Wesco profit surges 52% as data center boom drives record sales

Wesco International (NYSE:WCC) reported record-breaking results for the first quarter of 2026, as the company’s strategic pivot toward high-growth digital infrastructure paid off with a significant expansion in both top-line revenue and profitability.

Total sales climbed 13.8% year-over-year to $6.08 billion, with organic sales rising 12.3%, comfortably outpacing broader industrial sector trends.

The quarter’s performance was powered by an unprecedented surge in the data center vertical.

Sales in this segment reached approximately $1.4 billion—accounting for nearly a quarter of total revenue—representing a staggering 70% increase compared to the prior year.

Management noted that the rapid build-out of artificial intelligence infrastructure is creating a multi-year tailwind for the company's electrical and network solution business.

This demand helped push Wesco's total backlog to a new record, up 22% year-over-year.

Profitability metrics showed even sharper growth.

GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) hit $3.11, while adjusted EPS surged 52.5% to $3.37.

The company’s focus on cash generation remained a priority, with operating cash flow coming in at $221 million and free cash flow at $213 million, representing 128% of adjusted net income.

This strong liquidity position allowed the company to continue its deleveraging efforts while supporting high-return capital allocation.

Reflecting the momentum across its core business units, Wesco raised its full-year 2026 financial outlook.

The company now anticipates higher organic growth and expanded operating margins as the benefits of its digital transformation and scale continue to materialize.