Those plants could soon contribute even more to profits.

They said they expected the new stores to contribute significantly to profits the following year.

Those who stay and pay the higher prices contribute to higher profits.

Although the restaurants accounted for more than a third of the company's sales of $30.4 billion in 1995, they contributed only 22 percent to profits.

The idea is to demonstrate to management that they can contribute directly to profits.

Analysts said Triangle did not contribute substantially to profits because of increased interest costs on the $3 billion purchase.

The company's credit card program, started in the fall of 1991, also began contributing to profits in the fourth quarter.

Some big companies have already proved that tiny payments can contribute to big profits.

Sales of this niche program contributed to increased profits and the need for additional employees.

But this is contributing to hefty corporate profits, more investment by business and longer hours for those employed.