The weak dollar also helped earnings, the company said.

The spreads in our business continue to widen, which helps earnings.

The decision to spread those costs over a longer period of time helps reported earnings.

He said the trend should continue to help earnings over the next few quarters.

Lower income taxes in the latest period also helped earnings, the company said.

Those quick increases have helped earnings and margin growth.

But even those accomplishments would not do much to help corporate earnings.

Still, he said, the competition is not going to help earnings or investor sentiment toward the stock.

The company's aggressive expansion helped earnings to a record $9.20 a share last year from 20 cents in 1985.

The prices have recently fallen to less than 60 cents a pound, and this is expected to help earnings.