FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF DELL AND HP Executive Summary

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This financial analysis report examines two high profile competitors, Dell and Hewlett Packard (HP), within the computer/technology industry in order to evaluate company performance and financial health. Overall company strategies were reviewed and considered along with the financial analysis to come to a conclusion for recommendation of investment. The reports introduction gives an overview to the computer/technology industry and expands on the strategies executed by Dell and HP. The financial analysis covers both companies’ common-size income statements and balance sheets, comparative income statements and balance sheets, and various financial statement ratios such as liquidity, capital structure and solvency, return on investment, operating performance, asset utilization and market measures from year 2006 to year 2010. A pro forma look ahead estimated financial performance is generated for each company and assumptions explored that helped derive the financial data for the pro forma. Conclusions are drawn from the above stated financial analysis as well as areas for improvement and investment recommendations. Dell and HP are both well known companies competing in an ever evolving and expanding industry. The industry is in every segment from personal to educational to professional. HP is a more mature company having been founded in 1939, but Dell made waves throughout not only the computer/technology industry but in multiple industries for its ability to rethink distribution and customized sales direct to customers. While both companies offer both products and services, HP has a slightly more diverse portfolio and is a bit more brand recognized as a trusted and quality company. From years 2006-2010, Dell was able to keep downward pressure on the growth of cost of goods sold while HP had strong growth in