51.   The stock price of low-ratio companies also declined less than those of firms with high ratios, when earnings came in below forecasts.

52.   The stock began falling as soon as the earnings came out late yesterday.

53.   While second-quarter corporate earnings have come in largely better than expected, a smattering of disappointing reports and renewed fears about Asia sent stocks reeling Thursday.

54.   A pleasant surprise came this morning from aluminum producer Alcoa, whose earnings came in higher than expected.

55.   Although the companies are separate, Priceline has had its own troubles, announcing last week that its third-quarter earnings would come in below analyst expectations.

56.   But there were companies whose earnings came in better than expected.

57.   CANTV shares have been pushed higher over the past week as first quarter earnings came out and a favorable research report from Merrill Lynch was released Thursday.

58.   Earnings have come from the likes of IBM and Advanced Micro Devices, which have topped forecasts with their results.

59.   Earnings had come down significantly so it was difficult to determine valuation levels, Ms Keen said.

60.   Eventually, the company expects half its earnings to come from its own brands, with the rest coming from supplying to other brandnames.