In addition to historical information, this Annual Report to Stockholders contains "forward-looking statements," which are identified by words such as "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "will," "may," "estimate," "aim," "target," "should," "growth," "commit," "build," "deliver," "continue," "remain" and other similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other chacterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which reflect management's beliefs, objectives, and expectations as of the date hereof, are necessarily estimates based on the best judgment of the company's senior management. These statements relate to, among other things, the company's growth in revenues, earnings and profits (See "Letter from the Chief Executive Officer" and "Letter from the Chief Financial Officer"), and investment spending, expenses and capital position (See "Letter from the Chief Financial Officer"). Achievement of the expressed beliefs, objectives, and expectations described in these statements is subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expressed beliefs, objectives, and expectations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report to Stockholders. See "Forward-Looking Statements" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on page 43 in Form 10-K for a discussion of important factors that may cause such differences.