1.  A big fall in steel productivity caused a corresponding Decrease in profits.

2.  A comparison of the two figures shows the estimated profit on investment.

3.  A culture of isolation and relentless profit pressure had taken its toll.

4.  A Decentralised business will usually consist of independent profit centres or divisions.

5.  A Decline in oil stocks countered gains in companies expected to post higher profits even in a sluggish economy.

6.  A demise for years is a contract for the exclusive possession and profit of land for some determinate period.

7.  A flow of products is more important for growth in profits.

8.  A goal of short-term profit maximisation implies conduct different in important respects from that required by a long-term profit goal.

9.  A recession would knock the bottom out of corporate profits.