But another, greater source of pressure are the companies the analysts cover.

And at many firms, analysts are covering more companies than ever before.

Then they compare that number with the most recent average estimate from analysts covering the company.

And Wall Street thinks so little of the company that few analysts cover it.

Until this year, Salomon's research team did not have an analyst covering the three office furniture companies.

Or they can add analysts to cover sectors and companies that they do not.

Each asset class has its own fund managers and in-house analysts covering it.

Indeed, no analysts now cover the company, which plans to hold a "road show" for stockbrokers in New York this week.

One analyst said Mesa's revenues this year probably will cover a cash distribution of just 60 cents per unit.

An analyst will cover a dozen or so firms, in very great detail, with close contacts with the management of that firm.