Guide Note:

Hewlett-Packard (commonly referred to as HP) is an American technology company that primarily manufactures computer hardware and peripherals, including desktops, laptops, printers, and cameras. It also provides information technology and consulting services. HP is the world's leading seller of personal computers, and chiefly competes with Dell, which it overtook in 2006 by a 3.5% margin of the market share.

Fast Facts:

1. Stock symbol: HPQ (NYSE)
2. Annual revenue (2007): $104.3 billion
3. Founders: Bill Hewlett and David Packard
4. Year established: 1939
5. Industry: Computer manufacturing, information technology and consulting services
6. Phone: 650-857-1501
7. Fax: 650-857-5518
8. HQ: Palo Alto, California
9. President/CEO: Mark Hurd
10. CFO: Catherine Lesjak
11. Staff: 172,00

Key Dates

1. January 1, 1939: Company founded by Bill Hewlett and David Packard on an investment of $538
2. August 8, 1947: Company incorporated
3. November 6, 1957: Company goes public, uses the stock symbol HWP
4. 1984: Introduces its inkjet and laser printers
5. 1987: Garage in which company was founded is declared a California state historical landmark
6. 2002: Merges with Compaq, a major computer manufacturer, and changes stock symbol from HWP to HPQ
7. September 5, 2006: Newsweek reveals that chairwoman Patricia Dunn hired outside parties to spy on board members and several journalists.
8. October, 2006: Marketing research indicates that HP outsells competitor, Dell, by a 3.5% margin of total market share