Hewlett-Packard's Ugly 2011: Is There Hope Ahead?

The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which Eric Bleeker, senior technology editor, discusses topics around the investing world.

In this edition, Eric continues his review of how major tech companies performed in 2011. Looking at Hewlett-Packard, Eric finds there's little positive to be said about the company's year. The real hope left is that the valuation is cheap enough that with small steps of progress the company could see outsized gains in 2012. However, Eric notes that investors should pay close attention to comments like those of mega-investor Bill Ackman, who bemoaned the sinking morale at the company. And while HP aims to emulate IBM's services approach, its EDS services unit is still seen as a "body shop" rather than a top-notch consulting and services business of IBM's pedigree.

With several other tech giants -- such as Apple -- that are executing exceptionally and trading at low P/Es on their own, Eric suggests passing on HP as the calendar turns to 2012.

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At the time thisarticle was published Eric Bleeker owns no shares of the companies mentioned here.The Motley Fool owns shares of IBM and Apple.Motley Fool newsletter serviceshave recommended buying shares of TIBCO Software, Teradata, and Apple and creating a bull call spread position in Apple. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

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