(a) For a discussion of significant items affecting comparability of the financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, see Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
(b) Basic net earnings (loss) per common share is based on net earnings (loss) divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the period from December 12, 1996 through December 31, 1996. Since the Company was a wholly-owned subsidiary prior to December 12, 1996, there are no comparable results for prior periods (See Note 14 - "Transactions With Former Parent Company - Corporate Debt and Interest Allocation" to the Financial Statements of the Company).
(c) Amounts prior to 1996 represent debt allocated to the Company from its former parent (See Note 14 - "Transactions With Former Parent Company Corporate Debt and Interest Allocation" to the Financial Statements of the Company). Historical amounts for 1998, 1997, and 1996 represent obligations of the Company as a separate public entity.
(d) Cash dividends declared per common share were four cents per share for each quarter in 1998 and 1997. Since the Company was a wholly-owned subsidiary prior to December 12, 1996, there are no comparable results for prior periods (See Note 14 - "Transactions With Former Parent Company - Corporate Debt and Interest Allocation" to the Financial Statements of the Company).
