Updating Hewlett-Packard Co., Newell Rubbermaid Inc., Microsoft Corp., Adobe Systems Inc. and United Technologies Corp.

Article Excerpt

HEWLETT-PACKARD CO. $35 (New York symbol HPQ; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; WSSF Rating: Above average) is holding up well despite news that the company’s former chair used questionable surveillance techniques to identify a director who leaked certain information to the media. While embarrassing, we feel that the scandal will do little long-term damage to Hewlett’s business. Hewlett-Packard is a buy. NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC. $29 (New York symbol NWL; Income Portfolio, Consumer sector; WSSF Rating: Average) has agreed to sell its Little Tykes division, which makes children’s toys and furniture. The sale should generate a gain of between $15 million and $25 million; Newell earned $149.6 million or $0.54 a share before unusual items in its most recent quarter. The sale is part of Newell’s plan to sell less-profitable products, and focus on fastergrowing products such as office supplies. Newell Rubbermaid is a buy. MICROSOFT CORP. $27 (Nasdaq symbol MSFT; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; WSSF Rating: Above average) plans…