Internet issues fell sharply in Tuesday trading ahead of earnings results from a few giant Internet players.

internet.com's Internet Stock Index dropped 46.58, or 5.31 percent, to 831.20, the Nasdaq Composite plunged 128.48 to 3921.19 and the Dow Jones industrial average gave up 61.12 to 11511.08.

Leading online portal, Yahoo reported earnings of 19 cents a share, 4 cents better than expected and announced a 2-for-1 stock split. Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO) slumped 38-11/16 to 397-3/8.

Earnings are also due out from E*Trade Trade Group and B2B e-commerce network provider, Ariba. The AOL-Time Warner merger remained the buzz on Wall Street.

Most analysts attributed Tuesday's decline to the fact that market observers had digested the AOL-Time Warner merger and were deciding what the appropriate valuation should be for each.

Merrill Lynch analyst, Henry Blodget believes the AOL-TWX merger is a smart move as long as the king of new media and king of old media can synergize and execute.

"Fundamentally, we think the AOL Time Warner transaction is a smart, strong combination. The key benefits for AOL, in our opinion, include 1) cable access, 2) multiple channels for cross-selling, 3) revenue diversification, and 4) a dominant global media presence (which should help the company build its international business). The big question for shareholders is whether the market will accord the new entity a traditional valuation or an 'internet valuation.'

"Our answer to this is not surprising: probably somewhere in between. We believe the stock of AOL Time Warner probably has both less upside and less downside than prior to the merger (law of large numbers vs. more diversification). Where the stock trades in this range, in our opinion, will be a function of management's ability to instill confidence in the Street (which we believe will be high). If the merger goes well, as we believe it will, the stock could trade at the high of this range, or $90-$100 in a year," wrote Blodget in a note to clients.

Shares of America Online Inc. (AOL) fell 7-5/8 to 65. Time Warner Inc. (TWX) lost 7-1/4 to 85.

One of the sector's biggest gainers was Kana Communications Inc. (KANA) , up 19 to 216. The e-mail management software maker announced plans for a 2-for-1 stock split.

Juno Online Services Inc. (JWEB) climbed 3-5/8 to 41-5/8. The Internet provider reported a wider fourth-quarter loss, although its subscriber base more than doubled.

Ariba Inc. (ARBA) lost 3 to 191. The B2B e-commerce company will be reporting earnings later Tuesday. Analysts expect a 12-cent loss compared to a 7-cent loss a year ago.

E*Trade Group Inc. (EGRP) gave up 1-3/8 to 26-11/16. The online broker is also reporting earnings Tuesday. Analysts are expecting a 20-cent profit.

Priceline.com Inc. (PCLN) slipped 1-7/16 to 52-13/16. The "name-your-price" retailer set a one-day sales record of $3 million on Monday.

Infospace.com Inc. (INSP) jumped 11/16 to 115-3/16 after being selected by Vodafone AirTouch to deliver content to its wireless customers worldwide.

USinternetworking Inc. (USIX) rose 5-5/16 to 51 after it was rated a "buy" by J.P. Morgan Securities who initiated coverage Tuesday.

---

Subscribe to internet.com's HotWatch, a monthly e-mail newsletter featuring Internet Stock Report's top 10 noteworthy Internet stocks for the month. Each month you will receive in-depth analysis on the top 10 Internet stocks to watch with the information you need to assess the fast-paced nature of Internet stocks. Staying on top of market changes in the Internet Stock market is what counts. You receive 12 timely issues sent to you by e-mail. Don't wait, our next issue will be out before you know it with a whole new perspective on the market. Sign up today at: e-newsle tters