1.   Burmah Castrol, the lubricants group, was one impressive performer as dealers cheered its healthy profits rise.

2.   Its strong profits rise and increased dividend payout had been anticipated by the City and the shares gained just a penny.

3.   The profits rise was achieved against a backdrop of falling metal prices.

4.   Estate agents are cautious about taking the profit rise as a sign the slump in house sales is over.

5.   American Home Products also is expected to see profit rise even after stopping sales of its diet drugs in September.

6.   A company announces layoffs that will make its products cost less and its profits rise.

7.   A finance official at Posco attributed the profit rise to higher prices and increased output.

8.   A. Soriano said gains by its subsidiaries, including port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc., powered the profit rise.

9.   Bridgestone Corp. saw its profit rise in six months to June as strong overseas tire sales and a weaker yen boosted export revenues.

10.   Eight out of nine analysts polled by Bloomberg Business News had forecast a profit rise.