Statements made herein may contain forward-looking information about management's expectations, strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated expense savings and financial results and other similar matters. A variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, affect the operations, performance, business strategy and results of Merrill Lynch and could cause actual results and experiences to differ materially from the expectations and objectives expressed in these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the company's 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Form 8-K and Form 10-Q, which are available at the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. Merrill Lynch undertakes no responsibility to update or revise any forward-looking statements.