6. COMMON STOCK AND ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL
On April 3, 1997 the Company's shareholders approved an increase in the Company's authorized shares of common stock from 80,000,000 to 200,000,000 shares to permit a two-for-one stock split which was previously approved by the Board of Directors. The stock split was effected by means of a 100% stock dividend as of April 14, 1997 to holders of record April 4, 1997. In August 1997, the Company's shareholders approved an increase in the Company's authorized shares of common stock from 200,000,000 to 400,000,000 shares. In October 1997, the Company's Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split, payable as a 100% stock dividend to shareholders of record on October 22, 1997.

On February 25, 1999 the Company's shareholders approved an increase in the Company's authorized shares of common stock from 400,000,000 to 1,600,000,000 shares to permit a two-for-one stock split which was previously approved by the Board of Directors. The stock split was effected by means of a 100% stock dividend as of March 1, 1999 to holders of record January 26, 1999.

The effect of the stock splits has been retroactively reflected as of April 1, 1996. All references throughout the consolidated financial statements to number of shares, per share amounts and stock option data have been restated to reflect the stock splits.

  Annual Report 1999