ASX 200 tech stock down 11% despite record half-year profit

This technology business is the biggest faller on the ASX 200 today.

| More on:
A man looking at his laptop and thinking.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

ASX 200 tech stock Data#3 Limited (ASX: DTL) is floundering on Thursday, down 10.79% to $8.73.

The drop follows the release of the business technology solutions company's 1H FY24 report.

It was only two days ago that the ASX 200 tech stock reached a new record high share price of $10.01.

Today, it is the biggest faller of the ASX 200.

Let's take a look at the report.

ASX 200 tech stock tumbles on Thursday

Here are the highlights for the six months ended 31 December 2023:

  • Gross sales up 13.4% to $1.3 billion
  • Statutory revenue up 11.1% to $450.1 million
  • Net profit before tax up 25.3% to $30.8 million
  • Net profit after tax (NPAT) up 25.5% to $21.4 million
  • Basic earnings per share (EPS) up 25.5% to 13.85 cents per share
  • Interim dividend up 26% to 12.6 cents per share, fully franked, and payable 28 March

What did Data#3 management say?

CEO Laurence Baynham said:

The record result reflects good contributions across most of our business units and regions, with company Gross Sales growth over double industry growth rates.

Our Services and Software Solutions businesses performed ahead of expectations, with 67% of Gross Sales now recurring.

Although our Infrastructure Solutions business was up on the prior period, it was impacted by customers previously ordering in advance of requirements, in response to pandemic related supply chain issues.

This slowed down ordering and decision making in the current period. Improved supply chain conditions reduced our stock levels, and our diligent management of working capital enabled us to benefit from increased interest income of $6.5 million.

What's next for Data#3?

Baynham said the company expected digital transformation and artificial intelligence to play a key role in Australia's economic future.

The company did not offer full-year FY24 guidance but said its goal was to deliver sustainable earnings growth.

Baynham will retire from his role after 30 years with the company on 1 March. He is undertaking a four-month transition process to ensure a smooth handing over of the reins to new CEO Brad Colledge.

ASX 200 tech stock price snapshot

The #Data3 share price is up 17.7% over the past 12 months.

By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 3.4% over the same period.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Technology Shares

Man holding a calculator with Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Technology Shares

$10,000 invested in DroneShield shares 5 years ago is now worth…

You might be laughing all the way to the bank if you had done this.

Read more »

Happy woman working on a laptop.
Technology Shares

Up 60% since April, why this $40 billion ASX 200 tech stock remains a 'compelling buy' today

A leading expert believes this $40 billion ASX 200 tech stock has a lengthy growth runway ahead of it yet.

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Technology Shares

DroneShield shares sink 7% despite big news

Let's see what's going on with this market darling on Thursday.

Read more »

A man activates an arrow shooting up into a cloud sign on his iPad.
Technology Shares

Up 25% since April, is it too late to buy Xero shares today?

A leading expert gives his verdict on the growth outlook for Xero shares.

Read more »

Man looking at digital holograms of graphs, charts, and data.
Technology Shares

2 amazing ASX tech shares I wish I'd bought last year

These tech companies are among the world’s best companies.

Read more »

A man in a business suit and tie places three wooden blocks with the numbers 1, 2, and 3 on them on top of each other.
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy this booming ASX All Ords tech stock today

A leading broker forecasts more gains to come from this surging ASX All Ords tech stock.

Read more »

Man ponders a receipt as he looks at his laptop.
Technology Shares

Brokers rerate 3 leading ASX 200 tech stocks

Experts reveal their ratings on the ASX 200 tech sector's three biggest companies.

Read more »

Hologram of a man next to a human robot, symbolising artificial intelligence.
AI Stocks

Why Macquarie forecasts a big rebound for these 2 quality ASX All Ords tech stocks

Macquarie expects a big rebound is coming for these AI linked, ASX All Ords tech stocks.

Read more »