HP to cut up to 6,000 jobs over next 3 years

HP Inc said on Tuesday (Nov 22) it expects to cut up to 6,000 jobs by the end of fiscal 2025, or about 12 per cent of its global workforce, at a time when sales of personal computers and laptops are sliding as shoppers tighten budgets.

The PC maker also forecast a lower-than-expected profit for the first quarter as it expects softness in both consumer and commercial demand.

"Many of the recent challenges we have seen in FY'22 will likely continue into FY'23," said chief financial officer Marie Myers during a post-earnings call.

HP estimates it will incur about US$1.0 billion (S$1.4 billion) in labour and non-labour costs related to restructuring and other charges, with nearly US$600 million in fiscal 2023 and the rest split between the following two years.

The company, which employs nearly 50,000 people, said it expects to reduce headcount between 4,000 and 6,000.

The restructuring comes at a time when most companies including Amazon.com Inc, Facebook's parent Meta Platforms Inc and Cisco Systems Inc are making deep cuts to their employee base to navigate a potential downturn in the economy.

HP forecast current-quarter profit between 70 cents and 80 cents. Analysts on average expect 86 cents, according to Refinitiv data.

PC sales have shrunk from the heights hit during the pandemic as households and businesses reduce spending in the face of decades-high inflation, putting pressure on companies such as HP and Dell Technologies Inc.

Earlier on Monday, Dell reported a six per cent fall in third-quarter revenue. The company's Chief financial officer Tom Sweet said the ongoing macroeconomic factors including inflation and rising interest rates would weigh on customers next year.

HP also reported a 11 per cent fall in fourth-quarter revenue to US$14.8 billion.

Shares of the Palo Alto, California-based company were up nearly two per cent in extended trading.

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