1.   ICI said the profit drop largely reflected lower prices in its titanium dioxide and polyester divisions -- two of the divisions it said it will sell to DuPont.

2.   Novell said the revenue drop reflected drastically reduced shipments to dealers and distributors as it tried to reduce excess inventory among resellers.

3.   Police spokesmen say this dramatic drop reflects a drop in rowdiness.

4.   Some analysts said the drop reflects a short-term outlook on the part of investors, pointing to other spinoffs that have proven successful over the long term.

5.   Some traders said the drop reflects the seasonal decline in demand.

6.   That drop reflected concern the price tag for Midopa may come down, analysts said.

7.   That drop reflects a shift in merchandise toward lower-margin promotional and sales items and consumables, such as shampoo and food.

8.   The company said the drop reflects unusually high spending on marketing a year earlier.

9.   The drop in cash flow reflected a drop in those payments as orders were canceled.

10.   The drop in prices reflects the growing competition between retailers trying to attract customers.