American Airlines has also been shrinking, cutting capacity by 5.1 percent in 1994 from 1993, a move that led in part to its improved profits last year.

Nintendo forecast an improved profit of 110 billion yen for the current year although sales were projected to decline to 450 billion yen.

Sales managers aim to implement various sales strategies and management techniques in order to facilitate improved profits and increased sales volume.

Manufacturers of scrubbers are also expected to post improved profits as utilities move to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions.

The improved profit was attributed to the aerospace division, which benefited from cost cutting and the sale of a military flight services business.

The Cigna Corporation said first-quarter operating earnings rose 50 percent, exceeding expectations, because of improved profit in its property and casualty division.

But he maintained that some of the lost revenue would be offset by higher taxes from improved corporate profits resulting from increased sales during the week.

But things that may make up for the lost revenue, proponents have argued, could include improved corporate profits if sales indeed beef up during the tax-free week.

Higher productivity also led to improved profit recently for technology companies.

Supermarket group Asda delivered a Christmas bonus in the shape of much improved profits for the half year to November.