41.   And I think it would be fair to say that earnings have been erratic.

42.   Analysts cited poor forecasting when Compaq surprised Wall Street a month ago with the warning that first-quarter earnings would be less than half what investors expected.

43.   And earnings can be difficult to forecast.

44.   And earnings were up significantly at the ESPN sports cable channels, the company said.

45.   Analysts said the issue was up on a day when stocks of many technology companies fell because of speculation that earnings would be lower than they were.

46.   Analysts said the plan backfired as the company said second-half and annual earnings would be below estimates.

47.   And future earnings are the only kind that most Internet companies can boast just now.

48.   And in some instances, investors seemed to heed the calls for caution from analysts as positive earnings were not enough to sway some buyers.

49.   And if they decide to invest soon, their earnings will be lower near term, and the stocks will fall.

50.   And some analysts hold back on raising estimates even after the company has whispered in their ears that earnings will be better than the analyst had thought.