Westcon-Comstor grows H1 sales to USD $2.78 billion on cybersecurity
Westcon-Comstor has reported gross sales growth of 9.8% to USD $2.78 billion and an increase in profitability for the first half of its 2026 financial year, driven by strong performances in cybersecurity, software and the shift towards recurring revenue streams.
The company's results for the six months ending 31 August 2025 show gross profit rising by 13.8% to USD $246 million, with gross margin expanding to 25.1%. This compares to gross profit of USD $216 million and a gross margin of 22.2% during the same period a year earlier.
Adjusted EBITDA stood at USD $76.4 million, up 7.3% from USD $71.2 million in the previous year, lifting the adjusted EBITDA margin to 7.8%.
Cybersecurity momentum
Cybersecurity remained the main growth driver for Westcon-Comstor, with sales up by 16% to USD $1.45 billion. The sector now represents 52% of total gross sales, an increase from 49% in the same period last year. The distributor attributed this growth to ongoing demand among channel partners and customers for cybersecurity expertise, supported by its technical resources, services, and expanding vendor base.
Other key technology areas also experienced increases. Software sales grew 30% to USD $1.14 billion, up from USD $879 million, and together with cloud sales, accounted for 48% of gross sales. Hardware represented 29% of the sales mix, highlighting the continuing evolution towards recurring revenues.
All three operating regions-Europe, Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Asia-Pacific (APAC)-posted year-on-year growth, with MEA and APAC delivering especially strong results.
Executive comments
"In our 40th year, these results underscore Westcon-Comstor's growth focus, agility and strategic role at the heart of the IT channel," said David Grant, CEO at Westcon-Comstor. "Powered by our data-driven approach, focus on innovation and world-class vendor portfolio, we are uniquely positioned to drive partner success today while redefining and reshaping distribution for tomorrow. Cybersecurity is now firmly embedded as a key boardroom priority, while cloud adoption is accelerating and unleashing new possibilities for AI in networking. Westcon-Comstor has the capability, solutions and coverage to empower our partners and vendors to deliver unparalleled results in a period of rapid technological change and evolving business models."
The company's financial outcomes were further supported by indirect tax credits of USD $15.5 million that were realised from the successful resolution of certain tax exposures in Westcon International's favour during the period. Excluding these credits, gross profit increased by 6.6% year-on-year to USD $230 million, and gross margin rose to 23.5%.
Callum McGregor, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Westcon-Comstor, commented on the outlook for the remainder of the year.
"The first half of FY26 exemplifies the sustainable growth that we have consistently achieved in recent years," said Callum McGregor. "With a healthy sales pipeline, strong vendor alliances and opportunities to grow in services and other margin-rich areas, we can look to the second half of the year and beyond with confidence. Regardless of the macroeconomic backdrop, we will maintain our sharp focus on driving partner and vendor success and helping to create a future-ready IT channel."
