Management is responsible for the preparation of the company's consolidated financial statements and related information appearing in this annual report. Management believes that the consolidated financial statements fairly reflect the form and substance of transactions and that the financial statements reasonably present the company's financial position and results of operations in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Management also has included in the company's financial statements amounts that are based on estimates and judgments which it believes are reasonable under the circumstances.

    The independent accountants audit the company's consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and provide an objective, independent review of the fairness of reported operating results and financial position.

    The Board of Directors of the company has an Audit Review Committee composed of seven non-management Directors. The Committee meets periodically with financial management, the internal auditors and the independent accountants to review accounting, control, auditing and financial reporting matters.