51.   The earnings shortfall is not expected to affect the merger agreement with Global Crossing.

52.   The earnings shortfall was tied to a reduction in net income from its Ghana mine, which reported a decline in gold shipments, the company said.

53.   The maker of disposable surgical products, food and beverage packaging and printing inks blamed the earnings shortfall on higher raw material costs and inventory cuts by customers.

54.   The Orlando, Florida-based company blamed the earnings shortfall on competition from other theme-restaurant chains, such as Rainforest Cafe Inc.

55.   The rest of the earnings shortfall came as a result of less-than-expected sales of its Jerzees clothing brand.

56.   The sales could generate gains that would make up for any earnings shortfall.

57.   The stock market weakened Monday in sluggish holiday trading, as investors remained worried about earnings shortfalls and the absence of a budget agreement in Washington.

58.   Traditionally, most companies that anticipate earnings shortfalls soften the blow by warning investors well in advance of the actual earnings reports.

59.   U.S. stocks were mixed after several computer-related companies warned of disappointing profits -- raising concern that a string of earnings shortfalls are in store.

60.   U.S. stocks were mixed after computer-related companies warned of disappointing profits, raising concern that more earnings shortfalls are in store.