Consumer debt in Brazil is of very short tenor at about 1.5 years and is paid back fast, which means balance sheet repairs happen quickly.

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Some banks woke up early to the risks and are reducing their off-balance-sheet loan commitments as fast as they can.

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To get back on track, he vowed to strengthen the company's balance sheet, invest in fast-growing global markets and get more new products out the door in less time.

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That's because the collateral needs of the fast-growing trading business threaten to overwhelm Sempra's balance sheet.

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While moving many auto loans off its balance sheet, GMAC is also pumping more capital into its fast-growing mortgage and insurance businesses, which generate higher margins than auto financing.

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If Martin can amputate inessential drugs and divisions fast, the company has a chance of regaining traces of its former brilliance--this time without the balance sheet tricks.

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