Technology

What Analysts Are Saying About HP After Earnings

Thinkstock

HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) saw its shares hit a post-split multiyear high after the company reported its most recent quarterly earnings on Wednesday. Analysts took the opportunity to adjust their targets on the tech giant. Although many have a middle-of-the-road type view on the stock, most analysts respected this earnings report and hiked their price targets.

24/7 Wall St. has included some of the key highlights from the earnings report, as well as what a few analysts are saying about the stock after the fact.

The company posted $0.38 in earnings per share (EPS) and $12.68 billion in revenue, beating on both the top and bottom lines. The consensus estimates from Thomson Reuters had called for $0.37 in EPS and revenue of $11.85 billion. The same period of last year reportedly had EPS of $0.36 and $12.25 billion in revenue.

In terms of its segments, HP reported:

  • Personal Systems net revenue up 10% year over year (up 11% in constant currency) with a 3.8% operating margin. Commercial net revenue increased 7% and Consumer net revenue increased 15%. Total units were up 8% with Notebooks units up 12% and Desktops units flat.
  • Printing net revenue down 3% year over year (down 2% in constant currency) with a 16.0% operating margin. Total hardware units were up 6% with Commercial hardware units up 2% and Consumer hardware units up 7%. Supplies net revenue was down 3% (down 2% in constant currency).

For guidance in the fiscal second quarter, HP expects to see EPS in the range of $0.37 to $0.40, which compares to the consensus estimates of $0.39 per share on $11.41 billion in revenue.

Some analysts weighed in on the stock:

  • FBN Securities upgraded HP to Outperform from Sector Perform.
  • RBC Capital Markets reiterated a Sector Perform rating.
  • JPMorgan reiterated a Neutral rating but hiked its price target to $16 from $15.50.
  • Jefferies raised its price target to $16.50.
  • Maxim has a Hold rating but raised its price target to $16 from $15.
  • BMO Capital Markets raised its price target to $17.
  • Mizuho has a Neutral rating and raised its price target to $15 from $14.
  • Barclays has a $17 price target.

Shares of HP were last seen up nearly 9% at $17.64 on Thursday, with a consensus analyst price target of $16.21 and a 52-week trading range of $9.95 to $17.74.

Essential Tips for Investing: Sponsored

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.