Merrill Lynch drops estimates for HP and IBM
The downgrades for leading information technology companies just keep coming, with HP and Big Blue the latest victims as Merrill Lynch downgrades both stocks to "neutral."
Hewlett-Packard and IBM joined the ranks of Sun Microsystems, EMC and others Wednesday, getting downgraded due to slowing IT spending.
And things aren't about to get better soon, judging from Merrill Lynch analyst Thomas Kraemer's research note. "The downturn in IT spending that we have already seen could worsen as the economy does," the analyst wrote. Merrill Lynch is forecasting that the economy will continue to slow. HP shares closed up 19 cents to $31.31 and IBM shares closed down 38 cents to $90.13.
Kraemer downgraded HP from "near-term accumulate" to "neutral" and suggested a $40 valuation for the stock.
"Given the fundamental risks, slowing IT environment, and poor Unix orders, we do not think there is positive risk reward at current levels," Kraemer said. In just one month, from October to November, the amount by which most companies planned to increase their IT spending dropped by 22 percent, according to Merrill Lynch research.
The analyst also said channel checks suggest another disappointment from the company.
"We believe that a concerted effort by HP to drive Linux, improve its channel relationships, and continued success with color could materially improve our outlook. But we'd like to see those things happen," the analyst added.
Kraemer also downgraded IBM from "near-term accumulate" to "neutral," based on similar concerns of slower IT spending. He also said long-term fundamental issues may place second-quarter and 2001 revenue and earnings estimates at risk.
Kraemer also lowered estimates for the second half of fiscal 2001. Revenue for fiscal 2001 was cut from $94.3 billion to $93 billion and earnings per share estimates for 2001 went from $4.93 to $4.87.
Surveys suggest strength in IBM's RS/6000 or pSeries line, but spending for mainframes will decelerate over the next two years.
The analyst said his IBM call was difficult for three reasons: He expects the company to benefit from three product cycles (mainframe, RS/6000 and Shark) over the two quarters; it is finally on track with Unix servers and storage; and management's strategy looks good.
"Were it not for the surprising and dramatic change in spending intentions from October to November we would not be downgrading," Kraemer added.