Also. . .

* Today, No. 2 computer maker Hewlett-Packard Co. is expected to report earnings of 80 cents a share in its fiscal third quarter ended July 31, the average estimate of analysts surveyed by First Call. Some unpublished forecasts were for profit of as much as 87 cents. The company had a profit of 58 cents a year earlier.

* Shares of Kellogg Co. might fall today after the world’s largest cereal maker said it will consolidate its European distribution network, which will result in charges in 2000. The company also said it will, as expected, shut down a portion of its Battle Creek, Mich., cereal plant and eliminate 550 jobs to reduce costs.

* Close to 10,000 people are expected to turn out for a trade-only convention of sign makers and engravers beginning Thursday in Long Beach. Sponsored by Colorado-based National Business Media, the show is also expected to feature 800 exhibitors offering the latest industry advances in such fields as neon signs, awards engraving, digital graphics and digital printing. The convention is scheduled to run through Saturday at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center.