Hewlett-Packard On The Fence

Deutsche Bank has published a research report on Hewlett-Packard HPQ as the Enterprise upgrade cycle continues to grow as the consumer base remains soft. In the report, Deutsche Bank writes "HP's consumer PC business was weaker than expected at down 10% Y/Y (vs. enterprise +20 Y/Y) with softness being attributed to ‘uneven' consumer demand (iPad cannibalization), China weakness (size not quantified), cautious US demand (discount driven demand) and mixed growth in Europe. In addition, FCF was weaker than expected at $1.9B (vs. DB at $3.5B) and missed by $1.5B due to a large increase in receivables and decrease in DPO (linearity). Further, HPQ's FCF as a percentage of EPS fell to 72% for FY10 (vs. 103% in FY09) which is a cause for concern and suggests earnings quality is weaker than in the past." Deutsche Bank maintains its Hold rating and $45 price target. Hewlett-Packard closed yesterday at $43.25.