HP Continues to Diversify, yet Challenges Remain

The company reaffirmed its commitment to grow its personal systems segment through premium and gaming products as traditional computer spending is expected to slow. Also, HP is investing in device-as-a-service, security, and virtual reality programs as growth engines. Our long-term thesis on HP's personal systems remains intact. We believe that Dell, Lenovo, and other smaller brands will inhibit potential long-term growth through intense pricing competition for computers and DaaS contracts, while consumers will continue to favor smartphone purchases over computer upgrades.

HP's printing segment showcased growth in its strategic focus areas of subscription-based ink, managed print services, industrial graphics presses, and 3D printing. The challenge HP faces is continuing growth in these largely nascent revenue streams. HP's graphic presses and managed services can ensure its supplies business has a recurring revenue stream, but existing players will make inroads difficult for HP. We do like HP's focus on manufacturing for 3D printing instead of small-scale 3D printing; however, this product line does not benefit from a recurring revenue stream of selling 3D printing supplies. While we believe that HP is making wise moves to make its brand stickier with customers, we reiterate our long-term thesis of upside being limited by an intensely competitive environment coupled with the macro trend of individuals printing fewer items.

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