51.   Fortis said its two parent companies posted lower profit growth than the company as a whole because of negative exchange-rate movements.

52.   Fortis said its two parent companies posted lower profit growth than the group as a whole because of negative exchange-rate movements.

53.   For peanut farmers, many of whom depend on price guarantees to stay in business, the change means much lower profits.

54.   Gaddum said warnings of lower profits at German companies may become a concern for the Bundesbank if they result in weaker business investment and credit demand.

55.   GM said yesterday its fourth-quarter vehicle production will be down from a year ago -- signaling lower profit in the quarter, analysts said.

56.   He also said he would move to simplify the Russian tax system, and lower profit taxes in an attempt to stimulate local production.

57.   Higher rates increase corporate borrowing costs and stunt consumer spending, meaning lower profits and less lending by banks.

58.   Higher rates result in higher borrowing costs and lower profits for companies.

59.   Higher rates usually mean lower corporate profits, a key determinent of what investors will pay for a stock.

60.   Higher interest rates hurt shares by dampening demand and raising borrowing costs, meaning lower profits.