We expect both average spend and number of visitors to increase for Starbucks, which will improve profit margins.

FORBES: Starbucks Has Already Grown Into Its Stock Price

Even small changes like RIM's shift to optical trackpads instead of trackballs in its new devices should improve profit margins by decreasing warranty costs, UBS analyst Phillip Huang said in an August note.

FORBES: Earnings Preview

In America, consumer spending will grow by 3.5% as unemployment falls while businesses will improve their profit margins, even as commodity prices rise.

ECONOMIST: Two contrary views on the outlook for markets

Hardis aims to improve growth and profit margins by embedding more smart electronics in the product line.

FORBES: Power trains made sexy

Boeing has also revamped its production to improve productivity and protect profit margins even as its factories empty.

ECONOMIST: Airbus and Boeing

Immelt points to solid demand for GE products in the U.S. and in emerging markets as more than making up for European weakness, and he expects profit margins will improve.

FORBES: Is A GE Turnaround Finally Here?

Now that a stronger yen and dearer oil are eating into profit margins, the situation may not improve soon.

ECONOMIST: Japan's pain

In order to improve gross profit per square foot, Best Buy will focus on stocking more items that generate higher margins.

FORBES: Best Buy's Price Matching Strategy Helps As Turnaround Efforts Drag On