Indications are positive towards stronger loans growth this year, which is becoming quite important in sustaining net profits amid the possibility of declining net interest margins.

The slight earnings disappointment is compensated by the positive outlook on dividends, where management guidance is moving towards our more aggressive dividend payment assumptions.

For 2006, prospects for economic growth and the automotive industry are positive. Most economists are predicting growth of 3.5%, but that figure could be higher given the strength of the fourth-quarter recovery we are seeing.

This budget marks a path of fiscal consolidation ... which marks a long-term positive for economic growth and equity markets.

Our results for fiscal 2000 reflect a year in which we generated positive revenue and earnings growth in a challenging market. While the strength of the U.S. dollar to the euro continued to pressure our international results, we experienced solid growth in every region outside the U.S.

These positive trends underscore the economic growth we are experiencing across the state.