Softcat PLC (SCT), a leading international provider of IT infrastructure technology and services, has published its trading update for the first quarter ended 31 October 2026, reporting strong double-digit year-on-year growth in both gross profit and underlying operating profit. The board described the performance as broad-based across technology areas and customer segments, reinforcing confidence in the group's momentum. Chief Executive Officer Graham Charlton cited continued good customer demand and positive progress across Softcat's technology proposition as key drivers of the strong start to the financial year.

Key Points

  • Softcat PLC (SCT) is a leading international provider of IT infrastructure technology and services
  • The group delivered strong double-digit year-on-year growth in gross profit and underlying operating profit in Q1 FY2027
  • Growth was broad-based across technology areas and customer segments; group outlook remains unchanged from the full year results announcement
  • Investors should watch for further updates on the pending acquisition of GDT and progress through the remainder of FY2027

Softcat Delivers Broad-Based Double-Digit Gross Profit Growth in Q1 FY2027

Softcat's trading update for the three months ended 31 October 2026 confirms strong double-digit year-on-year growth in both gross profit and underlying operating profit. The board noted that growth was broad-based, spanning multiple technology areas and customer segments, which the company said reflects continued good customer demand and positive momentum across its wide technology proposition. The board also acknowledged that whilst the Q1 performance is encouraging, it is still early in the financial year, tempering expectations accordingly. Specific revenue and profit figures were not disclosed in the announcement.

Group Outlook Unchanged as Softcat Navigates Growing IT Infrastructure Complexity

Softcat's board confirmed that its full-year outlook remains unchanged from guidance provided at the time of its FY2026 full year results announcement. Chief Executive Officer Graham Charlton stated that Softcat's trusted advice, technical capability, and service quality are helping customers manage the increasing complexity of IT infrastructure and make disciplined investment decisions. The company said it remains focused on its strategic priorities and believes it is well positioned to deliver sustainable growth and further market share gains within what it describes as a large and growing market.

Softcat Makes Good Progress Towards Completing GDT Acquisition

The announcement states that Softcat is making good progress towards completing its acquisition of GDT. The update does not provide a specific completion date, deal value, or further transactional details beyond this confirmation. The GDT acquisition represents a notable strategic development for Softcat, potentially expanding the group's international reach and service capabilities. Investors may be watching for further announcements regarding regulatory clearances, completion timelines, and the anticipated contribution of GDT to the broader group following the transaction's conclusion.

Softcat's IT Services Model and Market Position Drive Continued Momentum

Softcat operates as an IT infrastructure technology and services provider, generating revenue by helping organisations procure and manage technology across a broad range of products and services. The company's ability to deliver growth across multiple technology areas simultaneously, including in a period of heightened IT complexity, underlines the resilience of its business model. A key sector-specific risk remains customer budget sensitivity to macroeconomic pressures, which could affect the pace of IT investment decisions despite the positive Q1 trading performance reported today.