HP Inc. has activated an unexpected leadership change during a particularly sensitive time for the technology sector: the PC cycle is once again aligning with corporate renewal, the printing business remains under scrutiny, and the company is attempting to promote a “Future of Work” narrative supported by services, software, and AI-driven solutions. In this context, the company announced on February 3, 2026 that Bruce Broussard, a board member since 2021, is assuming the role of
This move is accompanied by a clear message to investors and customers: strategy continues unaltered. The board has established a search committee to select the next permanent CEO and has hired a global executive search firm to support the process. Meanwhile, HP has emphasized continuity by reaffirming its guidance for Q1 and the full fiscal year 2026, as previously announced on November 25, 2025.
A “stability-driven” transition with a management profile
The choice of Broussard is not accidental: the announcement describes an executive with over 30 years of leadership experience, with a track record of operational and financial management at publicly traded companies. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of Humana for more than a decade, and previously held senior roles at US Oncology, including finance and executive leadership positions.
Practically speaking, an interim CEO is typically the profile the board employs to ensure stability, operational discipline, and continuity while a permanent successor is identified. At HP, this approach involves maintaining strategic priorities while progressing through the formal selection process. The company emphasized that Broussard will work with the current management team to continue advancing its “One HP” platform, a framework that consolidates product initiatives and commercial execution.
The departure of Enrique Lores: from “new chapter” to market interpretation
HP described Lores’ departure as a personal decision to “pursue another professional opportunity.” The announcement included explicit recognition of his career: 36 years at the company and seven as CEO, during which the firm aimed to reposition itself as a technology company emphasizing solutions and services alongside its historical strengths in PCs and printing.
However, the market’s interpretation went beyond the corporate language. In the hours after, international media reported that Lores will join PayPal as its new CEO starting from March 1, 2026. This move provides context for the “new chapter” mentioned during his farewell and underscores HP’s need to establish stable leadership during a key quarter.
Financial guidance: an anchor for confidence
Another quick message from HP was financial: the company reaffirmed its guidance for Q1 and the full fiscal year 2026. For Q1, HP maintains a GAAP diluted EPS range of 0.58 to 0.66 dollars and a non-GAAP diluted EPS range of 0.73 to 0.81 dollars. The company clarified that its non-GAAP metric excludes 0.15 dollars per share, mainly related to restructuring costs and other charges, acquisition or divestiture expenses, amortization of intangibles, and tax adjustments, among other items.
For the full fiscal year 2026, HP anticipates a GAAP diluted EPS between 2.47 and 2.77 dollars and a non-GAAP diluted EPS between 2.90 and 3.20 dollars. In this case, the non-GAAP guide excludes 0.43 dollars per share for similar reasons (restructuring, amortizations, non-operational retirement effects, tax adjustments). Additionally, HP expects to generate a free cash flow between 2.8 billion and 3 billion dollars.
A noteworthy short-term aspect in this guidance is that HP warns its outlook includes the additional costs related to current U.S. trade regulations and associated mitigation measures. In a margin-sensitive market with supply chain and tariff considerations, this signals that the regulatory environment continues to impact results.
Next update: Q1 results as of January 31
HP has scheduled a Q1 fiscal results webcast for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, covering the quarter ended on January 31, 2026. The event will be broadcast live via webcast at 5:00 PM Eastern Time and 2:00 PM Pacific Time, which is equivalent to 11:00 PM in Spanish Peninsular Time.
This will be the first major test of the interim period. Not so much for accounting details — as guidance has already been reaffirmed — but for the tone: investors and analysts typically look for a mix of operational continuity and clarity regarding the schedule of the definitive leadership transition. Additionally, any messages on the company’s focus on “AI-driven” devices and solutions or the real impact of U.S. market conditions could influence market sentiment in the coming weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bruce Broussard and what experience does he bring as HP’s interim CEO?
He’s been a board member since 2021 and is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience at publicly traded companies. He served as CEO of Humana for more than ten years and held senior roles at US Oncology, emphasizing operational and financial leadership.
What does it mean for HP to appoint an interim CEO at a publicly traded company?
It typically serves as a continuity measure while the board conducts a formal search for a permanent CEO. The goal is to prevent power vacuums, maintain operational execution, and provide stability for investors, employees, and customers.
When will HP report its Q1 2026 results and how can I follow the webcast?
HP is scheduled to announce its results for the quarter ending January 31, 2026, on February 24, 2026, via a live webcast at 5:00 PM ET (11:00 PM Spanish time).
What is the difference between GAAP EPS and non-GAAP EPS in HP’s guidance?
GAAP EPS follows standard accounting principles, while non-GAAP EPS excludes items that the company considers non-recurring or non-operational (such as restructuring, amortizations, certain tax adjustments) to present a ‘cleaner’ view of performance.
via: hp.com