51.   Oil companies preferred using MTBE, an ether made from refining wastes, natural gas and methanol, over ethanol, an alcohol made from vegetable matter.

52.   On the other hand, a cellular company might prefer to have the cash now, especially if the deal will mean stable, predictable costs.

53.   Other companies prefer to keep their cafeterias under wraps.

54.   Overtime hours have continued to rise because companies prefer to use existing and part-time staff rather than hire new staff to meet rising export demand.

55.   Some companies preferred to stay downtown anyway, but they still wanted a building that was new, or at least looked new.

56.   Some companies prefer a name-by-numbers approach.

57.   The company prefers anonymity since a brief mention in a previous news account led to a steady stream of curiosity seekers.

58.   The construction companies in town prefer to hire Afghan refugees, who work long hours, receive no benefits, earn little pay and make no complaints.

59.   The company also has preferred shares outstanding, Leiber said.