11.  In time, deflation will mercilessly drive the less competitive companies out of business.

12.  Indeed, Karbowiak, the Firestone spokeswoman, said she got a note from her counterpart at one competitive company, offering sympathy and asking how she could help.

13.  In the last few years, Apple has become a much more competitive company.

14.  Investors were concerned that a stronger peso would make Mexican companies less competitive and hurt earnings at exporters.

15.  Internationally competitive companies like Sony Corp. and Honda Motor Co. now produce more of their products abroad.

16.  Japanese stocks were mixed as investors bought shares of internationally competitive companies amid concern growth in the domestic economy will remain sluggish.

17.  That kind of television exposure, which keeps other apparel-backed PGA Tour stars off the screen, is causing some competitive companies to re-think sponsoring golfers.

18.  Telephone companies, too, are gearing up for new battles, particularly among the regional Bell companies, the long-distance carriers and the competitive local companies.

19.  The Baby Bells are altering their accounting methods as part of their change to being competitive companies rather than regulated utilities.

20.  The negotiations begin as Boeing continues trying to transform itself into a more competitive company, an effort that includes trimming tens of thousands of jobs from the payroll.