Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:05 PM ET5 min read

HP Inc. Faces String of Downgrades Citing Demand and Cost Challenges

Tim BohenAvatar
Written by Tim Bohen
Reviewed by Ben Sturgill Fact-checked by Ellis Hobbs

HP Inc.’s stocks have been trading down by -4.09 percent amid concerns of increased competition impacting market share.

Key Takeaways:

  • Goldman Sachs analysts downgraded HP Inc. to Sell, targeting $21 due to concerns over pricing effects and high market expectations for Personal Systems growth in FY26.
  • Morgan Stanley set HP Inc.’s new price target at $18 from $20, focusing on the negative trends in hardware budget growth, anticipated demand response due to inflation, and cautious IT hardware outlook.
  • A Barclays report shifted HP Inc. from Equal Weight to Underweight, cutting the price target from $24 to $18 due to secular challenges and potential pressure on the PC business from current memory cycles.

Candlestick Chart

Live Update At 16:04:43 EST: On Tuesday, February 03, 2026 HP Inc. stock [NYSE: HPQ] is trending down by -4.09%! Discover the key drivers behind this movement as well as our expert analysis in the detailed breakdown below.

Quick Financial Overview

The numbers surrounding HP Inc. tell a vivid story: recent developments point to significant challenges for the company. The stock has been in decline, and analysis paints a picture of struggles rooted in secular shifts and increased operating costs. Recent earnings hints at reduced earnings per share stability and fluctuating profitability rates.

In their quarterly reports, the company showed a substantial operating revenue of $14.6B, but gains were overshadowed by increasing expenses running at approximately $13.6B. The gross margin clocked in at roughly 20.6%, reflecting a tough market environment. The net income from continuing operations amounted to $795M, indicating profits squeezed under sector pressures.

More Breaking News

The market’s reaction crystallized around the stock’s closing figures, settling at a temporary low of $19. If one considers the data trend, HPQ dived briefly below $19 before recovering to near stable levels, waiting nervously for the market’s next verdict as investors analyzed broader financial climates and company-specific struggles.

Current Market Reactions

Recent financial news has not been kind to HP Inc. Analysts highlight several critical impediments likely to affect the company’s immediate future prospects. Goldman Sachs marked a stark reduction in their outlook owing to anticipated demand impacts from pricing changes — and worse — unforeseen demand contractions for Personal Systems in FY26. The downgrade spurred investors to reevaluate positions within their portfolios, driving sell-offs that reflected in trading volumes and the stock price sinking lower.

The backdrop of slowest hardware budget escalation in 15 years further casts shadows, with inflationary pressures likely to cause an elastic response from demand. As tech advancements promise benefits, immediate future market positioning remains cautious, particularly within the IT hardware sphere — an assessment that investors and market watchers urgently take to heart. Potential gains, or lost ground, appear tied closely to how HP Inc. navigates its maelstrom of market forces and internal resilience.

Conclusion

All this turmoil cannot conceal HP Inc.’s potential at the intersection of its challenges and aspirations. A succinct analysis peels back the layers of impending headwinds and illustrates the layered interplays affecting HP Inc.’s market position. While downgrades from Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Barclays have undeniably stirred the waters, the company’s long-term path remains to unfold — traders need patience and vigilance amid unfolding narratives. As Tim Bohen, lead trainer with StocksToTrade says, “Time and experience have taught me that missed opportunities are part of the game. There’s always another setup around the corner.” This insight is crucial for traders navigating the current market conditions surrounding HP Inc.

This is stock news, not investment advice. StocksToTrade News delivers real-time stock market updates tailored to highlight the key catalysts driving short-term price movements. Our coverage is designed for active traders and investors who thrive in fast-moving markets, with a focus on volatile sectors like penny stocks, AI stocks, Robinhood stocks and other momentum plays. From earnings reports and FDA approvals to mergers, new contracts, and unusual trading volume, we break down the events that can spark significant price action.

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