Company Description
PC Connection, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNXN), doing business as Connection, is an information technology solutions provider serving business, government, healthcare, and education markets. Classified in business-to-business electronic markets within the wholesale trade sector, the company focuses on delivering IT products and services to organizations across the United States and to international customers through its subsidiaries.
According to company disclosures, Connection is a Fortune 1000 company headquartered in Merrimack, New Hampshire, with offices throughout the United States. The company’s stock trades on NASDAQ under the ticker CNXN. Connection highlights its ability to deliver custom-configured computer systems overnight from an ISO 9001:2015 certified technical configuration lab located at its distribution center in Wilmington, Ohio, reflecting an emphasis on configuration quality and rapid fulfillment.
Business Model and Segments
PC Connection, Inc. describes itself as a provider of information technology solutions and products. Based on the company’s own descriptions and segment reporting, it conducts operations through three primary business segments:
- Connection Business Solutions – a rapid-response provider of IT products and services serving primarily the small- and medium-sized business sector. This segment offers access to more than 460,000 brand-name IT products through technically trained sales account managers, publications, and the Connection website.
- Connection Enterprise Solutions – focuses on corporate technology buyers. The segment provides IT solutions, IT supply-chain expertise, and real-time access to over 460,000 products and a large base of vendors via MarkITplace®, a proprietary cloud-based supply chain solution. Engineers, software licensing specialists, and subject matter experts support customers across the IT lifecycle.
- Connection Public Sector Solutions – serves federal, state, and local government agencies and educational institutions. It is described as a rapid-response provider of IT products and services delivered through specialized account managers, publications, and online channels.
In addition to these operating segments, Connection reports that it services international customers through its GlobalServe subsidiary, which it characterizes as a global IT procurement and service management company.
Products, Services, and Technical Capabilities
Across its segments, Connection offers a broad catalog of IT products that, according to company disclosures, includes computer systems, software, peripheral equipment, networking and communications products, servers and storage, accessories, displays and sound equipment, and other hardware and services. Product mix data in earnings releases references categories such as notebooks/mobility, desktops, software, servers/storage, networking (net/com products), accessories, displays and sound, and other hardware/services.
The company states that it operates an ISO 9001:2015 certified technical configuration lab, which supports the delivery of custom-configured systems. Connection also reports holding thousands of technical certifications, indicating a focus on technical expertise. In various releases, the company notes that it has over 2,500 or over 5,000 technical certifications, underscoring an emphasis on trained personnel capable of addressing complex customer requirements.
Connection’s Enterprise Solutions segment highlights the use of MarkITplace®, described as a proprietary, next-generation, cloud-based supply chain solution that provides real-time access to hundreds of thousands of products and a large vendor network. The company also emphasizes capabilities in areas such as data center modernization, digital workplace transformation, supply chain innovation, and advanced technologies including cloud, software, and security solutions, as referenced in its earnings commentary.
Customer Markets and Use Cases
Connection explicitly identifies the following customer markets in its public communications:
- Business – including small- and medium-sized businesses served by Connection Business Solutions and larger corporate buyers served by Connection Enterprise Solutions.
- Government – federal, state, and local government agencies served by Connection Public Sector Solutions.
- Education – educational institutions, including public school systems and other academic organizations.
- Healthcare – referenced as one of the markets for which Connection provides IT solutions.
Within these markets, the company’s communications highlight customer needs such as data center refresh initiatives, digital workplace solutions (including mobility and desktops), cloud and software adoption, and security solutions. The company also points to its role in helping customers pursue operational efficiencies and productivity gains enabled by technology.
Scale and Financial Reporting Structure
PC Connection, Inc. reports its results by segment (Business Solutions, Enterprise Solutions, and Public Sector Solutions) and by product categories such as notebooks/mobility, desktops, software, servers/storage, networking, accessories, displays and sound, and other hardware/services. The company’s earnings releases describe metrics such as net sales, gross profit, gross margin, operating margin, and segment-level performance, as well as non-GAAP measures including Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share.
Connection’s disclosures also reference inventory turns, days sales outstanding, and stock performance indicators, reflecting a focus on working capital efficiency and capital markets metrics. The company has noted the declaration of regular quarterly cash dividends and the use of share repurchase programs as part of its capital allocation decisions, as disclosed in its earnings releases and related Form 8-K filings.
Risk Factors and Operating Environment
In its cautionary statements and references to risk factors, Connection notes that its business is influenced by several factors, including:
- Substantial competition and significant price competition, which can affect market share and profit margins.
- Dependence on major vendors, where the loss of a major vendor could affect the number or type of products the company can offer.
- Changes in information technology consumption models, such as virtualization of networks, servers, applications, and data storage, which may disrupt or alter traditional distribution models.
- Service interruptions at third-party shippers and increases in shipping and postage costs, which can impact margins and operational performance.
- Human capital risks, including the loss of key personnel or challenges in attracting, training, and retaining qualified staff.
- Cybersecurity risks, including cyberattacks or failures to safeguard personal information and IT systems, which could result in liability and reputational harm.
- Macroeconomic factors, such as volatility in capital markets, trade policy changes, tariffs, economic slowdowns or recessions, government shutdowns, changes in tax policy, inflation, and interest rate changes that may influence customer investment levels in IT products.
These factors are further detailed in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are referenced in the cautionary notes included in earnings releases.
Corporate Governance and Equity Compensation
In an amended Form 8-K, PC Connection, Inc. disclosed that its stockholders approved an amendment to the company’s 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, increasing the number of shares that may be issued under the plan. The Board of Directors had previously adopted the amendment subject to stockholder approval. The company also reported that stockholders selected a three-year frequency for advisory votes on executive compensation, and the Board determined that future say-on-pay votes will be held every three years until the next required frequency vote or a different determination by the Board.
Recognition, Partnerships, and Programs
Connection’s public communications highlight several programs and partnerships that illustrate aspects of its positioning in the IT ecosystem:
- Microsoft partnership and security specializations – The company reports that it is an AI Cloud Microsoft Solutions Partner and lists multiple Microsoft Solutions Partner designations, including Infrastructure (Azure), Data & AI (Azure), Digital & App Innovation (Azure), Modern Work, Security, and Business Applications. It also notes Microsoft Security Specializations in Cloud Security, Identity and Access Management, Information Protection and Governance, and Threat Protection, along with other specializations such as Adoption and Change Management, Modernize Endpoints, and Teamwork Deployment. Connection further identifies participation in Microsoft expert programs and capabilities, such as Azure Expert Managed Services Provider, Microsoft Direct Cloud Services Partner, Microsoft FastTrack Ready Partner, and various licensing and marketplace programs.
- IT Superhero Awards – Connection sponsors and administers the IT Superhero Awards, an industry awards program that recognizes IT professionals who “save the day” in their organizations. The program includes multiple categories (Best Team Leader, Best Rookie, Best Catch, Best Superpower, Most Unshakeable) and an Ultimate IT Superhero award. Winners may direct charitable donations from Connection to organizations such as Feeding America, NPower, and the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) through the company’s Connection Cares program.
- CNXN Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics – In connection with the IT Superhero Awards, the company references the CNXN Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics, indicating an internal focus area related to AI and robotics, led by its Chief Growth and Innovation Officer.
Stock and Regulatory Filings
PC Connection, Inc. files periodic and current reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K. Recent Form 8-K filings have disclosed quarterly earnings results, dividend declarations, and stockholder meeting outcomes, including amendments to equity incentive plans and say-on-pay frequency decisions. These filings provide additional detail on the company’s financial condition, results of operations, risk factors, and corporate governance matters.