1.   Punitive damages potentially could be much more costly to cigarette companies than compensatory damages.

2.   A decision against the cigarette companies could open the floodgates to many more lawsuits.

3.   Also, task force members have indicated that they believed that the proposed settlement would impose inadequate fines on cigarette companies if youth smoking was not reduced.

4.   Although opponents of smoking have applauded the ad restrictions, the limits may benefit the big cigarette companies by making new competition virtually unthinkable.

5.   Although Osteen struck down the advertising restrictions, his decision allowing FDA regulation of tobacco has given state government negotiators leverage in settlement talks with cigarette companies.

6.   Among cigarette companies, Philip Morris holds a special niche.

7.   Amused that a major cigarette company would recall its product for the damage it could do to the public health.

8.   Analysts said the White House is off base in pinning teen smoking on the cigarette companies.

9.   And officials at several big cigarette companies said they had no plans to produce similar products.

10.   And stocks of cigarette companies have risen dramatically following renewed speculation that a comprehensive settlement could remove the threat of federal regulation and litigation.