The loss, which came on a 12 percent slide in sales, was about three times what analysts expected.

A 46 percent slide last year in the currency, the bolivar, against the American dollar has been driving the problem.

The fiscal 1994 budget saw a 0.55 percent slide over the previous year.

Oracle has dropped to 70 1/16 from 90, a 22 percent slide.

The rally ended a 10 percent slide in gas prices during the last five days.

The music division, which is a crucial part of the entertainment unit, reported an 89 percent slide in operating income last quarter.

All these problems have contributed to a nearly 38 percent slide in the company's stock price this year.

It was the second year of falling real wages for business managers, after a 1.4 percent slide in 2004.

The surge came despite a 5.6 percent slide in sales.

That would reverse the 30 percent slide in milk prices during the past year.