Compaq, he added, was taking advantage of its new, lower cost structure so that its margins would not decline.

Because of this, Gap said, its gross margins in the second half would decline from last year's second half.

Overall margins for the industry (particularly for specific retail segments like department stores) declined between 1977 and 1987.

The Herald's resources remained stagnant and profit margins declined in the mid-1990's.

The company has said it will continue to pursue that strategy as overall margins decline in the years ahead.

"It has not reduced expenses as gross margins have declined."

When margins are declining, there is bad news for everyone.

He estimated that Bull's gross margins have declined by 20 percentage points in the past year.

"Their margins have declined because their manufacturing costs are high," he said.

As we expected, our gross margins declined due to changes in our product mix.