51.   Also, in difficult times, big companies often look to sell off non-core businesses.

52.   Although Daimler was the first big German company to make such a dramatic announcement, analysts said they expected many other companies to come forth with equally grim news.

53.   Americans are concerned with their job prospects as big companies continue to shed workers to save money.

54.   Among technology companies, the big companies that dominate their markets did the best.

55.   American Express Co. is the only big financial company that is giving away stock trades.

56.   Americans sue big companies, government agencies and doctors, and the stakes are routinely millions of dollars.

57.   Amgen is a big company, and size can buffer this kind of shock.

58.   And a big company can spread fixed costs, like bookkeeping and administration, over a larger number of stores or factories than a small company.

59.   And a growing group of big companies swear by it.

60.   And a growing group of big no-nonsense companies like Allied Signal, Motorola and General Electric swear by it.