HPE Reports Fiscal 2021 Third Quarter Results

Q3 marked by strong orders, profitability and free cash flow
Raising FY21 EPS and FCF outlook; Reinstating share repurchases

Q3 2021 Financial Highlights:

  • Orders: Strengthening demand accelerates growth, up strong double-digits from the prior-year period and year-to-date up 11% from the prior-year period
  • Revenue: $6.9 billion, up 3% sequentially and in-line with Q3 outlook of normal sequential seasonality; up 1% from the prior-year period
    • Intelligent Edge revenue: $867 million, up 27% from the prior-year period
    • HPC & MCS revenue: $741 million, up 11% from the prior-year period
    • Annualized revenue run-rate (ARR): $705 million, up 33% from the prior-year period
  • Diluted net earnings per share (“EPS”):
    • GAAP of $0.29, above the previously provided outlook of $0.04 to $0.10 per share
    • Non-GAAP of $0.47, up 31% from the prior-year period and above the previously provided outlook of $0.38 to $0.44 per share
  • Cash flow from operations year-to-date: $2.9 billion, up $1.4 billion from the prior-year period
  • Free cash flow year-to-date: $1.5 billion, up $1.1 billion from the prior-year period

Capital Returns:

  • Declared a regular cash dividend of $0.12 per share, payable on October 6, 2021
  • Reinstating share repurchase program and targeting share repurchases of up to $250 million in Q4 FY21

Outlook:

  • Fourth quarter Fiscal 2021: Estimates GAAP diluted net EPS to be in the range of $0.14 to $0.22 and non-GAAP diluted net EPS to be in the range of $0.44 to $0.52
  • Fiscal 2021: Raises GAAP diluted net EPS outlook to $0.80 to $0.88 and non-GAAP diluted net EPS outlook to $1.88 to $1.96
  • Fiscal 2021 free cash flow1: Raises free cash flow guidance to $1.5 to $1.7 billion

HPE Reports Q3 FY21 Results Infographic

HOUSTON--()--Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE) today announced financial results for the third quarter, ended July 31, 2021.

We delivered a very impressive Q3 performance, marked by strong order growth, expanded margins and record free cash flow,” said Antonio Neri, president and CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise. “I am pleased to see how our differentiated portfolio is resonating with the market, and our edge-to-cloud strategy is driving improved momentum across our businesses.”

The impacts of the pandemic continue to accelerate the shift we predicted years ago to an edge-centric, cloud-enabled and data-driven world,” he continued. “Now, more than ever, companies need secure connectivity, faster insights from data, and a cloud experience everywhere. We expect those trends to continue. Digital transformation is no longer a priority but a strategic imperative.”

We are once again raising our full-year guidance to reflect the continued momentum in the demand environment and our strong execution,” said Tarek Robbiati, EVP and CFO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise. “This marks the fourth increase in our outlook since our Securities Analyst Meeting in October 2020.”

Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2021 Results

Net revenue of $6.9 billion, up 3% sequentially and in-line with Q3 outlook of normal sequential seasonality; up 1% from the prior-year period or down 2% when adjusted for currency.

Annualized revenue run-rate (ARR) of $705 million, up 33% from the prior-year period and total as-a-Service orders were up 46% from the prior-year period. Based on strong customer demand and recent wins, we reiterate our 2020 Securities Analyst Meeting ARR guidance of 30-40% Compounded Annual Growth Rate from fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2023.

GAAP gross margins of 34.5%, up 420 basis points from the prior-year period and Non-GAAP gross margins of 34.7%, up 420 basis points from the prior-year period.

GAAP diluted net earnings per share (“EPS”) was $0.29, compared to $0.01 in the prior-year period and above the previously provided outlook of $0.04 to $0.10 per share.

Non-GAAP diluted net EPS was $0.47, compared to $0.36 in the prior-year period and above the previously provided outlook of $0.38 to $0.44 per share. Third quarter non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net EPS exclude after-tax adjustments of $231 million or $0.18 per diluted share, respectively, primarily related to transformation costs, stock-based compensation expense and the amortization of intangible assets.

Cash flow from operations of approximately $1,130 million, down $342 million from the prior-year period.

Free cash flow of $526 million, down $398 million from the prior-year period.

Segment Results

  • Intelligent Edge revenue was $867 million, up 27% from the prior-year period or 23% when adjusted for currency, with 15.8% operating profit margin, compared to 10.4% from the prior-year period. Switching was up over 20% from the prior-year period when adjusted for currency, WLAN was up mid-single digits percentage from the prior-year period when adjusted for currency, and Aruba SaaS offering was up triple-digits from the prior-year period.
  • High Performance Compute & Mission Critical Systems (HPC & MCS) revenue was $741 million, up 11% from the prior-year period or 9% when adjusted for currency, with 3.9% operating profit margin, compared to 7.0% from the prior-year period. We remain on track to achieve our full year and 3-year revenue growth CAGR target of 8% to 12%.
  • Compute revenue was $3.1 billion, down 9% from the prior-year period or down 12% when adjusted for currency, with 11.2% operating profit margin, compared to 9.3% from the prior-year period. Revenue was up 4% from the prior-quarter period and 4% from the prior-quarter period when adjusted for currency, and in-line with normal sequential seasonality.
  • Storage revenue was $1.2 billion, up 4% from the prior-year period or up 1% when adjusted for currency, with 15.1% operating profit margin, compared to 15.0% from the prior-year period. Notable strength in software-defined solutions, including Nimble, up 10% from the prior-year period when adjusted for currency with strong momentum in dHCI growing double-digits. All flash Arrays grew over 30% from the prior-year period led by Primera, up strong double-digits from the prior-year period.
  • Financial Services revenue was $844 million, up 4% from the prior-year period or flat when adjusted for currency, with 11.1% operating profit margin, compared to 8.1% from the prior-year period. Net portfolio assets were down 2% from the prior-year period or down 3% when adjusted for currency. The business delivered return on equity of 18.3%, up 5.2 points from the prior-year period.

Dividend

Board of Directors have declared a regular cash dividend of $0.12 per share on the company's common stock. This dividend, the fourth in Hewlett Packard Enterprise's fiscal year 2021, is payable on October 6, 2021, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 13, 2021.

Fiscal 2021 fourth quarter outlook:

Hewlett Packard Enterprise estimates GAAP diluted net EPS to be in the range of $0.14 to $0.22 and non-GAAP diluted net EPS to be in the range of $0.44 to $0.52. Fiscal 2021 fourth quarter non-GAAP diluted net EPS estimates exclude after-tax adjustments of approximately $0.30 per diluted share, primarily related to transformation costs, stock-based compensation expense and the amortization of intangible assets.

Fiscal 2021 outlook:

Hewlett Packard Enterprise raises GAAP diluted net EPS outlook to $0.80 to $0.88 from $0.60 to $0.72 and non-GAAP diluted net EPS outlook to $1.88 to $1.96 from $1.82 to $1.94. Fiscal 2021 non-GAAP diluted net EPS estimates exclude after-tax adjustments of approximately $1.08 per diluted share, primarily related to transformation costs, stock-based compensation expense and the amortization of intangible assets.

Raises free cash flow1 guidance range to $1.5 to $1.7 billion from $1.2 to $1.5 billion.

1Hewlett Packard Enterprise provides certain guidance on a non-GAAP basis, as the company cannot predict some elements that are included in reported GAAP results. Refer to the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures below for more information.

About Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud platform as-a-service company that helps organizations accelerate outcomes by unlocking value from all of their data, everywhere. Built on decades of reimagining the future and innovating to advance the way people live and work, HPE delivers unique, open and intelligent technology solutions, with a consistent experience across all clouds and edges, to help customers develop new business models, engage in new ways, and increase operational performance. For more information, visit: www.hpe.com.

Use of non-GAAP financial information and key performance metrics

To supplement Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s condensed consolidated financial statement information presented on a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis, Hewlett Packard Enterprise provides revenue on a constant currency basis, non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross profit margin, non-GAAP operating profit (non-GAAP earnings from operations), non-GAAP operating profit margin, non-GAAP income tax rate, non-GAAP net earnings, non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share, gross cash, free cash flow, net debt, net cash, operating company net debt and operating company net cash financial measures. Hewlett Packard Enterprise also provides forecasts of non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share and free cash flow. A reconciliation of adjustments to GAAP financial measures for this quarter and prior periods is included in the tables below or elsewhere in the materials accompanying this news release. In addition, an explanation of the ways in which Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s management uses these non-GAAP measures to evaluate its business, the substance behind Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s decision to use these non-GAAP measures, the material limitations associated with the use of these non-GAAP measures, the manner in which Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s management compensates for those limitations, and the substantive reasons why Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors is included under “Use of non-GAAP financial measures” further below. This additional non-GAAP financial information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for revenue, gross profit, gross profit margin, operating profit (earnings from operations), operating profit margin, net earnings, diluted net earnings per share, cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, cash flow from operations, investments in property, plant and equipment, or total company debt prepared in accordance with GAAP.

In addition to the supplemental non-GAAP financial information, Hewlett Packard Enterprise also presents annualized revenue run-rate ("ARR") and as-a-Service ("AAS") orders as performance metrics. ARR is a financial metric used to assess the growth of the Consumption Services ("CS") offerings. ARR represents the annualized value of all recurring net GreenLake services revenue, related financial services revenue (which includes rental income for operating leases and interest income for capital leases), and Software-as-a-Service ("SaaS"), subscription, and other as-a-Service offerings recognized during a quarter and multiplied by four. AAS orders are an overlay across all business segments contributing to HPE's consumption based services (both recurring and non-recurring revenues), and includes hardware, as well as GreenLake as-a-Service, Aruba SaaS, CMS SaaS, and other Software assets. ARR & AAS orders should be viewed independently of net revenue and deferred revenue and are not intended to be combined with any of these items.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If the risks or uncertainties ever materialize or the assumptions prove incorrect, the results of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and its consolidated subsidiaries ("Hewlett Packard Enterprise") may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. The words "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "optimistic", "intend", "aim", "will", "should" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the scope and duration of the novel coronavirus pandemic ("COVID-19") and its impact on our business, operations, liquidity and capital resources, employees, customers, partners, supply chain, financial results and the world economy; any projections of revenue, margins, expenses, investments, effective tax rates, interest rates, the impact of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and related guidance or regulations, net earnings, net earnings per share, cash flows, liquidity and capital resources, inventory, goodwill, impairment charges, hedges and derivatives and related offsets, order backlog, benefit plan funding, deferred tax assets, share repurchases, currency exchange rates, repayments of debts including our asset-backed debt securities, or other financial items; any projections of the amount, execution, timing and results of any transformation or impact of cost savings, restructuring plans, including estimates and assumptions related to the anticipated benefits, cost savings, or charges of implementing transformation and restructuring plans; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, as well as the execution of corporate transactions or contemplated acquisitions, research and development expenditures, and any resulting benefit, cost savings, charges, or revenue or profitability improvements; any statements concerning the expected development, performance, market share or competitive performance relating to products or services; any statements regarding current or future macroeconomic trends or events and the impact of those trends and events on Hewlett Packard Enterprise and its financial performance; any statements regarding pending investigations, claims or disputes; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the need to address the many challenges facing Hewlett Packard Enterprise's businesses; the competitive pressures faced by Hewlett Packard Enterprise's businesses; risks associated with executing Hewlett Packard Enterprise's strategy; the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the need to manage third-party suppliers, the distribution of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's products and the delivery of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's services effectively; the protection of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's intellectual property assets, including intellectual property licensed from third parties and intellectual property shared with its former parent; risks associated with Hewlett Packard Enterprise's international operations (including pandemics and public health problems, such as the outbreak of COVID-19); the development and transition of new products and services and the enhancement of existing products and services to meet customer needs and respond to emerging technological trends; the execution and performance of contracts by Hewlett Packard Enterprise and its suppliers, customers, clients and partners, including any impact thereon resulting from events such as the COVID-19 pandemic; the hiring and retention of key employees; the execution, integration, and other risks associated with business combination and investment transactions; the impact of changes to environmental, global trade, and other governmental regulations; changes in our product, lease, intellectual property or real estate portfolio; the payment or non-payment of a dividend for any period; the efficacy of using non-GAAP, rather than GAAP, financial measures in business projections and planning; the judgments required in connection with determining revenue recognition; impact of company policies and related compliance; utility of segment realignments; allowances for recovery of receivables and warranty obligations; provisions for, and resolution of, pending investigations, claims and disputes; and other risks that are described herein, including but not limited to the risks described in Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and in other filings made by Hewlett Packard Enterprise from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

As in prior periods, the financial information set forth in this press release, including tax-related items, reflects estimates based on information available at this time. While Hewlett Packard Enterprise believes these estimates to be reasonable, these amounts could differ materially from reported amounts in the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2021. Hewlett Packard Enterprise assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

July 31,
2021

April 30,
2021

July 31,
2020

Net revenue

$

6,897

 

$

6,700

 

$

6,816

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

4,515

 

 

4,413

 

 

4,749

 

Research and development

 

506

 

 

503

 

 

455

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

1,291

 

 

1,199

 

 

1,131

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

82

 

 

84

 

 

95

 

Transformation costs

 

213

 

 

209

 

 

357

 

Disaster charges

 

5

 

 

1

 

 

2

 

Acquisition, disposition and other related charges

 

3

 

 

13

 

 

15

 

Total costs and expenses

 

6,615

 

 

6,422

 

 

6,804

 

Earnings from operations

 

282

 

 

278

 

 

12

 

Interest and other, net

 

(50

)

 

(11

)

 

(71

)

Tax indemnification and related adjustments

 

76

 

 

 

 

(30

)

Non-service net periodic benefit credit

 

19

 

 

17

 

 

28

 

Earnings from equity interests

 

79

 

 

4

 

 

27

 

Earnings (loss) before taxes

 

406

 

 

288

 

 

(34

)

(Provision) benefit from taxes

 

(14

)

 

(29

)

 

43

 

Net earnings

$

392

 

$

259

 

$

9

 

Net earnings per share:

 

 

 

Basic

$

0.30

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.01

 

Diluted

$

0.29

 

$

0.19

 

$

0.01

 

Cash dividends declared per share

$

0.12

 

$

0.12

 

$

 

Weighted-average shares used to compute net earnings per share:

 

 

 

Basic

 

1,314

 

 

1,309

 

 

1,292

 

Diluted

 

1,338

 

 

1,331

 

 

1,300

 

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

Nine months ended July 31,

 

2021

2020

Net revenue

$

20,430

 

$

19,774

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

Cost of sales

 

13,473

 

 

13,511

 

Research and development

 

1,477

 

 

1,390

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

3,649

 

 

3,458

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

276

 

 

299

 

Impairment of goodwill

 

 

 

865

 

Transformation costs

 

733

 

 

646

 

Disaster charges

 

6

 

 

24

 

Acquisition, disposition and other related charges

 

34

 

 

55

 

Total costs and expenses

 

19,648

 

 

20,248

 

Earnings (loss) from operations

 

782

 

 

(474

)

Interest and other, net

 

(105

)

 

(158

)

Tax indemnification and related adjustments

 

60

 

 

(86

)

Non-service net periodic benefit credit

 

53

 

 

101

 

Earnings from equity interests

 

109

 

 

50

 

Earnings (loss) before taxes

 

899

 

 

(567

)

(Provision) benefit from taxes

 

(25

)

 

88

 

Net earnings (loss)

$

874

 

$

(479

)

Net earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

Basic

$

0.67

 

$

(0.37

)

Diluted

$

0.66

 

$

(0.37

)

Cash dividends declared per share

$

0.36

 

$

0.24

 

Weighted-average shares used to compute net earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

Basic

 

1,308

 

 

1,294

 

Diluted

 

1,328

 

 

1,294

 

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except percentages and per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months
ended July 31,
2021

Diluted
net earnings
per share

Three months
ended April 30,
2021

Diluted
net earnings
per share

Three months
ended July 31,
2020

Diluted
net earnings
per share

GAAP net earnings

$

392

 

$

0.29

 

$

259

 

$

0.19

 

$

9

 

$

0.01

 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of initial direct costs

 

2

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

82

 

 

0.06

 

 

84

 

 

0.06

 

 

95

 

 

0.07

 

Transformation costs

 

213

 

 

0.16

 

 

209

 

 

0.15

 

 

357

 

 

0.27

 

Disaster charges

 

5

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense(a)

 

86

 

 

0.06

 

 

98

 

 

0.08

 

 

55

 

 

0.04

 

Acquisition, disposition and other related charges

 

3

 

 

 

 

13

 

 

0.01

 

 

15

 

 

0.01

 

Tax indemnification and related adjustments

 

(76

)

 

(0.05

)

 

 

 

 

 

30

 

 

0.03

 

Non-service net periodic benefit credit

 

(19

)

 

(0.01

)

 

(17

)

 

(0.01

)

 

(28

)

 

(0.02

)

Earnings from equity interests(b)

 

23

 

 

0.02

 

 

34

 

 

0.03

 

 

36

 

 

0.03

 

Adjustments for taxes

 

(88

)

 

(0.06

)

 

(71

)

 

(0.05

)

 

(107

)

 

(0.08

)

Non-GAAP net earnings

$

623

 

$

0.47

 

$

612

 

$

0.46

 

$

467

 

$

0.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP earnings from operations

$

282

 

 

$

278

 

 

$

12

 

 

Non-GAAP adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of initial direct costs

 

2

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

3

 

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

82

 

 

 

84

 

 

 

95

 

 

Transformation costs

 

213

 

 

 

209

 

 

 

357

 

 

Disaster charges

 

5

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

2

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense(a)

 

86

 

 

 

98

 

 

 

55

 

 

Acquisition, disposition and other related charges

 

3

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

15

 

 

Non-GAAP earnings from operations

$

673

 

 

$

685

 

 

$

539

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP operating profit margin

 

4.1

%

 

 

4.1

%

 

 

0.2

%

 

Non-GAAP adjustments

 

5.7

%

 

 

6.1

%

 

 

7.7

%

 

Non-GAAP operating profit margin

 

9.8

%

 

 

10.2

%

 

 

7.9

%

 

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except percentages and per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

July 31, 2021

April 30, 2021

July 31, 2020

GAAP net revenue

$

6,897

 

$

6,700

 

$

6,816

 

GAAP cost of sales

 

4,515

 

 

4,413

 

 

4,749

 

GAAP gross profit

$

2,382

 

$

2,287

 

$

2,067

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP adjustments

 

 

 

Amortization of initial direct costs

$

2

 

$

2

 

$

3

 

Stock-based compensation expense(a)

 

9

 

 

11

 

 

8

 

Non-GAAP gross profit

$

2,393

 

$

2,300

 

$

2,078

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP gross profit margin

 

34.5

%

 

34.1

%

 

30.3

%

Non-GAAP adjustments

 

0.2

%

 

0.2

%

 

0.2

%

Non-GAAP gross profit margin

 

34.7

%

 

34.3

%

 

30.5

%

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

1,130

 

$

822

 

$

1,472

 

Investment in property, plant and equipment

 

(684

)

 

(535

)

 

(620

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

80

 

 

81

 

 

72

 

Free cash flow

$

526

 

$

368

 

$

924

 

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except percentages and per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months
ended July 31,
2021

Diluted
net earnings
per share

Nine months
ended July 31,
2020

Diluted
net earnings
per share

GAAP net earnings (loss)

$

874

 

$

0.66

 

$

(479

)

$

(0.37

)

Non-GAAP adjustments:

 

 

 

 

Amortization of initial direct costs

 

6

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

276

 

 

0.21

 

 

299

 

 

0.23

 

Impairment of goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

865

 

 

0.67

 

Transformation costs

 

733

 

 

0.56

 

 

646

 

 

0.49

 

Disaster charges

 

6

 

 

0.01

 

 

24

 

 

0.02

 

Stock-based compensation expense(a)

 

294

 

 

0.22

 

 

215

 

 

0.18

 

Acquisition, disposition and other related charges

 

34

 

 

0.02

 

 

82

 

 

0.06

 

Tax indemnification and related adjustments

 

(60

)

 

(0.05

)

 

86

 

 

0.07

 

Non-service net periodic benefit credit

 

(53

)

 

(0.04

)

 

(101

)

 

(0.08

)

Earnings from equity interests(b)

 

91

 

 

0.07

 

 

110

 

 

0.09

 

Adjustments for taxes

 

(287

)

 

(0.22

)

 

(288

)

 

(0.23

)

Non-GAAP net earnings

$

1,914

 

$

1.44

 

$

1,468

 

$

1.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP earnings (loss) from operations

$

782

 

 

$

(474

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP adjustments

 

 

 

 

Amortization of initial direct costs

 

6

 

 

 

9

 

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

276

 

 

 

299

 

 

Impairment of goodwill

 

 

 

 

865

 

 

Transformation costs

 

733

 

 

 

646

 

 

Disaster charges

 

6

 

 

 

24

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense(a)

 

294

 

 

 

215

 

 

Acquisition, disposition and other related charges

 

34

 

 

 

82

 

 

Non-GAAP earnings from operations

$

2,131

 

 

$

1,666

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP operating profit margin

 

3.8

%

 

 

(2.4

)%

 

Non-GAAP adjustments

 

6.6

%

 

 

10.8

%

 

Non-GAAP operating profit margin

 

10.4

%

 

 

8.4

%

 

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except percentages and per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended July 31,

 

2021

2020

GAAP net revenue

$

20,430

 

$

19,774

 

GAAP cost of sales

 

13,473

 

 

13,511

 

GAAP gross profit

$

6,957

 

$

6,263

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP adjustments

 

 

Amortization of initial direct costs

$

6

 

$

9

 

Acquisition, disposition and other related charges(c)

 

 

 

27

 

Stock-based compensation expense(a)

 

33

 

 

30

 

Non-GAAP gross profit

$

6,996

 

$

6,329

 

 

 

 

GAAP gross profit margin

 

34.1

%

 

31.7

%

Non-GAAP adjustments

 

0.1

%

 

0.3

%

Non-GAAP gross profit margin

 

34.2

%

 

32.0

%

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

2,915

 

$

1,493

 

Investment in property, plant and equipment

 

(1,732

)

 

(1,779

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

274

 

 

623

 

Free cash flow

$

1,457

 

$

337

 

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except par value)

 

 

 

As of

 

July 31, 2021

October 31, 2020

ASSETS

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

5,293

 

$

4,233

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

 

3,297

 

 

3,386

 

Financing receivables, net of allowances

 

3,814

 

 

3,794

 

Inventory

 

3,942

 

 

2,674

 

Assets held for sale

 

1

 

 

77

 

Other current assets

 

2,398

 

 

2,392

 

Total current assets

 

18,745

 

 

16,556

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

5,510

 

 

5,625

 

Long-term financing receivables and other assets

 

10,912

 

 

10,544

 

Investments in equity interests

 

2,286

 

 

2,170

 

Goodwill and intangible assets

 

18,984

 

 

19,120

 

Total assets

$

56,437

 

$

54,015

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

Notes payable and short-term borrowings

$

3,736

 

$

3,755

 

Accounts payable

 

6,526

 

 

5,383

 

Employee compensation and benefits

 

1,585

 

 

1,391

 

Taxes on earnings

 

152

 

 

148

 

Deferred revenue

 

3,434

 

 

3,430

 

Accrued restructuring

 

267

 

 

366

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

3,941

 

 

4,265

 

Total current liabilities

 

19,641

 

 

18,738

 

Long-term debt

 

12,489

 

 

12,186

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

7,234

 

 

6,995

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

HPE stockholders’ equity:

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value (300 shares authorized; none issued)

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value (9,600 shares authorized; 1,307 and 1,287 shares issued and outstanding at July 31, 2021 and October 31, 2020, respectively)

 

13

 

 

13

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

28,632

 

 

28,350

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(7,994

)

 

(8,375

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(3,631

)

 

(3,939

)

Total HPE stockholders’ equity

 

17,020

 

 

16,049

 

Non-controlling interests

 

53

 

 

47

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

17,073

 

 

16,096

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

56,437

 

$

54,015

 

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

Three months
ended July 31,
2021

Nine months
ended July 31,
2021

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

Net earnings

$

392

 

$

874

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

643

 

 

1,956

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

86

 

 

304

 

Provision for doubtful accounts and inventory

 

51

 

 

149

 

Restructuring charges

 

126

 

 

492

 

Deferred taxes on earnings

 

(61

)

 

(156

)

Earnings from equity interests

 

(79

)

 

(109

)

Dividends received from equity investees

 

38

 

 

38

 

Other, net

 

55

 

 

117

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(371

)

 

61

 

Financing receivables

 

130

 

 

26

 

Inventory

 

(855

)

 

(1,352

)

Accounts payable

 

986

 

 

1,150

 

Taxes on earnings

 

24

 

 

(6

)

Restructuring

 

(102

)

 

(426

)

Other assets and liabilities

 

67

 

 

(203

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

1,130

 

 

2,915

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

Investment in property, plant and equipment

 

(684

)

 

(1,732

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

80

 

 

274

 

Purchases of available-for-sale securities and other investments

 

(25

)

 

(44

)

Maturities and sales of available-for-sale securities and other investments

 

1

 

 

11

 

Financial collateral posted

 

(242

)

 

(873

)

Financial collateral received

 

483

 

 

780

 

Payments made in connection with business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(99

)

 

(133

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(486

)

 

(1,717

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

Short-term borrowings with original maturities less than 90 days, net

 

(69

)

 

(30

)

Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs

 

1,066

 

 

2,698

 

Payment of debt

 

(597

)

 

(2,341

)

Net proceeds (payments) related to stock-based award activities

 

9

 

 

(18

)

Cash dividends paid to non-controlling interests

 

 

 

(8

)

Cash dividends paid to shareholders

 

(157

)

 

(468

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

252

 

 

(167

)

Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

896

 

 

1,031

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

4,756

 

 

4,621

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$

5,652

 

$

5,652

 

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SEGMENT INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

July 31,
2021

April 30,
2021

July 31,
2020

Net revenue:(d)

 

 

 

Compute

$

3,104

 

$

2,976

 

$

3,409

 

HPC & MCS

 

741

 

 

685

 

 

667

 

Storage

 

1,176

 

 

1,137

 

 

1,132

 

Intelligent Edge

 

867

 

 

799

 

 

684

 

Financial Services

 

844

 

 

839

 

 

811

 

Corporate Investments and Other

 

332

 

 

350

 

 

303

 

Total segment net revenue

 

7,064

 

 

6,786

 

 

7,006

 

Elimination of intersegment net revenue

 

(167

)

 

(86

)

 

(190

)

Total Hewlett Packard Enterprise consolidated net revenue

$

6,897

 

$

6,700

 

$

6,816

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before taxes:(a)(d)

 

 

 

Compute

$

347

 

$

335

 

$

318

 

HPC & MCS

 

29

 

 

19

 

 

47

 

Storage

 

178

 

 

191

 

 

170

 

Intelligent Edge

 

137

 

 

124

 

 

71

 

Financial Services

 

94

 

 

91

 

 

66

 

Corporate Investments and Other

 

(28

)

 

(25

)

 

(68

)

Total segment earnings from operations

 

757

 

 

735

 

 

604

 

 

 

 

 

Unallocated corporate costs and eliminations

 

(84

)

 

(50

)

 

(65

)

Stock-based compensation expense(a)

 

(86

)

 

(98

)

 

(55

)

Amortization of initial direct costs

 

(2

)

 

(2

)

 

(3

)

Amortization of intangible assets

 

(82

)

 

(84

)

 

(95

)

Transformation costs

 

(213

)

 

(209

)

 

(357

)

Disaster charges

 

(5

)

 

(1

)

 

(2

)

Acquisition, disposition and other related charges

 

(3

)

 

(13

)

 

(15

)

Interest and other, net

 

(50

)

 

(11

)

 

(71

)

Tax indemnification and related adjustments

 

76

 

 

 

 

(30

)

Non-service net periodic benefit credit

 

19

 

 

17

 

 

28

 

Earnings from equity interests

 

79

 

 

4

 

 

27

 

Total Hewlett Packard Enterprise consolidated earnings (loss) before taxes

$

406

 

$

288

 

$

(34

)

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SEGMENT INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

 

 

Nine months ended July 31,

 

2021

2020

Net revenue:(d)

 

 

Compute

$

9,066

 

$

9,094

 

HPC & MCS

 

2,188

 

 

2,113

 

Storage

 

3,506

 

 

3,470

 

Intelligent Edge

 

2,472

 

 

2,069

 

Financial Services

 

2,543

 

 

2,503

 

Corporate Investments and Other

 

1,003

 

 

958

 

Total segment net revenue

 

20,778

 

 

20,207

 

Elimination of intersegment net revenue

 

(348

)

 

(433

)

Total Hewlett Packard Enterprise consolidated net revenue

$

20,430

 

$

19,774

 

 

 

 

Earnings before taxes:(a)(d)

 

 

Compute

$

1,024

 

$

797

 

HPC & MCS

 

91

 

 

156

 

Storage

 

604

 

 

592

 

Intelligent Edge

 

413

 

 

240

 

Financial Services

 

269

 

 

218

 

Corporate Investments and Other

 

(84

)

 

(172

)

Total segment earnings from operations

 

2,317

 

 

1,831

 

 

 

 

Unallocated corporate costs and eliminations

 

(186

)

 

(165

)

Stock-based compensation expense(a)

 

(294

)

 

(215

)

Amortization of initial direct costs

 

(6

)

 

(9

)

Amortization of intangible assets

 

(276

)

 

(299

)

Impairment of goodwill

 

 

 

(865

)

Transformation costs

 

(733

)

 

(646

)

Disaster charges

 

(6

)

 

(24

)

Acquisition, disposition and other related charges

 

(34

)

 

(82

)

Interest and other, net

 

(105

)

 

(158

)

Tax indemnification and related adjustments

 

60

 

 

(86

)

Non-service net periodic benefit credit

 

53

 

 

101

 

Earnings from equity interests

 

109

 

 

50

 

Total Hewlett Packard Enterprise consolidated earnings (loss) before taxes

$

899

 

$

(567

)

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SEGMENT INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except percentages)

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

Change (%)

 

July 31,
2021

April 30,
2021

July 31,
2020

Q/Q

Y/Y

Net revenue:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

Compute

$

3,104

 

$

2,976

 

$

3,409

 

4

%

(9

%)

HPC & MCS

 

741

 

 

685

 

 

667

 

8

%

11

%

Storage

 

1,176

 

 

1,137

 

 

1,132

 

3

%

4

%

Intelligent Edge

 

867

 

 

799

 

 

684

 

9

%

27

%

Financial Services

 

844

 

 

839

 

 

811

 

1

%

4

%

Corporate Investments and Other

 

332

 

 

350

 

 

303

 

(5

%)

10

%

Total segment net revenue

 

7,064

 

 

6,786

 

 

7,006

 

4

%

1

%

Elimination of intersegment net revenue

 

(167

)

 

(86

)

 

(190

)

94

%

(12

%)

Total Hewlett Packard Enterprise consolidated net revenue

$

6,897

 

$

6,700

 

$

6,816

 

3

%

1

%

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SEGMENT INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except percentages)

 

 

 

Nine months ended July 31,

 

2021

2020

Y/Y

Net revenue:(d)

 

 

 

Compute

$

9,066

 

$

9,094

 

%

HPC & MCS

 

2,188

 

 

2,113

 

4

%

Storage

 

3,506

 

 

3,470

 

1

%

Intelligent Edge

 

2,472

 

 

2,069

 

19

%

Financial Services

 

2,543

 

 

2,503

 

2

%

Corporate Investments

 

1,003

 

 

958

 

5

%

Total segment net revenue

 

20,778

 

 

20,207

 

3

%

Elimination of intersegment net revenue

 

(348

)

 

(433

)

(20

%)

Total Hewlett Packard Enterprise consolidated net revenue

$

20,430

 

$

19,774

 

3

%

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SEGMENT OPERATING MARGIN SUMMARY DATA

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Change in Operating Profit
Margin (pts)

 

 

July 31, 2021

 

Q/Q

 

Y/Y

Segment operating profit margin:(a)(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compute

 

11.2

%

 

-0.1

 

1.9

HPC & MCS

 

3.9

%

 

1.1

 

-3.1

Storage

 

15.1

%

 

-1.7

 

0.1

Intelligent Edge

 

15.8

%

 

0.3

 

5.4

Financial Services

 

11.1

%

 

0.3

 

3.0

Corporate Investments and Other

 

(8.4

%)

 

-1.3

 

14.0

Total segment operating profit margin

 

10.7

%

 

-0.1

 

2.1

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CALCULATION OF DILUTED NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

July 31,
2021

April 30,
2021

July 31,
2020

Numerator:

 

 

 

GAAP net earnings

$

392

 

$

259

 

$

9

 

Non-GAAP net earnings

$

623

 

$

612

 

$

467

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares used to compute basic net earnings per share

 

1,314

 

 

1,309

 

 

1,292

 

Dilutive effect of employee stock plans

 

24

 

22

 

8

Weighted-average shares used to compute diluted net earnings per share

 

1,338

 

 

1,331

 

 

1,300

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP net earnings per share

 

 

 

Basic

$

0.30

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.01

 

Diluted

$

0.29

 

$

0.19

 

$

0.01

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP net earnings per share

 

 

 

Basic

$

0.47

 

$

0.47

 

$

0.36

 

Diluted

$

0.47

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.36

 

 

Nine months ended July 31,

 

2021

2020

Numerator:

 

 

GAAP net earnings (loss)

$

874

 

$

(479

)

Non-GAAP net earnings

$

1,914

 

$

1,468

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

Weighted-average shares used to compute basic net earnings (loss) per share and diluted net loss per share

 

1,308

 

 

1,294

 

Dilutive effect of employee stock plans

 

20

 

10

 

Weighted-average shares used to compute diluted net earnings per share

 

1,328

 

 

1,304

 

 

 

 

GAAP net earnings (loss) per share

 

 

Basic

$

0.67

 

$

(0.37

)

Diluted

$

0.66

 

$

(0.37

)

 

 

 

Non-GAAP net earnings per share

 

 

Basic

$

1.46

 

$

1.13

 

Diluted

$

1.44

 

$

1.13

 

(a)

Effective at the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2021, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company ("the Company") excluded stock-based compensation expense ("Non-GAAP Stock-Based Compensation Adjustment") from its segment earnings from operations and excluded stock-based compensation expense from consolidated non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross profit margin, non-GAAP earnings from operations, non-GAAP operating profit margin, non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP net earnings per share. The Company reflected the Non-GAAP Stock-Based Compensation Adjustment to the earliest period presented. This change had no impact on the Company's previously reported consolidated GAAP results.

 

 

(b)

Represents the amortization of basis difference adjustments related to the H3C divestiture.

 

 

(c)

Acquisition, disposition and other related charges for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020 related to a non-cash inventory fair value adjustment in connection with the acquisition of Cray, Inc., which was included in Cost of sales.

 

 

(d)

Effective at the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company implemented certain organizational changes to align its segment financial reporting more closely with its current business structure. These organizational changes are: (i) the transfer of the lifecycle event services business, previously reported within the Advisory and Professional Services ("A & PS") reportable segment to Compute, Storage and HPC & MCS reportable segments; (ii) the transfer of certain software and related services business, previously reported within the Compute, Storage and A & PS reportable segments, to the Corporate Investments and Other reportable segment, to form a new Software operating segment; and (iii) the transfer of the remaining A & PS operating segment, previously reported as a separate reportable segment, to the Corporate Investments and Other reportable segment. As a result of these changes, the Corporate Investments and Other Segment now includes the A & PS operating segment, the Communications and Media Solutions operating segment, the Software operating segment, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Labs which is responsible for research and development.

 

 

 

The Company reflected these changes to its segment information retrospectively to the earliest period presented, which primarily resulted in the transfer of net revenue and operating profit for each of the businesses as described above. These changes had no impact on the Company's previously reported consolidated results.

Use of non-GAAP financial measures

To supplement Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s condensed consolidated financial statement information presented on a GAAP basis, Hewlett Packard Enterprise provides revenue on a constant currency basis, non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross profit margin, non-GAAP operating profit (non-GAAP earnings from operations), non-GAAP operating profit margin, non-GAAP income tax rate, non-GAAP net earnings, non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share, gross cash, free cash flow, net debt, net cash, operating company net debt and operating company net cash financial measures. Hewlett Packard Enterprise also provides forecasts of non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share and free cash flow.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not computed in accordance with, or as an alternative to, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to revenue on a constant currency basis is revenue. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to non-GAAP gross profit is gross profit. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to non-GAAP gross profit margin is gross profit margin. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to non-GAAP operating profit (non-GAAP earnings from operations) is operating profit (earnings from operations). The GAAP measure most directly comparable to non-GAAP operating profit margin is operating profit margin. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to non-GAAP income tax rate is income tax rate. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to non-GAAP net earnings is net earnings. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share is diluted net earnings per share. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to gross cash is cash and cash equivalents. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to free cash flow is cash flow from operations. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to net debt and operating company net debt is total company debt. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to each of net cash and operating company net cash is cash and cash equivalents. Reconciliations of each of these non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP information are included in the tables above or elsewhere in the materials accompanying this news release.

Use and economic substance of non-GAAP financial measures used by Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Revenue on a constant currency basis assumes no change in the foreign exchange rate from the prior-year period. Non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP gross profit margin is defined to exclude charges relating to the amortization of initial direct costs, certain acquisition, disposition and other related charges and stock-based compensation expenses. Non-GAAP operating profit (non-GAAP earnings from operations), and non-GAAP operating profit margin are defined to exclude any charges relating to the amortization of intangible assets, amortization of initial direct costs, impairment of goodwill, transformation costs, disaster charges, stock-based compensation expenses and acquisition, disposition and other related charges. Non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share consist of net earnings or diluted net earnings per share excluding those same charges, as well as an adjustment to earnings in equity interests, non-service net periodic benefit credit, tax indemnification and related adjustments, certain income tax valuation allowances and separation taxes, the impact of U.S. tax reform and excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation. In addition, non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share are adjusted by the amount of additional taxes or tax benefits associated with each non-GAAP item.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures for purposes of evaluating Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s historical and prospective financial performance, as well as Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s performance relative to its competitors. Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s management also uses these non-GAAP measures to further its own understanding of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s segment operating performance. Hewlett Packard Enterprise believes that excluding the items mentioned above from these non-GAAP financial measures allows Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s management to better understand Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s consolidated financial performance in relation to the operating results of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s segments, as Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s management does not believe that the excluded items are reflective of ongoing operating results. More specifically, Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s management excludes each of those items mentioned above for the following reasons:

  • Amortization of initial direct costs represents the portion of lease origination costs incurred in prior fiscal years that do not qualify for capitalization under the new leasing standard. Hewlett Packard Enterprise excludes these costs as the Company elected the practical expedient under the new leasing standard. As a result, the company did not adjust these historical costs to accumulated deficit. We believe that most financing companies did not elect this practical expedient and therefore we excluded these costs to facilitate a more meaningful evaluation of our current operating performance and comparisons to our peers.
  • Hewlett Packard Enterprise incurs charges relating to the amortization of intangible assets and excludes these charges for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures. Such charges are significantly impacted by the timing and magnitude of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s acquisitions and any related impairment charges. Consequently, Hewlett Packard Enterprise excludes these charges for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures to facilitate a more meaningful evaluation of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s current operating performance and comparisons to Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s operating performance in other periods.
  • In the second quarter of fiscal 2020, Hewlett Packard Enterprise recorded an impairment charge for the goodwill associated with its HPC & MCS reporting unit following an impairment review. Hewlett Packard Enterprise excludes these charges for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures to facilitate a more meaningful evaluation of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s current operating performance and comparisons to Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s operating performance in other periods
  • Transformation costs represent net costs related to the Cost Optimization and Prioritization Plan and HPE Next initiative and include restructuring charges, program design and execution costs, costs incurred to transform Hewlett Packard Enterprise's IT infrastructure and gains from the sale of real-estate identified as part of the initiative as well as any impairment charges on real-estate assets identified as part of the initiative. Hewlett Packard Enterprise believes that eliminating such expenses and gains for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures facilitates a more meaningful evaluation of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s current operating performance and comparisons to Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s past operating performance.
  • Disaster charges primarily include direct costs resulting from COVID-19, as a result of HPE hosted, co-hosted, or sponsored event cancellations and shift to a virtual format. Hewlett Packard Enterprise believes that eliminating these amounts for purposes of calculating non-GAAP operating profit (Non-GAAP earnings from operations) facilitates a more meaningful evaluation of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s current operating performance and comparisons to Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s operating performance in other periods.
  • Stock-based compensation expense consists of equity awards granted based on the estimated fair value of those awards at grant date. Although stock-based compensation is a key incentive offered to our employees, Hewlett Packard Enterprise excludes these charges for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures, primarily because they are non-cash expense and such exclusion facilitate a more meaningful evaluation of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s current operating performance and comparisons to Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s operating performance in other periods.
  • Hewlett Packard Enterprise incurs costs related to its acquisitions, disposition and other related charges, most of which are treated as non-cash or non-capitalized expenses. The charges are direct expenses such as professional fees and retention costs, as well as non-cash adjustments to the fair value of certain acquired assets such as inventory. Charges may also include expenses associated with disposal activities including legal and arbitration settlements in connection with certain dispositions. Because non-cash or non-capitalized acquisition-related expenses are inconsistent in amount and frequency and are significantly impacted by the timing and nature of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s acquisitions and divestitures, Hewlett Packard Enterprise believes that eliminating such expenses for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures facilitates a more meaningful evaluation of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s current operating performance and comparisons to Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s past operating performance.
  • Adjustment to earnings from equity interests includes the amortization of the basis difference in relation to the H3C divestiture and the resulting equity method investment in H3C. Hewlett Packard Enterprise believes that eliminating this amount for purposes of calculating non-GAAP net earnings facilitates a more meaningful evaluation of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s current operating performance and comparisons to Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s operating performance in other periods.
  • Non-service net periodic benefit credit includes certain market-related factors such as (i) interest cost, (ii) expected return on plan assets, (iii) amortization of prior plan amendments, (iv) amortized actuarial gains or losses, (v) the impacts of any plan settlements/curtailments and (vi) impacts from other market-related factors associated with Hewlett Packard Enterprise's defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit plans. These market-driven retirement-related adjustments are primarily due to the change in pension plan assets and liabilities which are tied to financial market performance. Hewlett Packard Enterprise excludes these adjustments and considers them to be outside the operational performance of the business.
  • Tax indemnification and related adjustments are primarily related to changes in certain pre-Separation tax liabilities for which Hewlett Packard Enterprise shared joint and several liability with HP Inc. and for which Hewlett Packard Enterprise was indemnified under the Termination and Mutual Release Agreement. These adjustments also include changes to certain pre-Separation and pre-divestiture tax liabilities and tax receivables for which Hewlett Packard Enterprise remains liable on behalf of the separated or divested business, but which may not be subject to indemnification. Hewlett Packard Enterprise excludes these income or charges and the associated tax impact for the purpose of calculating these non-GAAP measures to facilitate a more meaningful evaluation of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s current operating performance and comparisons to Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s operating performance in other periods.
  • Hewlett Packard Enterprise utilizes a structural long-term projected non-GAAP tax rate in order to provide better consistency across the interim reporting periods and to eliminate the effects of items not directly related to the Company’s operating structure that can vary in size and frequency. When projecting this long-term rate, Hewlett Packard Enterprise evaluated a three-year financial projection. The projected rate assumes no incremental acquisitions in the three-year projection period, and considers other factors including Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s expected tax structure, its tax positions in various jurisdictions and current impacts from key legislation implemented in major jurisdictions where Hewlett Packard Enterprise operates. For fiscal 2021, the Company will use a projected non-GAAP tax rate of 14%, which reflects currently available information, as well as other factors and assumptions. The non-GAAP tax rate could be subject to change for a variety of reasons, including the rapidly evolving global tax environment, significant changes in Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s geographic earnings mix including due to acquisition activity, or other changes to the Company’s strategy or business operations. The Company will re-evaluate its long-term rate as appropriate. For fiscal 2020, the Company had a non-GAAP tax rate of 12%. Hewlett Packard Enterprise believes that making these adjustments facilitates a better evaluation of our current operating performance and comparisons to past operating results.

Material limitations associated with use of non-GAAP financial measures

These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and these measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s results as reported under GAAP. Some of the limitations in relying on these non-GAAP financial measures are:

  • Amortization of initial direct cost is excluded from non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross profit margin, non-GAAP operating profit (non-GAAP earnings from operations), non-GAAP operating profit margin, non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share can have an impact on the equivalent GAAP earnings measure and HPE Financial Services Segment results.
  • Amortization of intangible assets, though not directly affecting Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s cash position, represent the loss in value of intangible assets over time. The expense associated with this loss in value is excluded from non-GAAP operating profit (non-GAAP earnings from operations), non-GAAP operating profit margin, non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share and can have a material impact on the equivalent GAAP earnings measure.
  • Items such as impairment of goodwill, transformation costs, disaster charges, stock-based compensation expense and acquisition, and disposition and other related costs that are excluded from non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross profit margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating profit (non-GAAP earnings from operations), non-GAAP operating profit margin, non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share can have a material impact on the equivalent GAAP earnings measure.
  • Items such as adjustment to earnings from equity interests and non-service net periodic benefit credit that are excluded from non-GAAP net earnings, and non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share can have a material impact on the equivalent GAAP earnings measure.
  • Items such as tax indemnification and related adjustments, certain income tax valuation allowances and separation taxes, the impact of U.S. tax reform, excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation and the related tax impacts from other non-GAAP measures that are excluded from the non-GAAP tax rate, non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share can also have a material impact on the equivalent GAAP earnings measures.
  • Hewlett Packard Enterprise may not be able to immediately liquidate the short-term and long-term investments included in gross cash, which may limit the usefulness of gross cash as a liquidity measure.
  • Other companies may calculate revenue on a constant currency basis, non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross profit margin, non-GAAP operating profit (non-GAAP earnings from operations), non-GAAP operating profit margin, non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share differently than Hewlett Packard Enterprise does, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes.

Compensation for limitations associated with use of non-GAAP financial measures

Hewlett Packard Enterprise compensates for the limitations on its use of non-GAAP financial measures by relying primarily on its GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures only as a supplement. Hewlett Packard Enterprise also provides a reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure within this news release and in other written materials that include these non-GAAP financial measures, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise encourages investors to review carefully those reconciliations.

Usefulness of non-GAAP financial measures to investors

Hewlett Packard Enterprise believes that providing revenue on a constant currency basis, non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross profit margin, non-GAAP operating profit (non-GAAP earnings from operations), non-GAAP operating profit margin, non-GAAP income tax rate, non-GAAP net earnings, non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share, gross cash, free cash flow, net debt, net cash, operating company net debt and operating company net cash financial measures to investors in addition to the related GAAP measures provides investors with greater transparency to the information used by Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s management in its financial and operational decision making and allows investors to see Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s results “through the eyes” of management. Hewlett Packard Enterprise further believes that providing this information better enables Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s investors to understand Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s operating performance and to evaluate the efficacy of the methodology and information used by Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s management to evaluate and measure such performance. Disclosure of these non-GAAP financial measures also facilitates comparisons of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s operating performance with the performance of other companies in Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s industry that supplement their GAAP results with non-GAAP financial measures that may be calculated in a similar manner.

Contacts

Editorial contact
Katherine Ducker
katherine.b.ducker@hpe.com

Investor contact
Andrew Simanek
investor.relations@hpe.com

Contacts

Editorial contact
Katherine Ducker
katherine.b.ducker@hpe.com

Investor contact
Andrew Simanek
investor.relations@hpe.com