Financial analysts like to second-guess the results of the firms they cover: it's a harmless sport - after all they are guided heavily by the firms - and they grab some press coverage into the bargain.

So caveat aside and onto Credit Suisse First Boston's predicitons for Tech Data, the world's second biggest IT distie, which reports later today. CSFB expects Tech Data to meet consensus Q1 estimates of 60 cents a share on revenues of $5.03bn.

But it reckons that "Tech Data's results and outlook will pale in comparison to chief rival Ingram Micro, which has Asia to cushion the fall," of continued price pressure in Europe, Forbes.com reports.