HP shares down as Q3 earnings miss estimates; analysts retain cautious view
HP Inc (NYSE:HPQ ) reported third-quarter earnings that fell short of analyst expectations, sending shares down 2.4% in premarket trading Thursday. The computer and printer maker's revenue, however, surpassed estimates as it returned to growth.
HP reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.83 for the quarter ended July 31, missing the analyst consensus of $0.86. Revenue came in at $13.52 billion, up 2.4% YoY and above the $13.37 billion analysts expected.
The company's Personal Systems segment, which includes PCs, saw revenue rise 5% YoY to $9.4 billion. Printing revenue declined 3% to $4.1 billion.
"We are pleased with our return to revenue growth and proud of the innovations delivered in the quarter, including the launch of our next-generation AI PC lineup," said Enrique Lores, President and CEO of HP Inc.
For the fourth quarter, HP forecasts adjusted EPS between $0.89 and $0.99, compared to the $0.95 analyst estimate. The company narrowed its full-year 2024 adjusted EPS guidance to $3.35-$3.45, with the midpoint slightly below the $3.45 consensus.
HP generated $1.3 billion in free cash flow during the quarter and returned $0.9 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. The company also increased its share repurchase authorization to $10 billion.
Commenting on the report, Morgan Stanley analysts said:
"We don't believe results tonight will shift the investor debate either way, but as we look beyond the October quarter into FY25, we are tempering our revenue and profitability expectations slightly given Print stabilization remains elusive, and cost savings aren't flowing through to the bottom line in the way we expected."
To this point, revenue has declined by $400 million year-over-year, while operating expenses have increased by $300 million year-over-year, Morgan Stanley highlights.
Despite HPQ exceeding its previous Future Ready cost savings targets, "even greater cost cuts are needed to both support future investments and improve operating margins," analysts added, trimming their price target on the stock from $37 to $36.
Separately, Bernstein analysts said they expect HP's revenues for fiscal 2024 to be down for the third consecutive year and remain around 9% below pre-pandemic levels.
Operating profits are also expected to drop, "despite very significant cost-cutting efforts," they added.
"Both observations point to the very challenging end markets HP participates in (low growth, intense competition) and the need for significant ongoing cost reductions to remain competitive."
Senad Karaahmetovic contributed to this report.
Source: Investing.com
