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The provision for income taxes totaled $4.4 million in 2004, $14.6 million in 2003, and $40.6 million in 2002. Effective income tax rates on income from continuing operations were 55 percent in 2004, 43 percent in 2003, and 44 percent in 2002. Effective income tax rates are higher for the Company’s  international operations than for its U.S. operations. As a result, the aggregate effective rate is higher in years when international operations make up a higher percentage of financial operating profit. I nternational operating profit, as a percent of total Company operating profit, was 68 percent in 2004, eight per- cent in 2003, and 15 percent in 2002. (See Note 5 of the Financial Statements). 

## COMPARISON OF THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 AND 2003 

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