CDW (CDW) Citi Global Emerging Market Conference summary

Competitive positioning and market strategy

• Delivers 200-300 basis points above market growth over the long term through scale, verticalization, and deep customer relationships.

• Maintains a best-in-class sales and technical organization, evolving with industry needs and integrating both legacy and emerging partners.

• Focuses on customer-centricity, investing in coworkers, and adapting to technology changes to stay ahead.

• Leverages expertise in key verticals like healthcare, education, and government for competitive advantage.

AI and technology trends

• AI is in early stages but driving significant customer engagement and workshops, especially around data readiness.

• AI opportunities span the full technology stack, requiring holistic solutions from core to cloud to edge.

• Anticipates medium- and long-term growth from AI, with rising interest in AI PCs and integrated solutions.

Market outlook and demand trends

• Federal market delays due to late budgets and administrative bottlenecks are seen as timing issues, not demand softness.

• International markets, especially the UK, impacted by political events like snap elections, causing temporary freezes.

• Commercial sector shows some firming, while small business remains flat; overall customer caution persists.

• Pent-up demand exists but is delayed by macro uncertainty and election-related pauses, expected to unwind post-election.