Key Stats
Hewlett-Packard Company stands as a pioneering technology corporation that reshaped the computing and printing industries. Founded in a garage in Palo Alto, California, the company evolved from producing audio oscillators to becoming a global technology leader.
The corporation operates through three primary segments delivering products and services worldwide. The Personal Systems segment provides commercial and consumer desktop computers, notebooks, workstations, thin clients, and retail point-of-sale systems. The Printing segment offers consumer and commercial printer hardware, supplies, solutions, and services for various markets.
HP Inc emerged from the 2015 split of the original Hewlett-Packard Company. The division separated the personal computing and printing businesses from enterprise products and services. This strategic separation created two focused companies addressing distinct market opportunities.
Hewlett-Packard Co-founders
Stanford graduate in electrical engineering who co-founded HP in 1939. Hewlett pioneered innovations in electronic test equipment and led the company’s technical development for decades.
Stanford electrical engineering graduate who partnered with Hewlett to establish HP. Packard drove business operations and helped create the influential HP Way management philosophy.
HP History
HP Acquisitions
Hewlett-Packard executed numerous strategic acquisitions throughout its history to expand capabilities and market presence. The 1989 purchase of Apollo Computer brought workstation technology and engineering talent into the HP portfolio. This acquisition strengthened HP’s position in technical computing markets.
In 2002, HP completed its merger with Compaq Computer Corporation after shareholder approval. The transaction valued at approximately $25 billion significantly expanded HP’s presence in personal computers and enterprise servers. The merger faced opposition from some shareholders but ultimately proceeded.
The company acquired Electronic Data Systems in 2008 for approximately $13.9 billion. This purchase expanded HP’s capabilities in technology consulting, outsourcing, and managed services. EDS brought extensive enterprise relationships and service delivery capabilities.
HP purchased Palm in 2010 for $1.2 billion, seeking to enter the mobile device market. The acquisition included the webOS operating system and a portfolio of mobile patents. Despite initial ambitions, HP later discontinued webOS hardware products.
In 2010, HP acquired 3PAR for $2.07 billion after a competitive bidding war with Dell. The purchase strengthened HP’s storage capabilities and cloud infrastructure offerings. The company also acquired various smaller technology firms to enhance specific capabilities.
HP purchased Autonomy Corporation in 2011 for approximately $11 billion, seeking to expand software and data analytics capabilities. The acquisition later resulted in significant writedowns and allegations of accounting irregularities. HP took an $8.8 billion writedown on Autonomy’s value in 2012.
HP Market Cap
HP Inc maintains a market capitalization of approximately $26 billion as of October 2024, representing its valuation in personal computing and printing markets.
HP Revenue
HP Inc generated annual revenue of $54.71 billion in fiscal year 2024, demonstrating consistent performance in its core business segments.
HP Competitors
HP Inc competes in highly competitive personal computing and printing markets against numerous technology companies globally.
| Competitor | Primary Products |
|---|---|
| Dell Technologies | Personal computers, servers, storage solutions |
| Lenovo | Laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones |
| Apple | Mac computers, iPads, consumer electronics |
| Canon | Printers, imaging equipment, office solutions |
| Epson | Printers, projectors, imaging products |
| Brother Industries | Printers, sewing machines, industrial equipment |
| Acer | Laptops, desktops, monitors, tablets |
| Asus | Computers, laptops, motherboards, peripherals |
| Microsoft | Surface devices, software, cloud services |
| Xerox | Printers, copiers, document management |
FAQs
When was Hewlett-Packard founded?
Hewlett-Packard was founded in 1939 by William Hewlett and David Packard in a Palo Alto garage with an initial investment of $538. The company incorporated in 1947 and became a public company in 1957.
What happened to Hewlett-Packard in 2015?
Hewlett-Packard Company split into two independent publicly traded companies on November 1, 2015. HP Inc retained personal computing and printing businesses while Hewlett Packard Enterprise focused on enterprise products and services.
What products does HP Inc make?
HP Inc manufactures personal computers including desktops, laptops, and workstations. The company also produces printers, printer supplies, 3D printing solutions, and related accessories for consumer and commercial markets.
How many employees does HP Inc have?
HP Inc employed approximately 58,000 people globally as of October 2024. The workforce has remained relatively stable in recent years following previous restructuring initiatives and efficiency programs.
Who are HP’s main competitors?
HP’s primary competitors include Dell Technologies and Lenovo in personal computing. In printing, HP competes with Canon, Epson, and Brother Industries. The company also faces competition from Samsung across multiple product categories.