There is not now, nor has there ever been, any question about his performance.

Most people would accept payment when their employer says we want to give you this sum of money.

It basically means improved performance in PC and network equipment behind the PC ... eliminating the bottlenecks in the I/O (input/output) systems.

We are very happy with our performance in the Middle East in recent years, especially due to the opening of the market in Saudi Arabia last year. Another market that has been developing in a positive way is Egypt. We have got a good client there and are gaining space against our European and North American competitors.

Generally, looking at the performance we played well. I am happy with the improvement but am disappointed with the result. We lost to a good team. What we need to do now is make sure that we have a team can compete at the highest level.

I'm immensely proud of the way the Schwab team pulled together in 2005 and delivered such outstanding performance.