1.   Because these goods tend to be shipped in smaller quantities than grains, Cubans may be more likely to pay for them in cash and not need financing.

2.   A shelf registration allows a company to register securities and sell them from time to time when financing needs arise.

3.   A shelf offering allows larger companies to register securities and sell them as financing needs arise.

4.   One avenue is to cut private deals with public companies whose special financing needs rule out a public stock offering.

5.   The SEC has no formal estimates of how much extra financing it may need.

6.   The shelf essentially enables the company to register securities in advance and then sell them when financing needs arise.

7.   Venturing into the business will require billions of dollars in initial investment as well as government approval for the imported technology and financing needed to build a steel operation.

8.   The government expects foreign investment and overseas borrowing to provide financing needed to keep the hobbled Mexican economy moving, Buira Seira added.