Computacenter Raises 2026 Profit Forecast to at Least £425 Million as Order Backlog Grows

British technology services company Computacenter raised its full-year 2026 earnings outlook on Monday, October 26, after reporting a stronger-than-expected third quarter and a brisk start to the final three months of the year.

The company now expects adjusted profit before tax of at least £425 million for 2026. Its own compiled analyst consensus before the update stood at £387.1 million, with estimates ranging from £380.8 million to £395.3 million. The new minimum is also above the £380 million profit floor the company set when it published its first-half results in September.

Computacenter reported a record committed product order backlog of £12.6 billion at the end of September, compared with £9.3 billion at the end of June. The measure represents outstanding orders placed with suppliers against customer orders that cannot be cancelled, with delivery expected within 12 months. It is a measure of committed business rather than recognised revenue or realised profit.

Management attributed much of the growth in technology sourcing to hyperscale and specialist AI-cloud customers in North America and the United Kingdom. Professional services revenue also grew, helping offset a decline in managed services revenue. The company reported strong technology sourcing activity in Germany while continuing efficiency measures there.

The trading statement is based on unaudited third-quarter information. The raised guidance is a forecast, not a final earnings result. Strong demand for equipment used in data centres can lift sales while changing the mix of higher- and lower-margin business, so the backlog alone does not determine eventual profitability or cash generation.

Computacenter said it plans an investor event in Hatfield on November 24 to discuss growth opportunities in North America and its European data-centre capabilities. Its next scheduled trading update is due January 28, 2027.