So, you’re looking for a Hewlett Packard stock quote. It sounds simple enough, right? You type it into Google, expecting a neat little line graph, but instead, you’re hit with two different tickers: HPQ and HPE. If you’re feeling a bit turned around, don't sweat it. Honestly, even seasoned traders occasionally trip over the fact that the "old" Hewlett-Packard hasn't actually existed as a single entity since 2015.
Basically, the company pulled a massive "it’s not you, it’s me" and split into two separate giants. On one side, you’ve got HP Inc. (HPQ), the folks making the laptop you’re likely using or that printer that always runs out of ink at the worst time. On the other, there’s Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), which handles the heavy-duty "behind the scenes" stuff like servers, AI infrastructure, and cloud networking.
Right now, as we move through January 2026, both stocks are telling very different stories. If you’re trying to figure out which one belongs in your portfolio—or if either of them does—you’ve gotta look past the name on the building.
The Tale of Two Tickers: HPQ vs. HPE
When people talk about the "Hewlett Packard stock quote," they usually mean HPQ. This is the legal successor to the original company founded in a Palo Alto garage. As of mid-January 2026, HP Inc. is trading around $20.77. It’s been a bit of a rough ride lately; the stock is sitting quite close to its 52-week low of $20.65. Compare that to its high of $35.27 over the last year, and you can see why some investors are biting their nails.
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Then you have the "new" kid, HPE. They are currently trading around $21.95. While that price point looks similar to HPQ, the vibe is totally different. HPE is currently riding the AI wave. They just finalized the acquisition of Juniper Networks, a move that basically signaled to the world that they want to own the networking space for AI data centers.
Why HP Inc. (HPQ) is the "Income Play"
HPQ is essentially a cash machine. Even though the PC market is notoriously cyclical—meaning people buy a lot of laptops one year and then nothing for three years—HPQ manages to squeeze out a ton of free cash flow. For fiscal year 2025, they pulled in about $2.9 billion in free cash flow.
What do they do with all that money? They give it back to you.
- They just bumped their quarterly dividend to $0.30 per share.
- At current prices, that’s a dividend yield of roughly 5.8%.
- They spent $850 million last year just buying back their own shares.
If you’re looking for a stock that’s going to double overnight, HPQ probably isn't it. It's more of a "slow and steady" situation. They are betting big on "AI PCs"—laptops with specialized chips designed to run AI locally—but it remains to be seen if regular people will actually shell out extra cash for them.
The Growth Gamble: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
Now, if HPQ is the boring-but-reliable sibling, HPE is the one who just started a tech startup. Under CEO Antonio Neri, HPE has pivoted hard toward "sovereign AI" and hybrid cloud systems. They aren't just selling boxes anymore; they’re selling the brains that power the modern world.
Their recent financial outlook for 2026 was a bit of a mixed bag, though. They’re projecting revenue growth of 5% to 10%, which sounds great, but the market was actually hoping for more. Because of the Juniper Networks integration, they’re being pretty cautious. CFO Marie Myers has been vocal about focusing on debt reduction and getting the integration right rather than chasing "empty" growth.
Investors reacted to this caution by sending the stock down about 8% in late 2025, but some analysts, like those at Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan, still have "Overweight" ratings on it. They see a "buying opportunity" because HPE is currently trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio that looks pretty cheap compared to other AI infrastructure plays like Dell or Cisco.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Stocks
A lot of folks think that because these companies share a name, they move together. They don't. In fact, over the last 12 months, HPQ has significantly underperformed HPE. While HPE was up slightly or flat, HPQ took a massive haircut, dropping nearly 35% from its highs.
Another misconception? That printers are dead.
You’d be surprised. While unit sales are down (by about 12% recently), HPQ’s printing segment still boasts an operating margin of nearly 19%. It’s the "razor and blade" model—sell the printer cheap, make a fortune on the ink. It’s what keeps that 5.8% dividend safe.
Key Risks to Watch in 2026
It’s not all sunshine and dividends. Both companies are currently undergoing massive restructuring.
- Headcount Cuts: HP Inc. is in the middle of a plan to cut between 4,000 and 6,000 jobs by the end of this year to save money.
- Debt Levels: HPE took on a lot of debt to buy Juniper. If interest rates stay high or the "AI bubble" (as some call it) bursts, that debt will feel a lot heavier.
- Consumer Sentiment: If the economy wobbles, the first thing people stop buying is a new $1,200 laptop. That directly hits HPQ’s bottom line.
Making Sense of the Hewlett Packard Stock Quote
If you're looking at a Hewlett Packard stock quote today, you have to ask yourself what kind of investor you are.
Are you looking for a fat dividend check every three months to pad your retirement or savings? HPQ is the one to watch, though you’ll need a stomach for the current price volatility. Are you more interested in the future of the data center and the backbone of the AI revolution? HPE is the play, but you’re going to have to be patient while they finish merging with Juniper.
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Practical Next Steps for Investors:
- Check the Dividend Dates: If you're eyeing HPQ, the next ex-dividend date is roughly March 12, 2026. You have to own the stock before then to get the next payout in April.
- Watch the Inventory: Keep an eye on HPQ’s inventory levels. They ended last quarter with $8.5 billion in unsold goods. If that number goes up, it means they might have to slash prices, which kills profit margins.
- Monitor the Juniper Integration: For HPE, the success of the next 24 months depends entirely on how well they absorb Juniper. If they start reporting "synergy savings" ahead of schedule, the stock could see a significant re-rating.
- Diversify the "HP" Brand: Don't put all your tech eggs in one basket. Even though they are different companies, they both still face the same macro headwinds in the hardware sector.
Ultimately, the "old" HP is a memory. Today's HP is a choice between the consumer's desk and the enterprise's server room. Pick the one that fits your risk tolerance, and don't let the similar names fool you.