HP announces preliminary fourth fiscal quarter 2009 results

In the fourth quarter, preliminary GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.99, compared with $0.84 in the prior-year period. Preliminary non-GAAP EPS were $1.14, compared with fourth fiscal quarter 2008 non-GAAP EPS of $1.03. Non-GAAP diluted EPS estimates exclude after-tax costs related primarily to the amortization of purchased intangibles, restructuring charges and acquisition-related charges of approximately $0.15 per share and $0.19 per share in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively.

"Solid execution drove exceptional performance for HP this quarter, fueled by significant growth in China," said Mark Hurd, chairman and chief executive officer, HP. "We are delivering on our strategy and are well positioned going into 2010."

For the first fiscal quarter of 2010, HP estimates revenue of approximately $29.6 billion to $29.9 billion, GAAP diluted EPS in the range of $0.90 to $0.92, and non-GAAP diluted EPS in the range of $1.03 to $1.05. First fiscal quarter 2010 non-GAAP diluted EPS estimates exclude after-tax costs of approximately $0.13 per share, related primarily to the amortization of purchased intangibles, restructuring charges and acquisition-related charges.