
Timothy J. McGrath: Locations will take some time to port over and finally, a lot of AI testing. So I'd say the future is bright, but the timing of that is still uncertain and it looks more toward the second half and later in our year.
Anthony Chester Lebiedzinski: Gotcha. Okay. And then last question for me before I pass it on to others:
Speaker Change: Gotcha, Okay, and then last question for me before I pass it onto others. Obviously, you guys continue to have a very strong balance sheet a lot of cash.
Unknown Executive: Obviously, you guys continue to have a very strong balance sheet, a lot of cash. So the buyback increase, which was good to see. Now, as far as acquisitions are concerned, can you comment on that, whether you're still looking at anything as far as valuation multiples are concerned? Has there been any sort of change since your last call?
Speaker Change: So the buyback increase which was good to see now as far as acquisitions.
Can you comment on that whether you are still looking at.
Speaker Change: Anything as far as valuation multiples has there been any.
Speaker Change: Sort of changed since your last call.
Unknown Executive: Yeah, Anthony, really not much has changed since our last call. We are interested in, you know, acquiring additional solution capabilities with complementary cultures. And certainly, we have the balance sheet to do that. And we continue to look, and we are starting to see, I think, the M&A activity heat up out there in the competitive landscape, at least a little more than it had been. So we continue to look. But in the meantime, we're really confident about the plan we have in place, the strategy we're deploying, and the team we have to go execute that plan. So, steady as she goes.
Speaker Change: Yes, Anthony really not much has changed since our last call we are interested in.
Anthony Chester Lebiedzinski: Acquiring additional solutions capabilities with our complementary cultures and certainly we have the balance sheet to do that and we continue to look and we are starting to see I think the M&A activity heat up out there.
Anthony Chester Lebiedzinski: There in the competitive landscape at least a little more than it had been so.
Anthony Chester Lebiedzinski: We continue to look but in the meantime, we're really confident about the plan we have in place strategy, we're deploying and the team we have to go execute that plan. So.
Anthony Chester Lebiedzinski: Steady as she goes.
Anthony Chester Lebiedzinski: Understandable. Well, thank you and best of luck. Thank you.
Speaker Change: Understood well, thank you and best of luck.
Speaker Change: Thanks Anthony.
Marvin: Thank you. One moment for our next question. Our next question comes from the line of Adam Tindle of Raymond James. Your line is now open.
Speaker Change: Thank you one moment for our next question.
Speaker Change: Our next question comes from the line of Adam Tindle of Raymond James Your line is now open.
Adam Tyler Tindle: Okay, thanks. Good afternoon.
Adam Tyler Tindle: Okay. Thanks, Good afternoon, I just wanted to start on.
Unknown Executive: I just wanted to start on overall guidance for the year. And Tim, I think on the last call you talked about gross profit dollars for 2024, the expectation to grow low to mid single digits. I think here, you know, obviously, we've got a little bit of a hole to start with, with gross profit dollars down. And it sounded like the commentary suggested Q2 was going to be low single digits year over year.
Adam Tyler Tindle: Overall guidance for the year and Tim I think on the last call you had talked about for gross profit dollars for 2024.
Adam Tyler Tindle: Expectation to grow low to mid single digits.
Adam Tyler Tindle: I think you're obviously, you've got a little bit of a hole to start with with gross profit dollars down and it sounded like the commentary suggested Q2 was going to be low single digits year over year is there maybe a different way that we should be thinking about gross profit dollar growth for the year in total.
Unknown Executive: Is there maybe a different way that we should be thinking about gross profit dollar growth for the year in total? And if you want to maybe go over some of the key product drivers that might be wildcards on the upside or the downside, I know it's hard to predict, but you know, the things that you're looking at that might drive things greater or lower than that, that'd be helpful. Thanks. Yeah, sure.
Adam Tyler Tindle: And then maybe go over some of the key product drivers that might be wildcards on the upside or the downside I know, it's hard to predict but.
Speaker Change: The things that Youre looking at that might drive things greater or lower than that that would be helpful. Thanks.
Unknown Executive: I'll get a little help from Tom here, Adam, but thanks for the questions. It's good to hear from you. When you think about it, we continue to believe, as you have heard us say repeatedly, that gross profit is the right metric for us to be focused on because of the amount of business that we do that's on a net basis. And when it comes to GP, we are thinking the back half of the year is going to be definitely stronger than the front half.
Speaker Change: Yes, sure I'll get a little help from Tommy or Adam, but thanks for the question. It's good to hear from you.
Speaker Change: When you think about it we continue to believe as you heard us say repeatedly that gross profit is the right metric for us to be focused on because of the amount of business that we do that on a net basis and.
Speaker Change: When it comes to GP, we are thinking of the back half is going to be the back half of the year is going to be certainly stronger than the front half clearly we were not happy with Q1 and.
Unknown Executive: We were not happy with Q1, and we are expecting to see single-digit growth and recovery in Q2, and we'll know more about Q3 and Q4, but we do think the year is weighted toward that back half.
Speaker Change: We are expecting to see single digit growth and recovery in Q2.
Speaker Change: <unk>.
Speaker Change: We will know more about Q3 and Q4, but do you think the year is weighted.
Speaker Change: Towards that back half.
Unknown Executive: And what I would say is, you know, clearly, Q1 didn't meet expectations, and I think the results in Q1 are going to, you know, show themselves in the full year results. So I think you're probably looking at low single digit, low, you know, low single digit growth in GP this year. Because, you know, Q2 is looking maybe a little bit weaker than we had expected as well when we started out the year.
Speaker Change: Yes.
Speaker Change: And what I would say is.
Speaker Change: Clearly Q1 didn't meet expectations.
Speaker Change: And I think.
The results in Q1.
Speaker Change: Show themselves in the full year results. So I think youre, probably looking at low single digit.
Speaker Change: No and low single digit growth in GDP this year.
Speaker Change: Because.
Q2s looking at maybe a little bit weaker than we had expected as well when we started out the year.
Unknown Executive: So I think those are going to carry through in terms of, you know, what changes that. You know, a lot of it comes back to this cycle of, you know, devices. And, you know, if we see a spike in device sales, there'll probably be a little lower margin. But that volume does help us out a lot. Netcom had a pretty weak quarter this quarter for us.
Speaker Change: So I think those are going to carry through in terms of what changes that.
Speaker Change: Yeah.
Speaker Change: You don't want a lot of it comes back to that.
Speaker Change: This cycle of devices.
Speaker Change: If we see a spike in device sales knowable, probably little lower margins and that volume does help us out a lot.
Speaker Change: Net com had a pretty weak quarter this quarter for us.
Unknown Executive: If that comes back, and we think it will in the back half of the year, that'll obviously be a little more accretive. So that's kind of how we're thinking about it now. It's pretty murky still, in terms of specifics.
Speaker Change: If that comes back and we think it will in the back half of the year that it will obviously be a little more accretive. So that's kind of how we're thinking about it now.
Speaker Change: Pretty pretty murky still in terms of specific product categories as im sure.
Unknown Executive: In terms of specific product categories, as I'm sure you know, Adam, the whole AI ecosystem is going to be very good for our server category, and later in the year, our AI-enabled PC or endpoint device category, and our storage category. And right now, cloud and cybersecurity on the software side have been strong, so they are good margin players. So what we really need to see through the balance of this year is that endpoint device adoption start to pick up.
Speaker Change: Adam.
Speaker Change: The whole ecosystem is going to be very good for art server category.
Speaker Change: Later in the year endpoint AI enabled PC, our endpoint device category in our storage category and right now cloud and cyber security on.
Speaker Change: The software side have been strong so good margin players so what we really need to see.
Speaker Change: Through the balance of this year is that that endpoint device adoption start to pick up and we're confident that it will even if theyre not AI Pcs in the early months still windows 11, and the benefits that are offered there along with an aging PC installed base.
Unknown Executive: And we're confident that it will, even if they're not AI PCs in the early months. Still, Windows 11 and the benefits that are offered there, along with an aging PC install base, are pretty good reasons for our customers to start to move and start to get their applications ported.
Speaker Change: Pretty good reasons for our customers to start to move and to start to get their applications ported.
Unknown Executive: Okay, that's very helpful. Thanks to you both.
Speaker Change: Okay, that's very helpful. Thanks.
Speaker Change: You both Tim.
Speaker Change: Tim I think in the prepared remarks.
Timothy J. McGrath: Tim, in your prepared remarks, you obviously AI is a huge topic for everybody, and you mentioned Microsoft Copilot. That seems to be the one that most investors are really focused on as sort of a leading product that's kind of leading the charge in AI. Just wonder, on that type of product specifically, if you could cover, you know, what does that mean for a reseller, you know, in terms of a Copilot license? And how are the economics similar or different for the reseller versus a traditional EA or ELA?
Timothy J. McGrath: Obviously AI is a huge topic for everybody and you mentioned, Microsoft co pilot that seems to be the one that most investors are really focused on is that sort of a leading product that's kind of leading the charge in AI just wonder on that type of a product specifically.
Timothy J. McGrath: If you could cover what does that mean for a reseller in terms of our co pilot license and how are the economics, similar or different to the reseller versus a traditional EAA or E. L. A.
Timothy J. McGrath: Thanks. So for co-pilots, there is a monthly fee. And there's a pretty good ecosystem around that, again, as we help our customers. We're running it internally now.
Speaker Change: Yes, thanks, so for coal pilots.
Speaker Change: There is a monthly fee and there is a pretty good ecosystem around that again as we help our customers.
Timothy J. McGrath: Many of our customers are running it as well. In fact, our co-pilot sales have been strong. They had a very good quarter for co-pilots, and that is an ongoing annuity stream. Now, as the next-gen PCs are available, we do expect that co-pilots will continue to be adopted at an accelerated rate because you'll be able to run co-pilots on your individual system in a secure environment without necessarily having to burst out to the cloud, so we'll be more secure and more contained. And we expect that will drive some volume. But the differences on the commission side and the revenue side are that today, that really will be an ongoing annuity as the customer continues to adopt versions.
Speaker Change: Sure.
Speaker Change: Running it internally now many of our customers are running at as well in fact, our copilot sales have been strong.
Speaker Change: We had a very good quarter for co pirates and that is.
Speaker Change: Ongoing annuity stream now as the.
Speaker Change: Next Gen Pcs are available.
Speaker Change: We do expect that co pilots will continue to be adopted at an accelerated rate because youll be able to run co pilot on your individual system in a secure environment.
Speaker Change: Without necessarily having to burst out too.
Speaker Change: Cloud so so that will be more secure and more contained and we expect that will drive some volume, but the differences on the commission side and the revenue side or that today that really will be an ongoing annuity.
Speaker Change: As the customer continues to adopt version.
Unknown Executive: Okay, was that any sort of a factor in the software revenue decline? I know you talked about revenue and gross profit dollars being a big difference in software. I guess, you know, maybe just a little bit more color on that trend, whether it relates to this or something different. And should that continue? Yeah.
Speaker Change: Okay was that any sort of a factor in the software revenue decline I know you talked about revenue and gross profit dollar.
Speaker Change: Being a big difference in software I guess, maybe just a little bit more color on that trend whether it relates to this or something different and should that continue.
Unknown Executive: Yeah, I think there's a couple things in there, Adam. Certainly, that contributes to the margin, but there are a couple other things in there as well.
Speaker Change: Yes.
Speaker Change: Thank.
Speaker Change: Just a couple of things in there Adam certainly that contributed to the margin.
Unknown Executive: Last year at this time, we had some very large deals go through that were recorded on a gross basis, believe it or not. So that's why, when you look at it, we had a pretty significant drop in revenue but a really nice increase in gross profit. And it just has to do with the nature of the deals that are going through that particular quarter. You know, you get a couple of 20, 30 million dollar deals; it does move the needle.
Speaker Change: But theres a couple of other things in there last year at this time, we had some very large deals go through that were recorded on a gross basis believe it or not so that's why when you look at it.
Speaker Change: We had a pretty significant drop in revenue, but a really nice increase in gross profit and it just has to do with the.
Speaker Change: The nature of the deals that are going through that particular quarter. When you get a couple of $20 $30 million deals.
Speaker Change: Does move the needle.
Unknown Executive: Got it. That's helpful. Thank you.
Speaker Change: Okay.
Speaker Change: Got it that's helpful. Thank you.
Timothy J. McGrath: Thank you, Adam. Thank you, thank you. This concludes the question and answer session. I would now like to turn it back to Tim McGrath for closing remarks.
Speaker Change: Yes.
Speaker Change: Thank you Adam.
Speaker Change: Thank you. This concludes our question and answer session I would now like to turn it back to Tim Mcgrath for closing remarks.
Timothy J. McGrath: Well, thank you, Marvin. I'd like to thank all of our customers, vendor partners, and shareholders for their continued support. And once again, our co-workers for their efforts and extraordinary dedication. I'd also like to thank all of you listening to the call this afternoon. Your time and interest in connecting are appreciated. Have a great evening.
Timothy J. McGrath: Well, thank you Marvin I'd like to thank all of our customers vendor partners and shareholders for their continued support and once again, our coworkers for their efforts and extraordinary dedication.
Timothy J. McGrath: I'd also like to thank all of you listening to the call. This afternoon.
Speaker Change: Time and interest in connection are appreciated.
Speaker Change: Have a great evening.
Marvin: Thank you for your participation in today's conference. This does conclude the program. You may now disconnect.
Speaker Change: Thank you for your participation in today's conference. This does conclude the program you may now disconnect.
Speaker Change: Okay.
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