NY -- Standard&Poor's CreditWire 9/21/98 -- Standard&Poor's today affirmed its ratings on Hewlett-Packard Co. and Hewlett-Packard Finance Co. (see table below), and revised the outlook to negative from positive. The outlook revision reflects Standard&Poor's concerns that extremely competitive industry conditions and weakness in important international markets will prevent Hewlett-Packard from restoring its growth and profitability trend. Hewlett Packard's ratings reflect its position as a leading, global vendor of computer printers, computer systems, peripherals, and test and measurement equipment. More than 70% of Hewlett's revenues come from its computer products group, incorporating a dominant position in the laser/inkjet printer market and important positions in the personal computer and server markets. Hewlett's historical financial performance has
