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Tech Data

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FY1998 Annual Report · Tech Data
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FISCAL 1998 
ANNUAL REPORT

Delivering New Products

Defining New Markets

Developing New Opportunities

Demonstrating New Value

YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998

Tech Data Corporation is 

a leading full-line distributor

of personal computer 

products, serving more than

70,000 resellers throughout

the United States, Canada,

Latin America, Germany,

France, Switzerland and

Austria. The Fortune 500

company distributes more

than 45,000 products from

over 900 manufacturers and

publishers. Tech Data also

provides extensive pre- and

post-sale training, service 

and support as well as 

high-quality configuration 

and assembly services and 

a full range of electronic 

commerce solutions. 

TECH DATA CORPORATION

CONTENTS

1
2
9
14
17
18

19

23
23
24
27

Financial highlights
Letter to shareholders
Description of business
Executive officers
Stock price history
Selected financial data
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial
condition and results of operations
Report of independent certified public accountants
Report of management
Consolidated financial statements
Notes to consolidated financial statements

Financial Highlights    u

Tech Data Corporation And Subsidiaries

For the year ended January 31:

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

(In thousands, except per share data)

Net sales  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$7,056,619

$ 4,598,941

$ 3,086,620

$ 2,418,410

$ 1,532,352

Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net income per common share:

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

At year end:

465,746

89,485

321,781

56,973

219,394

21,541

199,288

34,912

134,385

30,213

2.00

1.92

1.39

1.35

.57

.56

.92

.91

.83

.83

Working capital  . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 537,381

$ 351,993

$ 201,704

$ 182,802

$ 165,366

Total assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2,185,383

Shareholders’ equity  . . . . . . . .

702,588

1,545,294

438,381

1,043,879

285,698

784,429

260,826

506,760

213,326

Net Sales
$ millions

Net Income
$ millions

1994 1995 1996 1997  1998
1994 1995 1996 1997  1998

1994 1995 1996 1997  1998

Shareholders’ Equity

$ millions

Basic Earnings Per Share

1994 1995 1996 1997  1998
1994 1995 1996 1997  1998

1994 1995 1996 1997  1998
1994 1995 1996 1997  1998

FISCAL 1998 ANNUAL REPORT

1

Integrity

The foundation of our 

To our shareholders:

Tech  Data  Corporation  delivered  exceptional  results  in  the  1998 

fiscal  year.  In  addition  to  a  record-breaking  financial  performance,  we

made great strides in customer service and positioned the company for

future  domestic  and  international  growth. u

For  the  year  ended

business is based upon

January 31, 1998, net sales increased 53.4% to $7.1 billion, and net

integrity. All interactions 

with customers, vendors, 

income  grew  57.1%  to  $89.5  million,  or  $1.92  per  diluted  share.

Through improved operating efficiency and increased business volume,

our  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses  as  a  percentage  of 

net  sales  declined  to  a  record  low  4.15%  compared  with  4.50%  last

suppliers, shareholders 

year.  A  well-balanced  sales  mix  characterized  overall  results,  with

and fellow employees will 

products  18%  and  software  16%.

u With  our  acquisition  of  a 

peripherals  representing  42%  of  the  total,  systems  24%,  networking

be conducted with integrity

controlling  interest  in  Macrotron  AG,  we  took  another  major  step 

forward  in  our  pan-European  expansion  strategy.  This  Munich-based

and mutual respect. u

distributor brought Tech Data a leadership position in the German mar-

ket  as  well  as  a  presence  in  Switzerland  and  Austria.  Although  our

1998 fiscal year reflects only six months of results from Macrotron, inter-

Customers across all markets segments 

are working with Tech Data in 

innovative ways that extend well 

beyond our traditional role as a 

value-added, full-line distributor.

national 

sales 

have

grown  to  represent  more

than  20%  of  Tech  Data’s

overall  business.  This

compares  to  13%  in  our

last  fiscal  year.

u

All  of  Tech  Data’s  international  operations 

experienced  strong  growth.  In  Canada,  we  continued  to  gain  market

share and capitalize on new opportunities. Our substantial export sales

into Latin America and the Caribbean are now complemented by our first

2

TECH DATA CORPORATION

Letter to Shareholders u

in-country distribution center operations in the region. This facility, which

includes  a  dedicated  sales  organization,  opened  last  year  near 

São Paulo to serve our customers in Brazil—Latin

America’s largest technology market. In Europe,

the  addition  of  Macrotron  was  only  one  of  the

major  highlights.  Our  Paris-based  subsidiary

again  finished  the  year  as  a  leading  computer

products distributor in France.     u Although

our 

international  developments

attracted 

significant  attention  last  year,  Tech  Data 

Of all the reasons 

that continue to 

distinguish Tech Data 

in the eyes 

of customers 

and vendors, 

none shines any

brighter than 

our people.

enjoyed  profound  success  in  the  U.S.  market.  As  in  each  of  the  past 

five  years,  our  sales  growth  in  the  critical  U.S.  market  has  outpaced 

that  of  the  microcomputer  distribution  industry  as  a  whole,  according 

to MSI, a leading industry research firm.

Bringing new value to the supply chain

Customers  across  all  markets  segments  are  working  with  Tech  Data 

in  innovative  ways  that  extend  well  beyond  our  traditional  role  as  a

Employees

Our employees make 

the difference! We will 

value-added, full-line distributor. Vendors have also turned to us for help

invest in the development 

in  strengthening  their  business  models.  We  are  addressing the 

complete spectrum of needs.  u Electronic commerce and assemble-

to-order  services  are  among  our  most  dynamic  strategic  initiatives. 

We  are  fortunate  to  have  the  resources,  leadership  and  ingenuity  to

of our employees and 

provide a professionally 

respond  to  these  market  requirements  that  are  revolutionizing  the 

challenging and rewarding

industry.

u

Our  Internet  site  advances  and  other  electronic 

commerce  innovations  were  recently  recognized  by  CIO  magazine,

which  awarded  Tech  Data  one  of  its  prestigious  Enterprise  Value 

Awards.  Configuration  and  assembly  capabilities  also  progressed

environment.  u

FISCAL 1998 ANNUAL REPORT

3

markedly as we obtained ISO 9002 certification and began assembly of

IBM  systems  at  our  South  Bend  facility.  In  addition,  Compaq 

Technical support, 

education, credit and 

other Tech Data offerings

are bringing remarkable

value to both our 

customer and 

vendor partnerships.

and  Hewlett-Packard  have  selected

Tech  Data  as  a  distribution  partner  to

provide these  services.

u

Tech

Data’s  unparalleled  commitment  to

customer  service  excellence  is  also

taking  the  company  to  new  frontiers

in the distribution model. For example, we recently established our

own  state-of-the-art  distribution  and  logistics  capabilities  at  IBM’s

Research  Triangle  Park,  N.C.,  manufacturing 

facility.  This

“FactoryDirect”  approach  enables  Tech  Data  to  provide  the  fastest

delivery possible of IBM products.     u

Today’s hardware and

software  vendors  not  only  rely  on  Tech  Data  to  help  them  get 

Partners

Strategic business 

partnerships with 

product  to  the  right  destinations,  they  are  also  looking  for  other

customers, vendors and

suppliers produce benefits

high-quality  services  that  support  their  sales.  Technical  support, 

education,  credit  and  other  Tech  Data  offerings  are  bringing 

remarkable value to both our customer and vendor partnerships. All

of  these  services  were  greatly  enhanced  last  year,  and  we 

for all of our business 

continue  to  make  investments  to  ensure  they  remain  the  best  in  the

partners.  We will conduct

industry.

The right formula

our business in a manner

Reaching  the  right  customers  with  the  right  products  and  services  is

another  Tech  Data  advantage.  Through  dedicated  sales  divisions, 

which supports our 

targeted  marketing  programs  and  many  specialized  services,  the  com-

business partners. u

pany  has  optimized  its  support  for  resellers  across  all  market 

segments 

including  government,  retail,  direct  reseller,  original 

4

TECH DATA CORPORATION

Letter to Shareholders u

equipment  manufacturer  (OEM),  and  value-added  reseller  (VAR) 

Shareholders

channels.  As  vendors  strive  to  further  differentiate  their  product  lines

according  to  specific  customer  requirements,  it  is  imperative  that  they

Shareholders deserve a

do  business  with  a  distributor 

that  understands 

these 

markets and can help them get the job done.     u

In addition to the

thousands of products we helped our existing vendor partners intro-

duce last year, we also welcomed many new manufacturers and pub-

reasonable return on 

their investment in our 

lishers to our line card. These agreements included major players in

company.  We are

the corporate market such as JVC, Siemens and Tektronix as well as

some  of 

the  biggest  names  on 

retail 

shelves:  Casio, 

Dr.  Solomon’s  Software  and  Hasbro  Interactive.  From  long-term

industry leaders to rising stars, the consensus is clear; Tech Data is a

focused on profitability

in order to attract 

preferred  business  partner  with  a  great  future.          u

Of  all  the 

sufficient capital for our

reasons  that  continue  to  distinguish  Tech  Data  in  the  eyes  of 

customers  and  vendors,  none  shines  any  brighter  than  our  people.

Our employee family grew last year to more than 5,000 associates

worldwide. At our corporate headquarters alone, where we opened

a new 240,000 square-foot facility, we created more than 300 new

employment  opportunities.          u

Our  management  team  also

became  stronger  than

ever.  Key  executive

In every respect, Tech Data is a company 

appointments  over  the

past  year 

included

that represents value … to its customers, 

vendors and shareholders.

Gerald  M.  Labie  to  president  and  managing  director  of  European

operations,  and  H.  John  Lochow  to  senior  vice  president  and  chief

information  officer.  These  industry  veterans  have  the  experience, 

leadership  qualities  and  insight  to  provide  tremendous  contributions.

continued growth.  u

FISCAL 1998 ANNUAL REPORT

5

Change

Jerry  brings  more  than  30  years  of  domestic  and  international 

computer  industry  experience  to  his  newly  created  position.  He  was

Our business continues 

most  recently  senior  vice  president  and  general  manager,  Europe,  at

to evolve based on 

ever-changing market 

Stream  International,  a  global  software  reseller.  John  most  recently

served as CIO of Bell Canada, Canada’s largest company, where he was

credited  with  increasing  efficiency  and  introducing  an  enterprise-

wide IS architecture to modernize their legacy environment. 

conditions. Our 

Financial review

willingness to embrace

change will be key 

to our success. u

With sales of $7.1 billion and net income of $89.5 million, Tech Data’s 

fiscal  1998  financial  results  were  by  far  the  best  in  company  history.

These  outstanding  results  were  particularly  impressive  considering 

the  intense  competition  in  the  computer  industry  and  unique  business

challenges  we  faced.  The  UPS  strike,  for  example,  affected  our  service

levels  to  many  U.S.  customers  during  the  third  quarter.          u

In

November  1997,  we  overcame  another  type  of  challenge—difficult

stock  market  conditions—as  we  completed  a  secondary  offering  of 

Reaching the right 

customers with 

the right products 

and services 

is another 

Tech Data 

advantage.

3.7  million  shares  of  common  stock.  The  total

net  proceeds  of  approximately  $149  million

gave  us  an  even  stronger  balance  sheet  to

finance our planned growth.     u

Over the

past  two  years,  Tech  Data  has  more  than

doubled  its  revenue  through  substantial  market

share  gains  and  international  expansion.  Our

return  on  invested shareholders’  equity  reached  17.1%  in  fiscal  1998,

the highest level we have achieved in the past five years. 

6

TECH DATA CORPORATION

Letter to Shareholders u

A tribute to our people

Tech Data’s success has been measured and recognized in many ways

throughout  the  years.  For  example,  our  ranking  on  the  Fortune  500

moved up from 398th in fiscal 1996 to 224th this year. Our increase in

revenue  in  fiscal  1998  represented  the  34th  biggest  gain  among

Fortune  500  companies.  As  an  investor,  however,  you  may  be  more

impressed by our ranking 27th among Fortune 500 companies in the

Steven A. Raymund

highest  total  return  to  investors  over  the  past  ten  years,  achieving  an

annual return of 30.9% for this period.     u Our history also includes

numerous 

awards 

and 

honors 

for 

customer 

service 

excellence,  but  we  take  just  as  much  pride  in  the  words  of 

appreciation we hear every day from the technology resellers we serve.

Everything  we  accomplish  is  clearly  the  result  of  hard  work 

and  dedication  from  people  who  have  the  utmost  integrity  and 

professionalism. The daily contributions of our associates make us what

we  are  today.          u

In  every  respect,  Tech  Data  is  a  company

that represents value … to its customers, vendors and shareholders. We

thank all of these business partners for their continued support.

Sincerely,

Steven A. Raymund
Chairman of the Board of Directors
and Chief Executive Officer

April 10, 1998

FISCAL 1998 ANNUAL REPORT

7

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark one)
[X]

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE

[  ]

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)
For the transition period from 

to

Commission file number 0-14625

TECH DATA CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Florida
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)

No. 59-1578329
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

5350 Tech Data Drive, Clearwater, FL
(Address of principal executive offices)

33760
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number including area code: (813) 539-7429

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common stock, par value $.0015 per share.

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  (1)  has  filed  all  reports  required  to  be  filed  by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or shorter
period  that  the  registrant  was  required  to  file  such  reports),  and  (2)  has  been  subject  to  such  filing 
requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes   X   No___

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of regulation S-K is
not contained herein, and will not be contained to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference to Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.   nn

Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March

31, 1998:

$1,698,978,000

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as

of the latest practicable date.

Class

Outstanding at March 31, 1998

Common stock, par value $.0015 per share

48,267,064

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The registrant’s Proxy Statement for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on June 23, 1998 
is incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K to the extent stated herein.

8

ITEM 1.  Business

PART I

(a)

General development of business

Tech Data Corporation (the “Company” or “Tech Data”) was incorporated in 1974 to market data
processing supplies such as tape, disk packs, and custom and stock tab forms for mini and mainframe
computers directly to end users.  In 1984, the Company began marketing certain of its products to the
newly  emerging  market  of  microcomputer  dealers  and  had  withdrawn  entirely  from  end-user  sales,
broadened  its  product  line  to  include  hardware  products,  and  completed  its  transition  to  a  wholesale 
distributor.    The  Company  has  since  continually  expanded  its  product  lines,  customer  base  and 
geographical presence.

On May 31, 1989, the Company entered the Canadian market through the acquisition of a
distributor  subsequently  named  Tech  Data  Canada  Inc.  (“Tech  Data  Canada”).    Tech  Data  Canada
serves  customers  in  all  Canadian  provinces  and  carries  many  of  the  same  products  offered  by  the
Company.

On March 24, 1994, the Company completed the non-cash exchange of 1,144,000 shares of its
common stock for all of the outstanding capital stock of Softmart International, S.A. (subsequently named
Tech Data France, SNC) (“Tech Data France”), a privately-held distributor of personal computer products
based in Paris, France.  Tech Data France is one of the largest wholesale distributors of microcomputer
products  in  France,  representing  leading  manufacturers  and  publishers  such  as  Compaq,  Hewlett-
Packard, IBM, Lotus and Microsoft.  The acquisition was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests effective
February 1, 1994; however, due to the immaterial size of the acquisition in relation to the consolidated
financial statements, prior period financial statements were not restated.

To  complement  its  Miami-based  Latin  American  export  business,  the  Company  opened  a

33,000 square-foot distribution center near São Paulo, Brazil in February 1997.

On July 1, 1997, Tech Data acquired a controlling interest in Macrotron AG (“Macrotron”), a
leading publicly held distributor of personal computer products based in Munich, Germany.  Macrotron
is one of the largest computer products wholesale distributors in Germany whose product line includes
such leading vendors as 3Com, Canon, Compaq, Corel, Epson, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft,
Sony  and  Toshiba.    As  of  January  31,  1998,  the  Company  owned  approximately  98%  and  82%  of
Macrotron’s common and preferred stock, respectively.  The acquisition has been accounted for under the
purchase method.

(b)

Financial information about industry segments

The Company operates in only one business segment.

(c)

Narrative description of business

The Company is the world’s second largest distributor of microcomputer hardware and software
products to value-added resellers (“VARs”), corporate resellers, retailers and direct marketers (collectively
with VARs, “customers”).  Tech Data distributes products throughout the United States, Canada, Latin
America, Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria.  The Company purchases its products directly from
more than 900 manufacturers of microcomputer hardware and publishers of software in large quantities,
maintains a stocking inventory of more than 45,000 products and sells to an active base of over 70,000
customers.  The Company’s broad assortment of vendors and products meets the customers’ need for a
cost effective link to those vendors’ products offered through a single source.

The  Company  provides  its  customers  with  leading  products  including  systems,  peripherals, 
networking, and software, which accounted for 24%, 42%, 18% and 16%, respectively, of sales in fiscal
1998.  The Company offers products from manufacturers and publishers such as Bay Networks, Cisco,
Compaq, Corel, Creative Labs, Digital Equipment, Epson, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Novell,
Okidata, Seagate, Symantec, 3Com, Toshiba, Viewsonic and Western Digital.  The Company generally
ships products the same day the orders are received from regionally located distribution centers.  The 
customers are provided with a high-level of service through the Company’s pre- and post-sale technical

9

support, electronic commerce tools (including on-line order entry, product configuration services and
electronic data interchange (“EDI”) services), customized shipping documents and flexible financing
programs.

Industry

The wholesale distribution model, like that provided by the Company, has proven to be well-suited
for both manufacturers and publishers of microcomputer products (“vendors”) and resellers of those products.
The large number and diversity of resellers makes it cost efficient for vendors to rely on wholesale distributors
which can leverage distribution costs across multiple vendors who outsource a portion of their distribution,
credit,  marketing  and  support  services.    Similarly,  due  to  the  large  number  of  vendors  and  products,
resellers  often  cannot  or  choose  not  to  establish  direct  purchasing  relationships.    Instead  they  rely  on
wholesale distributors, such as Tech Data, which can leverage purchasing costs across multiple resellers to
satisfy a significant portion of their product procurement and delivery, financing, marketing and technical
support needs.

The  Company  believes  that  the  rates  of  growth  of  the  wholesale  distribution  segment  of  the
microcomputer industry and the Company continue to outpace that of the microcomputer industry as a
whole for three principal reasons.  First, as a result of the use of open systems and off-the-shelf components,
hardware and software products are increasingly viewed as commodities.  The resulting price competition,
coupled with rising selling costs and shorter product life cycles, make it difficult for manufacturers and
publishers to efficiently sell directly to resellers and has prompted them to rely on more cost-efficient
methods of distribution.  Second, resellers are increasingly relying on wholesale distributors such as Tech
Data  for  product  availability  and  flexible  financing  alternatives  rather  than  stocking  large  inventories
themselves and maintaining credit lines to finance working capital needs.  Third, restrictions by certain
major manufacturers on sales through wholesale distributors were gradually eased commencing in 1991.
Since the beginning of 1995, the Company has been able to sell certain of those manufacturers’ products
under more competitive terms and conditions (“open-sourcing”).  Historically, these previously restricted
product lines were sold by master resellers, or aggregators, (whose business model was similar to wholesale
distributors, but focused on relatively few product lines) to a network of franchise dealers.  Open-sourcing
has virtually eliminated any advantage that these aggregators enjoyed as a result of the exclusive arrangements.
In  addition,  consolidation  in  the  wholesale  distribution  industry  continues  as  economies  of  scale  and
access to financial resources become more critical.  Larger distributors, like the Company, that have been
able to utilize economies of scale to lower costs and pass on the savings to its customers in the form of
reduced prices have continued to take market share.

Recent  trends  in  wholesale  distribution  include  the  final  assembly  of  certain  products  by  the 
distributor and continued expansion of electronic commerce.  In order to compete more effectively and
lower their costs, major computer systems manufacturers which rely on the two-tier distribution model
have begun to take steps to reduce their own inventories and the inventories of their distributors and
resellers by implementing a build-to-order manufacturing process.  They have also begun to re-engineer
their distribution by developing programs whereby final assembly will be performed at the distribution
level  (“channel  assembly”)  versus  the  current  build-to-forecast  methodology  employed  by  these 
manufacturers.  Tech Data has been selected by Compaq, Hewlett-Packard and IBM to participate in their
respective channel assembly programs.  Tech Data began performing assembly services for IBM in October
1997 and expects to begin performing such services for Compaq and Hewlett-Packard in fiscal 1999.

The increasing utilization of electronic ordering and information delivery systems, including the
ability  to  transact  business  over  the  World  Wide  Web  has  had  and  is  expected  to  continue  to  have  a 
significant  impact  on  the  cost  efficiency  of  the  wholesale  distribution  industry.    Distributors,  such  as 
Tech Data, with the financial and technical resources to develop, implement and operate state-of-the-art
management information systems have been able to reduce both their customers’ and their own transaction
costs through more efficient purchasing and lower selling costs.

In summary, microcomputer distribution is experiencing rapid growth and consolidation, creating

an environment in which market share and the resulting cost efficiencies are critical.  

10

Business Strategy

Tech  Data,  as  the  world’s  second  largest  distributor  of  microcomputer  products,  believes  that 
its infrastructure and the size of its operation position it to gain share in its current markets as well as 
continue its expansion into new geographic markets.  The Company’s size and performance have allowed
it to make significant investments in personnel, management information systems, distribution centers
and other capital resources.  The Company provides a broad array of products and services for its resellers,
which allows them to satisfy their needs from a single source.  The Company’s competitive advantage is
the result of its low cost structure, investment in sophisticated management information systems and its
access to capital to finance growth.

To maintain and enhance its leadership position in wholesale distribution, the Company’s business

strategy includes the following main elements:

Maintain  low  cost  and  efficient  operations. The  Company  has  pursued  a  strategy  of 
profitable revenue growth by providing its customers with the benefit of operating efficiencies
achieved through centralized management and control, stringent cost controls and automation.
The Company strictly regulates selling, general and administrative expenses; utilizes its highly
automated  order  placement  and  processing  systems  to  efficiently  manage  inventory  and 
shipments and to reduce transaction costs; and realizes economies of scale in product purchasing,
financing  and  working  capital  management.    The  Company  has  been  successful  in  reducing 
selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales from 6.8% for the fiscal
year ended January 31, 1992 to 4.2% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998.

Leverage  management  information  systems.

In  order  to  further  improve  its  operating 
efficiencies and services to its resellers, the Company invested approximately $30 million in a
scaleable, state-of-the-art computer information system which was implemented in December
1994.  This system, which currently supports the Company’s U.S. and Canadian operations and
Latin  American  export  operations,  allows  the  Company  to  improve  operating  efficiencies  and 
to  offer  additional  services  such  as  expanding  its  electronic  commerce  capabilities,  including
electronic data interchange and Tech Data On-Line electronic ordering and information systems.
The Company’s ordering system will be available on its World Wide Web site in the near future.
The  Company  believes  that  growth  in  its  electronic  commerce  capabilities  will  provide 
incremental economies of scale and further reduce transaction costs.

Offer  a  broad  and  balanced  product  mix. The  Company  offers  its  resellers  a  broad 
assortment of leading technology products.  Currently, the Company offers more than 45,000
products  from  more  than  900  manufacturers  and  publishers.    By  offering  a  broad  product 
assortment,  the  Company  can  benefit  from  its  resellers’  objective  to  procure  product  more 
efficiently  by  reducing  the  number  of  their  direct  vendor  relationships.    The  Company  is 
continually  broadening  its  product  assortment  and  has  recently  expanded  its  offerings  of 
communication products as a result of the convergence of the computing and telecommunication
markets.  The Company maintains a balanced product line of systems, peripherals, networking
products and software to minimize the effects of fluctuation in supply and demand

Foster customer loyalty through superior customer service. Tech Data’s sales force provides
superior customer service through a dedicated team approach in order to differentiate itself from
its  competitors  and  foster  customer  loyalty.  The  Company  provides  services  such  as  flexible 
customer  financing  and  credit  programs,  a  suite  of  electronic  commerce  tools  (including 
electronic order entry and access to product specifications), pre- and post-sale technical support,
products  configuration,  customized  shipping  documents,  flexible  product  return  policies  and
customer  education  programs.    The  Company  believes  its  strategy  of  not  competing  with  its 
customer base also promotes customer loyalty.  

11

Broaden geographic coverage through international expansion.  The Company plans to
take advantage of its strong financial position, vendor relationships and distribution expertise to
continue to expand its business in the markets it currently serves and additional markets.  The
Company’s expansion strategy focuses on identifying companies with significant market positions
and  quality  management  teams  in  markets  where  there  is  developed  or  emerging  demand 
for microcomputer products.  Following expansion into a new market, Tech Data enhances its
market share by providing capital, adding new product lines, competitively pricing its products
and delivering value-added services.  The Company’s operations have expanded from its North
American  focus  to  include  Europe  with  the  acquisition  in  1994  of  France’s  largest  wholesale
microcomputer distributor.  In February 1997, the Company continued its international expansion
through the development of an in-country subsidiary which stocks and distributes products in
Brazil.  In July 1997, Tech Data broadened its European presence with the acquisition of a majority
interest in one of Germany’s largest wholesale microcomputer distributors, Macrotron AG. 

Vendor Relations

The Company's strong financial and industry positions have enabled it to obtain contracts with
most leading manufacturers and publishers.  The Company purchases products directly from more than
900 manufacturers and publishers, generally on a nonexclusive basis.  The Company’s vendor agreements
are believed to be in the form customarily used by each manufacturer and typically contain provisions
which allow termination by either party upon 60 days notice. Generally, the Company’s supplier agreements
do not require it to sell a specified quantity of products or restrict the Company from selling similar products
manufactured  by  competitors.    Consequently,  the  Company  has  the  flexibility  to  terminate  or  curtail 
sales  of  one  product  line  in  favor  of  another  product  line  as  a  result  of  technological  change,  pricing 
considerations, product availability, customer demand and vendor distribution policies.  Such agreements
generally contain stock rotation and price protection provisions which, along with the Company’s inventory
management policies and practices, reduce the Company’s risk of loss due to slow-moving inventory, vendor
price reductions, product updates or obsolescence.  Under the terms of many distribution agreements,
suppliers  will  credit  the  distributor  for  declines  in  inventory  value  resulting  from  the  supplier’s  price
reductions if the distributor complies with certain conditions.  In addition, under many such agreements,
the distributor has the right to return for credit or exchange for other products a portion of those inventory
items purchased, within a designated period of time.  A supplier who elects to terminate a distribution
agreement generally will repurchase from the distributor the supplier’s products carried in the distributor’s
inventory.  While the industry practices discussed above are sometimes not embodied in written agreements
and do not protect the Company in all cases from declines in inventory value, management believes that
these practices provide a significant level of protection from such declines.  No assurance can be given,
however,  that  such  practices  will  continue  or  that  they  will  adequately  protect  the  Company  against
declines  in  inventory  value.    See  “Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and
Results of Operations - Asset Management.” 

Major computer systems manufacturers have begun to re-engineer their manufacturing processes
whereby  final  assembly  will  be  performed  at  the  distribution  level  (“channel  assembly”)  versus  the 
current “build-to-forecast” methodology employed by these manufacturers.  Tech Data has been selected
by Compaq, Hewlett-Packard and IBM to participate in their respective channel assembly programs.  The
Company currently performs configuration services at its South Bend distribution center which has been
ISO 9002 certified.  Tech Data began performing assembly services for IBM in October 1997 and expects
to begin performing such services for Compaq and Hewlett-Packard in fiscal 1999.  The Company plans
to  expand  its  configuration  and  final  assembly  services  capabilities  into  its  Fontana,  California  and
Swedesboro, New Jersey distribution centers later this year.

In addition to providing manufacturers and publishers with one of the largest bases of resellers
in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria, the Company
also offers manufacturers and publishers the opportunity to participate in a number of special promotions,
training programs and marketing services targeted to the needs of its resellers.

No single vendor accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s net sales during fiscal 1998,
1997 or 1996, except sales of Compaq products which accounted for 13% and 12% of net sales in fiscal
1998 and 1997, respectively, and sales of Hewlett-Packard products which accounted for 13% of net sales
in fiscal 1998.

12

Customers, Products and Services 

The Company sells more than 45,000 microcomputer products including systems, peripherals,
networking and software purchased directly from manufacturers and publishers in large quantities for sale
to an active reseller base of more than 70,000 VARs, corporate resellers, direct marketers and retailers. 

The Company’s VARs typically do not have the resources to establish a large number of direct
purchasing  relationships  or  stock  significant  product  inventories.    This  market  segment  is  attractive
because VARs, which constituted approximately 53% of Tech Data’s net sales in fiscal 1998, generally rely
on distributors as their principal source of computer products and financing.  Corporate resellers, retailers
and direct marketers may establish direct relationships with manufacturers and publishers for their more
popular  products,  but  utilize  distributors  as  the  primary  source  for  other  product  requirements  and 
the alternative source for products acquired direct.  The Company’s Tech Data Elect Program provides
cost-plus pricing on certain high volume products, primarily computer systems and printers, and other
special  terms  to  target  corporate  resellers.    Corporate  resellers  constituted  approximately  30%  of  the
Company’s net sales in fiscal 1998.  Tech Data also has developed special programs to meet the unique
needs of retail and direct marketers, which customers constituted approximately 17% of the Company’s
net sales in fiscal 1998.  No single customer accounted for more than 5% of the Company’s net sales 
during fiscal 1998, 1997 or 1996. 

The Company pursues a strategy of expanding its product line to offer its customers a broad
assortment of products.  Based upon the convergence of computing and communication technologies,
the  Company  has  also  expanded  its  offering  of  communication  products.    From  time  to  time,  the
demand for certain products sold by the Company exceeds the supply available from the manufacturer
or publisher.  The Company then receives an allocation of the products available.  Management believes
that  the  Company's  ability  to  compete  is  not  adversely  affected  by  these  periodic  shortages  and  the 
resulting allocations.

Tech Data provides resellers a high-level of service through the Company’s pre- and post-sale
technical support, suite of electronic commerce tools (including on-line order entry and EDI services),
customized shipping documents, product configuration services and flexible financing programs.

The Company delivers products throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Germany,
France,  Switzerland  and  Austria  from  its  distribution  centers  in  Miami,  Florida;  Atlanta,  Georgia;
Paulsboro, New Jersey; Ft. Worth, Texas; South Bend, Indiana; Ontario, California; Union City, California;
Mississauga,  Ontario  (Canada);  Richmond,  British  Columbia  (Canada);  São Paulo,  Brazil;  Munich,
Germany; Bobigny (Paris), France; Hünenberg, Switzerland and Vienna, Austria.  Locating distribution
centers near its customers enables the Company to deliver products on a timely basis, thereby reducing
customers' need to invest in inventory.  See Item 2 - Properties for further discussion of the Company’s
locations and distribution centers.

Sales and Electronic Commerce

Currently,  the  Company’s  sales  force  consists  of  approximately  80  field  sales  representatives 
and  1,054  inside  telemarketing  sales  representatives.    Field  sales  representatives  are  located  in  major 
metropolitan areas.  Each field representative is supported by inside telemarketing sales teams covering 
a  designated  territory.    The  Company’s  team  concept  provides  a  strong  personal  relationship  between 
representatives  of  the  customers  and  Tech  Data.    Territories  with  no  field  representation  are  serviced
exclusively  by  the  inside  telemarketing  sales  teams.  Customers  typically  call  their  inside  sales  teams 
on dedicated toll-free numbers to place orders.  If the product is in stock and the customer has available
credit, customer orders received by 5:00 p.m. local time are generally shipped the same day from the 
distribution facility nearest the customer.

13

Customers rely upon the Company's electronic ordering and information systems, product catalogs
and  frequent  mailings  as  sources  for  product  information,  including  prices.    The  Company’s  on-line 
computer system allows the inside sales teams to check for current stocking levels in each of the seven
United  States  distribution  centers.    Likewise,  inside  sales  teams  in  Canada,  Brazil,  Germany,  France,
Switzerland and Austria can check on stocking levels in their respective distribution centers.  Through
“Tech  Data  On-Line”,  the  Company’s  proprietary  electronic  on-line  system,  U.S.  customers  can  gain
remote access to the Company’s data processing system to check product availability and pricing and to
place an order.  Certain of the Company’s larger customers have available EDI services whereby orders,
order  acknowledgments,  invoices,  inventory  status  reports,  customized  pricing  information  and  other
industry standard EDI transactions are consummated on-line which improves efficiency and timeliness
for both the Company and the customers. The Company anticipates providing customers with access to
order entry capabilities on the World Wide Web in the near future.

The  Company  provides  comprehensive  training  to  its  field  and  inside  sales  representatives
regarding technical characteristics of products and the Company’s policies and procedures.  Each new
domestic sales representative attends a four to six-week course provided in-house by the Company.  In
addition, the Company's ongoing training program is supplemented by product seminars offered daily by 
manufacturers and publishers.

Competition

The Company operates in a market characterized by intense competition.  Competition within
the industry is based on product availability, credit availability, price, delivery and various services and
support provided by the distributor to the customer. The Company believes that it is equipped to compete
effectively  with  other  distributors  in  these  areas.    Major  competitors  include  Ingram  Micro,  Inc.  and
Merisel, Inc. in North America, Computer 2000 and CHS Electronics, Inc. in Europe and a variety of
smaller distributors.  The only competitor larger than the Company is Ingram Micro, Inc.

The Company also competes with manufacturers and publishers who sell directly to resellers and
end-users.  The Company nevertheless believes that in the majority of cases, manufacturers and publishers
choose to sell products through distributors rather than directly because of the relatively small volume
and  high  selling  costs  associated  with  numerous  small  orders.    Management  also  believes  that  the
Company’s prompt delivery of products and efficient handling of returns provide an important competitive
advantage over manufacturers’ and publishers' efforts to market their products directly.

Employees

On  January  31,  1998,  the  Company  had  approximately  5,075  full-time  employees.    The

Company enjoys excellent relations with its employees, all of whom are non-union.

(d) Financial information about foreign and domestic operations and export sales

The geographic areas in which the Company operates are the United States (including exports
to Latin America and the Caribbean) and International (Germany, France, Canada, Switzerland, Austria
and  Brazil).    See  Note  9  and  Note  10  of  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  regarding  the 
geographical distribution of the Company’s net sales, operating income and identifiable assets and the
acquisition of Macrotron AG.

Executive Officers

Steven A. Raymund, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer,
age 42, has been employed by the Company since 1981, serving as Chief Executive Officer since January
1986 and as Chairman of the Board of Directors since April 1991.  He has a B.S. Degree in Economics
from the University of Oregon and a Masters Degree from the Georgetown University School of Foreign
Service.

14

Anthony A. Ibargüen, President and Chief Operating Officer, age 38, joined the Company
in September 1996 as President of the Americas and was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer
in March 1997.  Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by ENTEX Information Services, Inc.
from August 1993 to August 1996 as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing.  From June 1990
to August 1993, he was employed by JWP, Inc. most recently as a Vice President.  Mr. Ibargüen holds a
B.S.  Degree  in  Marketing  from  Boston  College  and  a  Masters  in  Business  Administration  Degree  from
Harvard University.

Jeffery P. Howells, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, age 41, joined the
Company  in  October  1991  as  Vice  President  of  Finance  and  assumed  the  responsibilities  of  Chief
Financial Officer in March 1992.  In March 1993, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Finance
and Chief Financial Officer and was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in
March 1997.  From June 1991 through September 1991 he was employed as Vice President of Finance
of Inex Vision Systems.  From 1979 to May 1991 he was employed by Price Waterhouse, most recently
as a Senior Audit Manager.  Mr. Howells is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.B.A. Degree in
Accounting from Stetson University.

Peggy K. Caldwell, Senior Vice President of Marketing, age 52, joined the Company in May
1992.  Prior to joining the Company, she was employed by International Business Machines Corporation
for  25  years,  most  recently  serving  in  a  variety  of  senior  management  positions  in  the  National
Distribution  Division.  Ms.  Caldwell  holds  a  B.S.  Degree  in  Mathematics  and  Physics  from  Bucknell
University.

Timothy J. Curran, Senior Vice President of Sales, age 46, joined the Company in April
1997.    Prior  to  joining  the  Company,  he  was  employed  by  Panasonic  Communications  and  Systems
Company (including various other Panasonic affiliates) from 1983 to 1997 serving in a variety of senior
management positions.  Mr. Curran holds a B.A. Degree in History from the University of Notre Dame
and a Ph.D. in International Relations from Columbia University.

Lawrence  W.  Hamilton,  Senior  Vice  President  of  Human  Resources, age 40, joined the
Company  in  August  1993  as  Vice  President  of  Human  Resources  and  was  promoted  to  Senior  Vice
President  in  March  1996.    Prior  to  joining  the  Company,  he  was  employed  by  Bristol-Myers  Squibb
Company  from  1985  to  August  1993,  most  recently  as  Vice  President  -  Human  Resources  and
Administration of Linvatec Corporation (a division of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company).  Mr. Hamilton
holds  a  B.A.  Degree  in  Political  Science  from  Fisk  University  and  a  Masters  of  Public  Administration,
Labor Policy from the University of Alabama.

Gerald  M.  Labie,  President  and  Managing  Director  of  European  Operations,  age  54,
joined the Company in November 1997.  Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by Corporate
Software Inc. from 1989 to 1997, most recently serving in the role of Senior Vice President and General
Manager, Europe.  Mr. Labie holds a B.A. Degree from Alfred University.

H. John Lochow, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, age 45, joined the
Company in February 1998.  Prior to joining the Company, he served as Chief Information Officer at Bell
Canada and Chief Executive of their international subsidiary Bell Sygma from 1996 to February 1998.
From 1994 to 1996, he was employed by AT&T Capital Corporation as Vice President of Systems and
New Business Development and from 1989 to 1994 he was employed by CNA Insurance Companies as
Vice  President  of  Systems.    Mr.  Lochow  holds  a  B.A.  Degree  in  Mathematics  from  Thomas  Edison
University.

Yuda Saydun, Senior Vice President and General Manager - Latin America, age 44, joined
the Company in May 1993 as Vice President and General Manager - Latin America.  In March 1997 he
was  promoted  to  Senior  Vice  President  and  General  Manager  -  Latin  America.    Prior  to  joining  the
Company, he was employed by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. from 1982 to
May 1993, most recently as Division Vice President, Cardmember Marketing.  Mr. Saydun holds a B.S.
Degree in Political and Diplomatic Sciences from Universite Libre de Bruxelles and a Masters of Business
Administration Degree, Finance/Marketing from U.C.L.A.

15

Joseph  B.  Trepani,  Senior  Vice  President  and  Corporate  Controller,  age  37,  joined  the
Company in March 1990 as Controller and held the position of Director of Operations from October
1991  through  January  1995.    In  February  1995,  he  was  promoted  to  Vice  President  and  Worldwide
Controller and to Senior Vice President in March 1998.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Trepani was
Vice President of Finance for Action Staffing, Inc. from July 1989 to February 1990.  From 1982 to June
1989, he was employed by Price Waterhouse.  Mr. Trepani is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a
B.S. Degree in Accounting from Florida State University.

Theodore F. Augustine, Vice President of Distribution and Logistics, age 51, joined the
Company in July 1996.  Prior to joining the Company he served as President of M-Group Logistics, Inc.
from June 1995 to July 1996.  From 1989 to June 1995 he was employed by The Eli Witt Company as
Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief  Operations  Officer.    Mr.  Augustine  holds  a  Masters  of  Business
Administration Degree from Loyola College.

Patrick  O.  Connelly,  Vice  President  of  Worldwide  Credit  Services,  age  52,  joined  the
Company in August 1994.  Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by Unisys Corporation for
nine years as Worldwide Director of Credit.  Mr. Connelly holds a B.A. Degree in History and French from
the University of Texas at Austin.

Charles V. Dannewitz, Vice President of Taxes, age 43, joined the Company in February
1995.  Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by Price Waterhouse for 13 years, most recently
as a Tax Partner.  Mr. Dannewitz is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.S. Degree in Accounting
from Illinois Wesleyan University.

Arthur W. Singleton, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary, age 37, joined the Company
in January 1990 as Director of Finance and was appointed Treasurer and Secretary in April 1991.  In
February  1995,  he  was  promoted  to  Vice  President,  Treasurer  and  Secretary.    Prior  to  joining  the
Company, Mr. Singleton was employed by Price Waterhouse from 1982 to December 1989, most recently
as  an  Audit  Manager.    Mr.  Singleton  is  a  Certified  Public  Accountant  and  holds  a  B.S.  Degree  in
Accounting from Florida State University.

David R. Vetter, Vice President and General Counsel, age 39, joined the Company in June
1993.  Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by the law firm of Robbins, Gaynor & Bronstein,
P.A. from 1984 to June 1993, most recently as a partner.  Mr. Vetter is a member of the Florida Bar and
holds  a  B.A.  Degree  in  English  and  Economics  from  Bucknell  University  and  a  J.D.  Degree  from  the
University of Florida.

ITEM 2.  Properties

Tech Data’s executive offices, are located in Clearwater, Florida, all of which buildings, except for
one, are owned by the Company.  In addition, the Company maintains distribution centers in Miami,
Florida;  Atlanta,  Georgia;  Paulsboro,  New  Jersey;  Ft.  Worth,  Texas;  South  Bend,  Indiana;  Ontario,
California; Union City, California; Mississauga, Ontario (Canada); Richmond, British Columbia (Canada);
Bobigny  (Paris),  France;  São Paulo,  Brazil;  Munich,  Germany;  Hünenberg,  Switzerland;  and  Vienna,
Austria.  The Company leases all of the preceding distribution centers with the exception of one of its
Munich locations.  The Company also operates training centers in nine cities in the U.S. 

The Company is nearing completion of a project to significantly expand five of its seven U.S. 
distribution centers which will encompass a total of 2.2 million square-feet when completed later this year
as compared to the former capacity of 800,000 square feet.  Four of the five new U.S. distribution center
locations  include  adjacent  land  which  provides  enough  space  to  double  the  capacity  of  each  of  these 
locations to meet future growth requirements.  The facilities of the Company are substantially utilized,
well-maintained and are adequate to conduct the Company’s current business.

ITEM 3.  Legal Proceedings

There are no material legal proceedings pending against the Company.

16

ITEM 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

There have been no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the last quarter of the

fiscal year ended January 31, 1998.

PART II

ITEM 5.  Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Shareholder Matters

The Company’s common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol TECD.
The Company has not paid cash dividends since fiscal 1983.  The Board of Directors does not intend to
institute a cash dividend payment policy in the foreseeable future.  The table below presents the quarter-
ly high and low sales prices for the Company’s common stock as reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market.
The approximate number of shareholders as of January 31, 1998 was 17,000.

Sales Price

High

Low

Fiscal year 1998
Fourth quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 47  3/4
51 3/4
Third quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39 15/16
Second quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 1/2
First quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fiscal year 1997
Fourth quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 36 3/8
30 3/8
Third quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 3/4
Second quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 1/2
First quarter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 34 1/8
36 1/4
22 7/8
19 3/4

$ 21 5/8
22 1/8
18 1/4
13

17

ITEM 6.  Selected Financial Data

FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(In thousands, except per share data)

1998

Year ended January 31,
1996

1995

1997

1994

Income statement data:
Net sales  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,056,619 $ 4,598,941 $ 3,086,620 $ 2,418,410 $ 1,532,352
Cost and expenses:

Cost of products sold  . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and 

administrative expenses  . . . . .

Operating profit  . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before income taxes . . . . .
Provision for income taxes  . . . . . .
Income before minority interest  . .
Minority interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net income per common share:

6,590,873

4,277,160

2,867,226

2,219,122

1,397,967

293,108
6,883,981
172,638
29,908
142,730
52,816
89,914
429
89,485 $

206,770
4,483,930
115,011
21,522
93,489
36,516
56,973
—mn
56,973 $

163,790
3,031,016
55,604
20,086
35,518
13,977
21,541
—mn
21,541 $

127,951
2,347,073
71,337
13,761
57,576
22,664
34,912
—mn
34,912 $

79,390
1,477,357
54,995
5,008
49,987
19,774
30,213
—mn
30,213

Basic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2.00 $
1.92 $

1.39 $
1.35 $

.57 $
.56 $

.92 $
.91 $

.83
.83

Weighted average common

shares outstanding:
Basic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends per common share  . . .

44,715
46,610
—mn

40,870
42,125
—mn

37,846
38,138
—mn

37,758
38,258
—mn

36,196
36,590
—mn

Balance sheet data:
Working capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 537,381 $
Total assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revolving credit loans  . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shareholders' equity  . . . . . . . . . .

2,185,383
540,177
8,683
702,588

351,993 $

201,704 $

1,545,294
396,391
8,896
438,381

1,043,879
283,100
9,097
285,698

182,802 $
784,429
304,784
9,682
260,826

165,366
506,760
153,105
9,467
213,326

18

ITEM 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the percentage of cost and expenses to net sales derived from the

Company's Consolidated Statement of Income for each of the three preceding fiscal years.

Net sales  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost and expenses:

Cost of products sold  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating profit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before minority interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minority interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 1998 and 1997

Percentage of net sales
Year ended January 31,
1996
1997
1998

100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

93.4
4.2
97.6
2.4
.4
2.0
.7
1.3
–
1.3%

93.0
4.5
97.5
2.5
.5
2.0
.8
1.2
–
1.2%

92.9
5.3
98.2
1.8
.6
1.2
.5
.7

–

.7%

Net sales increased 53.4% to $7.1 billion in fiscal 1998 compared to $4.6 billion in the prior year.
This increase is attributable to the acquisition of Macrotron AG, the addition of new product lines and the
expansion  of  existing  product  lines  combined  with  an  increase  in  the  Company’s  market  share.  The
Company’s U.S. and international sales grew 40.3% and 143.1% respectively, in fiscal 1998 compared to
the prior year.  The significant growth in the Company’s international sales is attributable to the acquisition
of Macrotron AG, in which the Company acquired a controlling interest on July 1, 1997.  The Company’s
international sales in fiscal 1998 were approximately 20% of consolidated net sales compared with 13%
in the prior year.

The cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales increased from 93.0% in fiscal 1997 to
93.4% in fiscal 1998.  This increase is a result of competitive market prices and the Company’s strategy of
lowering selling prices in order to gain market share and to pass on the benefit of operating efficiencies to
its customers.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 41.8% from $206.8 million in fiscal 1997
to $293.1 million in fiscal 1998, and as a percentage of net sales decreased to 4.2% in fiscal 1998 from
4.5% in the prior year.  This decline in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net
sales is attributable to greater economies of scale the Company realized during fiscal 1998 in addition to
improved operating efficiencies.  The dollar value increase in selling, general and administrative expenses
is attributable to the acquisition of Macrotron AG and the expanded employment and increases in other
operating expenses needed to support the increased volume of business.

As  a  result  of  the  factors  described  above,  operating  profit  in  fiscal  1998  increased  50.1%  to
$172.6  million, or 2.4% of net sales, compared to $115.0 million, or 2.5% of net sales, in fiscal 1997.  A
factor contributing to the decrease in the operating profit margin from 2.5% in fiscal 1997 to 2.4% in 
fiscal 1998 was the acquisition of Macrotron AG.  Macrotron’s operating model employs a lower operating
profit margin due to its higher asset turnover, as compared to the Company’s U.S. business.

Interest expense increased due to an increase in the Company’s average outstanding indebtedness
related  to  funding  continued  growth,  the  acquisition  of  Macrotron  AG  and  capital  expenditures.    The
increase in interest expense was partially offset in fiscal 1998 by decreases in short-term interest rates on
the Company’s floating rate indebtedness and by the receipt of net proceeds of approximately $149 million
from the Company’s November 1997 common stock offering which were used to reduce indebtedness.

19

The Company’s average income tax rate declined to 37.0% for fiscal 1998 as compared to 39.1%
for fiscal 1997.  This reduction primarily is the result of a larger portion of the Company’s income being
subject to lower state income tax jurisdictions.

Net  income  in  fiscal  1998  increased  57.1%  to  $89.5  million,  or  $1.92  per  diluted  share, 

compared to $57.0 million, or $1.35 per diluted share, in the prior year.

Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 1997 and 1996

Net sales increased 49.0% to $4.6 billion in fiscal 1997 compared to $3.1 billion in the prior
year.  This increase is attributable to the addition of new product lines and the expansion of existing product
lines combined with an increase in the Company’s market share.  The rate of growth in fiscal year 1997
was also positively impacted by a lower growth rate in the prior comparable period as the Company was
recovering from the effects of the business interruptions caused by the conversion to a new computer 
system in December 1994.  The Company’s U.S. and international sales grew 51% and 36% respectively,
in  fiscal  1997  compared  to  the  prior  year.    The  Company’s  international  sales  in  fiscal  1997  were 
approximately 13% of consolidated net sales.

The cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales increased from 92.9% in fiscal 1996 to
93.0% in fiscal 1997.  This increase is a result of competitive market prices and the Company’s strategy
of lowering selling prices in order to gain market share and to pass on the benefit of operating efficiencies
to its customers.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 26.2% from $163.8 million in fiscal
1996 to $206.8 million in fiscal 1997, and as a percentage of net sales decreased to 4.5% in fiscal 1997
from 5.3% in the prior year.  This decline in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage
of net sales is attributable to greater economies of scale the Company realized during fiscal 1997 in addition
to  improved  operating  efficiencies.    The  dollar  value  increase  in  selling,  general  and  administrative
expenses is primarily a result of expanded employment and increases in other administrative expenses
needed to support the increased volume of business.

As a result of the factors described above, operating profit in fiscal 1997 increased 106.8% to

$115.0 million, or 2.5% of net sales, compared to $55.6 million, or 1.8% of net sales, in fiscal 1996.

Interest expense increased due to an increase in the Company’s average outstanding indebtedness,
partially  offset  by  decreases  in  short-term  interest  rates  on  the  Company’s  floating  rate  indebtedness.
Interest expense was further moderated in fiscal 1997 by the receipt of net proceeds of approximately $83.3
million from the Company’s July 1996 common stock offering which were used to reduce indebtedness.

Net  income  in  fiscal  1997  increased  164.5%  to  $57.0  million,  or  $1.35  per  diluted  share, 

compared to $21.5 million, or $.56 per diluted share, in the prior year.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income” (“SFAS 130”). SFAS 130
establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components and is effective
for  financial  statements  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  December  15,  1997.    This  standard  addresses 
disclosure issues and therefore will not affect the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and
Related  Information”  (“SFAS  131”).    SFAS  131  requires  that  companies  disclose  segment  data  based 
on  how  management  makes  decisions  about  allocating  resources  to  segments  and  measuring  their 
performance. SFAS 131 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. This standard
addresses  disclosure  issues  and  therefore  will  not  affect  the  Company’s  financial  position  or  results  of
operations.

20

Impact of Inflation

The  Company  has  not  been  adversely  affected  by  inflation  as  technological  advances  and 
competition within the microcomputer industry have generally caused prices of the products sold by the
Company to decline.  Management believes that any price increases could be passed on to its customers,
as prices charged by the Company are not set by long-term contracts.

Year 2000 Compliance 

The Company has conducted a comprehensive audit of the “Year 2000” issues affecting its operations
and is in the process of implementing required modifications to its systems.  The underlying issues are
not expected to have a material adverse affect on the Company’s operations or financial position.  The cost
of addressing “Year 2000” issues has not been material to the Company to date and is not expected to be
in future periods.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash used in operating activities of $126.3 million in fiscal 1998 was primarily attributable

to growth in sales and the resulting increases in accounts receivable and inventories.

Net cash used in investing activities of $116.3 million in fiscal 1998 was a result of the payment
of $68.1 million related to the acquisition of the common and preferred stock of Macrotron combined
with  the  Company’s  continuing  investment  of  $48.1  million  in  its  management  information  system 
capability, office facilities and equipment for distribution centers.  The Company expects to make capital
expenditures of approximately $75 - $100 million during fiscal 1999 to further expand its management
information systems, office facilities and distribution centers.

Net cash provided by financing activities of $244.6 million in fiscal 1998 was provided by additional
borrowings of $76.8 million under the Company’s revolving credit loans in addition to net proceeds of
approximately $149 million from the November 1997 common stock offering and approximately $19
million of proceeds from other issuance of the Company’s common stock.

The Company currently maintains domestic and foreign revolving credit agreements which provide
maximum short-term borrowings of approximately $907 million (including local country credit lines), of
which  $540 million was outstanding at January 31, 1998.  In November 1997, the Company completed
a public offering of 3.7 million shares of its common stock resulting in net proceeds of approximately
$149 million.  The Company believes that proceeds from the common stock offering, along with cash
from  operations,  available  and  obtainable  bank  credit  lines  and  trade  credit  from  its  vendors  will  be 
sufficient to satisfy its working capital and capital expenditure needs through fiscal 1999.

Asset Management

The Company manages its inventories by maintaining sufficient quantities to achieve high order
fill  rates  while  attempting  to  stock  only  those  products  in  high  demand  with  a  rapid  turnover  rate.
Inventory balances fluctuate as the Company adds new product lines and when appropriate, makes large
purchases,  including  cash  purchases  from  manufacturers  and  publishers  when  the  terms  of  such 
purchases are considered advantageous. The Company's contracts with most of its vendors provide price
protection and stock rotation privileges to reduce the risk of loss due to manufacturer price reductions
and slow moving or obsolete inventory.  In the event of a vendor price reduction, the Company generally
receives a credit for the impact on products in inventory.  In addition, the Company has the right to rotate
a certain percentage of purchases, subject to certain limitations.  Historically, price protection and stock
rotation privileges as well as the Company’s inventory management procedures have helped to reduce the
risk of loss of carrying inventory.

21

The  Company  attempts  to  control  losses  on  credit  sales  by  closely  monitoring  customers’
creditworthiness through its computer system which contains detailed information on each customer's
payment  history  and  other  relevant  information.    The  Company  has  obtained  credit  insurance  which
insures a percentage of the credit extended by the Company to certain of its larger domestic and international
customers against possible loss.  Customers who qualify for credit terms are typically granted net 30-day
payment terms.  The Company also sells products on a prepay, credit card, cash on delivery and floor-
plan basis.

Comments on Forward-Looking Information

In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995, the Company has filed Exhibit 99A as part of this Form 10-K which outlines cautionary statements
and identifies important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from
those projected in forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company.  Such forward-
looking statements, as made within Items 1 and 7 of this Form 10-K, should be considered in conjunction
with the aforementioned Exhibit 99A.

22

ITEM 8.  Financial Statements

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Tech Data Corporation:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related consolidated statements
of income, of changes in shareholders' equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Tech Data Corporation and its subsidiaries at January 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31,
1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  These financial  statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements  based  on  our  audits.    We  conducted  our  audits  of  these  statements  in  accordance  with 
generally  accepted  auditing  standards  which  require  that  we  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain 
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes  examining,  on  a  test  basis,  evidence  supporting  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in 
the  financial  statements,  assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by 
management,  and  evaluating  the  overall  financial  statement  presentation.    We  believe  that  our  audits 
provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.

Price Waterhouse LLP
Tampa, Florida
March 18, 1998

To Our Shareholders:

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT

The  management  of  Tech  Data  Corporation  is  responsible  for  the  preparation,  integrity  and
objectivity  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  related  financial  information  contained  in 
this  Annual  Report.    The  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  by  the  Company  in  accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles and, in the judgment of management, present fairly and
consistently  the  Company’s  financial  position  and  results  of  operations.    The  financial  statements  and
other financial information in this report include amounts that are based on management’s best estimates
and judgments and give due consideration to materiality.

The Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls to provide reasonable assurance
that  assets  are  safeguarded  and  that  transactions  are  executed  in  accordance  with  management’s 
authorization and recorded properly to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.  The design, monitoring and revisions of the system of internal
accounting controls involves, among other things, management’s judgment with respect to the relative
cost and expected benefits of specific control measures.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for recommending to the Board,
subject to shareholder approval, the independent certified public accounting firm to be retained each year.
The Audit committee meets periodically with the independent accountants and management to review
their performance and confirm that they are properly discharging their responsibilities.  The independent
accountants have direct access to the Audit Committee to discuss the scope and results of their work, the
adequacy of internal accounting controls and the quality of financial reporting.

Steven A. Raymund
Chairman of the Board Directors
and Chief Executive Officer
March 18, 1998

Jeffery P. Howells
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

23

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands, except share amounts)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable, less allowance

of $29,731 and $23,922  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid and other assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment, net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Excess of cost over acquired net assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets, net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

January 31,

1998

1997

$

2,749 $

661

909,426
1,028,367
65,843
2,006,385
100,562
55,460
22,976

633,579
759,974
55,796
1,450,010
65,597
5,922
23,765
$ 2,185,383 $ 1,545,294

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Revolving credit loans  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minority interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 540,177 $
850,866
77,961
1,469,004
8,683
1,477,687
5,108

396,391
658,732
42,894
1,098,017
8,896
1,106,913
–mn

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

Shareholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, par value $.02; 226,500 shares 

authorized and issued; liquidation 
preference $.20 per share  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Common stock, par value $.0015; 200,000,000 

and 100,000,000 shares authorized; 48,250,349
and 43,291,423 issued and outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional paid-in capital  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained earnings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cumulative translation adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total shareholders’ equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

5

72
403,880
299,768
(1,137)
702,588

65
226,577
210,283
1,451
438,381
$ 2,185,383 $ 1,545,294

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an
integral part of these financial statements.

24

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Net sales  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost and expenses:

Cost of products sold  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating profit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before income taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before minority interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minority interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income per common share:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average common shares outstanding: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$
$

Year ended January 31,
1997

1998

1996

$ 7,056,619 $ 4,598,941 $ 3,086,620

6,590,873
293,108
6,883,981
172,638
29,908
142,730
52,816
89,914
429
89,485 $

4,277,160
206,770
4,483,930
115,011
21,522
93,489
36,516
56,973
–mn
56,973 $

2,867,226
163,790
3,031,016
55,604
20,086
35,518
13,977
21,541
–mn
21,541

2.00 $
1.92 $

1.39 $
1.35 $

.57
.56

44,715
46,610

40,870
42,125

37,846
38,138

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)

Preferred Stock
Shares   Amount

Common Stock
Shares   Amount

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

Balance – January 31, 1995  . . . . . . . . . . 227

$5 37,808 $57

$127,947

$131,769

$1,048

$260,826

Issuance of common stock for stock 
options exercised and related tax 
benefit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Translation adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . .

123

2,098

21,541

Balance -- January 31, 1996  . . . . . . . . . 227

5 37,931

57

130,045

153,310

Issuance of common stock for stock 
options exercised and related tax 
benefit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Issuance of common stock net of 

offering costs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Translation adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . .

760

4,600

1

7

13,223

83,309

56,973

Balance – January 31, 1997  . . . . . . . . . . 227

5 43,291

65

226,577

210,283

Issuance of common stock in 

business purchase  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Issuance of common stock for stock 
options exercised and related tax 
benefit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Issuance of common stock net of 

offering costs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Translation adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . .

407

861

3,691

1

1

5

Balance – January 31, 1998  . . . . . . . . . . 227 $5 48,250 $72

9,255

19,077

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an
integral part of these financial statements.

25

1,233
2,281

(830)
1,451

2,098
21,541
1,233
285,698

13,224

83,316
56,973
(830)
438,381

9,256

19,078

148,971

148,976
89,485
(2,588)
$403,880 $299,768 $(1,137) $702,588

(2,588)

89,485

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

Year ended January 31,
1997

1998

1996

Cash flows from operating activities:

Cash received from customers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,870,096 $ 4,390,916 $ 2,933,831
(2,854,653)
Cash paid to suppliers and employees  . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(20,276)
Interest paid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(11,628)
Income taxes paid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
47,274
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities . . .

(6,914,537)
(29,909)
(51,949)
(126,299)

(4,513,309)
(21,122)
(45,037)
(188,552)

Cash flows from investing activities:

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired  . . . . . . . .
Expenditures for property and equipment  . . . . . . . . . .
Software development costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in investing activities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of common stock  . . . . . . . . . .
Net borrowings (repayments) from revolving credit loans  . .
Principal payments on long-term debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities . . .

(68,136)
(45,900)
(2,216)
(116,252)

168,054
76,786
(201)
244,639

–mn
(19,229)
(2,024)
(21,253)

96,540
113,291
(519)
209,312

–mn
(23,596)
(2,826)
(26,422)

2,098
(21,684)
(608)
(20,194)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  . .
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2,088
661
2,749 $

(493)
1,154

661 $

658
496
1,154

Reconciliation of net income to net cash (used in) 

provided by operating activities:

Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

89,485 $

56,973 $

21,541

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash 
(used in) provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for losses on accounts receivable . . . . . . . . .
Loss on disposal of fixed assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in accounts receivable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Increase) in inventories  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Increase) in prepaid and other assets  . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase in accounts payable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . .
Total adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

26,364
22,634
–mn
3,720

(183,481)
(181,393)
(8,317)
106,134
(1,445)
(215,784)

20,011
19,648
446
(5,051)

(208,025)
(294,552)
(13,962)
225,358
10,602
(245,525)

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities  . . . $  (126,299) $  (188,552) $

17,364
17,433
603
(5,603)

(152,789)
(100,891)
(7,254)
239,161
17,709
25,733
47,274

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an 
integral part of these financial statements.

26

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Principles of consolidation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  Tech  Data  Corporation  and  its 
subsidiaries  (the  “Company”).    All  significant  intercompany  accounts  and  transactions  have  been 
eliminated in consolidation.

Method of accounting

The Company prepares its financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.    These  principles  require  management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue recognition

Sales are recorded upon shipment.  The Company allows its customers to return product for
exchange or credit subject to certain limitations. Provision for estimated losses on such returns are recorded
at the time of sale (see product warranty below).  Funds received from vendors for marketing programs
and product rebates are accounted for as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses or
product cost according to the nature of the program.

Inventories

Inventories (consisting of computer related hardware and software products) are stated at the

lower of cost or market, cost being determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

Property and equipment

Property  and  equipment  are  stated  at  cost.    Depreciation  is  computed  over  the  estimated 

economic lives (or lease period if shorter) using the following methods:

Method

Buildings and improvements   . . . . . . . . . Straight-line

Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . Straight-line

Furniture, fixtures and equipment . . . . . . Accelerated

and straight-line 

Years

15 - 39

2 - 5

2 - 7

Expenditures  for  renewals  and  improvements  that  significantly  add  to  productive  capacity  or
extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized.  Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to
operations when incurred.  When assets are sold or retired, the cost of the asset and the related accumulated
depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and any gain or loss is recognized at such time.

Excess of cost over acquired net assets

The excess of cost over acquired net assets is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 to
35  years.    Amortization  expense  was  $1,458,000,  $602,000  and  $646,000  in  1998,  1997  and  1996,
respectively.  The accumulated amortization of goodwill is approximately $3,563,000 and $2,264,000 at
January 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.  The Company evaluates, on a regular basis, whether events and
circumstances have occurred that indicate the carrying amount of goodwill may warrant revision or may
not be recoverable.  At January 31, 1998, the net unamortized balance of goodwill is not considered  to
be impaired.

27

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

Capitalized deferred software costs

Deferred software costs are included in other assets and represent internal development costs and
payments  to  vendors  for  the  design,  purchase  and  implementation  of  the  computer  software  for  the
Company’s operating and financial systems.  Such deferred costs are being amortized over three to seven
years with amortization expense of $4,967,000, $4,611,000 and $4,253,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.  The accumulated amortization of such costs was $14,160,000 and $9,193,000 at January
31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.  The remaining unamortized balance of such costs was $17,894,000 and
$20,645,000 at January 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

Product warranty

The Company does not offer warranty coverage.  However, to maintain customer goodwill, the
Company  facilitates  vendor  warranty  policies  by  accepting  for  exchange  (with  the  Company’s  prior
approval) defective products within 60 days of invoicing. Defective products received by the Company
are subsequently returned to the vendor for credit or replacement.

Income taxes

Income  taxes  are  accounted  for  under  the  liability  method.    Deferred  taxes  reflect  the  tax 
consequences on future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial
reporting amounts.  Deferred taxes have not been provided on the cumulative undistributed earnings of
foreign subsidiaries since such amounts are expected to be reinvested indefinitely.

Foreign currency translation

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the
balance sheet date, with the related translation gains or losses reported as a separate component of share-
holders’ equity.  The results of foreign operations are translated at the weighted average exchange rates for
the year.  Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the statement of
income.

Concentration of credit risk

The  Company  sells  its  products  to  a  large  base  of  value-added  resellers  (“VARs”),  corporate
resellers, retailers and direct marketers throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Germany,
France, Switzerland and Austria.  The Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers
and  generally  does  not  require  collateral.    The  Company  has  obtained  credit  insurance  which  insures 
a  percentage  of  credit  extended  by  the  Company  to  certain  of  its  larger  domestic  and  international 
customers against possible loss.  The Company makes provisions for estimated credit losses at the time
of sale.

Derivative financial instruments

The Company operates internationally with distribution facilities in various locations around the
world.  The Company reduces its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates by
creating offsetting positions through the use of derivative financial instruments.  The market risk related
to the foreign exchange agreements is offset by changes in the valuation of the underlying items being
hedged.  The majority of the Company’s derivative financial instruments have terms of 180 days or less.
The Company currently does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes,
nor is the Company a party to leveraged derivatives. 

28

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

Derivative financial instruments are accounted for on an accrual basis. Income and expense are
recorded in the same category as that arising from the related asset or liability being hedged.  Gains and
losses resulting from effective hedges of existing assets, liabilities or firm commitments are deferred and
recognized when the offsetting gains and losses are recognized on the related hedged items.

The  notional  amount  of  forward  exchange  contracts  and  options  is  the  amount  of  foreign 
currency  bought  or  sold  at  maturity.    The  notional  amount  of  currency  interest  rate  swaps  is  the 
underlying principal and currency amounts used in determining the interest payments exchanged over
the  life  of  the  swap.    Notional  amounts  are  indicative  of  the  extent  of  the  Company’s  involvement  in 
the various types and uses of derivative financial instruments and are not a measure of the Company’s
exposure to credit or market risks through its use of derivatives.  The estimated fair value of derivative
financial instruments represents the amount required to enter into like off-setting contracts with similar
remaining maturities based on quoted market prices.

The Company’s derivative financial instruments outstanding at January 31, 1998 are as follows:

(Derivative instruments outstanding at January 31, 1997 were not material)

January 31, 1998

Notional
Amounts

Estimated 
Fair Value

(In thousands)

Foreign exchange forward contracts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchased foreign currency options  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency interest rate swaps  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 78,043
500
128,300

$ 939
(12)
377

Disclosures about fair value of financial instruments

Financial instruments (excluding derivative financial instruments) that are subject to fair value
disclosure requirements are carried in the consolidated financial statements at amounts that approximate
fair value.

Net income per common share

Effective  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  January  31,  1998,  the  Company  has  adopted  Statement  of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings per Share” (“SFAS 128”) and related interpretations.
SFAS 128 requires dual presentation of Basic Earnings per Share (“Basic EPS”) and Diluted Earnings per
Share (“Diluted EPS”).  Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding during the reported period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that
could occur if stock options were exercised using the treasury stock method.  Earnings per share for all
prior  periods  have  been  restated  to  reflect  the  adoption  of  SFAS  128.    The  composition  of  basic  and 
diluted net income per common share is as follows:

Year ended January 31,
1997
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

1998

1996

Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 89,485
44,715
Weighted average shares  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income per common share - basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2.00
Weighted average shares including the dilutive
effect of stock options (1,895, 1,255 and 292
for fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively) . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income per common share - diluted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

46,610
1.92

$ 56,973
40,870
1.39

$

$ 21,541
37,846
.57

$

42,125
1.35

$

38,138
.56

$

29

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

Cash management system

Under  the  Company’s  cash  management  system,  disbursements  cleared  by  the  bank  are 
reimbursed  on  a  daily  basis  from  the  revolving  credit  loans.    As  a  result,  checks  issued  but  not  yet 
presented to the bank are not considered reductions of cash or accounts payable.  Included in accounts
payable are $60,000,000 and $111,826,000 at January 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, for which checks
are outstanding.

Statement of cash flows

Short-term investments which have an original maturity of ninety days or less are considered
cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows.  The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on cash
balances  is  not  material.    See  Note  9  of  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  regarding  the 
non-cash exchange of common stock in connection with a business combination.

Fiscal year

The Company and its subsidiaries operate on a fiscal year that ends on January 31, except for
the Company’s French, German and Brazilian subsidiaries which operate on a fiscal year that ends on
December 31.

NOTE 2 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

January 31,

1998

1997

Land  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Buildings and improvements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Furniture, fixtures and equipment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Construction in progress  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less-accumulated depreciation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

(In thousands)
7,805
36,543
112,821
12,359
169,528
(68,966)
$ 100,562

3,898
29,155
75,982
629
109,664
(44,067)
$ 65,597

NOTE 3 - REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS:

The Company has an agreement (the “Receivables Securitization Program”) with a financial institution
that allows the Company to transfer an undivided interest in a designated pool of accounts receivable on an
ongoing basis to provide borrowings up to a maximum of $325,000,000.  As collections reduce accounts
receivable balances included in the pool, the Company may transfer interests in new receivables to bring the
amount available to be borrowed up to the $325,000,000 maximum.  The Company pays interest on advances
under the Receivables Securitization Program at a designated commercial paper rate, plus an agreed-upon
spread.  At January 31, 1998, the Company had a $237,420,000 outstanding balance under this program
which is included in the balance sheet caption “Revolving Credit Loans”.  This agreement expires December
31, 1998.

In  August  1997,  the  Company  entered  into  a  new  three-year  unsecured  $550,000,000  multi-
currency revolving credit facility replacing its former $290,000,000 facility.  The Company and its subsidiaries
are able to borrow funds in sixteen major foreign currencies under this agreement.

As  of  January  31,  1998,  the  Company  maintained  domestic  and  foreign  revolving  credit  loan 
agreements (including the Receivables Securitization Program) with a total of twenty financial institutions which
provide for maximum short-term borrowings of approximately $907,000,000 (including local country credit
loans).  At January 31, 1998, the weighted average interest rate on all short-term borrowings was 4.89%.  The
Company  can  fix  the  interest  rate  for  periods  of  30  to  180  days  under  various  interest  rate  options.    The  credit 
agreements contain warranties and covenants that must be complied with on a continuing basis, including the
maintenance of certain financial ratios.  At January 31, 1998, the Company was in compliance with all such
covenants.

30

DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

NOTE 4 - LONG-TERM DEBT:

January 31,

1998

1997

(In thousands)

Mortgage note payable, interest at 10.25%, principal 
and interest of $85,130 payable monthly, balloon
payment due 2005  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8,788

$ 8,902

Mortgage note payable funded through Industrial Revenue
Bond, interest at 7.5%, principal and interest payable 
quarterly, through 1999  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less - current maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

108
8,896
(213)
$ 8,683

195
9,097
(201)
$ 8,896

Principal maturities of long-term debt at January 31, 1998 for the succeeding five fiscal years are
as follows:  1999 - $213,000; 2000 - $162,000; 2001 - $155,000;  2002 - $172,000;  2003 - $191,000.

Mortgage  notes  payable  are  secured  by  property  and  equipment  with  an  original  cost  of
approximately $12,000,000.    The  Industrial  Revenue  Bond  contains  covenants  which  require  the
Company to maintain certain financial ratios with which the Company was in compliance at January 31,
1998.

NOTE 5 - INCOME TAXES (In thousands):

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax
purposes.  Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:

January 31,

Deferred tax liabilities:

1998

Accelerated depreciation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 10,519
1,630
Deferred revenue  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4,937
Other - net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17,086
Total deferred tax liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred tax assets:

Accruals not currently deductible  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reserves not currently deductible  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capitalized inventory costs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other - net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred tax assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5,412
21,290
1,959
371
29,032
Net deferred tax assets (included in prepaid and other assets)  . . . . . . . . . . . $ 11,946

$

1997

6,863
2,811
3,525
13,199

5,092
21,340
2,220
213
28,865
$ 15,666

31

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

Significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

Current:

Federal ................................................................................
State ....................................................................................
Foreign ................................................................................
Total current ......................................................................

Deferred:

Federal ................................................................................
State ....................................................................................
Foreign ................................................................................
Total deferred ....................................................................

Year ended January 31,
1997
$ 32,485
5,897
3,185
41,567

1998
$ 39,805
2,469
6,822
49,096

1996
$ 15,107
2,932
1,541
19,580

3,328
507
(115)
3,720
$ 52,816

(3,490)
(451)
(1,110)
(5,051)
$ 36,516

(4,656)
(625)
(322)
(5,603)
$ 13,977

The  reconciliation  of  income  tax  attributable  to  continuing  operations  computed  at  the  U.S. 

federal statutory tax rates to income tax expense is as follows:

Tax at U.S. statutory rates........................................................
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit ..........................
Other - net ...............................................................................

The components of pretax earnings are as follows:

Year ended January 31,
1997

1998

1996

35.0%
1.4
.6
37.0%

35.0%
3.8
.3
39.1%

35.0%
4.2
.2
39.4%

United States .......................................................................... $ 126,757
15,973
Foreign ....................................................................................
$ 142,730

1998

Year ended January 31,
1997
$ 88,536
4,953
$ 93,489

1996
$ 33,164
2,354
$ 35,518

The cumulative amount of undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries for which U.S.
income taxes have not been provided was approximately $10 million at January 31, 1998.  It is not practical
to estimate the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. taxes on these undistributed earnings.

NOTE 6 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:

Stock compensation plans

At January 31, 1998, the Company had four stock-based compensation plans, an employee stock
ownership plan and a retirement savings plan, which are described below.  The Company applies APB
Opinion 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its plans.  Accordingly, no compensation cost
has been recognized for its fixed stock option plans and its stock purchase plan.

Fixed stock option plans

In August 1985, the Board of Directors adopted the 1985 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the “1985
Plan”), which covers an aggregate of 1,050,000 shares of common stock.  The options were granted to
certain officers and key employees at or above fair market value; accordingly, no compensation expense
has been recorded with respect to these options.  Options are exercisable beginning two years from the
date of grant only if the grantee is an employee of the Company at that time.  No options may be granted
under the 1985 Plan after July 31, 1995.

32

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

In June 1990, the shareholders approved the 1990 Incentive and Non-Statutory Stock Option
Plan (the “1990 Plan”) which covers an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares (as amended in June 1997) of
common stock.  The 1990 Plan provides for the granting of incentive and non-statutory stock options,
stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) and limited stock appreciation rights (“Limited SARs”) at prices determined
by the stock option committee, except for incentive stock options which are granted at the fair market
value of the stock on the date of grant.  Incentive options granted under the 1990 Plan become exercisable
over  a five year period while the date of exercise of non-statutory options is determined by the stock
option committee.  As of January 31, 1998, no SARs or Limited SARs had been granted under the 1990
Plan.  Options granted under the 1985 Plan and the 1990 Plan expire 10 years from the date of grant,
unless a shorter period is specified by the stock option committee. 

In  June  1995,  the  shareholders  approved  the  1995  Non-Employee  Director’s  Non-Statutory
Stock  Option  Plan.    Under  this  plan,  the  Company  grants  non-employee  members  of  its  Board  of
Directors stock options upon their initial appointment to the board and then annually each year there-
after.  Stock options granted to members upon their initial appointment vest and become exercisable at a
rate of 20% per year.  Annual awards vest and become exercisable one year from the date of grant.  The
number of shares subject to options under this plan cannot exceed 100,000 and the options expire 10
years from the date of grant.

A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option plans is as follows:

January 31,
1998

January 31,
1997

January 31,
1996

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Shares        Price

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Shares        Price

Weighted
Average
Exercise

Shares        Price

Outstanding at beginning of year  . . 3,285,818 $ 4.31
26.65
Granted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,643,400
13.23
(720,573)
Exercised  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17.57
(327,100)
Canceled  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19.43
Outstanding at year end . . . . . . . . 3,881,545

2,644,056 $ 15.62
3,081,110 $ 13.31
12.91
1,683,450
16.27
1,112,000
8.53
13.11
(675,492)
(79,800)
18.45
13.72 (1,166,596)
(231,800)
13.31
3,081,110
14.31
3,285,818

Options exercisable at year end  . .

601,895

Available for grant at year end  . . . 4,588,000

576,862

905,000

494,460

1,785,000

Range of
Exercise Prices
$  1.50 - $ 10.99
11.00 -   15.99
16.00 -   29.99
30.00 -   51.00

Number 
Outstanding 
at 1/31/98
562,150
1,386,195
1,597,900
335,300
3,881,545

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
6.4
7.7
8.4
9.6

Weighted-
Average
Exercise 
Price
$ 10.24
14.20
23.59
36.62

Weighted-
Average
Exercise 
Price
$   9.72
13.94
20.23
–mn

Number 
Exercisable
at 1/31/98
250,400
221,495
130,000
0
601,895

33

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

Employee stock purchase plan

Under the 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, approved in June 1995, the Company is authorized
to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock to eligible employees.  Under the terms of the plan,
employees can choose to have a fixed dollar amount or percentage deducted from their compensation to
purchase the Company’s common stock and/or elect to purchase shares once per calendar quarter.  The
purchase price of the stock is 85% of the market value on the exercise date and employees are limited to
a  maximum  purchase  of  $25,000  fair  market  value  each  calendar  year.    Since  plan  inception,  the
Company has sold 137,246 shares as of January 31, 1998.  All shares purchased under this plan must be
retained for a period of one year.

Pro forma effect of stock compensation plans

Had the compensation cost for the Company’s stock option plans and employee stock purchase
plan been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under the plans consistent with
the method prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-
Based Compensation”, the Company’s net income and net income per common share on a pro forma basis
would have been (in thousands, except per share data):

Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income per common share:

Year ended January 31,
1997
$ 55,059

1998
$ 85,344

1996
$ 19,937

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.91
1.83

1.35
1.31

.53
.52

The preceding pro forma results were calculated with the use of the Black Scholes option-pricing
model. The following assumptions were used for the years ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively: (1) risk-free interest rates of 6.76%, 6.08% and 6.96%; (2) dividend yield of 0.0%, 0.0% and
0.0%; (3) expected lives of 4.87, 5.08 and 5.08 years; and (4) volatility of 56%, 56% and 39%.  Results
may vary depending on the assumptions applied within the model.

Stock ownership and retirement savings plans

In February 1984, the Company established an employee stock ownership plan (the “ESOP”)
covering substantially all U.S. employees.  The ESOP provides for distribution of vested percentages of
the Company's common stock to participants.  Such benefit becomes fully vested after seven years of
qualified service.  At January 31, 1998 and 1997, 780,000 and 717,000 shares, respectively, were held by
the  ESOP.    The  Company  also  offers  its  U.S.  employees  a  retirement  savings  plan  pursuant  to  section
401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code which provides for the Company to match 50% of the first $1,000
of  each  participant's  deferrals  annually.    Contributions  to  these  plans  are  made  in  amounts  approved
annually by the Board of Directors.  Aggregate contributions made by the Company to these plans were
$2,460,000, $2,090,000 and $1,659,000 for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

NOTE 7 - CAPITAL STOCK:

Each outstanding share of preferred stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a
vote of shareholders, except for matters involving mergers, the sale of all Company assets, amendments
to the Company's charter and exchanges of Company stock for stock of another company which require
approval by a majority of each class of capital stock.  In such matters, the preferred and common share-
holders will each vote as a separate class.

In November 1997, the Company completed a public offering of 3.7 million shares of common

stock resulting in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $149,000,000.

34

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Operating leases

The Company leases distribution facilities and certain equipment under noncancelable operating
leases which expire at various dates through 2005.  Future minimum lease payments under all such leases
for  the  succeeding  five  fiscal  years  are  as  follows:  1999  -  $15,145,000;  2000  -  $13,604,000;  2001  -
$10,079,000; 2002 - $4,278,000; 2003 - $1,601,000 and $4,294,000 thereafter.  Rental expense for all
operating  leases  amounted  to  $15,704,000,  $10,160,000  and  $7,547,000  in  1998,  1997  and  1996,
respectively.

NOTE 9 - ACQUISITIONS:

On July 1, 1997 the Company acquired approximately 77% of the voting common stock and 7% of the
non-voting preferred stock of Macrotron AG (“Macrotron”), a distributor of personal computer products
based in Munich, Germany.  The initial acquisition was completed through an exchange of approximately
$26 million in cash and 406,586 shares of the Company’s common stock, for a combined total value of
$35 million.  On July 10, 1997, the Company commenced a tender offer for the remaining shares of
Macrotron common and preferred stock at a price per share of DM730 and DM600, respectively.  The
tender offer period ended on September 5, 1997.  As of January 31, 1998, the Company owned approximately
98% and 82% of Macrotron’s common and preferred stock, respectively. The cash portion of the initial
acquisition, the related tender offer and subsequent purchase of Macrotron’s common and preferred stock
were funded from the Company’s revolving credit loan agreements.

The acquisition of Macrotron is accounted for under the purchase method.  The preliminary purchase
price allocation has resulted in approximately $51,000,000 in excess cost over the net fair market value
of tangible assets acquired as of January 31, 1998.  The Company is currently implementing its acquisition
strategy which may result in an adjustment to the net assets acquired.  Consistent with the Company’s
accounting policy for foreign subsidiaries, Macrotron’s operations will be consolidated into the Company’s
consolidated financial statements on a calendar year basis.  Consequently, the Company’s fiscal year ending
January 31, 1998 includes Macrotron’s operations for the six month period beginning July 1, 1997 and
ending December 31, 1997.

The  following  pro  forma  unaudited  results  of  operations  reflects  the  effect  on  the  Company’s
operations, as if the above described acquisition had occurred at the beginning of each of the periods 
presented below:

Year ended January 31,
1997
1998

(In thousands)

Net sales  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,623,852
90,161
Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income per common share:

Basic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.01
1.93

$ 5,571,406
60,716

1.47
1.43

The unaudited pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and includes
certain pro forma adjustments.  Such pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the operating
results that would have occurred had the Macrotron acquisition been consummated as of the beginning
of the periods above, nor are they necessarily indicative of future operating results.

35

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

NOTE 10 - SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company is engaged in one business segment, the wholesale distribution of microcomputer
hardware and software products.  The geographic areas in which the Company operates are the United
States (United States including exports to Latin America and the Caribbean) and International (Germany,
France, Canada, Switzerland, Austria and Brazil).  The geographical distribution of net sales, operating
income and identifiable assets are as follows (in thousands):

United States

International

Eliminations

Consolidated

Fiscal year 1998
Net sales to unaffiliated customers . .
Operating income  . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifiable assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fiscal year 1997
Net sales to unaffiliated customers . .
Operating income  . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifiable assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fiscal year 1996
Net sales to unaffiliated customers . .
Operating income  . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifiable assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 5,624,891
$ 151,887
$ 1,568,458

$ 1,431,728
20,751
$
$ 616,925

$ 4,009,924
$
105,330
$ 1,327,156

$ 2,654,750
48,419
$
868,910
$

$
$
$

$
$
$

589,017
9,681
218,138

431,870
7,185
174,969

$      –
$      –
$      –

$      –
$      –
$      –

$7,056,619
$ 172,638
$2,185,383

$ 4,598,941
$
115,011
$ 1,545,294

$      –
$      –
$      –       

$ 3,086,620
$
55,604
$ 1,043,879

NOTE 11 - UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Fiscal year 1998
Net sales  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income per common share:

Basic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fiscal year 1997
Net sale  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income per common share:

Basic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Quarter ended

April 30

July 31

October 31

January 31

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

$ 1,370,146
95,177
18,222

$ 1,551,820
103,978
21,464

$ 2,021,479
129,342
23,673

$2,113,174
137,249
26,126

.42
.41

.49
.47

.54
.51

.55
.53

Quarter ended

April 30

July 31

October 31

January 31

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

$

985,574
69,012
10,428

$ 1,063,228
74,302
12,016

$ 1,236,650
85,955
16,748

$ 1,313,489
92,512
17,781

.27
.27

.31
.30

.39
.38

.41
.40

ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

36

OFFICERS

Steven A. Raymund
Chairman of the Board of Directors 
and Chief Executive Officer  

Anthony A. Ibargüen
President and Chief Operating Officer  

Jeffery P. Howells
Executive Vice President 
and Chief Financial Officer  

Peggy K. Caldwell
Senior Vice President of Marketing 

Timothy J. Curran
Senior Vice President of Sales  

Lawrence W. Hamilton
Senior Vice President of Human Resources  

H. John Lochow 
Senior Vice President  
and Chief Information Officer  

Yuda Saydun
Senior Vice President 
and General Manager - Latin America 

Joseph B. Trepani 
Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller 

Theodore F. Augustine
Vice President of Distribution and  Logistics  

Patrick O. Connelly
Vice President of Worldwide Credit Services  

Charles V. Dannewitz
Vice President of Taxes  

Arthur W. Singleton
Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary    

David R. Vetter
Vice President and General Counsel   

DIRECTORS

Steven A. Raymund
Chairman of the Board of Directors 
and Chief Executive Officer  

Charles E. Adair
President, Kowaliga Capital, Inc.  

Daniel M. Doyle
Chief Executive Officer 
Danka Business Systems PLC  

Donald F. Dunn
Former Chairman, Maas Brothers/Jordan Marsh  

Edward C. Raymund
Chairman Emeritus  

David M. Upton
Professor, Harvard Business School  

John Y. Williams
Managing Director, Equity-South Advisors, LLC

Tech Data Corporation  u

SUBSIDIARIES

Macrotron 
Heisenbergbogen 3 
85609 Dornach, Germany
Tech Data France
26, avenue Henri Barbusse 
93012 Bobigny, France 
Tech Data Canada
6895 Columbus Road 
Mississauga, Ontario  
L5T 2G9 Canada  
Tech Data Latin America
8501 N.W. 17th Street, Suite 101 
Miami, Florida  33126  
Tech Data Brasil
Rua São Paulo, 137 
06465-130 Barueri – SP 
São Paulo, Brasil   
Tech Data Education
5350 Tech Data Drive 
Clearwater, Florida  33760  
Tech Data Finance
5000 Executive Parkway, Suite 490 
San Ramon, CA  94583 

ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting of shareholders of the 
Company will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 
June 23, 1998, at Tech Data’s headquarters: 
5350 Tech Data Drive Clearwater, FL  33760 
(813) 539-7429

SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
Tech Data Corporation welcomes inquiries from its share-
holders and other interested investors.  For 
further information on the activities of the Company, addi-
tional copies of this report, or other financial information,
contact our Investor Relations 
department at the address above or our web site 
at www.techdata.com.  Communications regarding lost
stock certificates and address changes should 
be directed to Tech Data’s transfer agent, Chase Mellon
Shareholder Services.  

QUARTERLY REPORTS
In the Company’s effort to provide financial information
on a timely basis, the quarterly earnings release will be made
available to shareholders through the Company’s fax-on-
demand service by calling 800-758-5804 
(Access #841125).  Alternatively, you may receive the quar-
terly earnings release by mail by contacting our Investor
Relations department.  

TRANSFER AGENT
Chase Mellon Shareholder Services 
Four Station Square, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(800) 756-3353  

SECURITIES COUNSEL
Schifino & Fleischer, P.A., Tampa, Florida  

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 
Price Waterhouse LLP, Tampa, Florida  

STOCK LISTING
The Company’s common stock is traded on The Nasdaq
Stock Market under the symbol TECD. 

FISCAL 1998 ANNUAL REPORT

TECH DATA CORPORATION
5350 Tech Data Drive Clearwater, FL 33760
www.techdata.com

© 1998 Tech Data Corporation. All rights reserved.

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

___________________________

(Mark one)
[X]

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998

OR

[  ]

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)

For the transition period from 

to

Commission file number 0-14625

TECH DATA CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_____________________________________________

Florida
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)

 No. 59-1578329
  (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

5350 Tech Data Drive, Clearwater, FL
(Address of principal executive offices)

33760
(Zip Code)

_____________________________________________

Registrant’s telephone number including area code: (813) 539-7429

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common stock, par value $.0015 per share.

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  (1)  has  filed  all  reports  required  to  be  filed  by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or shorter
period  that  the  registrant  was  required  to  file  such  reports),  and  (2)  has  been  subject  to  such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes   X    No ____

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of regulation S-K is
not contained herein, and will not be contained to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference to Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.

Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March

31, 1998:

$1,698,978,000

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of

the latest practicable date.

Class

Outstanding at March 31, 1998

Common stock, par value $.0015 per share

48,267,064

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The registrant’s Proxy Statement for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on June 23,

1998 is incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K to the extent stated herein.

ITEM 1.  Business

PART I

(a) General development of business

Tech Data Corporation (the "Company" or "Tech Data") was incorporated in 1974 to market data
processing supplies such as tape, disk packs, and custom and stock tab forms for mini and mainframe
computers  directly  to  end  users.    In  1984,  the  Company  began  marketing  certain  of  its  products  to  the
newly  emerging  market  of  microcomputer  dealers  and  had  withdrawn  entirely  from  end-user  sales,
broadened  its  product  line  to  include  hardware  products,  and  completed  its  transition  to  a  wholesale
distributor.    The  Company  has  since  continually  expanded  its  product  lines,  customer  base  and
geographical presence.

On  May  31,  1989,  the  Company  entered  the  Canadian  market  through  the  acquisition  of  a
distributor  subsequently  named  Tech  Data  Canada  Inc.  (“Tech  Data  Canada”).    Tech  Data  Canada
serves  customers  in  all  Canadian  provinces  and  carries  many  of  the  same  products  offered  by  the
Company.

On March 24, 1994, the Company completed the non-cash exchange of 1,144,000 shares of its
common  stock  for  all  of  the  outstanding  capital  stock  of  Softmart  International,  S.A.  (subsequently
named Tech Data France, SNC) (“Tech Data France”), a privately-held distributor of personal computer
products  based  in  Paris,  France.    Tech  Data  France  is  one  of  the  largest  wholesale  distributors  of
microcomputer products in France, representing leading manufacturers and publishers such as Compaq,
Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Lotus and Microsoft.  The acquisition was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests
effective  February  1,  1994;  however,  due  to  the  immaterial  size  of  the  acquisition  in  relation  to  the
consolidated financial statements, prior period financial statements were not restated.

To complement its Miami-based Latin American export business, the Company opened a 33,000

square-foot distribution center near São Paulo, Brazil in February 1997.

On  July  1,  1997,  Tech  Data  acquired  a  controlling  interest  in  Macrotron  AG  (“Macrotron”),  a
leading publicly held distributor of personal computer products based in Munich, Germany.  Macrotron is
one of the largest computer products wholesale distributors in Germany whose product line includes such
leading vendors as 3Com, Canon, Compaq, Corel, Epson, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Sony
and Toshiba.  As of January 31, 1998, the Company owned approximately 98% and 82% of Macrotron’s
common and preferred stock, respectively.  The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase
method.

(b) Financial information about industry segments

The Company operates in only one business segment.

(c) Narrative description of business

The Company is the world’s second largest distributor of microcomputer hardware and software
products  to  value-added  resellers  ("VARs"),  corporate  resellers,  retailers  and  direct  marketers
(collectively  with  VARs,  “customers”).    Tech  Data  distributes  products  throughout  the  United  States,
Canada,  Latin  America,  Germany,  France,  Switzerland  and  Austria.    The  Company  purchases  its
products  directly  from  more  than  900  manufacturers  of  microcomputer  hardware  and  publishers  of
software in large quantities, maintains a stocking inventory of more than 45,000 products and sells to an
active base of over 70,000 customers.  The Company’s broad assortment of vendors and products meets
the customers’ need for a cost effective link to those vendors’ products offered through a single source.

The  Company  provides  its  customers  with  leading  products  including  systems,  peripherals,
networking, and software, which accounted for 24%, 42%, 18% and 16%, respectively, of sales in fiscal
1998.  The Company offers products from manufacturers and publishers such as Bay Networks, Cisco,
Compaq, Corel, Creative Labs, Digital Equipment, Epson, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Novell,
Okidata, Seagate, Symantec, 3Com, Toshiba, Viewsonic and Western Digital.  The Company generally
ships  products  the  same  day  the  orders  are  received  from  regionally  located  distribution  centers.    The
customers are provided with a high-level of service through the Company’s pre- and post-sale technical

2

support,  electronic  commerce  tools  (including  on-line  order  entry,  product  configuration  services  and
electronic  data  interchange  (“EDI”)  services),  customized  shipping  documents  and  flexible  financing
programs.

Industry

The  wholesale  distribution  model,  like  that  provided  by  the  Company,  has  proven  to  be  well-
suited  for  both  manufacturers  and  publishers  of  microcomputer  products  (“vendors”)  and  resellers  of
those products.  The large number and diversity of resellers makes it cost efficient for vendors to rely on
wholesale  distributors  which  can  leverage  distribution  costs  across  multiple  vendors  who  outsource  a
portion of their distribution, credit, marketing and support services.  Similarly, due to the large number of
vendors and products, resellers often cannot or choose not to establish direct purchasing relationships.
Instead  they  rely  on  wholesale  distributors,  such  as  Tech  Data,  which  can  leverage  purchasing  costs
across  multiple  resellers  to  satisfy  a  significant  portion  of  their  product  procurement  and  delivery,
financing, marketing and technical support needs.

The  Company  believes  that  the  rates  of  growth  of  the  wholesale  distribution  segment  of  the
microcomputer  industry  and  the  Company  continue  to  outpace  that  of  the  microcomputer  industry  as  a
whole  for  three  principal  reasons.    First,  as  a  result  of  the  use  of  open  systems  and  off-the-shelf
components,  hardware  and  software  products  are  increasingly  viewed  as  commodities.    The  resulting
price  competition,  coupled  with  rising  selling  costs  and  shorter  product  life  cycles,  make  it  difficult  for
manufacturers  and  publishers  to  efficiently  sell  directly  to  resellers  and  has  prompted  them  to  rely  on
more  cost-efficient  methods  of  distribution.    Second,  resellers  are  increasingly  relying  on  wholesale
distributors  such  as  Tech  Data  for  product  availability  and  flexible  financing  alternatives  rather  than
stocking  large  inventories  themselves  and  maintaining  credit  lines  to  finance  working  capital  needs.
Third, restrictions by certain major manufacturers on sales through wholesale distributors were gradually
eased commencing in 1991.  Since the beginning of 1995, the Company has been able to sell certain of
those  manufacturers’  products  under  more  competitive  terms  and  conditions  (“open-sourcing”).
Historically,  these  previously  restricted  product  lines  were  sold  by  master  resellers,  or  aggregators,
(whose business model was similar to wholesale distributors, but focused on relatively few product lines)
to  a  network  of  franchise  dealers.    Open-sourcing  has  virtually  eliminated  any  advantage  that  these
aggregators  enjoyed  as  a  result  of  the  exclusive  arrangements.    In  addition,  consolidation  in  the
wholesale  distribution  industry  continues  as  economies  of  scale  and  access  to  financial  resources
become more critical.  Larger distributors, like the Company, that have been able to utilize economies of
scale  to  lower  costs  and  pass  on  the  savings  to  its  customers  in  the  form  of  reduced  prices  have
continued to take market share.

Recent  trends  in  wholesale  distribution  include  the  final  assembly  of  certain  products  by  the
distributor and continued expansion of electronic commerce.  In order to compete more effectively and
lower  their  costs,  major  computer  systems  manufacturers  which  rely  on  the  two-tier  distribution  model
have  begun  to  take  steps  to  reduce  their  own  inventories  and  the  inventories  of  their  distributors  and
resellers by implementing a build-to-order manufacturing process.  They have also begun to re-engineer
their  distribution  by  developing  programs  whereby  final  assembly  will  be  performed  at  the  distribution
level  (“channel  assembly”)  versus  the  current  build-to-forecast  methodology  employed  by  these
manufacturers.    Tech  Data  has  been  selected  by  Compaq,  Hewlett-Packard  and  IBM  to  participate  in
their respective channel assembly programs.  Tech Data began performing assembly services for IBM in
October 1997 and expects to begin performing such services for Compaq and Hewlett-Packard in fiscal
1999.

The  increasing  utilization  of  electronic  ordering  and  information  delivery  systems,  including  the
ability  to  transact  business  over  the  World  Wide  Web  has  had  and  is  expected  to  continue  to  have  a
significant impact on the cost efficiency of the wholesale distribution industry.  Distributors, such as Tech
Data,  with  the  financial  and  technical  resources  to  develop,  implement  and  operate  state-of-the-art
management  information  systems  have  been  able  to  reduce  both  their  customers’  and  their  own
transaction costs through more efficient purchasing and lower selling costs.

In summary, microcomputer distribution is experiencing rapid growth and consolidation, creating

an environment in which market share and the resulting cost efficiencies are critical.

3

Business Strategy

Tech Data, as the world’s second largest distributor of microcomputer products, believes that its
infrastructure  and  the  size  of  its  operation  position  it  to  gain  share  in  its  current  markets  as  well  as
continue  its  expansion  into  new  geographic  markets.    The  Company’s  size  and  performance  have
allowed  it  to  make  significant  investments  in  personnel,  management  information  systems,  distribution
centers and other capital resources.  The Company provides a broad array of products and services for
its resellers, which allows them to satisfy their needs from a single source.  The Company’s competitive
advantage  is  the  result  of  its  low  cost  structure,  investment  in  sophisticated  management  information
systems and its access to capital to finance growth.

To  maintain  and  enhance  its  leadership  position  in  wholesale  distribution,  the  Company's

business strategy includes the following main elements:

Maintain  low  cost  and  efficient  operations.    The  Company  has  pursued  a  strategy  of
profitable  revenue  growth  by  providing  its  customers  with  the  benefit  of  operating  efficiencies
achieved  through  centralized  management  and  control,  stringent  cost  controls  and  automation.
The  Company  strictly  regulates  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses;  utilizes  its  highly
automated  order  placement  and  processing  systems  to  efficiently  manage  inventory  and
shipments and to reduce transaction costs; and realizes economies of scale in product purchasing,
financing  and  working  capital  management.    The  Company  has  been  successful  in  reducing
selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales from 6.8% for the fiscal
year ended January 31, 1992 to 4.2% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998.

Leverage  management  information  systems.    In  order  to  further  improve  its  operating
efficiencies  and  services  to  its  resellers,  the  Company  invested  approximately  $30  million  in  a
scaleable,  state-of-the-art  computer  information  system  which  was  implemented  in  December
1994.    This  system,  which  currently  supports  the  Company’s  U.S.  and  Canadian  operations  and
Latin  American  export  operations,  allows  the  Company  to  improve  operating  efficiencies  and  to
offer  additional  services  such  as  expanding  its  electronic  commerce  capabilities,  including
electronic  data  interchange  and  Tech  Data  On-Line  electronic  ordering  and  information  systems.
The Company’s ordering system will be available on its World Wide Web site in the near future.
The Company believes that growth in its electronic commerce capabilities will provide incremental
economies of scale and further reduce transaction costs.

Offer  a  broad  and  balanced  product  mix.    The  Company  offers  its  resellers  a  broad
assortment  of  leading  technology  products.    Currently,  the  Company  offers  more  than  45,000
products  from  more  than  900  manufacturers  and  publishers.    By  offering  a  broad  product
assortment,  the  Company  can  benefit  from  its  resellers’  objective  to  procure  product  more
efficiently by reducing the number of their direct vendor relationships.  The Company is continually
broadening  its  product  assortment  and  has  recently  expanded  its  offerings  of  communication
products  as  a  result  of  the  convergence  of  the  computing  and  telecommunication  markets.    The
Company  maintains  a  balanced  product  line  of  systems,  peripherals,  networking  products  and
software to minimize the effects of fluctuation in supply and demand

Foster  customer  loyalty  through  superior  customer  service.    Tech  Data’s  sales  force
provides  superior  customer  service  through  a  dedicated  team  approach  in  order  to  differentiate
itself  from  its  competitors  and  foster  customer  loyalty.  The  Company  provides  services  such  as
flexible  customer  financing  and  credit  programs,  a  suite  of  electronic  commerce  tools  (including
electronic  order  entry  and  access  to  product  specifications),  pre-  and  post-sale  technical  support,
products  configuration,  customized  shipping  documents,  flexible  product  return  policies  and
customer  education  programs.    The  Company  believes  its  strategy  of  not  competing  with  its
customer base also promotes customer loyalty.

4

Broaden geographic coverage through international expansion.  The Company plans to
take  advantage  of  its  strong  financial  position,  vendor  relationships  and  distribution  expertise  to
continue  to  expand  its  business  in  the  markets  it  currently  serves  and  additional  markets.    The
Company’s expansion strategy focuses on identifying companies with significant market positions
and  quality  management  teams  in  markets  where  there  is  developed  or  emerging  demand  for
microcomputer products.  Following expansion into a new market, Tech Data enhances its market
share  by  providing  capital,  adding  new  product  lines,  competitively  pricing  its  products  and
delivering  value-added  services.    The  Company’s  operations  have  expanded  from  its  North
American  focus  to  include  Europe  with  the  acquisition  in  1994  of  France’s  largest  wholesale
microcomputer  distributor.    In  February  1997,  the  Company  continued  its  international  expansion
through  the  development  of  an  in-country  subsidiary  which  stocks  and  distributes  products  in
Brazil.  In July 1997, Tech Data broadened its European presence with the acquisition of a majority
interest in one of Germany’s largest wholesale microcomputer distributors, Macrotron AG.

Vendor Relations

The  Company's  strong  financial  and  industry  positions  have  enabled  it  to  obtain  contracts  with
most leading manufacturers and publishers.  The Company purchases products directly from more than
900  manufacturers  and  publishers,  generally  on  a  nonexclusive  basis.    The  Company's  vendor
agreements are believed to be in the form customarily used by each manufacturer and typically contain
provisions  which  allow  termination  by  either  party  upon  60  days  notice.  Generally,  the  Company's
supplier agreements do not require it to sell a specified quantity of products or restrict the Company from
selling similar products manufactured by competitors.  Consequently, the Company has the flexibility to
terminate or curtail sales of one product line in favor of another product line as a result of technological
change,  pricing  considerations,  product  availability,  customer  demand  and  vendor  distribution  policies.
Such  agreements  generally  contain  stock  rotation  and  price  protection  provisions  which,  along  with  the
Company’s inventory management policies and practices, reduce the Company’s risk of loss due to slow-
moving inventory, vendor price reductions, product updates or obsolescence.  Under the terms of many
distribution agreements, suppliers will credit the distributor for declines in inventory value resulting from
the supplier’s price reductions if the distributor complies with certain conditions.  In addition, under many
such agreements, the distributor has the right to return for credit or exchange for other products a portion
of  those  inventory  items  purchased,  within  a  designated  period  of  time.    A  supplier  who  elects  to
terminate  a  distribution  agreement  generally  will  repurchase  from  the  distributor  the  supplier’s  products
carried  in  the  distributor’s  inventory.    While  the  industry  practices  discussed  above  are  sometimes  not
embodied in written agreements and do not protect the Company in all cases from declines in inventory
value,  management  believes  that  these  practices  provide  a  significant  level  of  protection  from  such
declines.    No  assurance  can  be  given,  however,  that  such  practices  will  continue  or  that  they  will
adequately  protect  the  Company  against  declines  in  inventory  value.    See  “Management’s  Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Asset Management.”

Major computer systems manufacturers have begun to re-engineer their manufacturing processes
whereby final assembly will be performed at the distribution level (“channel assembly”) versus the current
“build-to-forecast”  methodology  employed  by  these  manufacturers.    Tech  Data  has  been  selected  by
Compaq,  Hewlett-Packard  and  IBM  to  participate  in  their  respective  channel  assembly  programs.    The
Company currently performs configuration services at its South Bend distribution center which has been
ISO  9002  certified.    Tech  Data  began  performing  assembly  services  for  IBM  in  October  1997  and
expects  to  begin  performing  such  services  for  Compaq  and  Hewlett-Packard  in  fiscal  1999.    The
Company  plans  to  expand  its  configuration  and  final  assembly  services  capabilities  into  its  Fontana,
California and Swedesboro, New Jersey distribution centers later this year.

In addition to providing manufacturers and publishers with one of the largest bases of resellers in
the United States, Canada, Latin America, Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria, the Company also
offers  manufacturers  and  publishers  the  opportunity  to  participate  in  a  number  of  special  promotions,
training programs and marketing services targeted to the needs of its resellers.

No  single  vendor  accounted  for  more  than  10%  of  the  Company's  net  sales  during  fiscal  1998,
1997 or 1996, except sales of Compaq products which accounted for 13% and 12% of net sales in fiscal
1998  and  1997,  respectively,  and  sales  of  Hewlett-Packard  products  which  accounted  for  13%  of  net
sales in fiscal 1998.

5

Customers, Products and Services

The  Company  sells  more  than  45,000  microcomputer  products  including  systems,  peripherals,
networking  and  software  purchased  directly  from  manufacturers  and  publishers  in  large  quantities  for
sale  to  an  active  reseller  base  of  more  than  70,000  VARs,  corporate  resellers,  direct  marketers  and
retailers.

The Company’s VARs typically do not have the resources to establish a large number of direct
purchasing  relationships  or  stock  significant  product  inventories.    This  market  segment  is  attractive
because VARs, which constituted approximately 53% of Tech Data’s net sales in fiscal 1998, generally
rely  on  distributors  as  their  principal  source  of  computer  products  and  financing.    Corporate  resellers,
retailers  and  direct  marketers  may  establish  direct  relationships  with  manufacturers  and  publishers  for
their more popular products, but utilize distributors as the primary source for other product requirements
and  the  alternative  source  for  products  acquired  direct.    The  Company’s  Tech  Data  Elect  Program
provides cost-plus pricing on certain high volume products, primarily computer systems and printers, and
other  special  terms  to  target  corporate  resellers.    Corporate  resellers  constituted  approximately  30%  of
the  Company’s  net  sales  in  fiscal  1998.    Tech  Data  also  has  developed  special  programs  to  meet  the
unique  needs  of  retail  and  direct  marketers,  which  customers  constituted  approximately  17%  of  the
Company’s net sales in fiscal 1998.  No single customer accounted for more than 5% of the Company’s
net sales during fiscal 1998, 1997 or 1996.

The  Company  pursues  a  strategy  of  expanding  its  product  line  to  offer  its  customers  a  broad
assortment  of  products.    Based  upon  the  convergence  of  computing  and  communication  technologies,
the Company has also expanded its offering of communication products.  From time to time, the demand
for  certain  products  sold  by  the  Company  exceeds  the  supply  available  from  the  manufacturer  or
publisher.    The  Company  then  receives  an  allocation  of  the  products  available.    Management  believes
that  the  Company's  ability  to  compete  is  not  adversely  affected  by  these  periodic  shortages  and  the
resulting allocations.

Tech  Data  provides  resellers  a  high-level  of  service  through  the  Company’s  pre-  and  post-sale
technical  support,  suite  of  electronic  commerce  tools  (including  on-line  order  entry  and  EDI  services),
customized shipping documents, product configuration services and flexible financing programs.

The Company delivers products throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Germany,
France,  Switzerland  and  Austria  from  its  distribution  centers  in  Miami,  Florida;  Atlanta,  Georgia;
Paulsboro,  New  Jersey;  Ft.  Worth,  Texas;  South  Bend,  Indiana;  Ontario,  California;  Union  City,
California;  Mississauga,  Ontario  (Canada);  Richmond,  British  Columbia  (Canada);  São  Paulo,  Brazil;
Munich,  Germany;  Bobigny  (Paris),  France;  Hünenberg,  Switzerland  and  Vienna,  Austria.    Locating
distribution  centers  near  its  customers  enables  the  Company  to  deliver  products  on  a  timely  basis,
thereby reducing customers' need to invest in inventory.  See Item 2 - Properties for further discussion of
the Company’s locations and distribution centers.

Sales and Electronic Commerce

Currently,  the  Company's  sales  force  consists  of  approximately  80  field  sales  representatives
and  1,054  inside  telemarketing  sales  representatives.    Field  sales  representatives  are  located  in  major
metropolitan areas.  Each field representative is supported by inside telemarketing sales teams covering
a  designated  territory.    The  Company’s  team  concept  provides  a  strong  personal  relationship  between
representatives  of  the  customers  and  Tech  Data.    Territories  with  no  field  representation  are  serviced
exclusively by the inside telemarketing sales teams. Customers typically call their inside sales teams on
dedicated  toll-free  numbers  to  place  orders.    If  the  product  is  in  stock  and  the  customer  has  available
credit,  customer  orders  received  by  5:00  p.m.  local  time  are  generally  shipped  the  same  day  from  the
distribution facility nearest the customer.

6

Customers  rely  upon  the  Company's  electronic  ordering  and  information  systems,  product
catalogs and frequent mailings as sources for product information, including prices.  The Company's on-
line  computer  system  allows  the  inside  sales  teams  to  check  for  current  stocking  levels  in  each  of  the
seven  United  States  distribution  centers.    Likewise,  inside  sales  teams  in  Canada,  Brazil,  Germany,
France,  Switzerland  and  Austria  can  check  on  stocking  levels  in  their  respective  distribution  centers.
Through “Tech Data On-Line”, the Company’s proprietary electronic on-line system, U.S. customers can
gain  remote  access  to  the  Company’s  data  processing  system  to  check  product  availability  and  pricing
and to place an order.  Certain of the Company’s larger customers have available EDI services whereby
orders,  order  acknowledgments,  invoices,  inventory  status  reports,  customized  pricing  information  and
other  industry  standard  EDI  transactions  are  consummated  on-line  which  improves  efficiency  and
timeliness for both the Company and the customers. The Company anticipates providing customers with
access to order entry capabilities on the World Wide Web in the near future.

The  Company  provides  comprehensive  training  to  its  field  and  inside  sales  representatives
regarding  technical  characteristics  of  products  and  the  Company's  policies  and  procedures.    Each  new
domestic sales representative attends a four to six-week course provided in-house by the Company.  In
addition, the Company's ongoing training program is supplemented by product seminars offered daily by
manufacturers and publishers.

Competition

The Company operates in a market characterized by intense competition.  Competition within the
industry  is  based  on  product  availability,  credit  availability,  price,  delivery  and  various  services  and
support provided by the distributor to the customer. The Company believes that it is equipped to compete
effectively  with  other  distributors  in  these  areas.    Major  competitors  include  Ingram  Micro,  Inc.  and
Merisel,  Inc.  in  North  America,  Computer  2000  and  CHS  Electronics,  Inc.  in  Europe  and  a  variety  of
smaller distributors.  The only competitor larger than the Company is Ingram Micro, Inc.

The Company also competes with manufacturers and publishers who sell directly to resellers and
end-users.    The  Company  nevertheless  believes  that  in  the  majority  of  cases,  manufacturers  and
publishers choose to sell products through distributors rather than directly because of the relatively small
volume and high selling costs associated with numerous small orders.  Management also believes that
the  Company's  prompt  delivery  of  products  and  efficient  handling  of  returns  provide  an  important
competitive advantage over manufacturers’ and publishers' efforts to market their products directly.

Employees

On  January  31,  1998,  the  Company  had  approximately  5,075  full-time  employees.    The

Company enjoys excellent relations with its employees, all of whom are non-union.

(d) Financial information about foreign and domestic operations and export sales

The geographic areas in which the Company operates are the United States (including exports to
Latin America and the Caribbean) and International (Germany, France, Canada, Switzerland, Austria and
Brazil).    See  Note  9  and  Note  10  of  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  regarding  the
geographical  distribution  of  the  Company’s  net  sales,  operating  income  and  identifiable  assets  and  the
acquisition of Macrotron AG.

Executive Officers

Steven A. Raymund, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, age
42, has been employed by the Company since 1981, serving as Chief Executive Officer since January
1986 and as Chairman of the Board of Directors since April 1991.  He has a B.S. Degree in Economics
from the University of Oregon and a Masters Degree from the Georgetown University School of Foreign
Service.

7

Anthony A. Ibargüen, President and Chief Operating Officer, age 38, joined the Company in
September 1996 as President of the Americas and was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer
in  March  1997.    Prior  to  joining  the  Company,  he  was  employed  by  ENTEX  Information  Services,  Inc.
from August 1993 to August 1996 as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing.  From June 1990
to August 1993, he was employed by JWP, Inc. most recently as a Vice President.  Mr. Ibargüen holds a
B.S.  Degree  in  Marketing  from  Boston  College  and  a  Masters  in  Business  Administration  Degree  from
Harvard University.

Jeffery P. Howells, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, age 41, joined the
Company  in  October  1991  as  Vice  President  of  Finance  and  assumed  the  responsibilities  of  Chief
Financial Officer in March 1992.  In March 1993, he was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial  Officer  and  was  promoted  to  Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  in  March
1997.  From June 1991 through September 1991 he was employed as Vice President of Finance of Inex
Vision  Systems.    From  1979  to  May  1991  he  was  employed  by  Price  Waterhouse,  most  recently  as  a
Senior  Audit  Manager.    Mr.  Howells  is  a  Certified  Public  Accountant  and  holds  a  B.B.A.  Degree  in
Accounting from Stetson University.

Peggy K. Caldwell, Senior Vice President of Marketing, age 52, joined the Company in May
1992.  Prior to joining the Company, she was employed by International Business Machines Corporation
for  25  years,  most  recently  serving  in  a  variety  of  senior  management  positions  in  the  National
Distribution  Division.    Ms.  Caldwell  holds  a  B.S.  Degree  in  Mathematics  and  Physics  from  Bucknell
University.

Timothy J. Curran, Senior Vice President of Sales, age 46, joined the Company in April 1997.
Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by Panasonic Communications and Systems Company
(including  various  other  Panasonic  affiliates)  from  1983  to  1997  serving  in  a  variety  of  senior
management  positions.    Mr.  Curran  holds  a  B.A.  Degree  in  History  from  the  University  of  Notre  Dame
and a Ph.D. in  International Relations from Columbia University.

Lawrence  W.  Hamilton,  Senior  Vice  President  of  Human  Resources,  age  40,  joined  the
Company  in  August  1993  as  Vice  President  of  Human  Resources  and  was  promoted  to  Senior  Vice
President  in  March  1996.    Prior  to  joining  the  Company,  he  was  employed  by  Bristol-Myers  Squibb
Company  from  1985  to  August  1993,  most  recently  as  Vice  President  -  Human  Resources  and
Administration  of  Linvatec  Corporation  (a  division  of  Bristol-Myers  Squibb  Company).    Mr.  Hamilton
holds  a  B.A.  Degree  in  Political  Science  from  Fisk  University  and  a  Masters  of  Public  Administration,
Labor Policy from the University of Alabama.

Gerald M. Labie, President and Managing Director of European Operations, age 54, joined
the Company in November 1997.  Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by Corporate Software
Inc. from 1989 to 1997, most recently serving in the role of Senior Vice President and General Manager,
Europe.  Mr. Labie holds a B.A. Degree from Alfred University.

H.  John  Lochow,  Senior  Vice  President  and  Chief  Information  Officer,  age  45,  joined  the
Company in February 1998.  Prior to joining the Company, he served as Chief Information Officer at Bell
Canada  and  Chief  Executive  of  their  international  subsidiary  Bell  Sygma  from  1996  to  February  1998.
From 1994 to 1996, he was employed by AT&T Capital Corporation as Vice President of Systems and
New Business Development and from 1989 to 1994 he was employed by CNA Insurance Companies as
Vice  President  of  Systems.    Mr.  Lochow  holds  a  B.A.  Degree  in  Mathematics  from  Thomas  Edison
University.

Yuda Saydun, Senior Vice President and General Manager - Latin America, age 44, joined
the Company in May 1993 as Vice President and General Manager - Latin America.  In March 1997 he
was  promoted  to  Senior  Vice  President  and  General  Manager  -  Latin  America.    Prior  to  joining  the
Company, he was employed by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. from 1982 to
May 1993, most recently as Division Vice President, Cardmember Marketing.  Mr. Saydun holds a B.S.
Degree  in  Political  and  Diplomatic  Sciences  from  Universite  Libre  de  Bruxelles  and  a  Masters  of
Business Administration Degree, Finance/Marketing from U.C.L.A.

8

Joseph  B.  Trepani,  Senior  Vice  President  and  Corporate  Controller,  age  37,  joined  the
Company in March 1990 as Controller and held the position of Director of Operations from October 1991
through January 1995.  In February 1995, he was promoted to Vice President and Worldwide Controller
and  to  Senior  Vice  President  in  March  1998.    Prior  to  joining  the  Company,  Mr.  Trepani  was  Vice
President of Finance for Action Staffing, Inc. from July 1989 to February 1990.  From 1982 to June 1989,
he was employed by Price Waterhouse.  Mr. Trepani is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.S.
Degree in Accounting from Florida State University.

Theodore  F.  Augustine,  Vice  President  of  Distribution  and  Logistics,  age  51,  joined  the
Company in July 1996.  Prior to joining the Company he served as President of M-Group Logistics, Inc.
from June 1995 to July 1996.  From 1989 to June 1995 he was employed by The Eli Witt Company as
Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief  Operations  Officer.    Mr.  Augustine  holds  a  Masters  of  Business
Administration Degree from Loyola College.

Patrick  O.  Connelly,  Vice  President  of  Worldwide  Credit  Services,  age  52,  joined  the
Company  in  August  1994.    Prior  to  joining  the  Company,  he  was  employed  by  Unisys  Corporation  for
nine  years  as  Worldwide  Director  of  Credit.    Mr.  Connelly  holds  a  B.A.  Degree  in  History  and  French
from the University of Texas at Austin.

Charles  V.  Dannewitz,  Vice  President  of  Taxes,  age  43,  joined  the  Company  in  February
1995.  Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by Price Waterhouse for 13 years, most recently
as a Tax Partner.  Mr. Dannewitz is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.S. Degree in Accounting
from Illinois Wesleyan University.

Arthur W. Singleton, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary, age 37, joined the Company
in  January  1990  as  Director  of  Finance  and  was  appointed  Treasurer  and  Secretary  in  April  1991.    In
February  1995,  he  was  promoted  to  Vice  President,  Treasurer  and  Secretary.    Prior  to  joining  the
Company,  Mr.  Singleton  was  employed  by  Price  Waterhouse  from  1982  to  December  1989,  most
recently as an Audit Manager.  Mr. Singleton is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.S. Degree in
Accounting from Florida State University.

David  R.  Vetter,  Vice  President  and  General  Counsel,  age  39,  joined  the  Company  in  June
1993.  Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by the law firm of Robbins, Gaynor & Bronstein,
P.A. from 1984 to June 1993, most recently as a partner.  Mr. Vetter is a member of the Florida Bar and
holds  a  B.A.  Degree  in  English  and  Economics  from  Bucknell  University  and  a  J.D.  Degree  from  the
University of Florida.

ITEM 2.  Properties

Tech  Data’s  executive  offices,  are  located  in  Clearwater,  Florida,  all  of  which  buildings,  except
for one, are owned by the Company.  In addition, the Company maintains distribution centers in Miami,
Florida;  Atlanta,  Georgia;  Paulsboro,  New  Jersey;  Ft.  Worth,  Texas;  South  Bend,  Indiana;  Ontario,
California; Union City, California; Mississauga, Ontario (Canada); Richmond, British Columbia (Canada);
Bobigny  (Paris),  France;  São  Paulo,  Brazil;  Munich,  Germany;  Hünenberg,  Switzerland;  and  Vienna,
Austria.    The  Company  leases  all  of  the  preceding  distribution  centers  with  the  exception  of  one  of  its
Munich locations.  The Company also operates training centers in nine cities in the U.S.

The  Company  is  nearing  completion  of  a  project  to  significantly  expand  five  of  its  seven  U.S.
distribution centers which will encompass a total of 2.2 million square-feet when completed later this year
as compared to the former capacity of 800,000 square feet.  Four of the five new U.S. distribution center
locations  include  adjacent  land  which  provides  enough  space  to  double  the  capacity  of  each  of  these
locations  to  meet  future  growth  requirements.    The  facilities  of  the  Company  are  substantially  utilized,
well-maintained and are adequate to conduct the Company's current business.

9

ITEM 3.  Legal Proceedings

There are no material legal proceedings pending against the Company.

ITEM 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

There have been no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the last quarter of the

fiscal year ended January 31, 1998.

PART II

ITEM 5.  Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Shareholder Matters

The Company's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market tier of The Nasdaq Stock
Market  under  the  symbol  TECD.    The  Company  has  not  paid  cash  dividends  since  fiscal  1983.    The
Board of Directors does not intend to institute a cash dividend payment policy in the foreseeable future.
The  table  below  presents  the  quarterly  high  and  low  sales  prices  for  the  Company's  common  stock  as
reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market.  The approximate number of shareholders as of January 31, 1998
was 17,000.

Sales Price
High
Fiscal year 1998
Fourth quarter........................................................................................................... $47 3/4
  51 3/4
Third quarter.............................................................................................................
  39 15/16
Second quarter .........................................................................................................
  27 1/2
First quarter ..............................................................................................................

Low
$34 1/8
  36 1/4
  22 7/8
  19 3/4

Fiscal year 1997
Fourth quarter........................................................................................................... $36 3/8
  30 3/8
Third quarter.............................................................................................................
  24 3/4
Second quarter .........................................................................................................
  19 1/2
First quarter ..............................................................................................................

$21 5/8
  22 1/8
  18 1/4
  13

10

ITEM 6.  Selected Financial Data

FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(In thousands, except per share data)

Year ended January 31,

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

$7,056,619

$4,598,941

$3,086,620

$2,418,410 $1,532,352

6,590,873

4,277,160

2,867,226

2,219,122

1,397,967

293,108
6,883,981
172,638
29,908
142,730
52,816
89,914
429
$     89,485

206,770
4,483,930
115,011
21,522
93,489
36,516
56,973

163,790
3,031,016
55,604
20,086
35,518
13,977
21,541

127,951
2,347,073
71,337
13,761
57,576
22,664
34,912

79,390
1,477,357
54,995
5,008
49,987
19,774
30,213

$     56,973 $     21,541

$     34,912 $     30,213

$         2.00

$         1.39 $           .57 $           .92 $           .83

$         1.92

$         1.35 $           .56 $           .91 $           .83

44,715

46,610

40,870

42,125

37,846

38,138

37,758

38,258

36,196

36,590

$  537,381
2,185,383
540,177
8,683
702,588

$  351,993
1,545,294
396,391
8,896
438,381

$  201,704
1,043,879
283,100
9,097
285,698

$  182,802
784,429
304,784
9,682
260,826

$  165,366
506,760
153,105
9,467
213,326

Income statement data:
Net sales
Cost and expenses:

Cost of products sold
Selling, general and
  administrative expenses

Operating profit
Interest expense
Income before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Income before minority interest
Minority interest
Net income
Net income per common share:
   Basic

     Diluted
Weighted average common
   shares outstanding:
   Basic

   Diluted
Dividends per common share

Balance sheet data:
Working capital
Total assets
Revolving credit loans
Long-term debt
Shareholders' equity
_________

11

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
ITEM 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the percentage of cost and expenses to net sales derived from the

Company's Consolidated Statement of Income for each of the three preceding fiscal years.

Net sales .............................................................................................
Cost and expenses:
   Cost of products sold ........................................................................
   Selling, general and administrative expenses ...................................

Operating profit....................................................................................
Interest expense ..................................................................................
Income before income taxes................................................................
Provision for income taxes ..................................................................
Income before minority interest............................................................
Minority interest ...................................................................................
Net income ..........................................................................................

Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 1998 and 1997

Percentage of net sales
Year ended January 31,
  1997
1998

1996

100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

93.4
4.2
97.6
2.4
.4
2.0
.7
1.3
-
1.3%

93.0
4.5
97.5
2.5
.5
2.0
.8
1.2
-
1.2%

92.9
5.3
98.2
1.8
.6
1.2
.5
.7

-

.7%

Net sales increased 53.4% to $7.1 billion in fiscal 1998 compared to $4.6 billion in the prior year.
This increase is attributable to the acquisition of Macrotron AG, the addition of new product lines and the
expansion  of  existing  product  lines  combined  with  an  increase  in  the  Company’s  market  share.  The
Company’s U.S. and international sales grew 40.3% and 143.1% respectively, in fiscal 1998 compared to
the  prior  year.    The  significant  growth  in  the  Company’s  international  sales  is  attributable  to  the
acquisition of Macrotron AG, in which the Company acquired a controlling interest on July 1, 1997.  The
Company’s  international  sales  in  fiscal  1998  were  approximately  20%  of  consolidated  net  sales
compared with 13% in the prior year.

The  cost  of  products  sold  as  a  percentage  of  net  sales  increased  from  93.0%  in  fiscal  1997  to
93.4% in fiscal 1998.  This increase is a result of competitive market prices and the Company’s strategy
of  lowering  selling  prices  in  order  to  gain  market  share  and  to  pass  on  the  benefit  of  operating
efficiencies to its customers.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 41.8% from $206.8 million in fiscal 1997
to $293.1 million in fiscal 1998, and as a percentage of net sales decreased to 4.2% in fiscal 1998 from
4.5% in the prior year.  This decline in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of
net  sales  is  attributable  to  greater  economies  of  scale  the  Company  realized  during  fiscal  1998  in
addition  to  improved  operating  efficiencies.    The  dollar  value  increase  in  selling,  general  and
administrative expenses is attributable to the acquisition of Macrotron AG and the expanded employment
and increases in other operating expenses needed to support the increased volume of business.

As  a  result  of  the  factors  described  above,  operating  profit  in  fiscal  1998  increased  50.1%  to
$172.6  million, or 2.4% of net sales, compared to $115.0 million, or 2.5% of net sales, in fiscal 1997.  A
factor  contributing  to  the  decrease  in  the  operating  profit  margin  from  2.5%  in  fiscal  1997  to  2.4%  in
fiscal  1998  was  the  acquisition  of  Macrotron  AG.    Macrotron’s  operating  model  employs  a  lower
operating profit margin due to its higher asset turnover, as compared to the Company’s U.S. business.

Interest  expense  increased  due  to  an  increase  in  the  Company’s  average  outstanding
indebtedness  related  to  funding  continued  growth,  the  acquisition  of  Macrotron  AG  and  capital
expenditures.  The increase in interest expense was partially offset in fiscal 1998 by decreases in short-
term  interest  rates  on  the  Company’s  floating  rate  indebtedness  and  by  the  receipt  of  net  proceeds  of
approximately  $149  million  from  the  Company’s  November  1997  common  stock  offering  which  were
used to reduce indebtedness.

12

The  Company’s  average  income  tax  rate  declined  to  37.0%  for  fiscal  1998  as  compared  to
39.1% for fiscal 1997.  This reduction primarily is the result of a larger portion of the Company’s income
being subject to lower state income tax jurisdictions.

Net income in fiscal 1998 increased 57.1% to $89.5 million, or $1.92 per diluted share, compared

to $57.0 million, or $1.35 per diluted share, in the prior year.

Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 1997 and 1996

Net sales increased 49.0% to $4.6 billion in fiscal 1997 compared to $3.1 billion in the prior year.
This  increase  is  attributable  to  the  addition  of  new  product  lines  and  the  expansion  of  existing  product
lines combined with an increase in the Company’s market share.  The rate of growth in fiscal year 1997
was also positively impacted by a lower growth rate in the prior comparable period as the Company was
recovering  from  the  effects  of  the  business  interruptions  caused  by  the  conversion  to  a  new  computer
system  in  December  1994.    The  Company’s  U.S.  and  international  sales  grew  51%  and  36%
respectively, in fiscal 1997 compared to the prior year.  The Company’s international sales in fiscal 1997
were approximately 13% of consolidated net sales.

The  cost  of  products  sold  as  a  percentage  of  net  sales  increased  from  92.9%  in  fiscal  1996  to
93.0% in fiscal 1997.  This increase is a result of competitive market prices and the Company’s strategy
of  lowering  selling  prices  in  order  to  gain  market  share  and  to  pass  on  the  benefit  of  operating
efficiencies to its customers.

Selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses  increased  by  26.2%  from  $163.8  million  in  fiscal
1996 to $206.8 million in fiscal 1997, and as a percentage of net sales decreased to 4.5% in fiscal 1997
from 5.3% in the prior year.  This decline in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage
of  net  sales  is  attributable  to  greater  economies  of  scale  the  Company  realized  during  fiscal  1997  in
addition  to  improved  operating  efficiencies.    The  dollar  value  increase  in  selling,  general  and
administrative  expenses  is  primarily  a  result  of  expanded  employment  and  increases  in  other
administrative expenses needed to support the increased volume of business.

As  a  result  of  the  factors  described  above,  operating  profit  in  fiscal  1997  increased  106.8%  to

$115.0 million, or 2.5% of net sales, compared to $55.6 million, or 1.8% of net sales, in fiscal 1996.

Interest  expense  increased  due  to  an  increase  in  the  Company’s  average  outstanding
indebtedness,  partially  offset  by  decreases  in  short-term  interest  rates  on  the  Company’s  floating  rate
indebtedness.  Interest expense was further moderated in fiscal 1997 by the receipt of net proceeds of
approximately $83.3 million from the Company’s July 1996 common stock offering which were used to
reduce indebtedness.

Net  income  in  fiscal  1997  increased  164.5%  to  $57.0  million,  or  $1.35  per  diluted  share,

compared to $21.5 million, or $.56 per diluted share, in the prior year.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial
Accounting  Standards  (“SFAS”)  No.  130,  “Reporting  Comprehensive  Income”  (“SFAS  130”).  SFAS  130
establishes  standards  for  reporting  and  display  of  comprehensive  income  and  its  components  and  is
effective  for  financial  statements  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  December  15,  1997.    This  standard
addresses  disclosure  issues  and  therefore  will  not  affect  the  Company’s  financial  position  or  results  of
operations.

In  June  1997,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No.  131,  “Disclosures  about  Segments  of  an  Enterprise
and  Related  Information”  (“SFAS  131”).    SFAS  131  requires  that  companies  disclose  segment  data
based  on  how  management  makes  decisions  about  allocating  resources  to  segments  and  measuring
their performance. SFAS 131 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. This
standard  addresses  disclosure  issues  and  therefore  will  not  affect  the  Company’s  financial  position  or
results of operations.

13

Impact of Inflation

The  Company  has  not  been  adversely  affected  by  inflation  as  technological  advances  and
competition within the microcomputer industry have generally caused prices of the products sold by the
Company  to  decline.    Management  believes  that  any  price  increases  could  be  passed  on  to  its
customers, as prices charged by the Company are not set by long-term contracts.

Year 2000 Compliance

The  Company  has  conducted  a  comprehensive  audit  of  the  “Year  2000”  issues  affecting  its
operations and is in the process of implementing required modifications to its systems.  The underlying
issues  are  not  expected  to  have  a  material  adverse  affect  on  the  Company’s  operations  or  financial
position.  The cost of addressing “Year 2000” issues has not been material to the Company to date and is
not expected to be in future periods.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash used in operating activities of $126.3 million in fiscal 1998 was primarily attributable to

growth in sales and the resulting increases in accounts receivable and inventories.

Net cash used in investing activities of $116.3 million in fiscal 1998 was a result of the payment
of $68.1 million related to the acquisition of the common and preferred stock of Macrotron combined with
the Company’s continuing investment of $48.1 million in its management information system capability,
office  facilities  and  equipment  for  distribution  centers.    The  Company  expects  to  make  capital
expenditures  of  approximately  $75  -  $100  million  during  fiscal  1999  to  further  expand  its  management
information systems, office facilities and distribution centers.

Net  cash  provided  by  financing  activities  of  $244.6  million  in  fiscal  1998  was  provided  by
additional  borrowings  of  $76.8  million  under  the  Company’s  revolving  credit  loans  in  addition  to  net
proceeds  of  approximately  $149  million  from  the  November  1997  common  stock  offering  and
approximately $19 million of proceeds from other issuance of the Company’s common stock.

The  Company  currently  maintains  domestic  and  foreign  revolving  credit  agreements  which
provide  maximum  short-term  borrowings  of  approximately  $907  million  (including  local  country  credit
lines),  of  which    $540  million  was  outstanding  at  January  31,  1998.    In  November  1997,  the  Company
completed  a  public  offering  of  3.7  million  shares  of  its  common  stock  resulting  in  net  proceeds  of
approximately  $149  million.    The  Company  believes  that  proceeds  from  the  common  stock  offering,
along  with  cash  from  operations,  available  and  obtainable  bank  credit  lines  and  trade  credit  from  its
vendors will be sufficient to satisfy its working capital and capital expenditure needs through fiscal 1999.

Asset Management

The Company manages its inventories by maintaining sufficient quantities to achieve high order
fill  rates  while  attempting  to  stock  only  those  products  in  high  demand  with  a  rapid  turnover  rate.
Inventory balances fluctuate as the Company adds new product lines and when appropriate, makes large
purchases,  including  cash  purchases  from  manufacturers  and  publishers  when  the  terms  of  such
purchases  are  considered  advantageous.  The  Company's  contracts  with  most  of  its  vendors  provide
price  protection  and  stock  rotation  privileges  to  reduce  the  risk  of  loss  due  to  manufacturer  price
reductions  and  slow  moving  or  obsolete  inventory.    In  the  event  of  a  vendor  price  reduction,  the
Company generally receives a credit for the impact on products in inventory.  In addition, the Company
has the right to rotate a certain percentage of purchases, subject to certain limitations.  Historically, price
protection  and  stock  rotation  privileges  as  well  as  the  Company’s  inventory  management  procedures
have helped to reduce the risk of loss of carrying inventory.

The  Company  attempts  to  control  losses  on  credit  sales  by  closely  monitoring  customers'
creditworthiness  through  its  computer  system  which  contains  detailed  information  on  each  customer's
payment  history  and  other  relevant  information.    The  Company  has  obtained  credit  insurance  which
insures  a  percentage  of  the  credit  extended  by  the  Company  to  certain  of  its  larger  domestic  and
international  customers  against  possible  loss.    Customers  who  qualify  for  credit  terms  are  typically
granted

14

net 30-day payment terms.  The Company also sells products on a prepay, credit card, cash on delivery
and floorplan basis.

Comments on Forward-Looking Information

In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995, the Company has filed Exhibit 99A as part of this Form 10-K which outlines cautionary statements
and  identifies  important  factors  that  could  cause  the  Company’s  actual  results  to  differ  materially  from
those  projected  in  forward-looking  statements  made  by,  or  on  behalf  of,  the  Company.    Such  forward-
looking statements, as made within Items 1 and 7 of this Form 10-K, should be considered in conjunction
with the aforementioned Exhibit 99A.

15

ITEM 8.  Financial Statements

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Tech Data Corporation:

In  our  opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheet  and  the  related  consolidated
statements of income, of changes in shareholders' equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material
respects,  the  financial  position  of  Tech  Data  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  at  January  31,  1998  and
1997,  and  the  results  of  their  operations  and  their  cash  flows  for  each  of  the  three  years  in  the  period
ended  January  31,  1998,  in  conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.    These  financial
statements  are  the  responsibility  of  the  Company's  management;  our  responsibility  is  to  express  an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.  We conducted our audits of these statements
in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing  standards  which  require  that  we  plan  and  perform  the
audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the  financial  statements  are  free  of  material
misstatement.  An  audit  includes  examining,  on  a  test  basis,  evidence  supporting  the  amounts  and
disclosures  in  the  financial  statements,  assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and  significant
estimates  made  by  management,  and  evaluating  the  overall  financial  statement  presentation.    We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.

PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Tampa, Florida
March 18, 1998

To Our Shareholders:

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT

The  management  of  Tech  Data  Corporation  is  responsible  for  the  preparation,  integrity  and
objectivity  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  related  financial  information  contained  in  this
Annual  Report.    The  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  by  the  Company  in  accordance  with
generally  accepted  accounting  principles  and,  in  the  judgment  of  management,  present  fairly  and
consistently  the  Company’s  financial  position  and  results  of  operations.    The  financial  statements  and
other financial information in this report include amounts that are based on management’s best estimates
and judgments and give due consideration to materiality.

The  Company  maintains  a  system  of  internal  accounting  controls  to  provide  reasonable
assurance  that  assets  are  safeguarded  and  that  transactions  are  executed  in  accordance  with
management’s  authorization  and  recorded  properly  to  permit  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  The design, monitoring and revisions of the
system  of  internal  accounting  controls  involves,  among  other  things,  management’s  judgment  with
respect to the relative cost and expected benefits of specific control measures.

The  Audit  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors  is  responsible  for  recommending  to  the  Board,
subject  to  shareholder  approval,  the  independent  certified  public  accounting  firm  to  be  retained  each
year.    The  Audit  committee  meets  periodically  with  the  independent  accountants  and  management  to
review  their  performance  and  confirm  that  they  are  properly  discharging  their  responsibilities.    The
independent accountants have direct access to the Audit Committee to discuss the scope and results of
their work, the adequacy of internal accounting controls and the quality of financial reporting.

STEVEN A. RAYMUND
Chairman of the Board Directors
and Chief Executive Officer
March 18, 1998

JEFFERY P. HOWELLS
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

16

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands, except share amounts)

ASSETS

Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents
  Accounts receivable, less allowance
    of $29,731 and $23,922
  Inventories
  Prepaid and other assets
    Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Excess of cost over acquired net assets, net
Other assets, net

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
  Revolving credit loans
  Accounts payable
  Accrued expenses
    Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
    Total liabilities
Minority interest

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, par value $.02; 226,500 shares
    authorized and issued; liquidation
    preference $.20 per share
  Common stock, par value $.0015; 200,000,000
    and 100,000,000 shares authorized; 48,250,349
    and 43,291,423 issued and outstanding
  Additional paid-in capital
  Retained earnings
  Cumulative translation adjustment
    Total shareholders' equity

January 31,

1998

1997

$      2,749

$         661

909,426
1,028,367
65,843
2,006,385
100,562
55,460
22,976

633,579
759,974
55,796
1,450,010
65,597
5,922
23,765
$2,185,383 $1,545,294

$   540,177 $   396,391
658,732
42,894
1,098,017
8,896
1,106,913
-

850,866
77,961
1,469,004
8,683
1,477,687
5,108

5

5

72
403,880
299,768
(1,137 )
702,588

65
226,577
210,283
1,451
438,381
$2,185,383 $1,545,294

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an
 integral part of these financial statements.

17

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Net sales
Cost and expenses:
  Cost of products sold
  Selling, general and administrative expenses

Operating profit
Interest expense
Income before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Income before minority interest
Minority interest
Net income
Net income per common share:

   Basic
     Diluted
Weighted average common shares outstanding:

   Basic

     Diluted

Year ended January 31,

1998

1997

1996

$7,056,619

$4,598,941 $3,086,620

6,590,873
293,108
6,883,981
172,638
29,908
142,730
52,816
89,914
429
$     89,485

4,277,160
206,770
4,483,930
115,011
21,522
93,489
36,516
56,973

2,867,226
163,790
3,031,016
55,604
20,086
35,518
13,977
21,541

            -
$     56,973 $     21,541

            -

$         2.00
$         1.92

$         1.39 $           .57
$         1.35 $           .56

44,715

46,610

40,870

42,125

37,846

38,138

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)

 Preferred Stock
Shares Amount

Common Stock
 Shares  Amount

Additional
Paid-In
  Capital

Retained
Earnings

Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

Balance – January 31, 1995

227

$5

37,808

$57

$127,947

$131,769

$1,048

$260,826

Issuance of common stock for stock
options exercised and related tax
benefit
Net income
Translation adjustments

     123

2,098

21,541

Balance -- January 31, 1996

227

5

37,931

57

130,045

153,310

Issuance of common stock for stock
options exercised and related tax
benefit

Issuance of common stock net of

offering costs

Net income
Translation adjustments
Balance – January 31, 1997

Issuance of common stock in

business purchase

Issuance of common stock for stock
options exercised and related tax
benefit

Issuance of common stock net of

offering costs

Net income
Translation adjustments
Balance – January 31, 1998

     760

 4,600

1

7

13,223

83,309

56,973

227

5

43,291

65

226,577

210,283

407

861

3,691

1

1

5

9,255

19,077

148,971

227

$5

48,250

$72

$403,880

$299,768

(2,588 )
$(1,137 )

89,485

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these financial statements.

18

1,233

2,281

(830 )

1,451

2,098
21,541
1,233

285,698

13,224

83,316
56,973
(830 )
438,381

9,256

19,078

148,976
89,485
(2,588 )
$702,588

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Cash received from customers
Cash paid to suppliers and employees
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
Expenditures for property and equipment
Software development costs
Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Net borrowings (repayments) from revolving credit loans
Principal payments on long-term debt
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Year ended January 31,
1997

1996

1998

$6,870,096
(6,914,537)
(29,909)
(51,949)
(126,299)

$4,390,916
(4,513,309)
(21,122)
(45,037)
(188,552)

$2,933,831
(2,854,653 )
(20,276 )
(11,628 )
47,274

(68,136)
(45,900)
(2,216)
(116,252)

168,054
76,786
(201)
244,639

-

(19,229)
(2,024)
(21,253)

96,540
113,291
(519)
209,312

-

(23,596 )
(2,826 )
(26,422 )

2,098
(21,684 )
(608 )
(20,194 )

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

2,088
661
$       2,749

(493)
1,154
$          661

658
496
$       1,154

Reconciliation of net income to net cash (used in) provided by

operating activities:

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in)

provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
Deferred income taxes
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in accounts receivable
(Increase) in inventories
(Increase) in prepaid and other assets
Increase in accounts payable
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses
Total adjustments

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

$     89,485

$     56,973

$     21,541

26,364
22,634

         -

3,720

(183,481 )
(181,393 )
(8,317 )
106,134
(1,445 )
(215,784 )
$ (126,299 )

20,011
19,648
446
(5,051)

17,364
17,433
  603
(5,603 )

(208,025 )
(294,552 )
(13,962 )
225,358
10,602
(245,525 )
$ (188,552 )

(152,789 )
(100,891 )
(7,254 )
239,161
17,709
25,733
$    47,274

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an
integral part of these financial statements.

19

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Principles of consolidation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  Tech  Data  Corporation  and  its
subsidiaries  (the  “Company”).    All  significant  intercompany  accounts  and  transactions  have  been
eliminated in consolidation.

Method of accounting

The Company prepares its financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.    These  principles  require  management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue recognition

Sales  are  recorded  upon  shipment.    The  Company  allows  its  customers  to  return  product  for
exchange  or  credit  subject  to  certain  limitations.  Provision  for  estimated  losses  on  such  returns  are
recorded at the time of sale (see product warranty below).  Funds received from vendors for marketing
programs  and  product  rebates  are  accounted  for  as  a  reduction  of  selling,  general  and  administrative
expenses or product cost according to the nature of the program.

Inventories

Inventories  (consisting  of  computer  related  hardware  and  software  products)  are  stated  at  the

lower of cost or market, cost being determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

Property and equipment

Property  and  equipment  are  stated  at  cost.    Depreciation  is  computed  over  the  estimated

economic lives (or lease period if shorter) using the following methods:

Buildings and improvements 
Leasehold improvements
Furniture, fixtures and equipment

   Method
Straight-line
Straight-line
Accelerated

Years
  15 - 39
  2 - 5
  2 - 7

                                                              and straight-line 

Expenditures  for  renewals  and  improvements  that  significantly  add  to  productive  capacity  or
extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized.  Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged
to  operations  when  incurred.    When  assets  are  sold  or  retired,  the  cost  of  the  asset  and  the  related
accumulated  depreciation  are  eliminated  from  the  accounts  and  any  gain  or  loss  is  recognized  at  such
time.

Excess of cost over acquired net assets

The excess of cost over acquired net assets is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 to
35  years.    Amortization  expense  was  $1,458,000,  $602,000  and  $646,000  in  1998,  1997  and  1996,
respectively.  The accumulated amortization of goodwill is approximately $3,563,000 and $2,264,000 at
January 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.  The Company evaluates, on a regular basis, whether events
and circumstances have occurred that indicate the carrying amount of goodwill may warrant revision or
may not be recoverable.  At January 31, 1998, the net unamortized balance of goodwill is not considered
to be impaired.

20

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

Capitalized deferred software costs

Deferred  software  costs  are  included  in  other  assets  and  represent  internal  development  costs
and payments to vendors for the design, purchase and implementation of the computer software for the
Company’s  operating  and  financial  systems.    Such  deferred  costs  are  being  amortized  over  three  to
seven  years  with  amortization  expense  of  $4,967,000,  $4,611,000  and  $4,253,000  in  1998,  1997  and
1996,  respectively.    The  accumulated  amortization  of  such  costs  was  $14,160,000  and  $9,193,000  at
January  31,  1998  and  1997,  respectively.    The  remaining  unamortized  balance  of  such  costs  was
$17,894,000 and $20,645,000 at January 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

Product warranty

The  Company  does  not  offer  warranty  coverage.    However,  to  maintain  customer  goodwill,  the
Company  facilitates  vendor  warranty  policies  by  accepting  for  exchange  (with  the  Company's  prior
approval)  defective  products  within  60  days  of  invoicing.  Defective  products  received  by  the  Company
are subsequently returned to the vendor for credit or replacement.

Income taxes

Income  taxes  are  accounted  for  under  the  liability  method.    Deferred  taxes  reflect  the  tax
consequences  on  future  years  of  differences  between  the  tax  bases  of  assets  and  liabilities  and  their
financial  reporting  amounts.    Deferred  taxes  have  not  been  provided  on  the  cumulative  undistributed
earnings of foreign subsidiaries since such amounts are expected to be reinvested indefinitely.

Foreign currency translation

The  assets  and  liabilities  of  foreign  operations  are  translated  at  the  exchange  rates  in  effect  at
the balance sheet date, with the related translation gains or losses reported as a separate component of
shareholders’ equity.  The results of foreign operations are translated at the weighted average exchange
rates  for  the  year.    Gains  or  losses  resulting  from  foreign  currency  transactions  are  included  in  the
statement of income.

Concentration of credit risk

The  Company  sells  its  products  to  a  large  base  of  value-added  resellers  (“VARs”),  corporate
resellers, retailers and direct marketers throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Germany,
France,  Switzerland  and  Austria.    The  Company  also  performs  ongoing  credit  evaluations  of  its
customers and generally does not require collateral.  The Company has obtained credit insurance which
insures  a  percentage  of  credit  extended  by  the  Company  to  certain  of  its  larger  domestic  and
international  customers  against  possible  loss.    The  Company  makes  provisions  for  estimated  credit
losses at the time of sale.

Derivative financial instruments

The  Company  operates  internationally  with  distribution  facilities  in  various  locations  around  the
world.  The Company reduces its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates by
creating offsetting positions through the use of derivative financial instruments.  The market risk related
to the foreign exchange agreements is offset by changes in the valuation of the underlying items being
hedged.  The majority of the Company’s derivative financial instruments have terms of 180 days or less.
The Company currently does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes,
nor is the Company a party to leveraged derivatives.

21

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

Derivative financial instruments are accounted for on an accrual basis. Income and expense are
recorded in the same category as that arising from the related asset or liability being hedged.  Gains and
losses resulting from effective hedges of existing assets, liabilities or firm commitments are deferred and
recognized when the offsetting gains and losses are recognized on the related hedged items.

The  notional  amount  of  forward  exchange  contracts  and  options  is  the  amount  of  foreign
currency  bought  or  sold  at  maturity.    The  notional  amount  of  currency  interest  rate  swaps  is  the
underlying  principal  and  currency  amounts  used  in  determining  the  interest  payments  exchanged  over
the life of the swap.  Notional amounts are indicative of the extent of the Company’s involvement in the
various  types  and  uses  of  derivative  financial  instruments  and  are  not  a  measure  of  the  Company’s
exposure to credit or market risks through its use of derivatives.  The estimated fair value of derivative
financial  instruments  represents  the  amount  required  to  enter  into  like  off-setting  contracts  with  similar
remaining maturities based on quoted market prices.

The Company’s derivative financial instruments outstanding at January 31, 1998 are as

follows:  (Derivative instruments outstanding at January 31, 1997 were not material)

Foreign exchange forward contracts
Purchased foreign currency options
Currency interest rate swaps

January 31, 1998

Notional
Amounts

Estimated
Fair Value

(In thousands)

$  78,043
       500
128,300

$939
 (12)
377

Disclosures about fair value of financial instruments

Financial  instruments  (excluding  derivative  financial  instruments)  that  are  subject  to  fair  value
disclosure requirements are carried in the consolidated financial statements at amounts that approximate
fair value.

Net income per common share

Effective  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  January  31,  1998,  the  Company  has  adopted  Statement  of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings per Share” (“SFAS 128”) and related interpretations.
SFAS  128  requires  dual  presentation  of  Basic  Earnings  per  Share  (“Basic  EPS”)  and  Diluted  Earnings
per  Share  (“Diluted  EPS”).    Basic  EPS  is  computed  by  dividing  net  income  by  the  weighted  average
number  of  common  shares  outstanding  during  the  reported  period.    Diluted  EPS  reflects  the  potential
dilution that could occur if stock options were exercised using the treasury stock method.  Earnings per
share for all prior periods have been restated to reflect the adoption of SFAS 128.  The composition of
basic and diluted net income per common share is as follows:

Year ended January 31,
1997
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

1998

1996

Net income
Weighted average shares
Net income per common share - basic
Weighted average shares including the dilutive
  effect of stock options (1,895, 1,255 and 292
  for fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively)
Net income per common share - diluted

$    89,485
44,715
$        2.00

$     56,973
40,870
$         1.39

$      21,541
37,846
$            .57

46,610
$        1.92

42,125
$         1.35

38,138
$            .56

22

  
TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

Cash management system

Under  the  Company's  cash  management  system,  disbursements  cleared  by  the  bank  are
reimbursed  on  a  daily  basis  from  the  revolving  credit  loans.    As  a  result,  checks  issued  but  not  yet
presented to the bank are not considered reductions of cash or accounts payable.  Included in accounts
payable  are  $60,000,000  and  $111,826,000  at  January  31,  1998  and  1997,  respectively,  for  which
checks are outstanding.

Statement of cash flows

Short-term  investments  which  have  an  original  maturity  of  ninety  days  or  less  are  considered
cash  equivalents  in  the  statement  of  cash  flows.    The  effect  of  changes  in  foreign  exchange  rates  on
cash balances is not material.  See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the
non-cash exchange of common stock in connection with a business combination.

Fiscal year

The Company and its subsidiaries operate on a fiscal year that ends on January 31, except for
the  Company’s  French,  German  and  Brazilian  subsidiaries  which  operate  on  a  fiscal  year  that  ends  on
December 31.

NOTE 2 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

Land
Buildings and improvements
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Construction in progress

Less-accumulated depreciation

NOTE 3 - REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS:

January 31,

1998

1997

(In thousands)

$    7,805
36,543
112,821
12,359
169,528
(68,966)
$100,562

$  3,898
29,155
75,982
629
109,664
(44,067)
$65,597

The  Company  has  an  agreement  (the  “Receivables  Securitization  Program”)  with  a  financial
institution  that  allows  the  Company  to  transfer  an  undivided  interest  in  a  designated  pool  of  accounts
receivable on an ongoing basis to provide borrowings up to a maximum of $325,000,000.  As collections
reduce  accounts  receivable  balances  included  in  the  pool,  the  Company  may  transfer  interests  in  new
receivables  to  bring  the  amount  available  to  be  borrowed  up  to  the  $325,000,000  maximum.    The
Company  pays  interest  on  advances  under  the  Receivables  Securitization  Program  at  a  designated
commercial  paper  rate,  plus  an  agreed-upon  spread.    At  January  31,  1998,  the  Company  had  a
$237,420,000  outstanding  balance  under  this  program  which  is  included  in  the  balance  sheet  caption
“Revolving Credit Loans”.  This agreement expires December 31, 1998.

In  August  1997,  the  Company  entered  into  a  new  three-year  unsecured  $550,000,000  multi-
currency  revolving  credit  facility  replacing  its  former  $290,000,000  facility.    The  Company  and  its
subsidiaries are able to borrow funds in sixteen major foreign currencies under this agreement.

As  of  January  31,  1998,  the  Company  maintained  domestic  and  foreign  revolving  credit  loan
agreements (including the Receivables Securitization Program) with a total of twenty financial institutions
which  provide  for  maximum  short-term  borrowings  of  approximately  $907,000,000  (including  local
country  credit  loans).    At  January  31,  1998,  the  weighted  average  interest  rate  on  all  short-term
borrowings  was  4.89%.    The  Company  can  fix  the  interest  rate  for  periods  of  30  to  180  days  under
various  interest  rate  options.    The  credit  agreements  contain  warranties  and  covenants  that  must  be
complied with on a continuing basis, including the maintenance of certain financial ratios.  At January 31,
1998, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

23

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

NOTE 4 - LONG-TERM DEBT:

Mortgage note payable, interest at 10.25%, principal
  and interest of $85,130 payable monthly, balloon
  payment due 2005
Mortgage note payable funded through Industrial Revenue
  Bond, interest at 7.5%, principal and interest payable
  quarterly, through 1999

Less - current maturities

January 31,

1998

1997
(In thousands)

$8,788

$8,902

108
8,896
(213)
$8,683

195
9,097
(201)
$8,896

Principal maturities of long-term debt at January 31, 1998 for the succeeding five fiscal years are

as follows:  1999 - $213,000; 2000 - $162,000; 2001 - $155,000;  2002 - $172,000;  2003 - $191,000.

Mortgage  notes  payable  are  secured  by  property  and  equipment  with  an  original  cost  of
approximately  $12,000,000.    The  Industrial  Revenue  Bond  contains  covenants  which  require  the
Company to maintain certain financial ratios with which the Company was in compliance at January 31,
1998.

NOTE 5 - INCOME TAXES (In thousands):

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying
amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  for  financial  reporting  purposes  and  the  amounts  used  for  income  tax
purposes.  Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:

Deferred tax liabilities:
Accelerated depreciation
Deferred revenue
Other - net
 Total deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax assets:
Accruals not currently deductible
Reserves not currently deductible
Capitalized inventory costs
Other - net
 Total deferred tax assets

Net deferred tax assets (included in prepaid and other assets)

January 31,

1998
$10,519
1,630
4,937
17,086

5,412
21,290
1,959
371
29,032
$11,946

1997
$  6,863
2,811
   3,525
 13,199

5,092
21,340
2,220
213
28,865
$15,666

24

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

Significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

Current:

Federal
State
Foreign

Total current

Deferred:
Federal
State
Foreign

Total deferred

Year ended January 31,
1997
$32,485
5,897
3,185
41,567

1998
$39,805
2,469
6,822
49,096

1996
$15,107
2,932
1,541
19,580

3,328
507
(115)
3,720
$52,816

(3,490)
(451)
(1,110)
(5,051)
$36,516

(4,656)
(625)
(322)
(5,603)
$13,977

The  reconciliation  of  income  tax  attributable  to  continuing  operations  computed  at  the  U.S.

federal statutory tax rates to income tax expense is as follows:

Tax at U.S. statutory rates
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
Other - net

The components of pretax earnings are as follows:

United States
Foreign

1996

Year ended January 31,
1997
35.0%
3.8
.3
39.1%

1998
35.0%
1.4
.6
37.0%

35.0%
4.2
.2
39.4%

Year ended January 31,
1997
$88,536
4,953
$93,489

1996
$33,164
2,354
$35,518

1998
$126,757
15,973
$142,730

The  cumulative  amount  of  undistributed  earnings  of  international  subsidiaries  for  which  U.S.
income  taxes  have  not  been  provided  was  approximately  $10  million  at  January  31,  1998.    It  is  not
practical to estimate the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. taxes on these undistributed earnings.

NOTE 6 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:

Stock compensation plans

At  January  31,  1998,  the  Company  had  four  stock-based  compensation  plans,  an  employee
stock ownership plan and a retirement savings plan, which are described below.  The Company applies
APB  Opinion  25  and  related  interpretations  in  accounting  for  its  plans.    Accordingly,  no  compensation
cost has been recognized for its fixed stock option plans and its stock purchase plan.

Fixed stock option plans

In August 1985, the Board of Directors adopted the 1985 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the “1985
Plan”), which covers an aggregate of 1,050,000 shares of common stock.  The options were granted to
certain officers and key employees at or above fair market value; accordingly, no compensation expense
has been recorded with respect to these options.  Options are exercisable beginning two years from the
date of grant only if the grantee is an employee of the Company at that time.  No options may be granted
under the 1985 Plan after July 31, 1995.

25

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

In  June  1990,  the  shareholders  approved  the  1990  Incentive  and  Non-Statutory  Stock  Option
Plan (the “1990 Plan”) which covers an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares (as amended in June 1997) of
common  stock.    The  1990  Plan  provides  for  the  granting  of  incentive  and  non-statutory  stock  options,
stock  appreciation  rights  (“SARs”)  and  limited  stock  appreciation  rights  (“Limited  SARs”)  at  prices
determined  by  the  stock  option  committee,  except  for  incentive  stock  options  which  are  granted  at  the
fair  market  value  of  the  stock  on  the  date  of  grant.    Incentive  options  granted  under  the  1990  Plan
become  exercisable  over  a  five  year  period  while  the  date  of  exercise  of  non-statutory  options  is
determined by the stock option committee.  As of January 31, 1998, no SARs or Limited SARs had been
granted under the 1990 Plan.  Options granted under the 1985 Plan and the 1990 Plan expire 10 years
from the date of grant, unless a shorter period is specified by the stock option committee.

In June 1995, the shareholders approved the 1995 Non-Employee Director’s Non-Statutory Stock
Option  Plan.    Under  this  plan,  the  Company  grants  non-employee  members  of  its  Board  of  Directors
stock options upon their initial appointment to the board and then annually each year thereafter.  Stock
options granted to members upon their initial appointment vest and become exercisable at a rate of 20%
per year.  Annual awards vest and become exercisable one year from the date of grant.  The number of
shares  subject  to  options  under  this  plan  cannot  exceed  100,000  and  the  options  expire  10  years  from
the date of grant.

A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option plans is as follows:

January 31,
1998

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Shares
$14.31
3,285,818
1,643,400
  26.65
(720,573)       13.23
(327,100)        17.57
   19.43
3,881,545

January 31,
1997

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Shares
$13.31
3,081,110
1,112,000
  16.27
(675,492)      13.11
(231,800)      13.72
3,285,818    14.31

Outstanding at beginning of year
Granted
Exercised
Canceled
Outstanding at year end

Options exercisable at year end

601,895

Available for grant at year end

4,588,000

576,862

905,000

January 31,
1996

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$15.62
  12.91
8.53
18.45
   13.31

Shares
2,644,056
1,683,450
(79,800)
(1,166,596)
3,081,110

494,460

1,785,000

Range of
Exercise Prices
$  1.50 - $10.99
11.00 -   15.99
16.00 -   29.99
30.00 -   51.00

Number
Outstanding
at 1/31/98
562,150
1,386,195
1,597,900
335,300
3,881,545

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
6.4
7.7
8.4
9.6

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
$ 10.24
14.20
23.59
36.62

Number
Exercisable
 at 1/31/98
250,400
221,495
130,000
0
601,895

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
$   9.72
13.94
20.23
 -

26

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

Employee stock purchase plan

Under  the  1995  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan,  approved  in  June  1995,  the  Company  is
authorized to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock to eligible employees.  Under the terms of
the  plan,  employees  can  choose  to  have  a  fixed  dollar  amount  or  percentage  deducted  from  their
compensation  to  purchase  the  Company’s  common  stock  and/or  elect  to  purchase  shares  once  per
calendar quarter.  The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the market value on the exercise date and
employees are limited to a maximum purchase of $25,000 fair market value each calendar year.  Since
plan  inception,  the  Company  has  sold  137,246  shares  as  of  January  31,  1998.    All  shares  purchased
under this plan must be retained for a period of one year.

Pro forma effect of stock compensation plans

Had the compensation cost for the Company’s stock option plans and employee stock purchase
plan  been  determined  based  on  the  fair  value  at  the  grant  dates  for  awards  under  the  plans  consistent
with  the  method  prescribed  by  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  123,  “Accounting  for
Stock-Based  Compensation”,  the  Company’s  net  income  and  net  income  per  common  share  on  a  pro
forma basis would have been (in thousands, except per share data):

Net income
Net income per common share:
  Basic
  Diluted

Year ended January 31,
1997

$55,059

1.35
1.31

1998

$85,344

1.91
1.83

1996

$19,937

.53
.52

The preceding pro forma results were calculated with the use of the Black Scholes option-pricing
model.    The  following  assumptions  were  used  for  the  years  ended  January  31,  1998,  1997  and  1996,
respectively: (1) risk-free interest rates of 6.76%, 6.08% and 6.96%; (2) dividend yield of 0.0%, 0.0% and
0.0%; (3) expected lives of 4.87, 5.08 and 5.08 years; and (4) volatility of 56%, 56% and 39%.  Results
may vary depending on the assumptions applied within the model.

Stock ownership and retirement savings plans

In  February  1984,  the  Company  established  an  employee  stock  ownership  plan  (the  “ESOP”)
covering substantially all U.S. employees.  The ESOP provides for distribution of vested percentages of
the  Company's  common  stock  to  participants.    Such  benefit  becomes  fully  vested  after  seven  years  of
qualified service.  At January 31, 1998 and 1997, 780,000 and 717,000 shares, respectively, were held
by  the  ESOP.    The  Company  also  offers  its  U.S.  employees  a  retirement  savings  plan  pursuant  to
section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code which provides for the Company to match 50% of the first
$1,000  of  each  participant's  deferrals  annually.    Contributions  to  these  plans  are  made  in  amounts
approved  annually  by  the  Board  of  Directors.    Aggregate  contributions  made  by  the  Company  to  these
plans were $2,460,000, $2,090,000 and $1,659,000 for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

NOTE 7 - CAPITAL STOCK:

Each  outstanding  share  of  preferred  stock  is  entitled  to  one  vote  on  all  matters  submitted  to  a
vote of shareholders, except for matters involving mergers, the sale of all Company assets, amendments
to the Company's charter and exchanges of Company stock for stock of another company which require
approval  by  a  majority  of  each  class  of  capital  stock.    In  such  matters,  the  preferred  and  common
shareholders will each vote as a separate class.

In  November  1997,  the  Company  completed  a  public  offering  of  3.7  million  shares  of  common

stock resulting in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $149,000,000.

27

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Operating leases

The Company leases distribution facilities and certain equipment under noncancelable operating
leases  which  expire  at  various  dates  through  2005.    Future  minimum  lease  payments  under  all  such
leases for the succeeding five fiscal years are as follows: 1999 - $15,145,000; 2000 - $13,604,000; 2001
- $10,079,000; 2002 - $4,278,000; 2003 - $1,601,000 and $4,294,000 thereafter.  Rental expense for all
operating  leases  amounted  to  $15,704,000,  $10,160,000  and  $7,547,000  in  1998,  1997  and  1996,
respectively.

NOTE 9 - ACQUISITIONS:

On July 1, 1997 the Company acquired approximately 77% of the voting common stock and 7%
of  the  non-voting  preferred  stock  of  Macrotron  AG  (“Macrotron”),  a  distributor  of  personal  computer
products  based  in  Munich,  Germany.    The  initial  acquisition  was  completed  through  an  exchange  of
approximately $26 million in cash and 406,586 shares of the Company’s common stock, for a combined
total value of $35 million.  On July 10, 1997, the Company commenced a tender offer for the remaining
shares  of  Macrotron  common  and  preferred  stock  at  a  price  per  share  of  DM730  and  DM600,
respectively.    The  tender  offer  period  ended  on  September  5,  1997.    As  of  January  31,  1998,  the
Company owned approximately 98% and 82% of Macrotron’s common and preferred stock, respectively.
The  cash  portion  of  the  initial  acquisition,  the  related  tender  offer  and  subsequent  purchase  of
Macrotron’s  common  and  preferred  stock  were  funded  from  the  Company’s  revolving  credit  loan
agreements.

The  acquisition  of  Macrotron  is  accounted  for  under  the  purchase  method.    The  preliminary
purchase  price  allocation  has  resulted  in  approximately  $51,000,000  in  excess  cost  over  the  net  fair
market  value  of  tangible  assets  acquired  as  of  January  31,  1998.    The  Company  is  currently
implementing  its  acquisition  strategy  which  may  result  in  an  adjustment  to  the  net  assets  acquired.
Consistent with the Company’s accounting policy for foreign subsidiaries, Macrotron’s operations will be
consolidated  into  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial  statements  on  a  calendar  year  basis.
Consequently,  the  Company’s  fiscal  year  ending  January  31,  1998  includes  Macrotron’s  operations  for
the six month period beginning July 1, 1997 and ending December 31, 1997.

The  following  pro  forma  unaudited  results  of  operations  reflects  the  effect  on  the  Company’s
operations,  as  if  the  above  described  acquisition  had  occurred  at  the  beginning  of  each  of  the  periods
presented below:

Net sales
Net income
Net income per common share:
  Basic
  Diluted

Year ended January 31,
1997
1998

(In thousands)

$7,623,852
90,161

$5,571,406
60,716

2.01
1.93

1.47
1.43

The  unaudited  pro  forma  information  is  presented  for  informational  purposes  only  and  includes
certain  pro  forma  adjustments.    Such  pro  forma  information  is  not  necessarily  indicative  of  the  operating
results that would have occurred had the Macrotron acquisition been consummated as of the beginning of
the periods above, nor are they necessarily indicative of future operating results.

28

TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

NOTE 10 - SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company is engaged in one business segment, the wholesale distribution of microcomputer
hardware and software products.  The geographic areas in which the Company operates are the United
States (United States including exports to Latin America and the Caribbean) and International (Germany,
France, Canada, Switzerland, Austria and Brazil).  The geographical distribution of net sales, operating
income and identifiable assets are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal year 1998
Net sales to unaffiliated customers

Operating income

Identifiable assets

Fiscal year 1997
Net sales to unaffiliated customers

Operating income

Identifiable assets

Fiscal year 1996
Net sales to unaffiliated customers

Operating income

Identifiable assets

United States

International Eliminations Consolidated

$5,624,891

$ 1,431,728

$   151,887

$1,568,458

$
20,751
$    616,925

$    -

$    -

$    -

$7,056,619

$   172,638

$2,185,383

$4,009,924

$   589,017

$    -

$   105,330

$       9,681

$1,327,156

$   218,138

$    -

$    -

$2,654,750

$   431,870

$     48,419

$       7,185

$   868,910

$   174,969

$    -

$    -

$    -

$4,598,941

$   115,011

$1,545,294

$3,086,620

$     55,604

$1,043,879

NOTE 11 - UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Fiscal year 1998
Net sales
Gross profit
Net income
Net income per common share:
  Basic
  Diluted

Fiscal year 1997
Net sales
Gross profit
Net income
Net income per common share:
  Basic
  Diluted

Quarter ended

April 30

July 31

October 31

January 31

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

$1,370,146
95,177
18,222

$1,551,820
103,978
21,464

$2,021,479
129,342
23,673

$2,113,174
137,249
26,126

.42
.41

.49
.47

.54
.51

.55
.53

Quarter ended

April 30

July 31

October 31

January 31

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

$   985,574
69,012
10,428

$1,063,228
74,302
12,016

$1,236,650
85,955
16,748

$1,313,489
92,512
17,781

.27
.27

.31
.30

.39
.38

.41
.40

ITEM 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

29

ITEMS 10, 11, 12 and 13.

PART III

The  information  required  by  Item  10  relating  to  executive  officers  of  the  registrant  is  included
under the caption "Executive Officers" of Item 1 of this Form 10-K.  The information required by Item 10
relating to Directors of the registrant and the information required by Items 11, 12 and 13 is incorporated
herein  by  reference  to  the  registrant's  definitive  proxy  statement  for  the  1998  Annual  Meeting  of
Shareholders.    However,  the  information  included  in  such  definitive  proxy  statement  under  the
subcaption entitled “Grant Date Present Value” in the table entitled “Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year”,
the  information  included  under  the  caption  entitled  “Compensation  Committee  Report  on  Executive
Compensation”,  and  the  information  included  in  the  “Stock  Price  Performance  Graph”  shall  not  be
deemed incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The
definitive proxy statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be filed with the Commission
prior to May 31, 1998.

ITEM 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule, and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)  Listed below are the financial statements and the schedule filed as part of this report:

Financial Statements
  Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants .....................................................................

Page
16

  Consolidated Balance Sheet at January 31, 1998 and 1997..........................................................

  Consolidated Statement of Income for the three years ended January 31, 1998 ...........................

  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders'  Equity for the
     three years ended January 31, 1998 ..........................................................................................

  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three years ended January 31, 1998.....................

  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................................................

Financial Statement Schedule
  Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants on Financial Statement Schedule.................

  Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants...................................................................

  Schedule II. -- Valuation and qualifying accounts..........................................................................

All schedules and exhibits not included are not applicable, not required or would contain

information which is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

17

18

18

19

20

33

33

34

(b) The Company was not required to file a report on Form 8-K during the fiscal year ended

January 31, 1998.

(c)  The exhibit numbers on the following list correspond to the numbers in the exhibit table

required pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

  3-A(1)

-- Articles of Incorporation of the Company as amended to April 23, 1986.

  3-B(2)

-- Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Company filed on August
   27, 1987.

  3-C(13)

-- By-Laws of the Company as amended to November 28, 1995.

30

  3-F(9)

  4-E(15)

-- Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Company filed on July 
   15, 1993.
-- Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Company filed on 
   June 25, 1997.

10-F(4)

-- Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended, and form of option agreement.

10-G(10)

-- Employee Stock Ownership Plan as amended December 16, 1994.

10-V(5)

-- Employment Agreement between the Company and Edward C. Raymund dated as
   of January 31, 1991.

10-W(5)

-- Irrevocable Proxy and Escrow Agreement dated April 5, 1991.

10-X(6)

10-Y(6)

-- First Amendment to the Employment Agreement between the Company and 
   Edward C. Raymund dated November 13, 1992.

-- First Amendment in the nature of a Complete Substitution to the Irrevocable Proxy
   and Escrow Agreement dated November 13, 1992.

10-Z(7)

-- 1990 Incentive and Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan as amended.

10-AA(7)

-- Non-Statutory Stock Option Grant Form.

10-BB(7)

-- Incentive Stock Option Grant Form.

10-CC(8)

-- Employment Agreement between the Company and Steven A. Raymund dated 
   February 1, 1992.

10-EE(10)

-- Retirement Savings Plan as amended January 26, 1994.

10-FF(9)

-- Revolving Credit and Reimbursement Agreement dated December 22, 1993.

10-GG(9)

-- Transfer and Administration Agreement dated December 22, 1993.

10-HH(10)

-- Amendments (Nos. 1-4) to the Transfer and Administration Agreement.

10-II(10)

-- Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Reimbursement Agreement dated 
   July 28, 1994, as amended.

10-JJ(10)

-- Revolving Foreign Currency Agreement dated August 4, 1994, as amended.

10-KK(13)

-- Amendments (Nos. 5,6) to the Transfer and Administration Agreement

10-LL(13)

-- Amendments (Nos. 3-5) to the Amended and  Restated Revolving Credit and 
   Reimbursement Agreement dated July 28, 1994, as amended.

10-MM(13) -- Amendments (Nos. 3-5) to the Revolving Foreign Currency Agreement dated 

   August 4, 1994, as amended.

10-NN(12)

-- Non-Employee Directors’ 1995 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan.

10-OO(12) -- 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

10-PP(12)

-- Employment Agreement between the Company and A. Timothy Godwin dated as

of December 5, 1995.

10-QQ(14) -- Amended and Restated Transfer and Administration Agreement dated January 21,

1997.

10-RR(14)

-- Amendment Number 1 to the Amended and Restated Transfer and Administration 

Agreement dated March 3, 1997.

10-SS(14)

-- Revolving Credit and Reimbursement Agreement dated May 23, 1996.

10-TT(15)

-- Amendment Number 2 to the Amended and Restated Transfer and Administration 
   Agreement dated July 29, 1997.

10-UU(15)

-- Revolving Credit and Reimbursement Agreement dated August 28, 1997.

10-VV(16)

-- Amendment Number 3 to the Amended and Restated Transfer and Administration 
   Agreement dated December 18, 1997.

21(16)

-- Subsidiaries of Registrant.

27(3)

-- Financial Data Schedule (included in the electronic version only.)

31

(2)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

99-A(3)

-- Cautionary Statement For Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private 
   Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits included in the Company’s Registration Statement on 
Form S-1, File No. 33-4135.
Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits included in the Company’s Registration Statement on 
Form S-1, File No. 33-21997.

_____________
(1)

(3)    Filed herewith.
(4)

Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits included in the Company’s Registration Statement on 
Form S-8, File No. 33-21879.
Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits included in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended July 31, 1991, File No. 0-14625.
Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits included in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended October 31, 1992, File No. 0-14625.
Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits included in the Company’s Registration Statement on 
Form S-8, File No. 33-41074.
Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended 
January 31, 1993, File No. 0-14625.
Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended 
January 31, 1994, File No. 0-14625.

(10) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended 

January 31, 1995, File No. 0-14625.

(11) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits included in the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 26, 

1996, File No. 0-14625.

(12) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits included in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for 

the 1995 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, File No. 0-14625.

(13)  Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended 

January 31, 1996, File No. 0-14625.

(14)  Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended 

January 31, 1997, File No. 0-14625.

(15)  Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits included in the Company’s Registration Statement on       

Form S-3,  File No. 333-36999.

(16)   To be filed by amendment.

32

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ON
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Tech Data Corporation

Our  audits  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  referred  to  in  our  report  dated  March  18,
1998  appearing  on  page  16  of  this  Form  10-K  of  Tech  Data  Corporation  also  included  an  audit  of  the
Financial  Statement  Schedule  listed  in  Item  14  of  this  Form  10-K.    In  our  opinion,  this  Financial
Statement Schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read
in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.

Price Waterhouse LLP
Tampa, Florida
March 18, 1998

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-
8s  (Nos.  33-21879,    33-41074,  33-62181  and  33-60479)  of  Tech  Data  Corporation  of  our  report  dated
March  18,  1998  appearing  on  page  16  of  this  Form  10-K.    We  also  consent  to  the  incorporation  by
reference of our report on the Financial Statement Schedule appearing above.

Price Waterhouse LLP
Tampa, Florida
April 8, 1998

33

SCHEDULE II
TECH DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(In thousands)

Description

Allowance for doubtful accounts
   receivable and sales returns:
January 31,

1998
1997
1996

__________

                   Additions           
Charged to
Balance at
  cost and
beginning
  expenses 
 of period  

Other(1)

Deductions

Balance
 at end
    of
  period  

$23,922
  22,669
  16,580

$22,634
  19,648
  17,433

$9,328
  4,290
  4,538

$(26,153)
  (22,685)
  (15,882)

$29,731
  23,922
  22,669

(1) Other includes recoveries, acquisitions and the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency.

34

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant  has  duly  caused  this  report  to  be  signed  on  its  behalf  by  the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly
authorized on the 8th day of April, 1998.

TECH DATA CORPORATION

By         /s/  STEVEN A. RAYMUND             
Steven A. Raymund,
Chairman of the Board of Directors;
Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each  person  whose  signature  to  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  appears  below  hereby
appoints Jeffery P. Howells and Arthur W. Singleton, or either of them, as his attorney-in-fact to sign on
his  behalf  individually  and  in  the  capacity  stated  below  and  to  file  all  amendments  and  post-effective
amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and any and all instruments or documents filed as a
part  of  or  in  connection  with  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  or  the  amendments  thereto,  and  the
attorney-in-fact, or either of them, may make such changes and additions to this Annual Report on Form
10-K as the attorney-in-fact, or either of them, may deem necessary or appropriate.

Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  this  report  has  been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.

Signature

Title

     /s/ STEVEN A. RAYMUND    
Steven A. Raymund

Chairman of the Board of Directors;
   Chief Executive Officer

     /s/ JEFFERY P. HOWELLS   
Jeffery P. Howells

Executive Vice President;
   Chief Financial Officer
   (principal financial officer)

Date

April 8, 1998

April 8, 1998

     /s/ JOSEPH B. TREPANI       
Joseph B. Trepani

Senior Vice President and Corporate
   Controller (principal accounting officer)

April 8, 1998

     /s/ ARTHUR W. SINGLETON

Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary

April 8, 1998
Arthur W. Singleton

     /s/ CHARLES E. ADAIR         
Charles E. Adair

     /s/ DANIEL M. DOYLE           
Daniel M. Doyle

     /s/ DONALD F. DUNN           
Donald F. Dunn

     /s/ EDWARD C. RAYMUND  
Edward C. Raymund

     /s/ DAVID M. UPTON            
David M. Upton

     /s/ JOHN Y. WILLIAMS         
John Y. Williams

Director

Director

Director

April 8, 1998

April 8, 1998

April 8, 1998

Director; Chairman Emeritus

April 8, 1998

Director

Director

35

April 8, 1998

April 8, 1998