11.   As a result, German companies sound cautious even as many of them report huge profits.

12.   As proof, several brokerage firms have just reported record profits, fueled in large part by a surge in stock trading among both individuals and institutions.

13.   As public companies quoted on the New York Stock Exchange, they report net profit and publish considerably more information than Goldman does.

14.   Banks are also seen reporting smaller profits in what has been their worst year in half a decade.

15.   Because the life insurance companies do not issue stock they are not required to report profits.

16.   Because he reported only profits and was able to hide his losses, he said, he became a star, earning big bonuses.

17.   Big companies like Sony are reporting phenomenal profits, and the Japanese stock market is showing signs of life.

18.   Big companies reporting profits next week include toothpaste and detergent company Colgate-Palmolive Co. and chemical maker DuPont Co.

19.   Both companies last week reported profits for the first quarter of this year after losing money in the previous three quarters.

20.   Both reported profits that beat expectations.