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Management is responsible for the preparation and integrity of
the consolidated financial statements and related notes that
appear on pages 40 through 77. These financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America, and include certain
amounts that are based on management's best estimates and
judgments.
The Company's accounting systems include extensive internal
controls designed to provide reasonable assurance of the
reliability of its financial records and the proper safeguarding and
use of its assets. Such controls are based on established policies
and procedures, are implemented by trained, skilled personnel
with an appropriate segregation of duties, and are monitored
through a comprehensive internal audit program. The Company's
policies and procedures prescribe that the Company and all
employees are to maintain the highest ethical standards and that
its business practices throughout the world are to be conducted
in a manner that is above reproach.
The consolidated financial statements have been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, who were
responsible for conducting their audits in accordance with
auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of
America. Their resulting report follows.
The Board of Directors exercises its responsibility for these
financial statements through its Audit Committee, which consists
entirely of non-management Board members. The independent
accountants and internal auditors have full and free access to the
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee meets periodically with the
independent accountants and the Director of Corporate Auditing,
both privately and with management present, to discuss
accounting, auditing and financial reporting matters.
Chief Financial Officer,
and Executive Vice President
March 13, 2003
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer,
President & Chief Operating Officer
March 13, 2003
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