News release

Compaq Expects to Meet Second Quarter Earnings Consensus

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ), a leading global provider of enterprise technology and solutions, today reported that based upon preliminary financial data, it expects earnings on an operational basis for its second quarter ended June 30, 2001, to be $0.04 per diluted common share, consistent with current analyst expectations.

Revenue for the second quarter will be approximately $8.4 billion, down nine percent sequentially primarily due to worsening economic conditions in Europe.

"I am pleased with our progress in these tough market conditions. We continued to improve customer satisfaction and win new accounts. At the same time, we reduced quarterly operating expenses to their lowest level in three years and dramatically reduced inventory levels across the entire supply chain. We are committed to taking aggressive actions during this period of slow demand to make permanent improvements in our business model," said Michael Capellas, chairman and chief executive officer. "It is now clear that the economic slowdown is spreading overseas, and we will therefore move more swiftly and go even deeper in our structural cost reduction programs."

The company also announced that it is taking an additional restructuring charge of approximately $490 million in the second quarter, primarily related to the reduction of approximately 4,000 positions and related asset impairments. Reductions will be primarily from the Access segment, supply chain and administrative functions, both in the United States and internationally. For the year, the company now plans approximately 8,500 reductions through severance. On an annualized basis, associated savings are estimated to be approximately $900 million.

"We are aggressively executing against the restructuring program we announced in March. To date, we have reduced 3,500 positions and savings are already apparent. However, further actions are required, and we will address these with similar urgency," said Jeff Clarke, senior vice president, finance and administration, and chief financial officer.

Compaq plans to announce complete second quarter results after the market closes on Wednesday, July 25th.

About Compaq

Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is a leading global provider of technology and solutions. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures, and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, and communications products, commercial desktop and portable products, and consumer PCs that are sold in more than 200 countries. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at http://www.compaq.com.