1.   The bank said it sacrificed some profit this year to improve earnings in coming years.

2.   Analyst John Rogers agreed that the company must focus on improving its earnings, which he describes as far from stellar.

3.   Analysts said the gains were because of expectations that the government will boost telephone rates, which would improve earnings for market leader Telecomunicacoes Brasileiras.

4.   Analysts, including Toshiko Binder at James Capel Pacific Ltd., say department stores can improve earnings by cutting costs further.

5.   Analysts project improved earnings in coming months.

6.   Analysts said the results could help management, which has been under pressure to improve earnings or sell the bank.

7.   As the peso gains value against the dollar, the trend improves the earnings of many Mexican companies.

8.   Ashurst said she agrees that the company will improve its earnings this year.

9.   A weaker yen should also improve export earnings, he said.

10.   Brazilian stocks rose on prospects for lower borrowing costs that could improve company earnings.