11.   Banc One is currently buying back stock to offset the impact of the Premier acquisition, he said.

12.   BankAmerica also is focusing on buying back stock to boost per-share earnings by reducing the number of outstanding shares.

13.   Bank spokesman Paul Leydon said proceeds from the sale would be used to acquire more asset management and securities processing businesses, or buy back stock.

14.   BankAmerica, like other big banks, bought back stock, hoping to boost per-share earnings by reducing the number of shares outstanding.

15.   Bank of Boston executives are following through with promises to boost earnings per share every quarter by buying back stock and increasing revenue, analysts said.

16.   Aetna also said it would sell some of its overseas health-care units and use the money to reduce debt and buy back stock later this year.

17.   After several consecutive quarters of strong earnings, U.S. banks are buying back stock and returning more cash to shareholders to get rid of excess capital.

18.   Ahmanson has cut costs and bought back stock as it reduces the percentage of its revenue from mortgages.

19.   All three companies have sought to prop up their share prices by buying back stock.

20.   But if Murdoch were to decide to buy back stock, those who want to bail out may not like the price.