Hewlett-Packard Sales, Earnings Expected to Be Down From a Year ago

Hewlett Packard (HPQ) is set to report earnings after the close today. Both Hewlett Packard's sales and earnings are expected to be down from a year ago. The company's exposure to an ailing personal computer market as well as a struggling China have been huge headwinds for the company. Recently, several brokerage firms have lowered revenue estimates on H-P. Hewlett Packard derives nearly 11% of its sales from China, which is its second biggest market after the United States. Analysts will also be watching to see if H-P issues an update on the company's planned spin-off of its enterprise operations. Shares of Hewlett Packard have slumped 17% over the last 3 months through Wednesday, compared to the slight losses of the S & P 500 Index.