Also. . .

* Sports Authority Inc. reported fourth-quarter earnings of $13 million, or 38 cents a share, contrasted with a loss of $2.2 million, or 6 cents a share, and a penny better than analysts’ estimates, as it held the line on expenses. Sales declined 0.7% to $420.3 million. But the sporting goods retailer said slower consumer spending will result in lower sales and flat profit for the first half of the year.

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* Lockheed Martin Corp.’s astronautics unit plans to cut 600 jobs, or 12% of its work force, at its operation in Colorado by the end of the year as sluggish demand for commercial satellite launches has reduced rocket sales and driven down prices. The cuts, already underway, are occurring through attrition and layoffs.

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* Gillette Co.’s Duracell unit, the top-selling U.S. battery maker, said it will spend $100 million this year on marketing its main line of batteries, which the company redesigned and will sell with a new name, CopperTop. The marketing budget for 2001 is almost 40% more than last year’s for the products.

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