Directors’ Deals: Softcat finance chief buys in ahead of AI boost

May 15, 2026 - 20:32

Softcat's finance director has purchased shares in the company just as the IT infrastructure firm reports a jump in profit, fueled by rising demand for cyber security products and artificial intelligence services.

The purchase, disclosed in a regulatory filing, shows the executive acquiring a significant number of ordinary shares at a price near the current market level. The move is often seen by investors as a signal of confidence in the company's near-term prospects, especially as Softcat positions itself to benefit from the AI boom.

The company reported that pre-tax profit rose by a double-digit percentage in its latest half-year results. Revenue also climbed, driven by strong sales in security software and cloud-based solutions. Businesses continue to invest heavily in protecting their networks from cyber threats, and Softcat has been a key supplier of these tools to corporate clients.

Management said the AI opportunity is starting to materialize, with more customers seeking hardware and services to support machine learning workloads. The finance chief's share purchase aligns with this optimistic outlook, suggesting that the leadership team expects the momentum to continue.

Softcat shares have risen steadily over the past year, outperforming the broader technology sector. The company also raised its dividend, returning more cash to shareholders. Analysts noted that the combination of organic growth and a strong balance sheet makes Softcat a standout in the UK tech space.

The insider buying adds to a pattern of positive sentiment around the stock, as the company navigates a period of rapid technological change and increased IT spending by enterprises.