  Exponential stability and solution estimates are investigated for a delay
system $$ \dot{x}(t) - A(t)\dot{x}(g(t))=\sum_{k=1}^m B_k(t)x(h_k(t)) $$ of a
neutral type, where $A$ and $B_k$ are $n\times n$ bounded matrix functions, and
$g, h_k$ are delayed arguments. Stability tests are applicable to a wide class
of linear neutral systems with time-varying coefficients and delays. In
addition, explicit exponential estimates for solutions of both homogeneous and
non-homogeneous neutral systems are obtained for the first time. These
inequalities are not just asymptotic estimates, they are valid on every finite
segment and evaluate both short- and long-term behaviour of solutions.
