1.   We are not assuming that refining margins will improve significantly in the near future.

2.   Blank said he expects margins to improve further this year.

3.   Bronson, the chief financial officer, said he expects gross margins to improve as the company becomes more comfortable with the new production technologies.

4.   Fiat said operating margins did improve as the quarter went on as a government incentive program for car sales took effect.

5.   Fiat said its operating margin improved during the half because the cost of introducing some new cars and tractors came early in the year.

6.   However, refinery margins have improved materially since the middle of May, said Valero spokeswoman Mary Rose Brown.

7.   In addition, gross margin improved on higher price mark-ups, more favorable purchasing prices and cost-cutting.

8.   It also expects franc margins to improve in the full year.

9.   It said only that margins will improve as several new models go on sale later this year.

10.   Margins improved on electronics merchandise, as well, Erner said.