Stock Analysis on Net
Stock Analysis on Net

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. (NYSE:HPE)

This company has been moved to the archive! The financial data has not been updated since June 5, 2024.

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

Economic Profit

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., economic profit calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Oct 31, 2023 Oct 31, 2022 Oct 31, 2021 Oct 31, 2020 Oct 31, 2019 Oct 31, 2018
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1 2,752 818 3,529 77 2,514 2,346
Cost of capital2 13.88% 13.38% 12.33% 10.76% 12.13% 12.68%
Invested capital3 43,254 41,543 42,837 42,440 43,287 44,277
 
Economic profit4 (3,250) (4,739) (1,751) (4,489) (2,738) (3,269)

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-10-31).

1 NOPAT. See details »

2 Cost of capital. See details »

3 Invested capital. See details »

4 2023 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= 2,75213.88% × 43,254 = -3,250


The analysis of economic value added reveals a persistent trend of value destruction over the six-year period from 2018 to 2023. Economic profit remained consistently negative throughout this timeframe, indicating that the company's operating returns were insufficient to cover its cost of capital.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
Operating profitability is characterized by extreme volatility. Significant contractions are observed in 2020 (77 million USD) and 2022 (818 million USD), interspersed with periods of recovery, most notably in 2021 (3,529 million USD) and 2023 (2,752 million USD). This instability in NOPAT is the primary driver of the fluctuations in economic profit.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital experienced a decline from 12.68% in 2018 to a minimum of 10.76% in 2020, followed by a steady upward trend reaching 13.88% by 2023. The increase in the cost of capital in the final three years has raised the financial threshold required to achieve a positive economic profit.
Invested Capital
Invested capital remained relatively stagnant, fluctuating within a narrow corridor between 41,543 million USD and 44,277 million USD. The lack of significant reduction in the capital base, combined with the volatility of NOPAT, suggests that the company has maintained a high level of asset intensity without achieving proportional increases in operating returns.
Economic Profit Performance
Economic profit remained in negative territory for all reported years, with the most severe value destruction occurring in 2022 (-4,739 million USD). The most favorable result was recorded in 2021 (-1,751 million USD), coinciding with the period of highest NOPAT. The consistent negative values demonstrate that the company has not generated a return exceeding its weighted average cost of capital during the analyzed period.

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Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., NOPAT calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Oct 31, 2023 Oct 31, 2022 Oct 31, 2021 Oct 31, 2020 Oct 31, 2019 Oct 31, 2018
Net earnings (loss) attributable to HPE 2,025 868 3,427 (322) 1,049 1,908
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1 (67) (249) (167) (294) 1,079 (38)
Increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts2 12 2 (23) 15 (8) (3)
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue3 533 26 165 230 162 208
Increase (decrease) in product warranty liability4 (42) 33 (58) (15) (30) (45)
Increase (decrease) in accrued restructuring5 (12) (98) (76) 171 (99) (151)
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents6 424 (286) (159) 107 1,104 (29)
Interest expense 326 260 289 332 311 353
Interest expense, operating lease liability7 44 33 31 28 129 135
Adjusted interest expense 370 293 320 360 440 488
Tax benefit of interest expense8 (78) (61) (67) (76) (92) (114)
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes9 292 231 252 285 347 374
(Gain) loss on marketable securities (4) (3) (9)
Investment income, before taxes (4) (3) (9)
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income10 1 1 2
Investment income, after taxes11 (3) (2) (7)
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax12 104
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 11 5 9 11 16 (4)
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) 2,752 818 3,529 77 2,514 2,346

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-10-31).

1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »

2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in deferred revenue.

4 Addition of increase (decrease) in product warranty liability.

5 Addition of increase (decrease) in accrued restructuring.

6 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net earnings (loss) attributable to HPE.

7 2023 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= 1,160 × 3.80% = 44

8 2023 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= 370 × 21.00% = 78

9 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net earnings (loss) attributable to HPE.

10 2023 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= 0 × 21.00% = 0

11 Elimination of after taxes investment income.

12 Elimination of discontinued operations.


Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to HPE

The net earnings of the company demonstrate a fluctuating but generally volatile pattern over the six-year period. Starting at 1,908 million USD in 2018, earnings decreased significantly to 1,049 million USD in 2019. The company then recorded a loss in 2020 of -322 million USD, marking the only year in the dataset with a negative result.

Following this downturn, net earnings rebounded sharply in 2021 to reach 3,427 million USD, which represents the highest figure in the period examined. However, in the subsequent years, earnings again moderated to 868 million USD in 2022 before increasing to 2,025 million USD in 2023.

This pattern suggests considerable volatility in profitability, likely influenced by operational or external factors during the timeframe.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)

NOPAT trends show a somewhat different trajectory but align with net earnings to reflect variability in operational efficiency and profitability. Beginning at 2,346 million USD in 2018, NOPAT increased modestly to 2,514 million USD in 2019.

Significantly, 2020 experienced a dramatic drop to just 77 million USD, indicating a steep decline in core operating profitability likely linked to the loss experienced the same year.

Subsequently, there was a robust recovery by 2021, reaching a peak of 3,529 million USD, the highest level in the series. NOPAT then decreased substantially to 818 million USD in 2022 before rising again to 2,752 million USD in 2023.

The NOPAT figures reinforce the indication of operational challenges and recovery phases over the period, with 2020 standing out as an exceptional downturn year.

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Cash Operating Taxes

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., cash operating taxes calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Oct 31, 2023 Oct 31, 2022 Oct 31, 2021 Oct 31, 2020 Oct 31, 2019 Oct 31, 2018
Provision (benefit) for taxes 205 8 160 (120) 504 (1,744)
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (67) (249) (167) (294) 1,079 (38)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense 78 61 67 76 92 114
Less: Tax imposed on investment income 1 1 2
Cash operating taxes 350 318 394 249 (483) (1,594)

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-10-31).


The analysis of the provision and cash operating taxes over the six-year period reveals notable fluctuations that merit attention.

Provision (benefit) for taxes
The provision for taxes exhibited significant volatility. In 2018, a substantial tax benefit was recorded, evidenced by a large negative figure of -1744 million USD. This shifted in 2019 to a provision of 504 million USD, indicating a move to a tax expense. Subsequently, the year 2020 showed another negative figure (-120 million USD), denoting a tax benefit once again. The trend reversed in 2021 and 2023 with positive provisions of 160 million USD and 205 million USD, respectively, with 2022 showing a minimal provision of 8 million USD. Overall, the provision for taxes oscillated between benefits and expenses, reflecting considerable year-to-year variability possibly due to changes in taxable income, tax legislation, deferred tax assets or liabilities, or extraordinary tax events.
Cash operating taxes
Cash operating taxes also demonstrated wide variability during the period. The years 2018 and 2019 recorded negative cash taxes of -1594 million USD and -483 million USD respectively, suggesting cash tax refunds or benefits. However, starting 2020, cash operating taxes turned positive and increased somewhat steadily: 249 million USD in 2020, rising to 394 million USD in 2021, then slightly decreasing to 318 million USD in 2022 before increasing again to 350 million USD in 2023. This pattern indicates a shift from receiving tax refunds to consistently paying cash taxes, albeit with some fluctuations in the amounts paid. The earlier negative cash taxes could relate to tax credits, refunds, or adjustments, whereas the subsequent positive payments suggest more stable taxable income or changes in tax payment strategies.

In summary, both tax provisions and cash operating taxes showed marked fluctuations over the six years. The early years highlight strong tax benefits and refunded cash taxes, which shifted toward more consistently positive tax provisions and payments in more recent years. This pattern suggests evolving tax circumstances, potentially impacted by operational profitability, tax policy changes, or adjustments in deferred tax accounting.

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Invested Capital

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., invested capital calculation (financing approach)

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Oct 31, 2023 Oct 31, 2022 Oct 31, 2021 Oct 31, 2020 Oct 31, 2019 Oct 31, 2018
Notes payable and short-term borrowings 4,868 4,612 3,552 3,755 4,425 2,005
Long-term debt 7,487 7,853 9,896 12,186 9,395 10,136
Operating lease liability1 1,160 1,019 1,130 1,086 3,349 3,389
Total reported debt & leases 13,515 13,484 14,578 17,027 17,169 15,530
Total HPE stockholders’ equity 21,182 19,864 19,971 16,049 17,098 21,239
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2 (1,938) (1,807) (1,529) (1,488) (1,204) (2,175)
Allowance for doubtful accounts3 37 25 23 46 31 39
Deferred revenue4 6,939 6,406 6,380 6,215 5,985 5,823
Product warranty liability5 318 360 327 385 400 430
Accrued restructuring6 180 192 290 366 195 294
Equity equivalents7 5,536 5,176 5,491 5,524 5,407 4,411
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax8 3,084 3,098 2,915 3,939 3,727 3,218
Non-controlling interests 56 45 46 47 51 35
Adjusted total HPE stockholders’ equity 29,858 28,183 28,423 25,559 26,283 28,903
Available-for-sale investments9 (119) (124) (164) (146) (165) (156)
Invested capital 43,254 41,543 42,837 42,440 43,287 44,277

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-10-31).

1 Addition of capitalized operating leases.

2 Elimination of deferred taxes from assets and liabilities. See details »

3 Addition of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable.

4 Addition of deferred revenue.

5 Addition of product warranty liability.

6 Addition of accrued restructuring.

7 Addition of equity equivalents to total HPE stockholders’ equity.

8 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

9 Subtraction of available-for-sale investments.


Total Reported Debt & Leases
The total reported debt and leases exhibited a general declining trend from October 31, 2018, to October 31, 2023. Starting at 15,530 million USD in 2018, the debt increased to a peak of 17,169 million USD in 2019. However, from 2019 onward, a notable downward trend is observed, reaching a low of 13,484 million USD by 2022. A slight uptick occurred in 2023, increasing marginally to 13,515 million USD. Overall, the data indicate a reduction in leverage over the five-year period following the 2019 peak.
Total HPE Stockholders’ Equity
Stockholders’ equity showed a more fluctuating pattern over the observed years. It started at 21,239 million USD in 2018, then declined sharply to 17,098 million USD in 2019 and further to 16,049 million USD in 2020. This reduction suggests a contraction in equity or potentially share repurchases or losses affecting the equity base. Nevertheless, from 2020 onwards, equity values rebounded significantly, climbing to 19,971 million USD in 2021 and maintaining a steady state near 19,800 million USD in 2022. By 2023, equity increased again to 21,182 million USD, nearing the 2018 level. This resurgence indicates potential retained earnings growth, capital injections, or asset revaluations enhancing the equity position.
Invested Capital
The invested capital followed a slightly decreasing trend with minor fluctuations. The figure begins at 44,277 million USD in 2018 and gradually decreases to 43,287 million USD in 2019 and subsequently to 42,440 million USD in 2020. From 2020 to 2021, there was a marginal increase to 42,837 million USD, followed by a decline to 41,543 million USD in 2022. The final figure in 2023 increases again to 43,254 million USD. These variations suggest moderate adjustments in the company’s total capital base used for operations, with a slight overall decrease but some recovery in the most recent year.
Summary Insights
The data collectively reveal a company managing its capital structure with a focus on reducing debt levels after 2019 while recovering stockholders’ equity after a significant dip by 2020. The modest fluctuations in invested capital imply adjustments in financing or operational investments. The decreasing trend in debt combined with the recovery of equity may indicate strengthening financial stability and an effort to optimize capital costs through deleveraging. The rebound in equity over the latter years supports the notion of improved profitability or capital management actions.

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Cost of Capital

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 22,217 22,217 ÷ 35,577 = 0.62 0.62 × 20.01% = 12.50%
Short-term and long-term debt3 12,200 12,200 ÷ 35,577 = 0.34 0.34 × 4.73% × (1 – 21.00%) = 1.28%
Operating lease liability4 1,160 1,160 ÷ 35,577 = 0.03 0.03 × 3.80% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.10%
Total: 35,577 1.00 13.88%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-10-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Short-term and long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 20,881 20,881 ÷ 34,100 = 0.61 0.61 × 20.01% = 12.25%
Short-term and long-term debt3 12,200 12,200 ÷ 34,100 = 0.36 0.36 × 3.70% × (1 – 21.00%) = 1.05%
Operating lease liability4 1,019 1,019 ÷ 34,100 = 0.03 0.03 × 3.20% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.08%
Total: 34,100 1.00 13.38%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-10-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Short-term and long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 19,673 19,673 ÷ 35,403 = 0.56 0.56 × 20.01% = 11.12%
Short-term and long-term debt3 14,600 14,600 ÷ 35,403 = 0.41 0.41 × 3.49% × (1 – 21.00%) = 1.14%
Operating lease liability4 1,130 1,130 ÷ 35,403 = 0.03 0.03 × 2.70% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.07%
Total: 35,403 1.00 12.33%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-10-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Short-term and long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 15,677 15,677 ÷ 33,863 = 0.46 0.46 × 20.01% = 9.26%
Short-term and long-term debt3 17,100 17,100 ÷ 33,863 = 0.50 0.50 × 3.58% × (1 – 21.00%) = 1.43%
Operating lease liability4 1,086 1,086 ÷ 33,863 = 0.03 0.03 × 2.60% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.07%
Total: 33,863 1.00 10.76%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2020-10-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Short-term and long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 20,726 20,726 ÷ 38,674 = 0.54 0.54 × 20.01% = 10.72%
Short-term and long-term debt3 14,600 14,600 ÷ 38,674 = 0.38 0.38 × 3.84% × (1 – 21.00%) = 1.15%
Operating lease liability4 3,349 3,349 ÷ 38,674 = 0.09 0.09 × 3.84% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.26%
Total: 38,674 1.00 12.13%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-10-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Short-term and long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 20,477 20,477 ÷ 36,066 = 0.57 0.57 × 20.01% = 11.36%
Short-term and long-term debt3 12,200 12,200 ÷ 36,066 = 0.34 0.34 × 3.98% × (1 – 23.30%) = 1.03%
Operating lease liability4 3,389 3,389 ÷ 36,066 = 0.09 0.09 × 3.98% × (1 – 23.30%) = 0.29%
Total: 36,066 1.00 12.68%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-10-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Short-term and long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »



Economic Spread Ratio

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Oct 31, 2023 Oct 31, 2022 Oct 31, 2021 Oct 31, 2020 Oct 31, 2019 Oct 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1 (3,250) (4,739) (1,751) (4,489) (2,738) (3,269)
Invested capital2 43,254 41,543 42,837 42,440 43,287 44,277
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3 -7.51% -11.41% -4.09% -10.58% -6.32% -7.38%
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4
Apple Inc. 137.50% 199.01% 195.38% 143.35%
Arista Networks Inc. 20.53% 16.06% 31.11%
Cisco Systems Inc. 6.28% 6.20% 5.45% 9.76%
Dell Technologies Inc. -0.73% 3.13% -1.39%
Lumentum Holdings Inc. -17.24% -5.33% 7.09% -4.40%
Super Micro Computer Inc. 4.14% -4.76% -12.73% -15.68%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-10-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 Invested capital. See details »

3 2023 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × -3,250 ÷ 43,254 = -7.51%

4 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Over the six-year period ending October 31, 2023, a consistent pattern of negative economic value addition is observed. The company failed to generate returns exceeding its cost of capital in every reporting year, resulting in a persistent erosion of economic value.

Economic Profit Trends
Economic profit remained negative throughout the entire period, characterized by significant volatility. The most pronounced loss occurred in 2022, reaching -US$4,739 million, while the most favorable result was recorded in 2021 at -US$1,751 million. This fluctuation indicates an inconsistent ability to manage operational returns relative to the cost of financing.
Invested Capital Stability
Invested capital demonstrated relative stability, fluctuating within a narrow range between US$41,543 million in 2022 and US$44,277 million in 2018. Because the capital base remained largely constant, the variations in economic profit are attributable to changes in operational efficiency and the cost of capital rather than significant changes in the scale of investment.
Economic Spread Ratio Analysis
The economic spread ratio remained negative for all six years, reflecting a systemic gap between the return on invested capital and the cost of capital. The ratio reached its lowest point in 2022 at -11.41%, mirroring the peak in economic losses. A temporary improvement was noted in 2021, where the ratio narrowed to -4.09%, before widening again to -7.51% by October 31, 2023. This sustained negative spread confirms that the company has operated below its required rate of return throughout the analyzed timeframe.

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Economic Profit Margin

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Oct 31, 2023 Oct 31, 2022 Oct 31, 2021 Oct 31, 2020 Oct 31, 2019 Oct 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1 (3,250) (4,739) (1,751) (4,489) (2,738) (3,269)
 
Net revenue 29,135 28,496 27,784 26,982 29,135 30,852
Add: Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue 533 26 165 230 162 208
Adjusted net revenue 29,668 28,522 27,949 27,212 29,297 31,060
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2 -10.95% -16.61% -6.26% -16.50% -9.35% -10.52%
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
Apple Inc. 21.63% 23.52% 22.70% 18.79%
Arista Networks Inc. 15.50% 11.06% 18.22%
Cisco Systems Inc. 6.25% 6.96% 6.08% 10.19%
Dell Technologies Inc. -0.40% 1.64% -1.19%
Lumentum Holdings Inc. -28.29% -7.78% 8.00% -4.19%
Super Micro Computer Inc. 1.40% -2.02% -4.59% -5.82%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-10-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-10-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 2023 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Adjusted net revenue
= 100 × -3,250 ÷ 29,668 = -10.95%

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The financial performance from 2018 to 2023 is characterized by a persistent inability to achieve a positive economic profit, indicating that the returns generated are consistently lower than the cost of capital employed. This trend is evident across all six years analyzed, with the economic profit margin remaining in negative territory throughout the entire period.

Economic Profit Trends
Economic profit exhibited significant volatility, remaining negative from 2018 through 2023. The most substantial deficit occurred in 2022, reaching -4,739 million USD. A notable temporary improvement was observed in 2021, where the loss narrowed to -1,751 million USD, the lowest deficit in the observed timeframe, before deteriorating again in 2022.
Adjusted Net Revenue Trajectory
Revenue experienced a period of contraction between 2018 and 2020, falling from 31,060 million USD to 27,212 million USD. Subsequent years showed a steady recovery, with adjusted net revenue increasing annually to reach 29,668 million USD by 2023, although it remained below the 2018 peak.
Economic Profit Margin Analysis
The economic profit margin fluctuated in alignment with the economic profit figures, demonstrating a lack of stability in value creation. The margin reached its most favorable point of -6.26% in 2021, coinciding with the lowest economic loss. Conversely, the margin reached its lowest point in 2022 at -16.61%. By 2023, the margin shifted to -10.95%, reflecting a partial recovery from the 2022 trough but remaining consistent with the overall negative trend.

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