But the companies also cautioned that no agreement had yet been concluded.

The company cautioned, however, that it was possible that no action would be taken.

But July, the final month in its 1993 fiscal year, is likely to break that string, the company cautioned.

While sharply better than a year ago, the company cautioned that earnings comparisons for the rest of 1997 could be affected by several factors.

But the company cautioned that the idea had not progressed beyond casual responses to questions from members of Congress.

As a result, the company cautioned that its earnings per share would be less than one-third of analysts' current expectations.

Moreover, the company cautioned that it could report a loss in the current quarter.

But the company cautioned that the rest of the year would be difficult, and analysts said they remained perplexed by the company's accounting practices.

But the company also cautioned that it expected sales to be flat to only slightly higher in the second quarter.

Both companies cautioned that the terms could change and the deal might never be concluded.