HP announced preliminary results for the second fiscal quarter 2008, with revenue of $28.3bn compared with $25.5bn one year ago.

In the second quarter, preliminary GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.80 and non-GAAP diluted EPS were $0.87, compared with second quarter fiscal 2007 GAAP diluted EPS of $0.65 and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.70. Non-GAAP diluted EPS estimates exclude after-tax costs related primarily to the amortisation of purchased intangible assets of approximately $0.07 per share and $0.05 per share in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively.

The second quarter results were highlighted by solid performance across HP’s business segments and strong cash flow from operations.

For the third fiscal quarter of 2008, HP estimates revenue of approximately $27.3bn to $27.4bn, GAAP diluted EPS in the range of $0.76 to $0.77, and non-GAAP diluted EPS in the range of $0.82 to $0.83. Non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance excludes after-tax costs of approximately $0.06 per share, related primarily to the amortisation of purchased intangible assets.

HP estimates full-year FY08 revenue will be approximately $114.2bn to $114.4bn, up from its previous estimate of $113.5bn to $114bn.

HP is issuing this preliminary earnings announcement to facilitate communications with investors regarding today’s announcement that HP has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire EDS.