11.   Now, their margins should improve.

12.   On refining, Weymeuller said margins had improved in July and August, but that Elf does not expect any significant improvement.

13.   Operating margins improved at all but three GE businesses.

14.   Russell Grandinetti, manager of investor relations, said gross margins have been improving steadily over the past four quarters.

15.   She said Ciba told analysts that the outlook remains good for the next few years, as margins are seen improving, especially in the industrial division.

16.   Suppliers were divided as to whether margins might improve or worsen with fewer disk drive companies controlling the industry.

17.   The company said operating margins improved last year.

18.   The company has rejected such actions before, believing margins will improve and that it can increase profitability more through cost-cutting and efficiency, Bijur said.

19.   Weymeuller said refining margins had improved somewhat in July and August, but that Elf does not expect any significant improvement.

20.   Another analyst, Richard Chu of SG Cowen Securities, said he was pleasantly surprised that HP management indicated gross margins could improve in the second half.