HP, Pure Storage in focus as Barclays changes ratings on pair (HPQ)
The unfolding landscape of personal computing, characterized by a stabilization in unit sales, coupled with burgeoning optimism around artificial intelligence (AI)-centric PCs, positions HP Inc. (HPQ) favorably, according to Barclays analyst Tim Long. The analyst perceives a tempered risk outlook for the latter half of the year, yet suggests that the downside remains constrained. In response to these dynamics, Long has revised HP’s rating to Equal Weight from Under Weight. Concurrently, he has uplifted his projections for Dell Technologies (DELL), citing its recent exceptional performance in server sales, which have surpassed anticipations.
Dell’s latest collaboration with Nvidia (NVDA) showcases its commitment to innovation and performance enhancement. The partnership involves integrating Nvidia’s advanced Blackwell GPUs into Dell’s servers, a move announced on Monday. This forward-looking initiative underscores Dell’s dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancement and delivers a competitive edge in the server market.
In a contrasting maneuver, Long has adjusted Pure Storage’s rating to Equal Weight from Overweight. He attributes this recalibration to the company’s impressive 70% surge in stock value since the year’s commencement, which, in his view, renders the risk-reward equilibrium more balanced at current valuations. Despite acknowledging Pure Storage’s commendable market share expansion and its strategic pivot towards software and services, Long contends that the benefits deriving from AI advancements and hard disk drive (HDD) replacement opportunities are already reflected in Pure Storage’s ongoing market price. As such, Long opts for a more cautious stance on Pure Storage’s stock.
The sentiment among analysts towards HPQ is predominantly optimistic. Opinions gathered from Seeking Alpha contributors designate HP Inc. with a BUY rating, a sentiment echoed by Wall Street analysts who similarly advocate a BUY position on HP. However, Seeking Alpha’s proprietary quant system—the product of an algorithm designed to outpace the market—assigns HPQ a HOLD rating, offering a nuanced perspective on the company’s stock amidst a generally favorable analytical consensus.
