Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) operates in the Technology sector, within the Hardware Equipment industry, and was founded in 1939 in the United States by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard.
Both founders were electrical engineers from Stanford University who decided to venture into the electronics industry after recognizing the growing demand for high-precision technological products, particularly in the emerging innovation hub of Palo Alto, California.
Their initial motivation stemmed from a desire to create innovative electronic products for industrial and laboratory use, serving sectors such as telecommunications, audiovisual equipment, and scientific research.
Over the decades, HP’s product portfolio has evolved to include personal computers, laptops, workstations, servers, monitors, home and industrial printers, 3D printing equipment, and a broad range of accessories and supplies.
The company also provides technical support, technology consulting, on-demand printing solutions, and sustainability-focused programs designed to promote responsible technology use.
HP operates on a global scale, with a presence in more than 160 countries, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Distribution is carried out through an extensive network of authorized resellers and distributors, complemented by direct-to-consumer sales via digital channels and proprietary stores in strategic markets.
Key market factors influencing HP’s operations include rapid technological advancement, the rising demand for connected devices, and the digital transformation of corporate and educational environments. Global competitors such as Dell and Lenovo intensify competition, while the short product life cycle of hardware requires continuous innovation and frequent product launches.
With approximately 53,000 employees worldwide, HP’s operational infrastructure encompasses corporate offices, research centers, manufacturing facilities, and logistics hubs. This global network supports the company’s ability to maintain a resilient supply chain, ensuring innovation, large-scale production, and global market reach.
History and Founding – Hewlett-Packard Company (HP)
Founded in 1939 in Palo Alto, California, Hewlett-Packard Company began its operations in a rented garage, where Hewlett and Packard developed an audio oscillator used for sound testing. This first product was sold to Walt Disney Studios and used in the production of the classic film Fantasia.
In its early years, HP faced challenges in developing high-quality products with limited resources in a nascent market. However, its commitment to innovation and technical precision enabled the company to gain recognition and attract industrial and scientific clients.
HP’s growth accelerated in 1957, when it went public with an Initial Public Offering (IPO) at $16 per share, which financed the company’s international expansion, including the opening of a branch in Geneva and a manufacturing plant in Germany in 1959.
Key milestones include:
1968: Launch of the world’s first scientific calculator.
1980: Introduction of the HP-85, the company’s first personal computer.
1988: Release of the HP DeskJet, its first inkjet printer.
The 2002 merger with Compaq solidified HP’s position as one of the largest technology companies in the world. Between 2020 and 2024, HP invested heavily in 3D printing, environmental initiatives, and hybrid work solutions, adapting to the evolving demands of the global market.
Additional Information
The Company Hewlett-Packard Company (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market value of $ 20.14 Billions, having an equity of $ -346.00 Millions.
With a total of 53.000 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Technology and categorized in industry of Hardware Equipment.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 55.30 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 2.53 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 7.96, a P/BV ratio of -58.20 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of HPQ was at 5.44%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker HPQ.