As a result, First Chicago's growth was slow and its earnings plunged.

It suffered deep earnings plunges in both the 1970's and 1980's.

In the third quarter of last year, Penney's earnings plunged nearly 36 percent.

Reynolds Metals said earnings plunged 89 percent, the result of a $94 million charge and lower aluminum prices.

Although Scott's sales were up 6 percent in 1990, to $5.4 billion, earnings plunged 18 percent, to $248 million.

Pretax earnings, hurt by a special restructuring charge, plunged 90 percent.

The company also said that its earnings for the first quarter had plunged by 57 percent.

For all of last year, earnings plunged to $7.81 a share, from $10.67 in 1985.

American Express said its earnings plunged more than 90 percent, to $31 million.

Digital's earnings plunged nearly 83 percent, while Apple's were down just under 39 percent.