For example, the union says it may decline to accept a higher assembly line speed or more overtime, even though such changes might lift profits.

When will Goodyear be able to raise prices and lift profits?

The addition of better restaurants, coffee bars and shops has been lifting profits still further.

Ford's success shows how an industrial giant can lift profits even in a flat market.

If those efforts succeed, analysts said that could lift profits quickly.

Almost two-thirds said they expected that companies would mainly cut costs to lift profits rather than raise capital investment or increase sales.

The weak dollar and a lower tax rate also helped to lift profits, the company said.

Wall Street analysts said the increases would lift profits for managed care companies, many of which have had low profit margins.

That leaves cutting expenses as the only way for many companies to lift profits.

They are expected to remain high for at least a few years, lifting profits and insurance company stock prices.