61.   Some companies that beat earnings estimates for last quarter but fell anyway, as investors expected weakening results down the road.

62.   Some analysts had expected the company to beat estimates this quarter, the last earnings report before RJR faces a proxy fight with dissident shareholder Carl Icahn in April.

63.   Some analysts said they expected the company to beat their estimates.

64.   Still, Intel beat estimates for the fourth quarter, as did a series of smaller companies such as Global Marine Inc., an offshore driller.

65.   Still, Gail Dudack, market strategist at UBS Securities, warned investors in a report today that the amount by which companies beat Wall Street estimates is narrowing.

66.   That beat estimates by a penny.

67.   That beat Wall Street estimates.

68.   Symantec also beat estimates.

69.   That enabled most companies to beat estimates, so far.

70.   The company also is expected to beat Wall Street estimates when it releases its quarterly earnings after the markets close.