1.   The company attributed the increases to continued expansion of the business.

2.   Ministry officials attributed this increase to higher interest payments on outstanding government bonds.

3.   American Express attributed the increase to new small business and consumer card programs.

4.   Amazon attributed the increase in quarterly loss to excess inventory, especially toys and electronics, that it would have to mark down and sell at a loss.

5.   Analysts at NationsBank Corp. in New York attributed the increase to slower growth in tax receipts as the U.S. economy loses momentum.

6.   BA attributed the increase to investments in upgrading its first class and Club World sections, the hiring of additional customer service staff and the weaker pound.

7.   Blaustein has been a net seller of tech stocks over that period, so that increase can be attributed to their surge in value.

8.   Boeing attributed the increase in earnings to higher sales volume, though the company said that was offset in part by a higher tax rate.

9.   But Commissioner Abraham said perhaps half the increase could be attributed to the storm as a larger proportion of lower-earning workers were idled.

10.   But Fromberg attributed the increase to hotter weather this season and a telephone number for complaints that is easier to remember.