Hewlett Packard (HP) is one of the world’s oldest and most well-known computer companies, with a history stretching back over 80 years. HP began life as an electronic test and measurement company, and has since grown to become a major player in the world of technology and computing. Today, HP is one of the largest computer manufacturers in the world, with products ranging from laptops and desktops to printers and servers. HP is also one of the most popular stocks on the market, and its stock price history is an interesting look into the company’s success over the years.
Early Years
HP was founded in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, two Stanford University graduates. The two men set up shop in a Palo Alto garage and quickly developed a reputation for innovation and quality products. This reputation was quickly rewarded with success, and in the early 1960s HP had become a major player in the computer industry. As the company’s success grew, so did its stock price. By the early 1970s, HP shares had reached their all-time high of $100 per share.
Decline and Rebound
The 1980s were a difficult time for HP, as the company struggled to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving technology market. By the early 1990s, HP’s stock price had fallen to its all-time low of $8 per share. However, the company was able to turn itself around in the mid-1990s, and by the late 1990s, HP’s stock price had nearly tripled, reaching a high of $30 per share.
The Dot-com Boom and Bust
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw HP’s stock price skyrocket, as the company was swept up in the dot-com boom. By the end of 2000, HP’s stock price had reached an all-time high of $90 per share. Unfortunately, the dot-com bust soon followed, and HP’s stock price plummeted. By the end of 2002, HP’s stock had fallen to its lowest point in years, trading at just $11 per share.
The Return to Prominence
Since then, HP’s stock price has slowly but steadily recovered, and the company has regained its status as a leader in the technology industry. In recent years, HP’s stock price has been trading in the $20 to $30 range. This is a far cry from the company’s all-time high of $90 per share, but it is still a significant improvement from its all-time low of $8 per share.
The Future of HP Stock
It is impossible to predict what the future holds for HP’s stock price. However, it is safe to say that the company is in a much better position now than it was in the early 2000s. HP is a leader in the technology industry, and its products are in demand all over the world. As long as the company continues to innovate and produce quality products, its stock price should remain strong.
Conclusion
Hewlett Packard has a long and storied history, and its stock price has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the years. From its all-time high of $100 per share in the early 1970s, to its all-time low of $8 per share in the early 1990s, HP has had its share of highs and lows. In recent years, the company has regained its footing and its stock price has been steadily increasing. While it is impossible to predict what the future holds for HP’s stock price, the company’s long history of success suggests that its stock will remain a worthwhile investment for years to come.