Computer company Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) posted a decline in fiscal fourth quarter earnings, matching the company’s preannouncement last week. H-P did post a rise in sales. 

For its fiscal fourth quarter, Palo Alto, Calif.-based H-P posted net earnings of $2.1 billion, or 84 cents a share, down from $2.16 billion, or 81 cents a share, in the year-ago fiscal fourth quarter. Revenue came in at $33.6 billion, up 19% from last year. Excluding items, H-P reported earnings of $1.03 a share.

Last week H-P surprised Wall Street by positively preannouncing its fiscal fourth quarter earnings. Analysts, according to Thomson Reuters, at that time had expected the company to weigh in with earnings of $1 a share and revenue of $33.09 billion.

During H-P’s fiscal fourth quarter, the company benefited from an increase in notebook computer sales, although printer sales declined. Personal Systems Group revenue, which includes computers, increased 10% with notebook revenue up 21%. Desktop revenue declined 2%. Printer revenue declined 1% while supplies revenue increased 9%.

“H-P capped off a strong year by delivering another solid quarter led by strength in our services segment and disciplined expense management,” said Mark Hurd, H-P chairman and chief executive officer in a press release. “Our global reach, broad portfolio, numerous cost initiatives and consistent execution differentiate H-P in the current economic environment.”

For its fiscal first quarter of 2009, H-P reiterated it expects revenue of $32 billion to $32.5 billion, GAAP diluted earnings in the range of 80 cents to 82 cents a share, and non-GAAP diluted earnings in the range of 93 cents to 95 cents a share.

For the full fiscal year 2009, H-P is targeting revenue of  $127.5 billion to $130 billion, GAAP diluted earnings of $3.38 to $3.53, and non-GAAP diluted earnings in the range of $3.88 to $4.03.