HPE Raises 2026 Outlook After Record Q2 Revenue Fueled by AI Server Demand

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE) delivered record-breaking second-quarter results, driven by surging demand for AI infrastructure, enterprise servers, and networking solutions. The strong performance prompted the company to raise its fiscal 2026 guidance and accelerate long-term financial targets by two years, sending HPE stock sharply higher in after-hours trading.

The technology company reported second-quarter revenue of $10.68 billion, a 40% year-over-year increase that exceeded Wall Street expectations of $9.79 billion. Adjusted earnings per share reached $0.79, significantly above analysts’ consensus estimate of $0.53.

HPE, a key competitor to Dell Technologies and Super Micro Computer, benefited from growing investments in artificial intelligence data centers and enterprise computing infrastructure. The company said demand remained strong across its portfolio, particularly within its traditional server business serving enterprise customers.

Following the stronger-than-expected quarter, HPE increased its fiscal 2026 revenue growth forecast to between 29% and 33%, up from its previous outlook of 17% to 22%. The company also raised expectations for its networking segment, projecting annual revenue growth of 72% to 75%, compared with its earlier estimate of 68% to 73%.

President and CEO Antonio Neri described the quarter as exceptional, highlighting record revenue, improved profitability, and higher free cash flow. According to Neri, the results reflect solid execution and continued demand across HPE’s business segments.

The company also boosted its annual adjusted earnings forecast to a range of $3.35 to $3.45 per share, substantially higher than its previous guidance of $2.30 to $2.50. HPE noted that its updated fiscal 2026 targets for earnings and free cash flow now exceed the financial goals it had originally expected to achieve by fiscal 2028.

Looking ahead, HPE introduced a fiscal 2027 growth framework that includes projected revenue growth of 8% to 12%, adjusted EPS growth of 12% to 16%, and free cash flow of at least $4.5 billion. CFO Marie Myers credited the company’s performance to strong operational discipline, enterprise server demand, and faster-than-expected realization of cost synergies related to Juniper Networks and Catalyst initiatives.

The latest results reinforce HPE’s growing position in the rapidly expanding AI infrastructure market, where enterprises continue increasing investments in data centers, networking, and high-performance computing solutions.