Problem: Wwo sentences:
The dividend , the company 's second this calendar year , is payable Nov. 7 to shareholders of record at the close of business Oct. 17 .
In a statement , Microsoft said the dividend is payable Nov. 7 to shareholders of record on Oct. 17 .
Do they have the same meaning?

Answer: yes

Problem: Wwo sentences:
" We 've put a lot of effort and energy into improving our patching progress , probably later than we should have .
" We have put a lot of energy into patching , later than we should have , " he said .
Do they have the same meaning?

Answer: yes

Problem: Wwo sentences:
More than half of the songs were purchased as albums , Apple said .
Apple noted that half the songs were purchased as part of albums .
Do they have the same meaning?

Answer: yes

Problem: Wwo sentences:
He said firefighters had an advantage on the northern flank because of an existing firebreak dug during last year 's fire north of Mount Lemmon .
Fire spokesman Gordon Gay said firefighters had an advantage on the northern flank because of burned areas from last year 's Bullock fire .
Do they have the same meaning?

Answer:
yes