Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) shares plummeted 8.52% in pre-market trading Friday after the company issued a weaker-than-expected revenue forecast for the first quarter, citing delays in AI server deliveries and cautious enterprise spending.
The company projected Q1 revenue of $9 billion to $9.4 billion, well below analysts' estimates of $9.9 billion. CFO Marie Myers attributed the shortfall to delays in large-scale AI projects, including an unready European data center and postponed U.S. federal contracts. "AI deals are lumpy, and governments face bureaucratic hurdles," Myers noted, adding that supply-chain snags for chips further pressured results.
Despite raising its FY2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $2.25-$2.45, HPE's weak near-term outlook overshadowed positive margin improvements in its AI and networking segments. The stock's plunge reflects broader concerns about enterprise spending constraints and competition in the server market from rivals like Dell and Super Micro Computer.
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