1.   Computer and semiconductor stocks slid as three brokerage firms downgraded earnings estimates for Dell Computer.

2.   It was one of five airline stocks whose fourth-quarter earnings estimates were cut today by Goldman Sachs analyst Glenn Engel.

3.   Alpers cites four companies with steeply rising earnings estimates and profit margins -- factors he says signal better-than-expected results.

4.   American Airlines, which is the second-largest carrier after United and its chief rival, is also expected to beat earnings estimates for the quarter.

5.   Ameritech Corp., GTE Corp. and Sprint Corp. met or beat first-quarter earnings estimates as they benefited from sales of enhanced phone services including caller ID.

6.   Ameritech Corp., GTE Corp. and Sprint Corp. met or beat first-quarter earnings estimates as they benefited from sales of enhanced services including caller ID.

7.   Analysts are reluctant to announce earnings estimates that are far below the consensus for fear of alienating the company and endangering their relationship with its management.

8.   Analysts ascribed the dips in large part to collateral damage from other telecom equipment makers missing their earnings estimates.

9.   Analysts at Robertson, Stephens and PaineWebber Inc. lowered their earnings estimates on Read-Rite competitors Western Digital Corp. and Quantum Corp. early today.

10.   Analysts have been raising their earnings estimates, and say the company has not been discouraging them.