Tech Data enjoys sales and margin boost in Q3

Computer 2000 parent posts decent third-quarter numbers

Sales and margins enjoyed a pleasing boost during a solid third fiscal quarter for distribution goliath Tech Data.

For the three months to the end of October, the firm's revenue rose seven per cent year on year to $6.6bn (£4.2bn). Third-quarter operating profit stood at $89.6m, which equates to operational margins of 1.36 per cent. This compares to margins of 1.31 per cent in the corresponding period last year.

Sales growth, as reported in dollars, was helped by the strengthening of foreign currencies against the US. Such fluctuations boosted Tech Data's top-line growth by three points.

Total revenue for the first nine months of FY12 has increased 12 per cent annually to almost $19.4bn. The Americas accounted for 42 per cent of this total, with sales up four per cent to $8.1bn. Europe, which has chipped in 58 per cent of the Florida-based firm's revenue so far this year, has enjoyed a sales spike of 19 per cent, in dollar terms.

Robert Dutkowsky, chief executive of Tech Data, claimed he expects all regions to post "flat to low single-digit growth in local currencies" during the year's closing quarter.

"Demonstrating the resiliency of our business model, our teams in both regions successfully navigated a moderating demand environment [in Q3], selecting pockets of opportunity and delivering year-over-year sales and earnings growth," he added.

"Our performance this quarter demonstrates once again how our strategic focus on execution, innovation and diversification has strengthened our value proposition in the marketplace and helped deliver improved results throughout the up and down cycles."