Softcat reports 19.4 percent profit growth as outlook slows for Softcat stock
Published on 10/18/2026 at 13:30 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSProfit growth meets a slower forecast
- Underlying operating profit increased 19.4 percent in fiscal 2026, reported on October 14, 2026.
- Underlying operating profit margin fell to 4.6 percent from 5.0 percent during fiscal 2026.
- Berenberg retained its Buy rating and a GBp 2,400.00 target on October 16, 2026.
- Softcat was last at GBp 1,700.00 on October 16, 2026, with a GBP 3.7 billion market value.
Softcat stock (ISIN GB00BYZDVK82) followed fiscal 2026 underlying operating profit of GBP 215.1 million, up 19.4 percent year over year. According to the Financial Times on October 14, 2026, the company expects high single-digit underlying operating profit growth in fiscal 2027, excluding GDT.
Results show growth and investment
Softcat reported fiscal 2026 revenue of GBP 1,975.1 million, up 35.4 percent from GBP 1,458.4 million in fiscal 2025. Gross profit rose 24.7 percent to GBP 616.3 million, while gross invoiced income increased 30.5 percent to GBP 4,719.7 million, according to the TradingView report carrying the company announcement.
The comparison also exposes the cost of expansion. Underlying operating costs increased 27.7 percent in fiscal 2026, while underlying operating profit grew 19.4 percent. The underlying operating profit margin fell to 4.6 percent from 5.0 percent as Softcat invested in systems, people and offices.
Three events shaped the stock
On September 17, 2026, Softcat announced the USD 1.05 billion acquisition of GDT; on September 18, 2026, it raised GBP 354 million through an equity issue; and on October 14, 2026, it reported GBP 215.1 million of underlying operating profit. The equity issue and its results timetable were reported by Investegate, while the results figures came from the TradingView release.
Which dates matter next?
Softcat shares are scheduled to go ex-dividend on November 12, 2026, with the shareholder record date on November 13, 2026. The proposed final dividend of 21.6 pence per share is payable on December 21, 2026, if approved, according to DividendMax.
What does the outlook mean for margins?
The guidance points to a more measured profit path after two years of strong expansion. Berenberg retained its Buy rating and a GBp 2,400.00 price target on October 16, 2026, according to Business Insider. The target remains above the latest London quote, but the margin decline makes execution and GDT integration central to the fiscal 2027 case.
London valuation stays measurable
Softcat was last at GBp 1,700.00 on the London Stock Exchange on October 16, 2026 at 4:35 p.m. London time. Its market capitalization was GBP 3.7 billion, while the 52-week range stood at GBp 1,083.00 to GBp 2,134.00, both as of October 16, 2026. The further course of trading is shown by the continuously updated real-time quote of Softcat stock.
Softcat stock key data
- Company: Softcat plc
- ISIN: GB00BYZDVK82
- Ticker: SCT
- Primary exchange: London Stock Exchange
- Market capitalization: GBP 3.7 billion (as of October 16, 2026)
- 52-week range: GBp 1,083.00-2,134.00 (as of October 16, 2026)
- Sector / Industry: Technology / Information Technology Services
- Index membership: FTSE 100
Market context: Market report FTSE 100.
