A wise investment decision involves buying well-performing stocks at the right time while selling those that are at risk. A rise in share price and strong fundamentals signal a stock’s bullish run.
HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ) has performed well so far this year and has the potential to carry on the momentum in the near term. Therefore, if you haven’t taken advantage of the share price appreciation yet, it’s time you add the stock to your portfolio.
What Makes HP an Attractive Pick?
An Outperformer: The company has outperformed its industry on a year-to-date basis. The stock returned an impressive 45.2% compared with 37.5% increase recorded by the industry.
Solid Rank & VGM Score: HP currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and has a Value Growth Momentum Score (VGM Score) of B. Our research shows that stocks with a VGM Score of A or B when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 offer the best investment opportunities. Thus, the company appears to be a compelling investment proposition at the moment.
Positive Earnings Surprise History: HP has an impressive earnings surprise history. The company outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the trailing four quarters, delivering a positive average earnings surprise of 1.91%.
Strong Growth Prospects: The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2017 earnings is currently pegged at $1.65, reflecting year-over-year growth of 2.9%. Moreover, earnings are expected to register 7.1% growth in 2018. Moreover, in the long run, the company’s earnings per share are expected to grow at the rate of 3.4%.
HP Inc. PE Ratio (TTM)
What are the Growth Prospects?
HP’s efforts to turn around its business have been commendable. The company is working on product innovation, differentiation and enhancing the capabilities of its printing business to stabilize the top line.
The recently released PC shipment data by IDC depicts that HP’s restructuring initiatives such as focus on product innovation, pricing, marketing and sales activities, divestment of non-core assets and cutting jobs to lower costs are paying off. HP, as per the data compiled by IDC, witnessed year-over-year shipment growth for the fifth quarter in a row, after registering decline for five consecutive quarters.
With the start of shipping A3 multifunction printers to more than 80 countries, which covers all its key markets, HP can revive its printing business and grab a bigger share of the inkjet printer market. Also, the acquisition of Samsung’s printing business is anticipated to support the development and manufacturing of printers.
Other Stocks to Consider
Other stocks worth considering in the broader technology sector include Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) , Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) and Jabil Inc. (NYSE:JBL) , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The long-term earnings per share growth rate for Micron, Facebook and Jabil is projected to be 10%, 24.5% and 12%, respectively.
The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All
Last year, it generated $8 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $47 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early.
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HP Inc. (HPQ): Free Stock Analysis Report
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