HPE shares slide 16% on weak full-year earnings outlook

Core Viewpoint - Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) shares fell 16% in extended trading after the company provided quarterly and full-year guidance that was below consensus expectations [1][3]. Financial Performance - HPE's revenue increased by 16% year over year for the fiscal first quarter, reaching $7.85 billion, compared to $7.82 billion expected by analysts [1][5]. - The company reported a profit of $598 million, or 44 cents per share, up from $387 million, or 29 cents per share, in the same quarter a year earlier [1]. Future Guidance - For the fiscal second quarter, HPE projected adjusted earnings per share between 28 cents and 34 cents, with revenue expected to be between $7.2 billion and $7.6 billion, significantly lower than the analyst consensus of 50 cents per share on $7.93 billion in revenue [3]. - For the 2025 fiscal year, HPE forecasted adjusted earnings per share of $1.70 to $1.90, while analysts had predicted $2.13 per share [4]. Cost Reduction Measures - HPE announced a cost reduction program that will involve layoffs, aiming for $350 million in gross savings by the 2027 fiscal year, affecting approximately 2,500 employees [2]. Legal Challenges - The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit to block HPE's proposed $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks, with a trial expected to begin in July [3].