11.   A more balanced league lowers ratings in the short run.

12.   A.M. Best lowered its ratings on Cigna, whose stock dove.

13.   After a conference call with Kellogg management the same day, Wall Street analysts began lowering their ratings on the stock.

14.   But he added that he did not believe that the rating should be lowered again because of the projected gaps over the next few years.

15.   But on Wednesday, analyst Caroline Levy of UBS Warburg lowered her rating.

16.   But while some analysts accordingly lowered their ratings of Chiron shares Monday, others pointed out that Chiron remained the most diversified of all biotechnology companies.

17.   Critics of the FTC method also say cigarette filters have microscopic holes that lower ratings when tested on machines.

18.   Credit rating agencies also lowered their ratings on a number of companies.

19.   Credit agencies have lowered their ratings on some company bonds until the debt is reduced.

20.   Dean lowered his ratings on several computer companies, including Austin-based Dell Computer Corp.