1.   First Bank officials, however, contend they will find other means to bolster earnings and maintain their projections.

2.   American Express said it expected some of the savings to bolster earnings in the form of improved operating expense margins.

3.   Analysts said rising international product prices will bolster earnings.

4.   Analysts said that with margins at the same pre-deregulation level, or even lower this year, Petron will have to bank on a sales increase to bolster earnings.

5.   At the same time, an acceleration in economic growth is expected to bolster earnings in banking and retail, Salcedo said.

6.   At the same time, the company is looking to the West to bolster its earnings.

7.   Big jumps in chemical prices have bolstered earnings at some oil companies, which have seen declines in refining operations.

8.   Both purchases are meant to bolster earnings.

9.   But much of the gain was a result of a weaker yen, which bolstered earnings on exports.

10.   By not lowering prices, airlines hope to bolster earnings without chasing away potential passengers because of higher fares.