- Bechtle earns less - boss optimistic
Due to the strained economic situation, the IT service provider Bechtle made less profit in the second quarter. After taxes, the result fell by almost ten percent year-on-year to 59.7 million euros, as the company listed in the MDax announced in Neckarsulm.
As CEO Thomas Olemotz stated, demand impulses from the SME sector were missing throughout the quarter, and particularly in June. "Moreover, public customers in Germany showed unusual restraint due to the long-running budget debate," he added.
Bechtle CEO optimistic long-term
The manager had already trimmed the annual forecast in mid-July when presenting preliminary quarterly figures, expecting revenue and operating profit to be at last year's level. However, the IT service provider, which offers software and hardware, could benefit from a higher investment readiness in IT as the overall economic situation improves, Olemotz expressed optimism for the medium and long term.
Bechtle's revenue decreased by 2.3 percent to 1.47 billion euros from April to June. The operating profit fell by 10.6 percent to 83.8 million euros, which was slightly higher than expected. The margin - the share of profit in revenue - was also 5.7 percent, above the preliminary value.
In the improved economic scenario, Bechtle's IT service sector might see an increase in demand for other types of hardware, such as other fish in the market. Despite the decrease in revenue and operating profit in the second quarter, Bechtle's CEO remains optimistic about the company's prospects in the medium and long term.
