The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. is adopting a new stock rating system to be implemented by its Global Investment Research Division during the fourth quarter of 2002.

The revised system follows a series of initiatives the firm outlined on May 21 to ensure the quality, objectivity and integrity of its investment research. The system will include three ratings — outperform, in line and underperform — to be assigned to the stocks within each analyst’s coverage universe.

The firm is establishing regional investment research review committees that will approve all initial ratings, and any changes. The firm is also establishing a global investment research policy committee to monitor the distribution of ratings.

Goldman Sachs will also introduce a “Current Investment List”, focused on ivestment opportunities for its clients. To add a stock to the list, approval of the appropriate regional investment research review committee is necessary. Listed stocks will have 12-month price targets, and will be removed automatically after 90 days. Only after receiving approval from the regional investment research review committee can stocks be reinstated to the list.

Goldman Sachs says that these changes are in line with, or in addition to, guidelines and requirements put in place by the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory bodies.