31.   Shares of electrical equipment, beverage and chemical companies rose the most, offsetting a drop in auto, semiconductor and telephone issues.

32.   Shares of electrical equipment, oil, beverage and financial companies rose the most, offsetting the drop in auto, semiconductor and computer issues.

33.   Shares of computer, software and financial companies rose the most, offsetting drops in machinery, paper and retail issues.

34.   Shares of telecommunication, tobacco and semiconductor companies rose the most, offsetting drops in household products, retail and chemical issues.

35.   Still, some companies were able to offset the drop in shipments by cutting cuts.

36.   Surging profits from Peru and Argentina units offset a drop in earnings in Chile.

37.   That growth will help some companies offset any drop in sales because of the Asian crisis, analysts say.

38.   The company said increased earnings in its oil, transportation and services operations were able to offset a drop in earnings from its chemicals business.

39.   The company said operating income rose in its pet food and agricultural products unit, offsetting a drop in operating income in the battery unit.

40.   The drop was offset by a rally in Microsoft Corp.