• Gross sales up 7.4% to $1,419.4 million
• Profit after tax up 4.3% to $22.4 million
• Interim dividend increased by 4% to 13.10 cents per share

Data#3 Limited has reported its financial results for the half year ended 31 December 2024. Gross sales increased by 7.4% to $1,419.4 million, driven by growth across all business units except Consulting and Infrastructure Solutions. Statutory revenue (including interest and other income) of $397.9 million was down 1.9% on the prior comparative period, with Software Solutions and Maintenance Services sales revenues presented on a net revenue basis following the company's change in revenue accounting policy during FY24. Profit before tax of $32.0 million was up 4.1% on the prior period, in line with guidance. Profit after tax of $22.4 million was up 4.3%, representing basic earnings per share of 14.43 cents. The company's cash balance at 31 December 2024 was $131.0 million, up from $117.1 million a year earlier. The Board has declared a fully franked interim dividend of 13.10 cents per share, an increase of 4% from the previous period. The company's strategic priorities for FY25 remain focused on Solutions, People and Community, Customer Experience, and Operational Excellence, with ongoing sales opportunities in areas like AI, security, and data centre infrastructure.

The company provided guidance for the first half of FY25, with profit before tax expected to be in the range of $31 million to $33 million.

The company sees ongoing sales opportunities in areas like AI, security, and data centre infrastructure, as well as increased demand for end-user devices driven by the need to support Windows 11, AI-enabled devices, and general refresh cycles. The company is also implementing strategic initiatives to mitigate the financial impact of reduced Microsoft Enterprise Agreement incentives, including a focus on the SMC segment, bolstering its CSP business, and examining resources servicing the Microsoft Enterprise business.