Ingram Micro Profit May Exceed Estimates

Ingram Micro Inc., the world’s biggest distributor of computer parts, said fourth-quarter sales were at the high end of a company forecast of $5.75 billion to $5.90 billion and profit met or exceeded analysts’ expectations of 18 cents a share, excluding some costs. Ingram Micro will release full fourth-quarter results Feb. 20.

Shares of the Santa Ana company fell 16% on Friday after rival Tech Data Corp. said its fiscal 2004 earnings may decline as much as 25% from the prior year because of heightened competition and “geopolitical uncertainty.” The shares rose 8 cents to $9.60 Monday on the NYSE.