International information andcommuni- cation technology group Datatec expects to report revenues in excess of $6-billion and underlying earnings per share of more than $0.40 for the financial year ending February 28, 2015.
In an interim management statement for September 1 to December 31, 2014, published last week, the group outlined that the revenue growth would largely be driven by an improved performance by its Westcon subsidiary; a small improvement in the operating margins of Westcon and of its Logicalis subsidiary; and an effective group tax rate of about 36%.
Westcon was expected to contribute about 75% and Logicalis about 24% of total group revenue for the financial year.
Datatec, led by CEO Jens Montanana, meanwhile, pointed out that an economic recovery was under way in the US but that economic conditions in Europe and emerging markets remained mixed, with increased capital and currency market volatility.
In the three months ended December, Westcon continued its strong recovery, especi-ally in North America, with significant year-on-year growth in revenues. The global enterprise resource planning (ERP) transition was progressing well. with new implementations in Singapore and Australia largely completed.
“The last few months have been strong across all divisions, with North and South America, in particular, delivering robust performance. The Westcon turnaround in the first half [of the year continued up to December and its ERP roll-out is now well on track,” said Montanana.
Westcon’s revenue for the ten months ended December 31 was more than 20% higher than the revenue for the ten months ended December 31, 2013. In North America, revenues were over 40% higher than in the prior comparable period.