Hewlett-Packard Slips on Downgrade

Hewlett-Packard

(HWP)

was off 0.4% in early trading after it was downgraded to neutral from attractive by

Bear Stearns

.

Bear Stearns also lowered its 2001 earnings estimate to $1.80 per share from $1.95, saying there is a "decent chance" the company will lower its guidance or miss estimates.