Slipping into a slowdown

FOURTH QUARTER EARNINGS OUTLOOK

f/030708_01.pdf">Click here for SECTOR WATCH  During the first nine months ended December 2007, net sales of the corporate sector grew 15 per cent, compared with 27.4 per cent in the financial year 2006-07. The net profit also moved up at a slower pace of 27.93 per cent vis-a-vis 41.56 per cent in 2006-07.  The profit margins were also hit badly during the nine-month period due to rising cost of production, decline in international prices of metals and appreciation of the rupee.  Click here for NUMBERS AT A GLANCE table  Oil marketing companies have been hurt, especially due to the government