JFrog stock rises as Cantor Fitzgerald maintains Overweight rating after strong Q2
On Friday, Bernstein analysts maintained a Market Perform rating on HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ) and increased the price target to $34, up from the previous $34. The revision reflects a cautious view of the company's performance and market challenges, despite HP's significant cost-cutting measures. According to InvestingPro data, HP maintains a "GOOD" overall financial health score, though 11 analysts have recently revised their earnings expectations downward for the upcoming period.
The analysts noted that HP's revenues have fallen for the third consecutive year, currently about 9% lower than pre-pandemic levels in FY 2019. Recent data shows revenue declined 0.3% over the last twelve months to $53.56 billion, with a gross profit margin of 22.07%. These trends underscore the difficult end-markets in which HP operates.
The revised price target comes amid concerns about the sustainability of the company's printing business. Bernstein analysts expressed worries that printing, already seen as a structurally declining sector, might have been over-performing. They also suggested that the growth in supplies could be above the trend, which might indicate a potential regression in fiscal year 2025.
Despite these challenges, the analysts highlighted that HP's stock remains relatively inexpensive. It is trading slightly below its historical average relative multiple. However, it is worth noting that the stock is trading above its historical average absolute multiple, which could be attributed to the general appreciation of market multiples.
In summary, while HP has engaged in aggressive cost reduction, the company continues to face a tough market environment. Bernstein's updated price target reflects a balance between the company's current valuation and the potential headwinds it may face in the coming fiscal year.
In other recent news, HP Inc. has been navigating through a series of recent developments.
HSBC downgraded HP's stock from Buy to Hold due to a weaker-than-expected outlook for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025 and rising commodity costs. These pressures are expected to impact the company's performance in the first half of the year. However, HSBC noted strong drivers in the PC industry, such as the ongoing PC refresh cycle and the rising adoption of AI-enabled PCs, that could benefit the company in the second half of Fiscal Year 2025.
TD Cowen maintained a Hold rating on HP's stock but increased its price target from $32.00 to $39.00, citing fiscal year 2025 earnings per share (EPS) outlook and free cash flow (FCF) growth expectations. Citi also maintained a Neutral rating but reduced its price target from $37.00 to $36.50, reflecting a slower than anticipated recovery in the PC market.
In terms of earnings, HP reported a 2% year-over-year increase in Q4 2024 revenue and a 3% growth in non-GAAP EPS to $0.93. The company also generated $3.3 billion in free cash flow and increased its annual dividend by 5% to $1.16 per share. AI PCs accounted for 15% of Q4 shipments, a figure expected to rise to 25% in fiscal 2025. Despite a projected decline in the print market, HP anticipates growth in the commercial PC market to outpace that of the consumer segment.
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