Here are two sentences:

The ISM noted that " with the exception of March 2003 , growth in business activity has been reported by ISM members every month beginning with February 2002 . "

" With the exception of March 2003 , growth in business activity has been reported by ISM members every month beginning with February 2002 , " the Arizona-based group said .
Choose your answer: are the two sentences saying the same thing?
OPTIONS: --no. --yes.
yes