23 Pages Complete QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q [x] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the period ended June 30, 1998 or [ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 1-5684 I.R.S. Employer Identification Number 36-1150280 W.W. Grainger, Inc. (An Illinois Corporation) 455 Knightsbridge Parkway Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069-3620 Telephone: (847)793-9030 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS: Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 97,702,187 shares of the Company's Common Stock were outstanding as of July 31, 1998. The Exhibit Index appears on page 15 in the sequential numbering system. 1
<TABLE> Part I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION W.W. Grainger, Inc., and Subsidiaries CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (In thousands of dollars except for per share amounts) (Unaudited) <CAPTION> Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, ------------------------------ ------------------------------ 1998 1997 1998 1997 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> Net sales ........................... $ 1,118,970 $ 1,051,206 $ 2,176,077 $ 2,036,762 Cost of merchandise sold ............ 717,011 680,177 1,388,963 1,312,453 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Gross profit ...................... 401,959 371,029 787,114 724,309 Warehousing, marketing, and administrative expenses ........... 301,193 273,044 588,757 534,349 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Operating earnings ................ 100,766 97,985 198,357 189,960 Other income or (deductions) Interest income ................... 142 512 480 1,902 Interest expense .................. (1,614) (1,428) (3,297) (2,576) Unclassified-net .................. 286 (332) 127 (769) ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- (1,186) (1,248) (2,690) (1,443) ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Earnings before income taxes ........ 99,580 96,737 195,667 188,517 Income taxes ........................ 40,330 39,178 79,245 76,349 ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Net earnings ...................... $ 59,250 $ 57,559 $ 116,422 $ 112,168 ============= ============= ============= ============= Earnings per share: Basic ............................. $ 0.61 $ 0.57 $ 1.20 $ 1.09 ============= ============= ============= ============= Diluted ........................... $ 0.60 $ 0.56 $ 1.18 $ 1.08 ============= ============= ============= ============= Average number of shares outstanding: Basic ............................. 97,246,552 100,887,998 97,235,431 102,642,671 ============= ============= ============= ============= Diluted ........................... 99,061,632 102,287,338 99,021,684 104,082,082 ============= ============= ============= ============= Cash dividends paid per share ....... $ 0.15 $ 0.135 $ 0.285 $ 0.26 ============= ============= ============= ============= <FN> The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. </FN> </TABLE> 2
<TABLE> W.W. Grainger, Inc., and Subsidiaries CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (In thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) <CAPTION> Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, --------------------------- ------------------------- 1998 1997 1998 1997 ----------- --------- --------- --------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> Net Earnings ........................... $ 59,250 $ 57,559 $ 116,422 $ 112,168 Other comprehensive earnings: Foreign currency translation adjustments .......................... (5,179) 713 (4,002) (1,557) --------- --------- --------- --------- Comprehensive earnings ................. $ 54,071 $ 58,272 $ 112,420 $ 110,611 ========= ========= ========= ========= <FN> The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. </FN> </TABLE> 3
<TABLE> W.W. Grainger, Inc., and Subsidiaries CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) <CAPTION> ASSETS June 30, 1998 Dec. 31, 1997 - ---------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- <S> <C> <C> CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents .............................. $ 48,989 $ 46,929 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $17,542 for 1998 and $15,803 for 1997 .... 515,760 455,457 Inventories ............................................ 584,051 612,132 Prepaid expenses ....................................... 15,564 9,122 Deferred income tax benefits ........................... 59,934 59,348 ----------- ----------- Total current assets ................................. 1,224,298 1,182,988 PROPERTY, BUILDINGS, AND EQUIPMENT ....................... 1,141,657 1,087,158 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization ....... 524,840 494,245 ----------- ----------- Property, buildings, and equipment-net ............... 616,817 592,913 OTHER ASSETS ........................................... 230,493 221,920 ----------- ----------- TOTAL ASSETS ........................................... $ 2,071,608 $ 1,997,821 =========== =========== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - ---------------------------------------------------------- CURRENT LIABILITIES Short-term debt ........................................ $ 6,024 $ 2,960 Current maturities of long-term debt ................... 22,834 23,834 Trade accounts payable ................................. 282,867 261,802 Accrued liabilities .................................... 196,846 210,383 Income taxes ........................................... 26,582 34,902 ----------- ----------- Total current liabilities ............................ 535,153 533,881 LONG-TERM DEBT (less current maturities) ................. 127,955 131,201 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES .................................... 746 2,871 ACCRUED EMPLOYMENT RELATED BENEFITS COSTS ................ 38,128 35,207 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Cumulative Preferred Stock - $5 par value - authorized, 12,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding, none ...... -- -- Common Stock - $0.50 par value - authorized, 300,000,000 shares; issued, 107,201,960 shares, 1998, and 106,971,524 shares, 1997 ............................. 53,601 53,486 Additional contributed capital ......................... 246,426 242,289 Treasury stock, at cost - 9,500,172 shares, 1998, and 9,249,572 shares, 1997 .............................. (391,552) (378,899) Unearned restricted stock compensation ................. (17,737) (16,528) Cumulative translation adjustments ..................... (13,212) (9,210) Retained earnings ...................................... 1,492,100 1,403,523 ----------- ----------- Total shareholders' equity ............................. 1,369,626 1,294,661 ----------- ----------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ............. $ 2,071,608 $ 1,997,821 =========== =========== <FN> The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. </FN> </TABLE> 4
<TABLE> W.W. Grainger, Inc., and Subsidiaries CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) <CAPTION> Six Months Ended June 30, ------------------------------- 1998 1997 ------------ ------------ <S> <C> <C> Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings ............................................. $ 116,422 $ 112,168 Provision for losses on accounts receivable .............. 6,482 6,033 Depreciation and amortization: Property, buildings, and equipment ..................... 31,365 32,608 Intangibles and goodwill ............................... 8,052 8,259 Capitalized software ................................... 4,773 585 Change in operating assets and liabilities: (Increase) in accounts receivable ...................... (66,785) (70,278) Decrease in inventories ................................ 28,081 99,503 (Increase) in prepaid expenses ......................... (6,442) (5,849) (Increase) decrease in deferred income taxes ........... (2,711) 699 Increase in trade accounts payable ..................... 21,065 2,337 (Decrease) in other current liabilities ................ (13,537) (23,338) (Decrease) in current income taxes payable ............. (8,320) (442) Increase in accrued employment related benefits costs ....................................... 2,921 2,443 Other - net .............................................. 904 1,391 ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by operating activities .................. 122,270 166,119 ------------ ------------ Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to property, buildings, and equipment - net of dispositions ........................ (55,269) (43,134) Expenditures for capitalized software .................... (25,378) (122) Other - net .............................................. (3,170) 763 ------------ ------------ Net cash (used in) investing activities .................... (83,817) (42,493) ------------ ------------ Cash flows from financing activities: Net increase in short-term debt .......................... 3,064 73,853 Long-term debt payments .................................. (1,032) (982) Stock incentive plan ..................................... 2,031 1,169 Purchase of treasury stock - net ......................... (12,611) (265,748) Cash dividends paid ...................................... (27,845) (27,161) ------------ ------------ Net cash (used in) financing activities ................... (36,393) (218,869) ------------ ------------ Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ....... 2,060 (95,243) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ............. 46,929 126,935 ------------ ------------ Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ................. $ 48,989 $ 31,692 ============ ============ <FN> The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. </FN> </TABLE> 5
W.W. Grainger, Inc., and Subsidiaries NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 1. BASIS OF STATEMENT PRESENTATION The financial statements and the related notes are condensed and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 1997, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated. The consolidated financial statements have been retroactively restated to reflect the 2-for-1 stock split announced on April 29, 1998 effective at the close of business on May 11, 1998, unless indicated otherwise. Computations of basic and diluted earnings per share, average number of shares outstanding, and cash dividends paid per share reflect this stock split. The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," effective January 1, 1998. As of June 30, 1998, there was no recorded tax effect associated with the foreign currency translation adjustments as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined primarily by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The unaudited financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the statements contained herein. Checks outstanding of $42,194,000 and $54,218,000 were included in trade accounts payable at June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively. 2. DIVIDEND On July 29, 1998, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of 15 cents per share, payable September 1, 1998 to shareholders of record on August 10, 1998. 6
W.W. Grainger, Inc., and Subsidiaries NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 3. SHARE REPURCHASE On April 29, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors restored an existing share repurchase authorization to its original level of ten million shares. Prior to this authorization, less than four million shares remained available for repurchase. The number of shares have been adjusted for the May 1998 2-for-1 stock split announced on April 29, 1998, and will automatically be adjusted for any subsequent stock splits. Repurchases are expected to be made from time to time in open market and privately negotiated transactions. The repurchased shares will be retained in the Company's treasury and be available for general corporate purposes. 4. EMPLOYERS' DISCLOSURES ABOUT PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (SFAS No. 132) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 132, "Employers' disclosure about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits", is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 132 revises employers' disclosures about pension and other postretirement benefit plans by standardizing certain disclosure requirements. In accordance with the release, the Company plans to adopt SFAS No. 132 for the year ended December 31, 1998. 7
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 COMPARED WITH THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997: Net Sales Net sales of $1,118,970,000 for the 1998 second quarter increased 6.4% from net sales of $1,051,206,000 for the comparable 1997 period. There were 64 sales days in both the 1998 and 1997 second quarters. The year 1998 will have the same number of sales days as did the year 1997 (255). The sales increase of 6.4% for the 1998 second quarter, as compared with the 1997 second quarter, was principally volume related. This increase primarily represented the effects of the Company's market initiatives which included new product additions, and the National Accounts, Integrated Supply, and Direct Marketing programs. Sales of seasonal products for the Company increased approximately 12% in the 1998 second quarter as compared with the same 1997 period. Many regions of the country experienced warmer weather during the second quarter of 1998 versus the comparable 1997 period. Sales of all other products for the Company increased approximately 6% in the 1998 second quarter as compared with the same 1997 period. The Company's growth in daily sales for the 1998 second quarter versus the same 1997 period was constrained by the following factors: 1. The overall effect that the General Motors Corp. strike had on the U.S. economy during June 1998. 2. A decline in sales at Acklands - Grainger, Inc. (AGI), the Company's Canadian subsidiary, which resulted from a slowdown in sales to customers in the oil and other natural resources industries. An unfavorable change in the Canadian exchange rate also contributed to this decline. The Company's Grainger branch-based business experienced selling price increases of about 0.7% when comparing the second quarters of 1998 and 1997. Daily sales to National Account customers within the branch-based business increased an estimated 9%, on a comparable basis, over the 1997 second quarter. 8
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Net Earnings Net earnings of $59,250,000 in the 1998 second quarter increased 2.9% when compared to net earnings of $57,559,000 for the comparable 1997 period. The net earnings increase was lower than the net sales increase due to operating expenses (warehousing, marketing, and administration) increasing at a faster rate than net sales, lower interest income, and higher interest expense, partially offset by higher gross profit margins. The Company's gross profit margin increased by 0.62 percentage point when comparing the second quarters of 1998 and 1997. Of note are the following favorable factors affecting the Company's gross profit margin: 1. Selling price increases exceeded the level of cost increases. 2. The net change in product mix was favorable. The sales of Lab Safety Supply (generally higher than average gross profit margins) increased as a percent of total sales. The sales of AGI (generally lower than average gross profit margins) decreased as a percent of total sales. These favorable changes in product mix were partially offset by the sales of seasonal products (generally lower than average gross profit margins) which increased as a percent of total sales. Partially offsetting the above factors was an unfavorable change in selling price category mix which was primarily related to sales promotions. Operating expenses (warehousing, marketing, and administrative) for the Company increased 10.3% for the 1998 second quarter as compared with the same 1997 period. This rate of increase was greater than the rate of increase in net sales. The following factors contributed to this higher rate of increase: 1. Operating expenses were higher as a result of the following initiatives: a. Continued expansion of the Company's integrated supply business; b. Continued development of the Company's full service marketing capabilities on the Internet; c. Increased advertising expenses supporting the Company's marketing initiatives; and d. Expansion of the Company's telesales capability. 9
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Net Earnings (continued) 2. Operating expenses related to data processing were higher by an estimated $6,000,000 compared with 1997, as adjusted for 1998 volume increases. This was primarily due to incurring expenses related to Year 2000 compliance and the ongoing installation of the new business enterprise system. As disclosed in the Company's 1997 Form 10-K, due to the above two projects, 1998 annual data processing expenses are estimated to be a net $20,000,000 to $25,000,000 higher than 1997 annual data processing expenses, as adjusted for volume related changes. The estimated expenses for these projects are based on management's current assessment and were derived utilizing numerous assumptions of future events, including the continued availability of certain resources, third-party modification plans, and other factors. However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates will be achieved or that all components of Year 2000 compliance will be addressed as planned. Uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the availability and cost of personnel trained in this area, the ability to locate and correct all relevant computer codes, and the sources and timeliness of various systems replacements. For a more detailed discussion of the Year 2000 issue, see "Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and the Results of Operations" included in the Company's 1997 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Interest income decreased $370,000 for the second quarter of 1998 as compared with the same period in 1997. This decrease resulted from lower average daily invested balances and lower average interest rates earned. Interest expense increased $186,000 for the second quarter of 1998 as compared with the same period in 1997. This increase resulted from higher average interest rates paid on all outstanding debt and lower capitalized interest. The increase was partially offset by lower average borrowings. The Company's effective income tax rate was 40.5% for the second quarters of both 1998 and 1997. 10
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 COMPARED WITH THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997: Net Sales Net sales of $2,176,077,000 for the first six months of 1998 increased 6.8% from net sales of $2,036,762,000 for the comparable 1997 period. There were 127 sales days in both the first six months of 1998 and 1997. The year 1998 will have the same number of sales days as did the year 1997 (255). The sales increase of 6.8% for the first six months of 1998, as compared with the same 1997 period, was principally volume related. This increase primarily represented the effects of the Company's market initiatives which included new product additions, and the National Accounts, Integrated Supply, and Direct Marketing programs. Sales of seasonal products for the Company increased approximately 4% in the first six months of 1998 as compared with the same 1997 period. Sales of all other products for the Company increased approximately 7% in the first six months of 1998 as compared with the same 1997 period. The Company's growth in daily sales for the first six months of 1998 versus the same 1997 period was constrained by a decline in sales for AGI as discussed for the second quarter of 1998. (See the Second Quarter Net Sales discussion.) The Company's Grainger branch-based business experienced selling price increases of about 1.0% when comparing the first six months of 1998 and 1997. Daily sales to National Account customers within the branch-based business increased an estimated 11%, on a comparable basis, over the same 1997 period. 11
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Net Earnings Net earnings of $116,422,000 for the first six months of 1998 increased 3.8% when compared to net earnings of $112,168,000 for the comparable 1997 period. The net earnings increase was lower than the sales increase primarily due to operating expenses (warehousing, marketing, and administrative) increasing at a faster rate than net sales, lower interest income, and higher interest expense, partially offset by higher gross profit margins. The Company's gross profit margin increased by 0.61 percentage point when comparing the first six months of 1998 and 1997. Of note are the following favorable factors affecting the Company's gross profit margins: 1. Selling price increases exceeded the level of cost increases. 2. The change in product mix was favorable. The sales of Lab Safety Supply (generally higher than average gross profit margins) increased as a percent of total sales. The sales of AGI (generally lower than average gross profit margins) decreased as a percent of total sales. The sales of seasonal products (generally lower than average gross profit margins) decreased as a percent of total sales. Partially offsetting the above factors were the following: 1. Sales of sourced products (generally lower than average gross profit margins) increased as a percent of total sales. 2. The change in selling price category mix was unfavorable which primarily related to sales promotions. Operating expenses (warehousing, marketing, and administrative) for the Company increased 10.2% for the first six months of 1998 as compared with the same 1997 period. This rate of increase was greater than the rate of increase in net sales. The following factors contributed to this higher rate of increase: 1. Operating expenses were higher as a result of the following initiatives: a. Continued expansion of the Company's integrated supply business; b. Continued development of the Company's full service marketing capabilities on the Internet; c. Increased advertising expenses supporting the Company's marketing initiatives; and d. Expansion of the Company's telesales capability. 12
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Net Earnings (continued) 2. Operating expenses related to data processing were higher by an estimated $15,000,000 compared with 1997, as adjusted for 1998 volume increases. This was primarily due to incurring expenses related to Year 2000 compliance and the ongoing installation of the new business enterprise system. As disclosed in the Company's 1997 Form 10-K, due to the above two projects, 1998 annual data processing expenses are estimated to be a net $20,000,000 to $25,000,000 higher than 1997 annual data processing expenses, as adjusted for volume related changes. The estimated expenses for these projects are based on management's current assessment and were derived utilizing numerous assumptions of future events, including the continued availability of certain resources, third-party modification plans, and other factors. However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates will be achieved or that all components of Year 2000 compliance will be addressed as planned. Uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the availability and cost of personnel trained in this area, the ability to locate and correct all relevant computer codes, and the sources and timeliness of various systems replacements. For a more detailed discussion of the Year 2000 issue, see "Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and the Results of Operations" included in the Company's 1997 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Interest income decreased $1,422,000 for the first six months of 1998 as compared with the same period in 1997. This decrease primarily resulted from lower average daily invested balances. Interest income was affected by the purchase of approximately 8,400,000 shares of the Company's common stock, on a split adjusted basis, during the year 1997. These purchases contributed to lower average daily invested balances. The decrease in interest income was partially offset by higher average interest rates earned. Interest expense increased $721,000 for the first six months of 1998 as compared with the same period in 1997. The increase can be explained primarily by the same factors discussed for the second quarter of 1998. (See the Second Quarter Net Earnings discussion.) The Company's effective income tax rate was 40.5% for the first six months of both 1998 and 1997. 13
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES For the six months ended June 30, 1998, working capital increased by $40,038,000. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 2.3 at June 30, 1998 and 2.2 at December 31, 1997. The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, included in this report, detail the sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents. The Company continues to maintain a low debt ratio and strong liquidity position, which provides flexibility in funding working capital needs and long-term cash requirements. In addition to internally generated funds, the Company has various sources of financing available, including commercial paper sales and bank borrowings under lines of credit and otherwise. Total debt, as a percent of Shareholders' Equity, was 11.4% at June 30, 1998 and 12.2% at December 31, 1997. For the first six months of 1998, $39,277,000 were expended for land, buildings, and facilities improvements; $15,964,000 were expended for data processing, office, and other equipment; and $25,378,000 were expended for capitalized software, for a total of $80,619,000. 14
<TABLE> W.W. Grainger, Inc., and Subsidiaries PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Items 1,2,3,4, and 5 not applicable. <CAPTION> EXHIBIT INDEX ------------- <S> <C> Item 6 Exhibits (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of regulation S-K) and Reports on Form 8-K. (a) Exhibits (3)(i) Restated Articles of Incorporation filed May 26, 1998. 19 - 23 (11) Computation of Earnings Per Share. 17 - 18 (27) Financial Data Schedule. (b) Reports on Form 8-K - None. </TABLE> 15
SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. W.W. Grainger, Inc. ----------------------------------------------------- (Registrant) Date: August 12, 1998 By: /s/ J.D. Fluno - --------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- J.D. Fluno, Vice Chairman Date: August 12, 1998 By: /s/ P.O. Loux - ------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- P.O. Loux, Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer Date: August 12, 1998 By: /s/ R.D. Pappano - ------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- R.D. Pappano, Vice President, Financial Reporting and Investor Relations 16