1.   Banks have maintained their margins by raising the interest rates on loans at a faster pace than they are increasing deposit rates.

2.   Gross margins have been maintained, though increased spending for new stores has reduced operating profit.

3.   In addition, the larger size is expected to give Federal-Mogul more ability to maintain margins in the face of pricing pressures from automakers, analysts said.

4.   Prices are likely to continue to drop this year as competition increases and the company will maintain margins by continuing to cut costs, he said.

5.   The company was able to maintain reasonable margins and avoid the negative spiral of a price war.

6.   To maintain margins in the face of price pressure from HMOs, drugmakers cut staff.

7.   To maintain margins, the drugmakers have turned to cutting staff.

8.   He closed his opening round with five straight birdies to lead by a stroke and played steady enough to maintain the margin through the weekend.

9.   In addition, the supply network will feature built-induplication and high reserve margins will be maintained at all levels.

10.   Mr Lam said developers would be more constrained in increasing their land banks to maintain margins.