EX-13 7 exhibit_13.htm EXHIBIT 13 - 2004 ANNUAL REPORT

Exhibit 13

Financial Highlights

In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts

For Fiscal Years 2004   2003  
                 
Operating Results            
Net sales   $ 628,169   $ 562,454  
Segment earnings    72,624    68,187  
Income from continuing operations    33,374    29,741  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax    9,181    (5,808 )
Net earnings    42,555    23,933  
                 
Earnings (loss) per share – diluted:  
   Continuing operations    1.55    1.41  
   Discontinued operations    .43    (.28 )
   Earnings per share       1.98     1.13  
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted       21,539     21,105  

                 
Financial Position  
Total assets   $ 932,833   $ 800,630  
Property, plant and equipment, net    145,135    117,090  
Long-term debt, net    249,056    246,792  
Shareholders' equity    458,513    393,872  



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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Continuing Operations

OVERVIEW

We view and operate our businesses in three segments: Avionics & Controls, Sensors & Systems and Advanced Materials. The Avionics & Controls segment designs and manufactures technology interface systems for military and commercial aircraft and land- and sea-based military vehicles, secure communications systems, specialized medical equipment, and other industrial applications. The Sensors & Systems segment produces high-precision temperature and pressure sensors, fluid control components, micro-motors, motion control sensors, and other related systems, principally for aerospace and defense customers. The Advanced Materials segment develops and manufactures high-performance elastomer products used in a wide range of commercial aerospace and military applications and combustible ordnance components and electronic warfare countermeasure devices for military customers. Sales in all segments include domestic, international, defense and commercial customers.

Our current business and strategic plan focuses on the continued development of our products in three key technology segments: avionics and controls, sensors and systems and specialized high-performance elastomers and other complex materials, principally for aerospace and defense markets. We are concentrating our efforts to expand our capabilities in these markets and to anticipate the global needs of our customers and respond to such needs with comprehensive solutions. These efforts focus on continuous research and new product development, acquisitions and establishing strategic realignments of operations to expand our capabilities as a more comprehensive supplier to our customers across our entire product offering. In fiscal 2004, we completed two important acquisitions. We acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Leach Holding Corporation (Leach), a $119 million (sales) manufacturer of electrical power switching, control and data communication devices for the aerospace industry, for approximately $145.0 million in cash before acquisition costs and an adjustment for the change in working capital from December 31, 2003 to closing. In addition, we acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of AVISTA, Incorporated (AVISTA), a $10 million (sales) Wisconsin-based developer of embedded avionics software, for approximately $6.5 million.

We sell our commercial aerospace products as original equipment to aircraft manufacturers and sell replacement parts and spares to aftermarket repair and service providers. The attacks of September 11, 2001 and the ongoing concerns of global terrorism have impacted the profitability of the commercial aerospace industry and continue to impact our near-term outlook for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sales and aftermarket business from aircraft operators. We believe, however, that improved security and safety measures over time will restore passenger confidence. Recently, certain airline operating measures, such as available seat miles, revenue passenger miles and active fleet have shown improvement. We believe our commercial and regional aircraft business will benefit from increased passenger traffic in the future. In addition, we believe the long-term demand for business jets will support a recovery in this market.

On July 25, 2002, our Board of Directors adopted a formal plan for the sale of the assets and operations of our Automation segment. As a result, the consolidated financial statements present



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the Automation segment as a discontinued operation. In fiscal 2002, we recorded an after-tax loss from discontinued operations of $25.0 million. An additional charge of $5.8 million, net of a $3.5 million tax benefit, was recorded in fiscal 2003 for losses in our discontinued operations. This additional charge was precipitated by prolonged weakness in electronics, telecommunications and heavy equipment markets, which led to higher operating losses and longer than expected holding periods for the discontinued operations. On July 23, 2003, we sold the assets of our Excellon Automation subsidiary. On August 31, 2004, we sold the stock of W. A. Whitney Co. for $10.0 million in cash. Upon the final disposition of our discontinued operations, we recorded an $8.0 million gain, net of $4.5 million in tax, including the reversal of estimated reserves, which were recognizable upon the sale of the business.



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Results of Continuing Operations

Fiscal 2004 Compared with Fiscal 2003

Sales for fiscal 2004 increased 11.7% over the prior year. Sales by segment were as follows:

Dollars In Thousands

Increase (Decrease)    
From Prior Year 2004   2003  
                       
Avionics & Controls                 5.7%   $ 209,498   $ 198,249  
Sensors & Systems               32.5%     194,803     146,976  
Advanced Materials                 3.1%     223,344     216,655  
Other                 (8.7)%     524    574  

   Total       $ 628,169   $ 562,454  

The 5.7% increase in Avionics & Controls principally reflected $16.8 million in incremental sales from the Leach medical unit and AVISTA acquisitions, increased sales of technology interface systems for land-based military vehicles, higher sales of cockpit grips and controls, and increased sales volumes of aftermarket cockpit switches. These increases were partially offset by lower sales volumes of specialized medical equipment and, specifically, defense related cockpit switch sales which last year benefited from a defense retrofit program.

The 32.5% increase in Sensors & Systems principally reflected $63.8 million in incremental sales from the Leach and Weston Group acquisitions, and was partially offset by a reduction in distribution sales to the British Ministry of Defence (British MoD) and the sale of two small product lines in the second quarter of fiscal 2003 and fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, respectively. The increase also reflected a stronger euro relative to the U.S. dollar, as the average exchange rate from the euro to the U.S. dollar increased from 1.09 in fiscal 2003 to 1.22 in fiscal 2004.

The 3.1% increase in Advanced Materials reflected higher sales of flare countermeasure devices and elastomer sales to aerospace and industrial commercial customers and was partially offset by lower sales of combustible ordnance due to reduced U.S. Army requirements. Additionally, certain elastomer material sales declined due to lower requirements from defense customers.

Sales to foreign customers, including export sales by domestic operations, totaled $244.6 million and $184.5 million, and accounted for 38.9% and 32.8% of our sales for fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Overall, gross margin as a percentage of sales was 32.1% and 31.8% for fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively. Avionics & Controls segment gross margin was 33.7% for both fiscal 2004 and 2003, reflecting lower sales volumes and margins on specialized medical equipment and cockpit switches, offset by a higher mix of aftermarket product sales, incremental gross margin from the AVISTA acquisition and strong fourth quarter performance at our Mason Electric (Mason) operation. In the third quarter of fiscal 2004, Mason and Janco Corporation moved from their separate facilities to one new facility. This move required more time and expense to execute than originally anticipated, resulting in higher than expected moving expenses, operating



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inefficiencies and delayed shipments. By the fourth quarter, the combined operation had substantially reduced delinquent shipments and operating inefficiencies which had resulted from the move. Sensors & Systems segment gross margin was 36.6% and 34.0% for fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in Sensors & Systems gross margin from fiscal 2003 was largely due to the Weston Group acquisition and its higher margin product mix. Gross margin was also impacted by a weaker U.S. dollar compared to the euro on U.S. dollar-denominated sales and euro-based cost of sales. Advanced Materials segment gross margin was 26.1% and 28.3% for fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively. The decrease in Advanced Materials gross margin from fiscal 2003 reflected an unfavorable sales mix of lower margin countermeasure devices and certain operational inefficiencies from integrating acquired businesses, which resulted in higher labor costs at our elastomer operations.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (which include corporate expenses) increased to $117.7 million in fiscal 2004 compared with $107.8 million in the prior year. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily reflected incremental selling, general and administrative expenses from the Leach, Weston Group and AVISTA acquisitions partially offset by expense reductions at Sensors & Systems and our Advanced Materials elastomer operations. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 18.7% and 19.2% in fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Research, development and related engineering spending increased to $27.7 million, or 4.4% of sales, in fiscal 2004 compared with $19.5 million, or 3.5% of sales, in the prior year. This is consistent with our philosophy of continually investing in new products and capabilities regardless of the business cycle. Additionally, the increase in research, development and related engineering expense reflects the requirement to fund development for new programs for our OEM customers.

Segment earnings (which exclude corporate expenses) increased 6.5% during fiscal 2004 to $72.6 million compared to $68.2 million in the prior year. Avionics & Controls segment earnings increased 11% during fiscal 2004 to $33.1 million. This increase in Avionics & Controls reflected incremental earnings from the AVISTA acquisition, higher sales of controls and grips, and technology interface systems for land-based military vehicles. Avionics & Controls earnings were impacted by the shipment of acquired inventories of the Leach medical unit, which were valued at fair market value at acquisition in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Sensors & Systems segment earnings increased 5.3% to $10.6 million. This increase in Sensors & Systems was primarily due to incremental earnings from the Weston Group acquisition and the impact of the shipment in fiscal 2003 of acquired inventories of the Weston Group, which were valued at fair market value at acquisition. Sensors & Systems earnings also reflected $4.5 million in severance and early retirement expense, including legal expenses covering 55 employees in engineering, production, quality, research and development and administration functions. Sensors & Systems earnings reflected a decline in temperature and pressure sensors sales and sales to the British MoD for which we act as a distributor, as well as higher selling and engineering development expenses for motion control products. Furthermore, Sensors & Systems earnings were impacted by the shipment of acquired inventories of the Leach acquisition, which were valued at fair market value at acquisition, as well as the effect of a weaker U.S. dollar relative to the euro on U.S. dollar-denominated sales and euro-based



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operating expenses. Advanced Materials segment earnings increased 1.3% to $29.5 million. This 1.3% increase in Advanced Materials reflected mixed results. Combustible ordnance and countermeasure operations were impacted by lower sales volumes of higher margin combustible ordnance and increased maintenance expenses at our flare countermeasure operation. Additionally, our elastomer material operations were impacted by acquisition integration expenses, production inefficiencies and higher workers’ compensation expenses, while earnings from our specialized metal finishing unit were favorably impacted by the elimination of redundant facilities, improved cost control and increased sales prices.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, we sold a product line in our Sensors & Systems segment and recorded a gain of $3.4 million. During the third quarter of fiscal 2003, we recorded a foreign currency gain of approximately $2.7 million upon the settlement of foreign currency forward contracts related to the completion of the Weston acquisition. These gains are reflected in Other Expense, Net.

Interest income increased to $2.0 million during fiscal 2004 compared with $0.9 million in the prior year, reflecting interest earned on a U.S. income tax refund. Interest expense increased to $17.3 million during fiscal 2004 compared with $12.0 million in the prior year, due to the full year effect of the issuance of $175.0 million in 7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due June 15, 2013. In September 2003, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement on $75.0 million of our Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2013. The swap agreement exchanged the fixed interest rate for a variable interest rate on $75.0 million of the $175.0 million principal amount outstanding.

The effective income tax rate for continuing operations for fiscal 2004 was 25.3% compared with 30.5% in fiscal 2003. On February 4, 2004, we received a Notice of Proposed Adjustment (NOPA) from the Internal Revenue Service covering the audit of research and development tax credits for fiscal years 1997 through 1999. As a result of the NOPA and the expectation of a similar result for fiscal years 2000 through 2003, we revised our estimated liability for income taxes during the first quarter of fiscal 2004. The revision resulted in a $1.9 million reduction of previously estimated tax liabilities. The effective tax rate differed from the statutory rate in fiscal 2004 and 2003, as both years benefited from various tax credits. The current year’s results benefited from the 18-month extension by the U.S. Congress of the Research and Experimentation Credit from June 30, 2004 to December 31, 2005. We expect this extension to benefit us in fiscal 2005 as well. In addition, the U.S. Congress passed a bill that phases out certain export incentives beginning in fiscal 2005, which will slightly increase our effective tax rate. We expect this increase to be more than offset beginning in fiscal 2006 by the phase-in of tax incentives for domestic manufacturing. While one of the provisions of this tax bill allows for the repatriation of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries at potentially favorable rates, our accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries are considered indefinitely reinvested.

Income from continuing operations was $33.4 million, or $1.55 per share on a diluted basis, compared with $29.7 million, or $1.41 per share, in the prior year. Net earnings were $42.6 million, or $1.98 per share on a diluted basis in fiscal 2004, compared with net earnings of $23.9 million, or $1.13 per share, in the prior year. Net earnings in fiscal 2004 included net



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income of $9.2 million, or $.43 per share, from discontinued operations. Net earnings in fiscal 2003 included a loss of $5.8 million, or ($.28) per diluted share, from discontinued operations.

New orders for fiscal 2004 were $760.4 million compared with $581.6 million for fiscal 2003. Avionics & Controls orders for fiscal 2004 increased 34.8% from the prior year period and reflected the acquisition of the Leach medical unit and AVISTA and a $7.3 million cockpit panel retrofit order. Sensors & Systems orders for fiscal 2004 increased 83.9% from the prior year period and reflected the acquisitions of Leach and Weston. Advanced Materials orders for fiscal 2004 decreased 6.2% from the prior year period and reflected lower program requirements for combustible ordnance. Backlog at the end of fiscal 2004 was $433.1 million compared with $300.9 million at the end of the prior year. The increase in backlog principally reflects the Leach acquisition. Approximately $70.6 million is scheduled to be delivered after fiscal 2005. Backlog is subject to cancellation until delivery.



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Fiscal 2003 Compared with Fiscal 2002

Sales for fiscal 2003 increased 29.4% over the prior year. Sales by segment were as follows:

Dollars In Thousands

Increase (Decrease)    
From Prior Year 2003   2002  
                       
Avionics & Controls                 15.5%   $ 198,249   $ 171,709  
Sensors & Systems                 40.1%     146,976     104,942  
Advanced Materials                 37.7%     216,655     157,384  
Other                 (25.8)%     574     774  

   Total      
$ 562,454   $ 434,809  

The 15.5% increase in Avionics & Controls principally reflected improved sales volumes of specialized medical equipment, technology interface systems for land-based military vehicles and cockpit switches for a defense retrofit program. Shipments under the retrofit program were substantially completed in November 2003. The increase also reflected sales of $10.6 million from the acquisition of Janco Corporation (Janco) and a small product line in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2002, respectively. Airline spares sales were comparable to fiscal 2002, but were lower than historical levels.

The 40.1% increase in Sensors & Systems principally reflected $25.5 million in incremental sales from the Weston Group and BVR Aero Precision Corporation (BVR) acquisitions in the third and first quarters of fiscal 2003, respectively. The increase also reflected a stronger euro relative to the U.S. dollar, as the average exchange rate from the euro to the U.S. dollar increased from 0.92 in fiscal 2002 to 1.09 in fiscal 2003. Sales were also bolstered by increased sales volumes of a product line for which we act as a distributor to the British MoD. These shipments to the British MoD were completed in May 2003. The increase in Sensors & Systems sales was partially offset by lower aftermarket spares sales.

The 37.7% increase in Advanced Materials reflected incremental sales totaling $55.6 million from the acquisition of Burke Industries’ Engineered Polymers Group (Polymers Group) in the third quarter of fiscal 2002 and the Electronic Warfare Passive Expendables Division of BAE SYSTEMS North America (Countermeasures) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002. Sales were also enhanced by increased sales of combustible ordnance components. These sales increases were partially offset by lower sales of elastomer material to commercial aerospace and industrial/commercial customers, principally reflecting the downturn in both markets as well as the suspension of NASA’s shuttle flights.

Sales to foreign customers, including export sales by domestic operations, totaled $184.5 million and $140.1 million, and accounted for 32.8% and 32.2% of our sales for fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Overall, gross margin as a percentage of sales was 31.8% and 32.6% for fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively. Avionics & Controls segment gross margin was 33.7% and 32.7% for fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in Avionics & Controls gross margin from fiscal 2002 was



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due to solid sales to military OEMs, higher sales of input devices to medical and defense customers and improved cost control. Sensors & Systems segment gross margin was 34.0% and 38.7% for fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively. The decrease in Sensors & Systems gross margin from fiscal 2002 was largely due to the effect of a weaker U.S. dollar compared to the euro on U.S. dollar-denominated sales and euro-based cost of sales and the increased sales of a product line for which we acted as a distributor and realized lower margins. In addition, Sensors & Systems gross margin was impacted by the shipment of acquired inventories of the Weston Group, which were valued at fair market value at acquisition in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Advanced Materials segment gross margin was 28.3% and 27.8% for fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in Advanced Materials gross margin reflected higher sales volumes as well as improved product mix, and was partially offset by decreased recovery of fixed costs at our specialized metal finishing unit.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (which include corporate expenses) increased to $107.8 million in fiscal 2003 compared with $79.1 million in the prior year. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 19.2% and 18.2% in fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily reflected increased amortization of intangible assets, incremental expenses from acquisitions completed in fiscal 2002 and 2003, the effect of a stronger euro relative to the U.S. dollar on selling, general and administrative expenses of our Sensors & Systems business, and increased pension and medical expenses.

Research, development and related engineering spending increased to $19.5 million, or 3.5% of sales, in fiscal 2003 compared with $15.4 million, or 3.5% of sales, in the prior year. This is consistent with our philosophy of continually investing in new products and capabilities regardless of the business cycle.

Segment earnings (which exclude corporate expenses) increased 15.0% during fiscal 2003 to $68.2 million compared to $59.3 million in the prior year. Avionics & Controls segment earnings increased 12.4% during fiscal 2003 to $29.8 million. This increase reflected earnings from increased sales of specialized medical equipment, technology interface systems for land-based military vehicles, and cockpit switches to military OEMs, and was partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses. Sensors & Systems segment earnings decreased 18.3% during fiscal 2003 to $10.1 million. This decrease in Sensors & Systems was primarily due to the effect of a weaker U.S. dollar relative to the euro on U.S. dollar-denominated sales and euro-based operating expenses, integration expenses and the impact of the shipment of acquired inventories of the Weston Group, which were valued at fair market value at acquisition in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Advanced Materials segment earnings increased 33.1% during fiscal 2003 to $29.1 million. This increase was principally from acquisitions and was partially offset by a three-week shutdown of a countermeasure facility in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. In addition, Advanced Materials earnings were impacted by lower sales of elastomer products to aerospace and industrial commercial customers, integration expenses and operating losses at our specialized metal finishing unit.

On June 11, 2003, we acquired a group of companies referred to as the Weston Group for U.K. £55.0 million in cash (approximately $94.6 million based on the closing exchange rate and



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including acquisition costs). We hedged the U.K. £55.0 million cash price using foreign currency forward contracts and recorded a foreign currency gain of approximately $2.7 million at closing of the acquisition and settlement of foreign currency forward contracts.

Interest income decreased to $0.9 million during fiscal 2003 compared with $1.8 million in the prior year, reflecting the use of cash and cash equivalents for acquisitions and a decline in prevailing interest rates. Interest expense increased to $12.0 million during fiscal 2003 compared with $7.1 million in the prior year, due to the issuance of $175.0 million in 7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due June 15, 2013. In September 2003, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement on $75.0 million of our Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2013. The swap agreement exchanged the fixed interest rate for a variable interest rate on $75.0 million of the $175.0 million principal amount outstanding.

The effective income tax rate for continuing operations for fiscal 2003 was 30.5% compared with 25.1% in fiscal 2002. The effective tax rate differed from the statutory rate in fiscal 2003 and 2002, as both years benefited from various tax credits. In addition, in fiscal 2002, we recognized a $2.9 million reduction in income taxes associated with the favorable resolution of ongoing income tax audits. Additionally, the relative effect of export tax benefits and research and development tax credits was higher in fiscal 2002 due to the reduction in income from continuing operations before income taxes.

Income from continuing operations was $29.7 million, or $1.41 per share on a diluted basis, compared with $31.3 million, or $1.49 per share, in the prior year. Net earnings were $23.9 million, or $1.13 per share on a diluted basis in fiscal 2003, compared with a net loss of $1.3 million, or ($.06) per share, in the prior year. Net earnings in fiscal 2003 included a loss of $5.8 million, or ($.28) per diluted share, from discontinued operations. The net loss in fiscal 2002 included a loss from discontinued operations of $25.0 million, or ($1.19) per diluted share and a $7.6 million charge, or ($.36) per diluted share, for the cumulative effect of an accounting change as a result of the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (Statement No. 142).

Orders received in fiscal 2003 increased 17.5% to $581.6 million from $495.0 million in the prior year. Backlog at the end of fiscal 2003 was $300.9 million compared with $281.7 million at the end of the prior year. Backlog increased sequentially from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 to the third quarter of fiscal 2003, principally reflecting the increase in combustible ordnance orders and the acquisition of the Weston Group on June 11, 2003. The acquisition of the Weston Group represented approximately $15.4 million of the increase in backlog from fiscal 2002. Avionics & Controls backlog declined sequentially from the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 to October 31, 2003, reflecting lower orders for cockpit switches, panels and displays.



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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Working Capital and Statement of Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of fiscal 2004 totaled $29.5 million, a decrease of $114.7 million from the prior year, including a $12.8 million decrease in short-term investments. Net working capital decreased to $170.5 million at the end of fiscal 2004 from $222.4 million at the end of the prior year. Sources of cash flows from operating activities principally consist of cash received from the sale of products offset by cash payments for material, labor and operating expenses. Cash flows from operating activities were $62.3 million and $64.9 million in fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively. The decrease principally reflected lower cash receipts from accounts receivable collections and increased payments for inventories, partially offset by higher net earnings, depreciation and amortization, a U.S. income tax refund, and the timing of making income tax payments. The decrease in cash flows used by investing activities primarily reflected the acquisition of Leach in the third fiscal quarter of 2004, partially offset by the proceeds from the sale of W. A. Whitney and a product line in the Sensors & Systems segment. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities principally reflected the issuance of $175.0 million of Senior Subordinated Notes in the prior year’s third fiscal quarter and the repayment of $30.0 million of the 1999 Senior Notes in fiscal 2004.

Capital Expenditures
Net property, plant and equipment was $145.1 million at the end of fiscal 2004 compared with $117.1 million at the end of the prior year. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2004 were $22.1 million (excluding acquisitions) and included machinery and equipment and enhancements to information technology systems. Capital expenditures are anticipated to approximate $22.0 million for fiscal 2005. We will continue to support expansion through investments in infrastructure including machinery, equipment, buildings and information systems.

Debt Financing
Total debt decreased $22.5 million from the prior year to $257.1 million at the end of fiscal 2004. Total debt outstanding at the end of fiscal 2004 consisted of $175.0 million under our Senior Subordinated Notes, $70.0 million under our 1999 Senior Notes and $12.1 million under our credit facility and various foreign currency debt agreements, including capital lease obligations. The Senior Subordinated Notes are due June 15, 2013 at an interest rate of 7.75%. In September 2003 we entered into an interest rate swap agreement on $75.0 million of our Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2013. The swap agreement exchanged the fixed interest rate for a variable interest rate on $75.0 million of the $175.0 million principal amount outstanding. The 1999 Senior Notes have maturities ranging from 5 to 10 years and interest rates from 6.00% to 6.77%; $30.0 million of the Senior Notes matured and was paid in November 2003. We believe cash on hand, funds generated from operations and other available debt facilities are sufficient to fund operating cash requirements and capital expenditures through fiscal 2005. In addition, we believe we have adequate access to capital markets to fund future acquisitions.



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Pension Obligations
Our pension plans, which principally include a U.S. pension plan maintained by Esterline and U.S. and non-U.S. plans maintained by Leach, are under-funded $24.0 million at October 29, 2004. This under-funding resulted from the acquisition of Leach and assumption of its under-funded pension plans. We account for pension expense using the end of the fiscal year as our measurement date and we make actuarially computed contributions to our pension plans as necessary to adequately fund benefits. Our funding policy is consistent with the minimum funding requirements of ERISA. In fiscal 2004, operating cash flow included $0.5 million of cash funding to these pension plans. We expect pension funding requirements to be approximately $2.4 million to $2.8 million in fiscal 2005, which will be made to the Leach pension plans; the U.S. Esterline pension plan is not expected to require any contributions in 2005. The rate of increase in future compensation levels is consistent with our historical experience and salary administration policies. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on long-term target asset allocations of 70% equity and 30% fixed income. We periodically review allocations of plan assets by investment type and evaluate external sources of information regarding long-term historical returns and expected future returns for each investment type and, accordingly, believe an 8.5% assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets is appropriate. Current allocations are consistent with the long-term targets.

We made the following assumptions with respect to our pension obligation in 2004 and 2003:

           2004                   2003  
Principal assumptions as of fiscal year end:            
Discount Rate    6.0%    6.5%  
Rate of increase in future compensation levels    4.5%    4.5%  
Assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets    8.5%    8.5%  


We use a discount rate for expected returns that is based on a point-in-time estimate as of each fiscal year end measurement date. Although future changes to the discount rate are unknown, had the discount rate increased or decreased by 25 basis points, pension liabilities in total would have decreased $4.3 million or increased $4.5 million, respectively. We are not aware of any legislative or other initiatives or circumstances that will significantly impact our pension obligations in fiscal 2005.

Research and Development Expense
For the three years ended October 29, 2004, research and development expense has averaged 3.8% of sales. In fiscal 2004, we began bidding and winning new aerospace programs which will result in increased company-funded research and development. We estimate that research and development expense will range between 4.5% to 5% of sales in fiscal 2005.

Acquisitions
On August 27, 2004, we acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Leach Holding Corporation (Leach), a $119 million (sales) manufacturer of electrical power switching, control, and data communication devices for the aerospace industry, for approximately $145.0 million in cash before acquisition costs and an adjustment for the change in working capital from December 31, 2003 to closing, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 8,



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2004. Leach also manufactures medical diagnostic, therapeutic and patient monitoring devices, and analytical, optical and biosensor instruments for medical, laboratory and industrial applications. The acquisition expands our capabilities in providing solutions to our customers’ complex engineering requirements. The aerospace business is included in the Sensors & Systems segment and the medical business is included in the Avionics & Controls segment. We used existing cash and our credit facilities to finance the acquisition.

On December 1, 2003, we acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of AVISTA, a $10 million (sales) Wisconsin-based developer of embedded avionics software, for approximately $6.5 million. A contingent purchase price is payable to the seller in December 2004 and 2005 based upon the achievement of financial results as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement. The December 2004 purchase price adjustment is approximately $3.3 million, which will be recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 as additional consideration for the acquired assets. AVISTA provides a software engineering center to support our customers with such applications as primary flight displays, flight management systems, air data computers and engine control systems. AVISTA is included in our Avionics & Controls segment.

On June 11, 2003, we acquired the Weston Group from The Roxboro Group PLC for U.K. £55.0 million in cash (approximately $94.6 million based on the closing exchange rate and including acquisition costs). The acquisition was financed with a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of $175.0 million in 7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due June 15, 2013. In addition, the existing $50 million revolving line of credit was replaced with a $60 million revolving line of credit. In November 2003, $30.0 million of long-term Senior Notes, Series A, was paid according to terms from available cash and cash equivalents.

Equity Offering
On August 3, 2004, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 registering $300.0 million of equity and debt securities, which was declared effective on August 25, 2004. The shelf registration statement enables us to issue equity and debt securities in response to market conditions. On November 24, 2004 we completed a public offering of 3.7 million shares of common stock, including shares sold under the underwriters’ over-allotment option, priced at $31.25 per share, generating net proceeds of approximately $109 million, of which $5.0 million was used to pay off existing credit facilities. The funds provide additional financial resources for acquisitions and general corporate purposes.



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Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our outstanding contractual obligations as of fiscal year end.

In Thousands

  Less than   1-3   4-5   After 5  
Total
  1 year
  years
  years
  years
 
Long-term debt     $ 250,087   $ 2,800   $ 31,265   $ 40,875   $ 175,147  
Credit facilities    6,977    6,977              
Operating lease obligations    53,995    8,945    16,063    11,581    17,406  
Purchase obligations  
     Not recorded on balance sheet    70,187    63,118    6,360    709      
     Pension 1       2,400     2,400              
     Recorded on balance sheet    134,905    134,905              





Total contractual obligations     $ 518,551   $ 219,145   $ 53,688   $ 53,165   $ 192,553  






1

Our pension plan funding policy is consistent with the minimum funding requirements of ERISA. This table reflects the amount of our expected pension funding under our U.S. plans in fiscal 2005.


Seasonality
The timing of our revenues is impacted by the purchasing patterns of our customers and, as a result, we do not generate revenues evenly throughout the year. Moreover, our first fiscal quarter, November through January, includes significant holiday vacation periods in both Europe and North America. This leads to decreased order and shipment activity; consequently, first quarter results are typically weaker than other quarters and not necessarily indicative of our performance in subsequent quarters.


Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risks
Our debt obligations are principally at a fixed rate and, accordingly, we are not subject to interest rate risk on these obligations. However, we are subject to interest rate risk on $75.0 million of our Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2013. We hold an interest rate swap agreement, which exchanged the fixed interest rate for a variable rate on $75.0 million of the $175.0 million principal amount outstanding under our Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2013. The following table provides information about our derivative financial instruments and other financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For long-term debt, the table presents principal cash flows and the related weighted-average interest rates by contractual maturities. For our interest rate swap, the table presents notional amounts and, as applicable, the interest rate by contractual maturity date.



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Dollars In Thousands

Long-term Debt – Fixed Rate
Interest Rate Swap
Maturing in:
Principal
Amount

Average
Rates

Notional
Amount

Average
Pay Rate 1

Average
Receive Rate

2005     $ 1,031     7.4 %       $     *           7.75 %
2006       30,763     6.4 %             *           7.75 %
2007       502     7.0 %             *           7.75 %
2008       438     7.0 %             *           7.75 %
2009       40,437     6.8 %             *           7.75 %
Thereafter       175,147     7.75 %       75,000     *           7.75 %


Total     $ 248,318               $ 75,000              


             
Fair Value at                                  
      10/29/2004     $ 271,069     $ 1,769    

1

The average pay rate is LIBOR plus 2.56%.



Currency Risks
To the extent that sales are transacted in a foreign currency, we are subject to foreign currency fluctuation risk. Furthermore, we have assets denominated in foreign currencies that are not offset by liabilities in such foreign currencies. Although we own significant operations in France, Germany and the United Kingdom, historically we have not experienced material gains or losses due to interest rate or foreign exchange fluctuations. In fiscal 2004, the foreign exchange rate for the euro increased 10.5% relative to the U.S. dollar.

The following tables provide information about our derivative financial instruments, including foreign currency forward exchange agreements and certain firmly committed sales transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency. The information about certain firmly committed sales contracts and derivative financial instruments is in U.S. dollar equivalents. For forward foreign currency exchange agreements, the table presents the notional amounts at the current exchange rate and weighted-average contractual foreign currency exchange rates by contractual maturity dates. The table does not include firmly committed transactions that have not been hedged.



-15-


Firmly Committed Sales Contracts
Operations with Foreign Functional Currency

Principal Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Foreign Currency Exchange Rate (USD/Foreign Currency)

In Thousands

Fiscal Years
Euro
Firmly Committed
Sales Contracts
United States Dollar

U.K. Pound
Firmly Committed
Sales Contracts
United States Dollar

2005           $ 18,199         $ 10,816  
2006             5,205           101  
2007             5,452           149  
2008             3            
2009             2            


Total           $ 28,861         $ 11,066  




-16-


Derivative Contracts
Operations with Foreign Functional Currency

Notional Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Foreign Currency Exchange Rate (USD/Foreign Currency) 1

Dollars In Thousands

Related Forward Contracts to Sell U.S. Dollar for Euro

United States Dollar       
Fiscal Years
Notional Amount
Avg. Contract Rate
2005           $ 13,340                    1.204  
2006             1,700                    1.218  

Total       $ 15,040  

                       
Fair Value at 10/29/2004     $855




Related Forward Contracts to Sell U.S. Dollar for U.K. Pound

United States Dollar        
Fiscal Years
Notional Amount
Avg. Contract Rate
2005           $ 10,575                    1.782  
2006             900                    1.754  

Total       $ 11,475  

                       
Fair Value at 10/29/2004     $241


1

The Company has no derivative contracts after fiscal 2006.




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Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Actual results may differ from estimates under different assumptions or conditions. These estimates and assumptions are affected by our application of accounting policies. Our critical accounting policies include revenue recognition, accounting for the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, accounting for inventories at the lower of cost or market, accounting for goodwill and intangible assets in business combinations, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, accounting for legal contingencies, and accounting for income taxes.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when the title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is determinable, and the collectibility is reasonably assured. We recognize product revenues at the point of shipment or delivery in accordance with the terms of sale. Sales are net of returns and allowances. Returns and allowances are not significant because products are manufactured to customer specification and are covered by the terms of the product warranty.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts for losses expected to be incurred on accounts receivable balances. Judgment is required in estimation of the allowance and is based upon specific identification, collection history and creditworthiness of the debtor.

Inventories

We account for inventories on a first-in, first-out or average cost method of accounting at the lower of its cost or market as required under Accounting Research Bulletin No. 43 (ARB No. 43). The application of ARB No. 43 requires judgment in estimating the valuation of inventories. Such valuations require judgment in estimating future demand, selling prices and cost of disposal.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets in Business Combinations

We account for business combinations, goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations” (Statement No. 141) and Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (Statement No. 142). Statement No. 141 specifies the types of acquired intangible assets that are required to be recognized and reported separately from goodwill.



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Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Statement No. 142 requires goodwill and certain intangible assets to be no longer amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least annually. We are also required to test goodwill for impairment between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce our enterprise fair value below its book value. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the business climate, including a significant sustained decline in an entity’s market value, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business, or other factors.

The valuation of reporting units requires judgment in estimating future cash flows, discount rates and estimated product life cycles. In making these judgments, we evaluate the financial health of the business, including such factors as industry performance, changes in technology and operating cash flows.

Statement No. 142 outlines a two-step process for testing goodwill for impairment. The first step (Step One) of the goodwill impairment test involves estimating the fair value of a reporting unit. Statement No. 142 defines fair value (Fair Value) as “the amount at which an asset (or liability) could be bought (or incurred) or sold (or settled) in a current transaction between willing parties, that is, other than in a forced liquidation sale.” A reporting unit is generally defined at the operating segment level or at the component level one level below the operating segment, if said component constitutes a business. The Fair Value of a reporting unit is then compared to its carrying value, which is defined as the book basis of total assets less total liabilities. In the event a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its estimated Fair Value, evidence of potential impairment exists. In such a case, the second step (Step Two) of the impairment test is required, which involves allocating the Fair Value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit, with the excess of Fair Value over allocated net assets representing the Fair Value of goodwill. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the estimated Fair Value of goodwill.

As we have grown through acquisitions, we have accumulated $247.8 million of goodwill and $22.5 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets out of total assets of $932.8 million at October 29, 2004. As a result, the amount of any annual or interim impairment could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on our reporting financial results for the period in which the charge is taken.

We performed our impairment review for fiscal 2004 as of August 1, 2004, and our Step One analysis indicates that no impairment of goodwill exists in any of the Company’s reporting units. All but one of the reporting units passes the Step One by what we believe to be a significant margin. The remaining reporting unit, which has goodwill totaling $63.2 million, passes Step One by a less significant margin. Our Step One test was based upon a market and discounted cash flow valuation method. If events or circumstances change and if goodwill in this reporting unit is determined to be impaired, an amount of up to $63.2 million could be written off to expense.



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Impairment of Long-lived Assets

We account for the impairment of long-lived assets to be held and used in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (Statement No. 144). Statement No. 144 requires that a long-lived asset to be disposed of be reported at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. For business segments disposed of prior to the implementation of Statement No. 144 in fiscal 2003, namely the Automation segment, we accounted for discontinued operations in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30, “Reporting the Results of Operations – Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions” (APB No. 30). APB No. 30 requires that if a loss is expected, it should be recorded at the measurement date when management commits to a plan to dispose of a segment of a business. The loss from discontinuance is based upon estimates of net realizable value and estimated losses from the measurement date to the expected disposal date. Judgment is required to estimate the selling price, selling expenses and future losses of the segment.

Contingencies

We are party to various lawsuits and claims, both as plaintiff and defendant, and have contingent liabilities arising from the conduct of business. We are covered by insurance for general liability, product liability, workers compensation and certain environmental exposures, subject to certain deductible limits. We are self-insured for amounts less than our deductible and where no insurance is available. Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” requires that an estimated loss from a contingency should be accrued by a charge to income if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Disclosure of a contingency is required if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred. We evaluate, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Variations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” which is effective for public



-20-


companies for interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005. This statement will have a significant impact on our consolidated statements of operations, as we will be required to expense the fair value of our stock option grants and stock purchases under our employee stock purchase plan rather than disclose the impact on our consolidated net income within our footnotes as is our current practice. We intend to comply with the standard upon its effectiveness; however, we do not believe that the impact would be materially different from our pro forma disclosures as described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Esterline Technologies Corporation appearing on page 33.



-21-


Selected Financial Data

In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts

For Fiscal Years 2004   2003   2002   2001   2000  
                                   
Operating Results 1                        
Net sales   $ 628,169   $ 562,454   $ 434,809   $ 430,923   $ 372,551  
Cost of sales    426,612    383,825    293,236    269,582    229,516  
Selling, general  
   and administrative    117,689    107,797    79,086    81,103    81,968  
Research, development  
   and engineering    27,715    19,524    15,433    14,232    12,431  
Other income    (509 )                
Loss (gain) on sale  
   of product line    (3,434 )  66            (2,591 )
Insurance settlement                (4,631 )    
Loss (gain) on derivative  
   financial instruments        (2,676 )  1    (786 )    
Interest income    (1,964 )  (868 )  (1,814 )  (3,307 )  (2,205 )
Interest expense    17,339    11,995    7,122    7,663    8,124  
Income from  
   continuing operations  
   before income taxes    44,721    42,791    41,745    67,067    45,308  
                                   
Income tax expense    11,325    13,050    10,461    24,428    15,764  
Income from  
   continuing operations    33,374    29,741    31,284    42,639    29,544  
Income (loss) from  
   discontinued  
   operations, net of tax    9,181    (5,808 )  (25,039 )  (9,780 )  3,043  
Cumulative effect of a  
   change in  
   accounting principle            (7,574 )  (403 )    
Net earnings (loss)    42,555    23,933    (1,329 )  32,456    32,587  
                                   
Earnings (loss) per  
    share – diluted:  
    Continuing  
       operations   $ 1.55   $ 1.41   $ 1.49   $ 2.13   $ 1.68  
    Discontinued  
       operations    .43    (.28 )  (1.19 )  (.49 )  .17  
    Cumulative effect  
       of a change in  
       accounting principle            (.36 )  (.02 )    
   Earnings (loss) per  
       share – diluted    1.98    1.13    (.06 )  1.62    1.85  



-22-


Selected Financial Data

In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts

For Fiscal Years 2004   2003   2002   2001   2000  
                                   
Financial Structure                        
Total assets   $ 932,833   $ 800,630   $ 570,955   $ 559,808   $ 474,339  
Long-term debt, net    249,056    246,792    102,133    102,125    108,172  
Shareholders' equity    458,513    393,872    354,441    350,295    249,695  
                                   
Weighted average shares  
    outstanding – diluted    21,539    21,105    21,021    20,014    17,654  


1

Operating results for 2004 through 2000 and balance sheet items for 2003 through 2002 reflect the segregation of continuing operations from discontinued operations. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.




For Fiscal Years 2004   2003   2002   2001   2000  
                                   
Other Selected Data 2                        
EBITDA from continuing  
   operations     $ 85,523   $ 75,401   $ 61,891   $ 83,562   $ 66,669  
Capital expenditures       22,065     17,068     15,129     15,758     15,489  
Interest expense    17,339    11,995    7,122    7,663    8,124  
                                   
Depreciation and  
   amortization from  
   continuing operations       29,370     24,093     14,837     17,556     18,033  

2

EBITDA from continuing operations is a measurement not calculated in accordance with GAAP. We define EBITDA from continuing operations as operating earnings from continuing operations plus depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of debt issuance cost). We do not intend EBITDA from continuing operations to represent cash flows from continuing operations or any other items calculated in accordance with GAAP, or as an indicator of Esterline’s operating performance. Our definition of EBITDA from continuing operations may not be comparable with EBITDA from continuing operations as defined by other companies. We believe EBITDA is commonly used by financial analysts and others in the aerospace and defense industries and thus provides useful information to investors. Our management and certain financial creditors use EBITDA as one measure of our leverage capacity and debt servicing ability, and is shown here with respect to Esterline for comparative purposes. EBITDA is not necessarily indicative of amounts that may be available for discretionary uses by us. The following table reconciles operating earnings from continuing operations to EBITDA from continuing operations.




-23-


In Thousands

For Fiscal Years 2004   2003   2002   2001   2000  
                                   
Operating earnings                        
   from continuing  
   operations   $ 56,153   $ 51,308   $ 47,054   $ 66,006   $ 48,636  
Depreciation and  
   amortization from  
   continuing  
   operations       29,370     24,093     14,837     17,556     18,033  

EBITDA from  
   continuing  
   operations     $ 85,523   $ 75,401   $ 61,891   $ 83,562   $ 66,669  



-24-


Market Price of Esterline Common Stock

In Dollars

For Fiscal Years 2004   2003
High   Low       High   Low  
Quarter                        
First     $ 29.55   $ 21.71         $ 19.90   $ 15.58  
Second       29.80     23.00           18.10     14.70  
Third       31.70     22.52           19.35     15.80  
Fourth       34.19     27.83           22.79     17.40  

Principal Market – New York Stock Exchange


At the end of fiscal 2004, there were approximately 600 holders of record of our common stock.

No cash dividends were paid during fiscal 2004 and 2003. We currently intend to retain all future earnings for use to expand the business or retire debt. We are restricted from paying dividends under our current credit facility and do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.



-25-


Consolidated Statement of Operations

In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts

For Each of the Three Fiscal Years
in the Period Ended October 29, 2004
2004   2003   2002  
                       
Net Sales     $ 628,169   $ 562,454   $ 434,809  
Cost of Sales    426,612    383,825    293,236  

     201,557    178,629    141,573  
Expenses  
   Selling, general and administrative    117,689    107,797    79,086  
   Research, development  
      and engineering    27,715    19,524    15,433  

      Total Expenses    145,404    127,321    94,519  

Operating Earnings From  
   Continuing Operations    56,153    51,308    47,054  
                       
   Other income    (509 )        
   Loss (gain) on sale of product line    (3,434 )  66      
   Loss (gain) on derivative  
      financial instruments        (2,676 )  1  
   Interest income    (1,964 )  (868 )  (1,814 )
   Interest expense    17,339    11,995    7,122  

Other Expense, Net    11,432    8,517    5,309  

                       
Income From Continuing Operations  
   Before Income Taxes    44,721    42,791    41,745  
Income Tax Expense    11,325    13,050    10,461  

Income From Continuing Operations  
   Before Minority Interest    33,396    29,741    31,284  
                       
Minority Interest    (22 )        

Income From Continuing Operations    33,374    29,741    31,284  
                       
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations,  
   Net of Tax    9,181    (5,808 )  (25,039 )

                       
Earnings Before Cumulative  
   Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle    42,555    23,933    6,245  
                       
Cumulative Effect of a Change in  
   Accounting Principle, Net of Tax            (7,574 )

                       
Net Earnings (Loss)   $ 42,555   $ 23,933   $ (1,329 )



-26-


Consolidated Statement of Operations

In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts

For Each of the Three Fiscal Years
in the Period Ended October 29, 2004
2004   2003   2002  
                       
Earnings (Loss) Per Share – Basic:                
   Continuing operations   $ 1.57   $ 1.42   $ 1.51  
   Discontinued operations    .44    (.27 )  (1.21 )

   Earnings per share before  
      cumulative effect of a change in  
      accounting principle    2.01    1.15    .30  
   Cumulative effect of a change  
      in accounting principle            (.37 )

Earnings (Loss) Per Share – Basic   $ 2.01   $ 1.15   $ (.07 )

                       
Earnings (Loss) Per Share – Diluted:  
   Continuing operations   $ 1.55   $ 1.41   $ 1.49  
   Discontinued operations    .43    (.28 )  (1.19 )

   Earnings per share before  
      cumulative effect of a change in  
      accounting principle    1.98    1.13    .30  
   Cumulative effect of a change  
      in accounting principle            (.36 )

Earnings (Loss) Per Share – Diluted   $ 1.98   $ 1.13   $ (.06 )



See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



-27-


Consolidated Balance Sheet

In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts

As of October 29, 2004 and October 31, 2003 2004   2003  
                 
Assets            
                 
Current Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 29,479   $ 131,363  
Cash in escrow    8,511    4,536  
Short-term investments        12,797  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances  
   of $3,687 and $2,669    132,206    98,395  
Inventories    119,054    76,345  
Income tax refundable        7,677  
Deferred income tax benefits    20,984    16,529  
Prepaid expenses    9,441    7,030  
Other current assets    435      

   Total Current Assets    320,110    354,672  
                 
Property, Plant and Equipment  
Land    17,341    15,589  
Buildings    80,998    59,995  
Machinery and equipment    177,098    151,297  

     275,437    226,881  
Accumulated depreciation    130,302    109,791  

     145,135    117,090  
                 
Other Non-Current Assets  
Goodwill    247,817    185,353  
Intangibles, net    169,876    114,930  
Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated  
   amortization of $928 and $244    5,818    6,301  
Deferred income tax benefits    11,216      
Other assets    32,861    22,284  

      Total Assets   $ 932,833   $ 800,630  



See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



-28-


As of October 29, 2004 and October 31, 2003 2004   2003  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity            
                 
Current Liabilities  
Accounts payable   $ 37,867   $ 23,273  
Accrued liabilities    97,038    74,991  
Credit facilities    6,977    2,312  
Current maturities of long-term debt    1,031    30,473  
Federal and foreign income taxes    6,678    1,184  

   Total Current Liabilities    149,591    132,233  
                 
Long-Term Liabilities  
Long-term debt, net of current maturities    249,056    246,792  
Deferred income taxes    43,443    27,325  
Other liabilities    29,852      
                 
Commitments and Contingencies          
Net Liabilities of Discontinued Operations        408  
                 
Minority Interest    2,378      
                 
Shareholders' Equity  
Common stock, par value $.20 per share,  
   authorized 60,000,000 shares, issued and  
   outstanding 21,319,698 and 21,062,999 shares    4,264    4,213  
Additional paid-in capital    120,553    116,761  
Retained earnings    309,155    266,600  
Accumulated other comprehensive income    24,541    6,298  

   Total Shareholders' Equity    458,513    393,872  

         Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity   $ 932,833   $ 800,630  



See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



-29-


Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

In Thousands

For Each of the Three Fiscal Years
in the Period Ended October 29, 2004
2004   2003   2002  
                       
Cash Flows Provided (Used)                
by Operating Activities  
Net earnings (loss)   $ 42,555   $ 23,933   $ (1,329 )
Minority interest    22          
Depreciation and amortization       31,145     26,215     17,563  
Deferred income tax (benefit)       3,582     8,709     (722 )
Loss (gain) on disposal and holding period  
    loss on discontinued operations    (12,521 )  9,282    22,718  
Gain on sale of land    (892 )        
Loss (gain) on sale of product line    (3,434 )  66      
Working capital changes, net of  
    effect of acquisitions  
    Accounts receivable       (9,032 )   (9,516 )   5,544  
    Inventories       (9,095 )   6,322     2,936  
    Prepaid expenses       (659 )   117     (457 )
    Accounts payable       2,600     (4,396 )   5,049  
    Accrued liabilities       10,240     4,926     1,914  
    Federal and foreign income taxes       8,951     (923 )   (10,197 )
    Other liabilities       4,359          
Other, net       (5,530 )   197     9,937  

        62,291     64,932     52,956  

                       
Cash Flows Provided (Used)  
by Investing Activities  
Purchases of capital assets    (22,126 )  (17,130 )  (15,709 )
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations    10,000    3,850      
Proceeds from sale of product line    3,475    5,630      
Proceeds from sale of land    1,654          
Escrow deposit       (12,500 )   (1,036 )   (3,500 )
Capital dispositions       778     766     559  
Purchase of short-term investments        (12,797 )    
Sale of short-term investments    12,797          
Acquisitions of businesses,  
   net of cash acquired    (138,811 )  (111,735 )  (124,649 )

        (144,733 )   (132,452 )   (143,299 )



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For Each of the Three Fiscal Years
in the Period Ended October 29, 2004
2004   2003   2002  
                       
Cash Flows Provided (Used)                
by Financing Activities  
Proceeds provided by stock issuance  
   under employee stock plans    3,843    3,280      
Net change in credit facilities       4,122     2,279     (1,960 )
Repayment of long-term debt, net       (29,429 )   (732 )   (6,346 )
Debt and other issuance costs    (268 )  (7,735 )    
Proceeds from note issuance        175,000      

        (21,732 )   172,092     (8,306 )

                       
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash       2,290     4,280     1,220  

                       
Net increase (decrease) in  
   cash and cash equivalents    (101,884 )  108,852    (97,429 )
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year    131,363    22,511    119,940  

Cash and cash equivalents – end of year   $ 29,479   $ 131,363   $ 22,511  

                       
Supplemental Cash Flow Information  
Cash paid for interest   $ 17,394   $ 6,945   $ 7,247  
Cash paid (refunded) for taxes    (1,909 )  (558 )  7,296  


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



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Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’
Equity and Comprehensive Income

In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts

For Each of the Three Fiscal Years
in the Period Ended October 29, 2004
2004   2003   2002  
                       
Common Stock, Par Value $.20 Per Share                
Beginning of year   $ 4,213   $ 4,157   $ 4,143  
Shares issued under stock option plans    51    56    14  

End of year    4,264    4,213    4,157  

                       
Additional Paid-in Capital  
Beginning of year    116,761    113,537    113,284  
Shares issued under stock option plans    3,792    3,224    253  

End of year    120,553    116,761    113,537  

                       
Retained Earnings  
Beginning of year    266,600    242,667    243,996  
Net earnings (loss)    42,555    23,933    (1,329 )

End of year    309,155    266,600    242,667  

                       
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)  
Beginning of year    6,298    (5,920 )  (11,128 )
Change in fair value of derivative  
   financial instruments, net of tax    581    61    (67 )
Adjustment for supplemental executive  
   pension liability, net of tax    (850 )        
Foreign currency translation adjustment    18,512    12,157    5,275  

End of year    24,541    6,298    (5,920 )

   Total Shareholders' Equity   $ 458,513   $ 393,872   $ 354,441  

                       
Comprehensive Income  
Net earnings (loss)   $ 42,555   $ 23,933   $ (1,329 )
Change in fair value of derivative  
    financial instruments, net of tax    581    61    (67 )
Adjustment for supplemental executive  
    pension liability, net of tax    (850 )        
Foreign currency translation adjustment    18,512    12,157    5,275  

   Comprehensive Income   $ 60,798   $ 36,151   $ 3,879  



See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


NOTE 1:  Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations
Esterline Technologies Corporation (the Company) designs, manufactures and markets highly engineered products. The Company serves the aerospace and defense industry, primarily in the United States and Europe. The Company also serves the industrial/commercial and medical markets.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Classifications have been changed for certain amounts in prior periods to conform with the current year’s presentation. The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Friday of October.

Management Estimates
To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when the title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is determinable, and the collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company recognizes product revenues at the point of shipment or delivery in accordance with the terms of sale. Sales are net of returns and allowances. Returns and allowances are not significant because products are manufactured to customer specification and are covered by the terms of the product warranty.


Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, short-term borrowings, long-term debt, foreign currency forward contracts, and an interest rate swap agreement. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their respective fair values because of the short-term maturities or expected settlement dates of these instruments. The fair market value of the Company’s long-term debt and short-term borrowings was estimated



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at $271.1 million and $294.9 million, at fiscal year end 2004 and 2003, respectively. These estimates were derived using discounted cash flows with interest rates currently available to the Company for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk Management
The Company is subject to risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates from the sale of products in currencies other than its functional currency. The Company’s policy is to hedge a portion of its forecasted transactions using forward exchange contracts, with maturities up to fifteen months. These forward contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges. The portion of the net gain or loss on a derivative instrument that is effective as a hedge is reported as a component of other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity and is reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The remaining net gain or loss on the derivative in excess of the present value of the expected cash flows of the hedged transaction is recorded in earnings immediately. If a derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting, or a portion of the hedge is deemed ineffective, the change in fair value is recorded in earnings. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness has not been material in any of the three fiscal years in the period ended October 29, 2004. At October 29, 2004 and October 31, 2003, the notional value of foreign currency forward contracts was $26.5 million and $11.1 million, respectively. The fair value of these contracts at October 29, 2004 and October 31, 2003 was an asset of $1,096,000 and $173,000, respectively. The Company does not enter into any forward contracts for trading purposes.

Interest Rate Risk Management
Depending on the interest rate environment, the Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements to convert the fixed interest rates on notes payable to variable interest rates or terminate any swap agreements in place. These interest rate swap agreements have been designated as fair value hedges. Accordingly, gain or loss on swap agreements as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged portion of notes payable are recognized in interest expense during the period of the change in fair values. The Company attempts to manage exposure to counterparty credit risk by only entering into agreements with major financial institutions which are expected to be able to fully perform under the terms of the agreement. In September 2003, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement on $75.0 million of its Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2013. The swap agreement exchanged the fixed interest rate for a variable interest rate on $75.0 million of the $175.0 million principal amount outstanding. The fair market value of the Company’s interest rate swap was a $1,769,000 asset and a $235,000 liability at October 29, 2004 and October 31, 2003, respectively. The fair market value was estimated by discounting expected cash flows using quoted market interest rates.


Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated into their U.S. dollar equivalents based on year-end exchange rates. Revenue and expense accounts are translated at average exchange



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rates. Aggregate exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of foreign assets and liabilities are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of comprehensive income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in results of operations and have not been significant in amount in any of the three fiscal years in the period ended October 29, 2004.

Cash Equivalents and Cash in Escrow
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. Fair value of cash equivalents approximates carrying value. Cash in escrow represents amounts held in escrow pending finalization of a purchase transaction.

Short-term Investments
Short-term investments consist of highly liquid investments with maturities of more than three months at the date of purchase. Short-term investments are classified as trading securities and, accordingly, are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.

Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at the net invoice price for sales billed to customers. Accounts receivable are considered past due when outstanding more than normal trade terms allow. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established when losses are expected to be incurred. Accounts receivable are written off to the allowance for doubtful accounts when the balance is considered to be uncollectible.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost method. Inventory cost includes material, labor and factory overhead.

Property, Plant and Equipment, and Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost and includes expenditures for major improvements. Depreciation is generally provided on the straight-line method based upon estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 30 years. Depreciation expense was $21,609,000, $17,510,000 and $13,106,000 for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Debt Issuance Costs
Costs incurred to issue debt are deferred and amortized as interest expense over the term of the related debt using a method that approximates the effective interest method.



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Long-lived Assets
The carrying amount of long-lived assets is reviewed periodically for impairment. An asset (other than goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets) is considered impaired when estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset. In the event the carrying amount of such asset is not deemed recoverable, the asset is adjusted to its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally determined based upon estimated discounted future cash flows.

Goodwill and Intangibles
Beginning in fiscal 2002 with the adoption of Statement No. 142, goodwill is no longer amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually. When a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment test is required. This test involves allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit, with the excess of fair value over allocated net assets representing the fair value of goodwill. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value of goodwill. Prior to fiscal 2002, goodwill was amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of expected benefit which ranged from 10 to 40 years.

Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated period of benefit, ranging from 2 to 20 years. The Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of intangible assets and takes into account events or circumstances that warrant revised estimates of useful lives or that indicate that an impairment exists.

Indefinite lived intangible assets (other than goodwill) are tested annually for impairment or more frequently on an interim basis if circumstances require. This test is comparable to the impairment test for goodwill described above.

Environmental
Environmental exposures are provided for at the time they are known to exist or are considered probable and reasonably estimable. No provision has been recorded for environmental remediation costs which could result from changes in laws or other circumstances currently not contemplated by the Company. Costs provided for future expenditures on environmental remediation are not discounted to present value.

Stock-based Compensation
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25. Additional disclosures as required under Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (Statement No. 132), are included below. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was used to calculate the estimated compensation expense that would have been recognized under these guidelines.



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As prescribed by Statement No. 123, including compensation cost for the Company’s stock option and employee stock purchase plans, pro forma disclosures for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 would have been:

In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts

2004   2003   2002  
                       
Net earnings (loss) as reported     $ 42,555   $ 23,933   $ (1,329 )
Pro forma net earnings (loss)    40,566    22,396    (2,896 )
                       
Basic earnings (loss) per share as reported   $ 2.01   $ 1.15   $ (.07 )
Pro forma basic earnings (loss) per share    1.91    1.07    (.14 )
                       
Diluted earnings (loss) per share as reported   $ 1.98   $ 1.13   $ (.06 )
Pro forma diluted earnings (loss) per share    1.88    1.06    (.14 )


The weighted average Black-Scholes value of options granted during fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $13.85, $11.96 and $11.26, respectively. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:



2004   2003   2002  
                       
Volatility       53.1 %   66.3 %   65.6 %
Risk-free interest rate       3.12 - 3.84 %   2.88 - 3.94 %   2.79 - 4.03 %
Expected life (years)       5 - 8     5 - 8     5 - 8  
Dividends                



Product Warranties
Estimated product warranty expenses are recorded when the covered products are shipped to customers and recognized as revenue. Product warranty expense is estimated based upon the terms of the warranty program.

Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share also includes the dilutive effect of stock options. The weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share was 21,195,000, 20,900,000 and 20,751,000 for the fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute diluted earnings per share was 21,539,000, 21,105,000 and 21,021,000 for the fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.



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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” which is effective for public companies for interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005. This statement will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, as the Company will be required to expense the fair value of its stock option grants and stock purchases under its employee stock purchase plan rather than disclose the impact on the consolidated net income within the footnotes as is the Company’s current practice. Management intends to comply with the standard upon its effectiveness; however, management does not believe that the impact would be materially different from the above pro forma disclosures under “Stock-Based Compensation.”



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NOTE 2:  Accounting Changes

Effective at the beginning of fiscal 2002, the Company adopted Statement No. 142. Under the new Statement, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are no longer amortized, but are subject to annual impairment tests in accordance with the Statement. The Company conducted its initial impairment tests and determined that goodwill associated with a reporting unit in the Avionics & Controls segment was impaired as a result of applying Statement No. 142. Due to increased competition in the electronic input industry, principally from companies headquartered in Asia, operating profits and cash flows were lower in fiscal 2001 for this reporting unit. Based upon this trend, the earnings forecast for the next five years was lowered. A goodwill impairment loss of $7,574,000, net of an income tax benefit of $1,542,000, or ($.36) per diluted share, was recognized and reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle upon the adoption of Statement No. 142 in the first quarter of fiscal 2002. The fair value of the affected reporting unit was estimated using a combination of the present value of expected cash flows and a market approach.



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NOTE 3:  Discontinued Operations

On July 25, 2002, the Board of Directors adopted a formal plan for the sale of the assets and operations of the Company’s Automation segment. As a result, the consolidated financial statements present the Automation segment as a discontinued operation. The Company recorded an after-tax loss from discontinued operations of $5.8 million and $25.0 million in fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively. On July 23, 2003, the Company sold the assets of its Excellon Automation subsidiary. On August 31, 2004, the Company sold the stock of W. A. Whitney for $10.0 million in cash. Upon the final disposition of its discontinued operations, the Company recorded an $8.0 million gain, net of $4.5 million in tax, including the reversal of estimated reserves, which were recognizable upon the sale of the business.

Sales of the Automation segment were $16,892,000, $22,942,000 and $32,896,000 in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The operating results of the discontinued segment for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 consist of the following:

In Thousands

2004   2003   2002  
                       
Income (loss) before taxes     $ 1,824   $   $ (16,343 )
Tax expense (benefit)    657        (6,071 )

Net income (loss)    1,167        (10,272 )
Gain (loss) on disposal,  
     including tax expense (benefit)  
     of $4,507, $(3,474) and $(7,951)    8,014    (5,808 )  (14,767 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations   $ 9,181   $ (5,808 ) $ (25,039 )



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NOTE 4:  Inventories

Inventories at the end of fiscal 2004 and 2003 consisted of the following:


In Thousands

2004   2003  
                 
Raw materials and purchased parts     $ 58,736   $ 38,678  
Work in process    43,326    26,855  
Finished goods    16,992    10,812  

    $ 119,054   $ 76,345  



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NOTE 5:  Goodwill

The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill by segment for fiscal 2004 and 2003:

In Thousands

Avionics &
Controls

  Sensors &
Systems

  Advanced
Materials

  Total
 
Balance, October 25, 2002     $ 56,711   $ 18,376   $ 82,919   $ 158,006  
Goodwill from acquisitions        24,698        24,698  
Purchase price allocation adjustment    477        446    923  
Foreign currency translation adjustment    420    1,306        1,726  

                             
Balance, October 31, 2003   $ 57,608   $ 44,380   $ 83,365   $ 185,353  
Goodwill from acquisitions    20,505    38,997    100    59,602  
Foreign currency translation adjustment        2,862        2,862  

Balance, October 29, 2004   $ 78,113   $ 86,239   $ 83,465   $ 247,817  


The $923,000 purchase price allocation adjustment in 2003 resulted from the finalization of the asset valuation and additional acquisition costs directly related to the purchase of Janco Corporation and the Electronic Warfare Passive Expendables Division of BAE SYSTEMS North America (BAE Systems) radar countermeasures chaff and infrared decoy flare operations.



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NOTE 6:  Intangible Assets

Intangible assets at the end of fiscal 2004 and 2003 were as follows:

In Thousands

2004
  2003
 
Weighted
Average Years
Useful Life
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accum.
Amort.
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accum.
Amort.
Amortized Intangible Assets                        
     Programs                  18   $ 134,657   $ 12,698   $ 100,020   $ 5,803  
     Core technology                  16     8,979     1,465     8,709     827  
     Patents and other                   7     35,488     17,611     21,462     16,448  

         Total     $ 179,124   $ 31,774   $ 130,191   $23,078  

                                   
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets  
     Trademark        $22,526        $ 7,817       


  

Amortization of intangible assets was $8,533,000, $6,248,000 and $1,522,000 in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.



Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets for each of the next five fiscal years is as follows:

In Thousands

Fiscal Year
2005     $ 10,501  
2006    10,283  
2007    10,096  
2008    9,836  
2009    9,090  


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NOTE 7:  Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities at the end of fiscal 2004 and 2003 consisted of the following:

In Thousands

2004   2003  
                 
Payroll and other compensation     $ 39,316   $ 30,091  
Casualty and medical       11,940     9,348  
Interest       6,338     7,667  
Warranties       6,633     5,387  
State and other tax accruals       9,001     6,623  
Acquisition related payments       8,510     1,005  
Other       15,300     14,870  

      $ 97,038   $ 74,991  



NOTE 8:  Other Liabilities

Other liabilities at the end of fiscal 2004 and 2003 consisted of the following:

In Thousands

2004   2003  
                 
Pension obligation     $ 24,852   $  
Acquisition related payments       5,000      

      $ 29,852   $  



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NOTE 9:  Retirement Benefits

Pension benefits are provided for approximately 50% of all U.S. employees under the Esterline contributory pension plan or the Leach noncontributory defined benefit pension plan.

Under the Esterline plan, pension benefits are based on years of service and five-year average compensation or under a cash balance formula, with annual pay credits ranging from 2% to 6% of salary. Esterline amended its defined benefit plan to add the cash balance formula effective January 1, 2003. Participants elected either to continue earning benefits under the current plan formula or to earn benefits under the cash balance formula. Effective January 1, 2003, all new participants are enrolled in the cash balance formula. Esterline also has an unfunded supplemental retirement plan for key executives providing for periodic payments upon retirement.

Under the Leach noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, benefits are based on an employee’s years of service and the highest five consecutive years’ compensation during the last ten years of employment. Leach’s non-U.S. subsidiaries have retirement plans covering substantially all of its employees. Benefits become vested after ten years of employment and are due in full upon retirement, disability or death of the employee. Leach also has a supplemental retirement plan which provides supplemental pension benefits to key management in addition to amounts received under the Company’s existing retirement plan.

The Company accounts for pension expense using the end of the fiscal year as its measurement date. In addition, the Company makes actuarially computed contributions to these plans as necessary to adequately fund benefits. The Company’s funding policy is consistent with the minimum funding requirements of ERISA. The Esterline plan will require no contributions in fiscal 2005. Effective December 2003, the Leach plan was frozen and employees no longer accrue benefits for future services. The accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation for the Leach plans are $40,406,000 and $40,520,000, respectively, with plan assets of $19,562,000 as of October 29, 2004. The accrued benefit liabilities for these Leach plans are $20,992,000 at October 29, 2004. Contributions to the Leach plans totaled $523,000 in fiscal 2004 and will be in the range of $2,400,000 to $2,800,000 in fiscal 2005.

           2004                   2003  
Principal assumptions as of fiscal year end:            
Discount Rate    6.0%    6.5%  
Rate of increase in future compensation levels    4.5%    4.5%  
Assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets    8.5%    8.5%  


Plan assets are invested in a diversified portfolio of equity and debt securities, consisting primarily of common stocks, bonds and government securities. The objective of these investments is to maintain sufficient liquidity to fund current benefit payments and achieve targeted risk-adjusted returns. Management periodically reviews allocations of plan assets by investment type and evaluates external sources of information regarding the long-term historical returns and expected future returns for each investment type and, accordingly, believes an 8.5%



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assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets is appropriate. Allocations by investment type are as follows:

Actual
 
Plan assets allocation as of fiscal year end: Target   2004   2003  
                       
Equity securities       65-75%     67.4%     69.9%  
Debt securities       25-35%     32.6%     30.1%  

Total           100.0%     100.0%  


Net periodic pension cost for the Company’s defined benefit plans at the end of each fiscal year consisted of the following:

In Thousands

2004   2003   2002  
Components of Net Periodic Cost                
Service cost   $ 3,838   $ 3,524   $ 2,744  
Interest cost    7,618    7,088    6,822  
Expected return on plan assets    (9,766 )  (8,416 )  (9,819 )
Amortization of transition asset        77    81  
Amortization of prior service cost    19    18    68  
Amortization of actuarial loss    468    1,596    122  

Net periodic cost   $ 2,177   $ 3,887   $ 18  



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The funded status of the defined benefit pension plans at the end of fiscal 2004 and 2003 were as follows:

In Thousands

2004   2003  
Benefit Obligation            
Beginning balance   $ 114,196   $ 107,337  
Service cost    3,838    3,524  
Interest cost    7,620    7,088  
Actuarial loss    7,300    3,194  
Acquisitions    40,542      
Amendments        (487 )
Benefits paid    (7,168 )  (6,460 )

Ending balance   $ 166,328   $ 114,196  

                 
Plan Assets – Fair Value  
Beginning balance   $ 115,202   $ 102,107  
Actual gain on plan assets    14,577    19,519  
Acquisitions    19,141      
Company contributions    559    36  
Benefits paid    (7,168 )  (6,460 )

Ending balance   $ 142,311   $ 115,202  

                 
Reconciliation of Funded Status to Net Amount Recognized  
Funded status – plan assets relative to benefit obligation   $ (24,017 ) $ 1,006  
Unrecognized net actuarial loss    17,910    15,838  
Unrecognized prior service costs (benefit)    (12 )  6  
Unrecognized net loss       (31 )    

Net amount recognized   $ (6,150 ) $ 16,850  

                 
Amount Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet  
Prepaid benefit cost   $ 17,647   $ 18,980  
Accrued benefit liability    (25,277 )  (2,130 )
Intangible assets    141      
Accumulated other comprehensive income    1,339      

Net amount recognized   $ (6,150 ) $ 16,850  



The accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans was $159,689,514 at October 29, 2004 and $105,795,633 at October 31, 2003.



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Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid from the plan or from our assets are as follows:

In Thousands

2005     $ 9,840  
2006    10,588  
2007    11,037  
2008    11,616  
2009    12,046  
2010-2014    65,590  


Employees may participate in certain defined contribution plans. The Company’s contribution expense under these plans totaled $5,796,000, $4,790,000 and $3,227,000 in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.



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NOTE 10:  Income Taxes

Income tax expense from continuing operations for each of the fiscal years consisted of:

In Thousands

2004   2003   2002  
Current                
U.S. Federal   $ 9,250   $ 11,181   $ 7,851  
State    1,000    600    (123 )
Foreign    284    2,230    3,423  

     10,534    14,011    11,151  
Deferred  
U.S. Federal    4,010    (1,939 )  (386 )
State    860    (202 )  22  
Foreign    (4,079 )  1,180    (326 )

     791    (961 )  (690 )

Income tax expense   $ 11,325   $ 13,050   $ 10,461  



U.S. and foreign components of income from continuing operations before income taxes for each of the fiscal years were:

In Thousands

2004   2003   2002  
                       
U.S.     $ 37,639   $ 35,868   $ 31,890  
Foreign    7,082    6,923    9,855  

Income from continuing operations,  
   before income taxes   $ 44,721   $ 42,791   $ 41,745  



Primary components of the Company’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) at the end of the fiscal year resulted from temporary tax differences associated with the following:

In Thousands

2004   2003  
                 
Reserves and liabilities     $ 14,783   $ 13,896  
NOL carryforwards    13,677      
Employee benefits    3,740    3,281  
Other    1,158      

   Total deferred tax assets    33,358    17,177  
                 
Depreciation and amortization    (27,094 )  (13,061 )
Intangibles and amortization    (13,067 )  (6,875 )
Retirement benefits    (4,440 )  (6,194 )
Other        (1,843 )

   Total deferred tax liabilities    (44,601 )  (27,973 )

      Net deferred tax liabilities   $ (11,243 ) $ (10,796 )



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In connection with the Leach acquisition, the Company assumed a U.S. net operating loss (NOL) of $38.6 million which can be carried forward to subsequent years, subject to limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 382. Approximately $2.5 million of the $13.7 million tax benefit associated with the NOL carryforward is included in current deferred income tax benefits, and $11.2 million is reported as non-current deferred income tax benefits, reflecting the amount of the NOL that is expected to be utilized in fiscal years ending after October 2005. The NOL expires beginning in 2022.

The tax benefit received by the Company upon exercise of non-qualified employee stock options was $2.9 million, $0.9 million and $0.5 million in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

No valuation allowance was considered necessary on deferred tax assets.

A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate for each of the fiscal years was as follows:

2004   2003   2002  
                       
U.S. statutory income tax rate       35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %
State income taxes    1.5    0.9    (0.2 )
Foreign taxes    (5.0 )  (0.7 )  0.5  
Export sales benefit    (1.5 )  (1.9 )  (2.4 )
Pass-through entities    6.0    
Foreign tax credits    (5.7 )        
Research & development credits    (8.0 )  (4.9 )  (7.1 )
Tax accrual adjustment    2.1    1.9    (0.3 )
Other, net       0.9     0.2    (0.4 )

Effective income tax rate    25.3 %  30.5 %  25.1 %



The effective tax rate differed from the statutory rate in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, as all years benefited from various tax credits and export sales incentives. In fiscal 2004 and 2002, the Company recognized a $1.9 million and $2.9 million reduction in income taxes, respectively, associated with the favorable resolution of ongoing income tax audits.

No provision for federal income taxes has been made on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, since such earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested.



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NOTE 11:  Debt

Long-term debt at the end of fiscal 2004 and 2003 consisted of the following:

In Thousands

2004   2003  
                 
7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes, due June 2013     $ 175,000   $ 175,000  
6.77% Senior Notes, due November 2008    40,000    40,000  
6.40% Senior Notes, due November 2005    30,000    30,000  
6.00% Senior Notes, due November 2003        30,000  
Other    3,318    2,500  

     248,318    277,500  
                 
Fair value of interest rate swap agreement    1,769    (235 )
Less current maturities    1,031    30,473  

Carrying amount of long-term debt   $ 249,056   $ 246,792  



In June 2003, the Company sold $175.0 million of 7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2013 and requiring semi-annual interest payments in December and June of each year until maturity. The net proceeds from this offering were used to acquire the Weston Group from The Roxboro Group PLC for U.K. £55.0 million in cash (approximately $94.6 million based on the closing exchange rate and including acquisition costs) and for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of debt and possible future acquisitions. The Senior Subordinated Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company and are subordinated to all existing and future senior debt of the Company. In addition, the Senior Subordinated Notes are effectively subordinated to all existing and future senior debt and other liabilities (including trade payables) of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The Senior Subordinated Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, by all the existing and future domestic subsidiaries of the Company unless designated as an “unrestricted subsidiary” under the indenture covering the Senior Subordinated Notes. The Senior Subordinated Notes are subject to redemption at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on or after June 28, 2008 at redemption prices starting at 103.875% of the principal amount plus accrued interest during the period beginning June 28, 2003 and declining annually to 100% of principal and accrued interest on June 15, 2011. Any time prior to June 15, 2006, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes with the proceeds of one or more public equity offerings at a redemption price of 107.75% of the principal amount plus accrued interest.

In September 2003, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement on $75.0 million of its Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2013. The swap agreement exchanged the fixed interest rate for a variable interest rate on $75.0 million of the $175.0 million principal amount outstanding. The variable interest rate is based upon LIBOR plus 2.56% and was 4.87% at October 29, 2004. The fair market value of the Company’s interest rate swap was a $1,769,000 asset at October 29, 2004 and was estimated by discounting expected cash flows using quoted market interest rates.



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The Senior Notes due in fiscal years 2006 and 2009 require semi-annual interest payments in November and May of each year. The Senior Notes are unsecured.

Maturities of long-term debt at October 29, 2004, were as follows:

In Thousands

Fiscal Year
2005     $ 1,031  
2006    30,763  
2007    502  
2008    438  
2009    40,437  
2010 and thereafter    175,147  

    $ 248,318  



Short-term credit facilities at the end of fiscal 2004 and 2003 consisted of the following:

In Thousands

2004
2003
Outstanding
Borrowings
Interest
Rate
Outstanding
Borrowings
Interest
Rate
                                   
U.S.     $ 5,000     3.46%         $      
Foreign       1,977     2.72%           2,312     3.01%  

      $ 6,977               $ 2,312        

The Company’s primary U.S. dollar credit facility totals $60,000,000 and is made available through a group of banks. The credit agreement is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets and interest is based on standard inter-bank offering rates. An additional $15,254,000 of unsecured foreign currency credit facilities have been extended by foreign banks for a total of $75,254,000 available companywide.

A number of underlying agreements contain various covenant restrictions which include maintenance of net worth, payment of dividends, interest coverage and limitations on additional borrowings. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at October 29, 2004. Available credit under the above credit facilities was $59,955,000 at fiscal 2004 year end, when reduced by outstanding borrowings of $6,977,000 and letters of credit of $8,322,000.

The fair market value of the Company’s long-term debt and short-term borrowings was estimated at $271,069,000 and $294,889,000 at fiscal year end 2004 and 2003, respectively. These estimates were derived using discounted cash flows with interest rates currently available to the Company for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.



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NOTE 12:  Commitments and Contingencies

Rental expense for operating leases totaled $9,482,000, $7,961,000 and $6,493,000 in fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

At October 29, 2004, the Company’s rental commitments for noncancelable operating leases with a duration in excess of one year were as follows:

In Thousands

Fiscal Year
2005     $ 8,945  
2006    8,505  
2007    7,558  
2008    6,137  
2009    5,444  
2010 and thereafter    17,406  

    $ 53,995  



The Company is a party to various lawsuits and claims, both as plaintiff and defendant, and has contingent liabilities arising from the conduct of business, none of which, in the opinion of management, is expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company believes that it has made appropriate and adequate provisions for contingent liabilities.

Approximately 670 U.S.-based employees or 17% of total U.S.-based employees were represented by various labor unions. In October 2004, a collective bargaining agreement covering about 250 employees expired and a successor agreement was reached with the labor union. Additionally, a collective bargaining agreement covering about 100 employees is currently being negotiated, and a third agreement covering about 100 employees will expire in April 2005. Management believes that the Company has established a good relationship with these employees and their union. The Company’s European operations are subject to national trade union agreements and to local regulations governing employment.



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NOTE 13:  Employee Stock Plans

In March 2002, the Company’s shareholders approved the establishment of an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) under which 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock are reserved for issuance to employees. The plan qualifies as a noncompensatory employee stock purchase plan under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees are eligible to participate through payroll deductions subject to certain limitations.

At the end of each offering period, usually six months, shares are purchased by the participants at 85% of the lower of the fair market value on the first day of the offering period or the purchase date. During fiscal 2004, employees purchased 58,861 shares at a fair market value price of $22.23 per share, leaving a balance of 186,187 shares available for issuance in the future. As of October 29, 2004, deductions aggregating $553,724 were accrued for the purchase of shares on December 15, 2004.

The Company also provides a nonqualified stock option plan for officers and key employees. At the end of fiscal 2004, the Company had 2,013,250 shares reserved for issuance to officers and key employees, of which 575,250 shares were available to be granted in the future.

The Board of Directors authorized the Compensation Committee to administer option grants and their terms. Awards under the 2004 plan may be granted to eligible employees of the Company over the 10-year period ending March 3, 2014. Options granted become exercisable over a period of four years following the date of grant and expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant. Option exercise prices are equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

The following table summarizes the changes in outstanding options granted under the Company’s stock option plans:

2004
  2003
  2002
 
Shares
Subject to
Option
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Shares
Subject to
Option
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Shares
Subject to
Option
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Outstanding,                            
   beginning of year    1,497,750   $ 16.25    1,618,125   $ 14.85    1,483,750   $ 13.71  
Granted    229,000    25.09    245,000    18.68    260,000    17.71  
Exercised    (278,250 )  12.53    (264,000 )  8.83    (103,750 )  4.94  
Cancelled    (10,500 )  21.99    (101,375 )  19.05    (21,875 )  18.46  

Outstanding,  
   end of year    1,438,000   $ 18.34    1,497,750   $ 16.25    1,618,125   $ 14.85  

Exercisable,  
   end of year    877,750   $ 16.39    942,375   $ 14.94    1,052,500   $ 13.20  



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The following table summarizes information for stock options outstanding at October 29, 2004:

    Options Outstanding
  Options Exercisable
 
                    Range of
         Exercise Prices
  Shares   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life (years)
  Weighted
Average
Price
  Shares   Weighted
Average
Price
 
                                   
$      6.44    —    11.69       242,000     3.44   $ 10.92     242,000   $ 10.92  
      13.25    —    16.75       285,500     5.30     14.87     221,500     14.59  
      17.90    —    19.63       308,250     6.42     18.40     173,250     18.59  
      19.65    —    22.31       289,500     6.51     20.56     176,500     20.74  
      22.60    —    29.00        312,750     8.53     25.12     64,500     25.27  



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NOTE 14:  Capital Stock

The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 25,000 shares of preferred stock ($100 par value), 475,000 shares of serial preferred stock ($1.00 par value), each issuable in series, and 60,000,000 shares of common stock ($.20 par value). At the end of fiscal 2004, there were no shares of preferred stock or serial preferred stock outstanding.

On November 24, 2004 the Company completed a public offering of 3.7 million shares of common stock, including shares sold under the underwriters’ over-allotment option, priced at $31.25 per share, generating net proceeds of approximately $109 million, of which $5.0 million was used to pay off existing credit facilities. The funds provide additional financial resources for acquisitions and general corporate purposes.

Effective December 5, 2002, the Board of Directors adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan, providing for the distribution of one Series B Serial Preferred Stock Purchase Right (Right) for each share of common stock held as of December 23, 2002. Each Right entitles the holder to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Series B Serial Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $161.00, as may be adjusted from time to time.

The Right to purchase shares of Series B Serial Preferred Stock is triggered once a person or entity (together with such person’s or entity’s affiliates) beneficially owns 15% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (such person or entity, an Acquiring Person). When the Right is triggered, the holder may purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Series B Serial Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $161.00 per share. If after the Rights are triggered, (i) the Company is the surviving corporation in a merger or similar transaction with an Acquiring Person, (ii) the Acquiring Person beneficially owns more than 15% of the outstanding shares of common stock or (iii) the Acquiring Person engages in other “self-dealing” transactions, holders of the Rights can elect to purchase shares of common stock of the Company with a market value of twice the exercise price. Similarly, if after the Rights are triggered, the Company is not the surviving corporation of a merger or similar transaction or the Company sells 50% or more of its assets to another person or entity, holders of the Rights may elect to purchase shares of common stock of the surviving corporation or that person or entity who purchased the Company’s assets with a market value of twice the exercise price.



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NOTE 15:  Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquistions
On August 27, 2004, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Leach Holding Corporation (Leach), a $119 million (sales) manufacturer of electrical power switching, control and data communication devices for the aerospace industry for approximately $145.0 million (approximately $147.0 million including acquisition costs) before an adjustment for the change in working capital from December 31, 2003 to closing, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 8, 2004 (Agreement). Leach also manufactures medical diagnostic, therapeutic and patient monitoring devices, and analytical, optical and biosensor instruments for medical, laboratory and industrial applications. The acquisition was funded with available cash and a draw on the Company’s credit facility.

An escrow account for $12.5 million was established under the Agreement, which is payable to the shareholders of Leach, subject to certain Leach shareholder indemnifications. The acquisition expands the Company’s capabilities in providing solutions to its customers’ power distribution and diagnostic monitoring requirements.

The aerospace business is included in the Sensors & Systems segment and the medical business is included in the Avionics & Controls segment.

The following summarizes the estimated fair market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The allocation of the purchase price was based upon a preliminary valuation report and accordingly, the allocation is subject to refinement. The amount allocated to goodwill is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

In Thousands

As of August 27, 2004

Current Assets     $ 52,814  
Property, plant and equipment    24,569  
Intangible assets subject to amortization  
     Programs (20 year weighted average useful life)    30,117  
     Patents (15 year weighted average useful life)    2,235  
     Leasehold interest (64 year remaining term of lease)    4,300  
     Other (10 year useful life)    4,721  

     41,373  
           
Trade names (not subject to amortization)    13,720  
Deferred income tax benefits    11,216  
Goodwill    53,232  
Other assets    4,798  

Total assets acquired    201,722  


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Current liabilities assumed      20,731  
Long-term debt    2,192  
Pension and other liabilities    20,144  
Deferred tax liabilities    9,278  
Minority interest    2,356  

Net assets acquired   $ 147,021  



On December 1, 2003, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of AVISTA, Incorporated (AVISTA), a $10 million (sales) Wisconsin-based developer of embedded avionics software, for approximately $6.5 million in cash. A purchase price adjustment is payable to the seller in December 2004 and 2005 contingent upon the achievement of financial results as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement. The December 2004 purchase price adjustment is approximately $3.3 million, which will be recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 as additional consideration for the acquired assets. AVISTA provides a software engineering center to support the Company’s customers with such applications as primary flight displays, flight management systems, air data computers and engine control systems. AVISTA is included in the Avionics & Controls segment and the results of its operations were included from the effective date of the acquisition. Revenues are largely fees charged for software engineering services.

On June 11, 2003, the Company acquired a group of companies referred to as the Weston Group from The Roxboro Group PLC for U.K. £55.0 million in cash (approximately $94.6 million based on the closing exchange rate and including acquisition costs). The acquisition was financed with a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of $175.0 million in 7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due June 15, 2013. The Company hedged the U.K. £55.0 million cash price using foreign currency forward contracts and recorded a foreign currency gain of approximately $2.7 million at closing of the acquisition and the settlement of foreign currency forward contracts.

The Weston Group supplies sensors and systems principally for the measurement of temperature, and also for rotational speed, torque, and density. The Weston Group’s product offerings are sold primarily into the commercial aerospace market and to a lesser degree, the industrial gas turbine market. The acquisition is included in the Sensors & Systems segment and complements the Company’s existing product offerings. Integration of the Weston Group and certain required expense reductions in the Sensors & Systems segment resulted in severance and early retirement expense of approximately $4.5 million in fiscal 2004. The severance and early retirement covered 55 employees in engineering, production, quality, research and development and administration functions.

The following summarizes the estimated fair market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.



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In Thousands

As of June 11, 2003

Current Assets     $ 16,838  
Property, plant and equipment    13,020  
Intangible assets subject to amortization  
     Programs (20 year weighted average useful life)    42,677  
     Patents (15 year weighted average useful life)    2,799  
     Other (10 year useful life)    1,428  

     46,904  
           
Trade names (not subject to amortization)    7,191  
Goodwill    22,919  
Other assets    487  

Total assets acquired    107,359  
           
Current liabilities assumed    7,840  
Deferred tax liabilities    4,934  

Net assets acquired   $ 94,585  



On January 2, 2003, the Company acquired the net assets of BVR Aero Precision Corporation (BVR), a manufacturer of precision gears and electronic data concentrators, for $11.4 million in cash. An additional payment of $3.8 million is contingent upon achievement of certain sales levels through fiscal 2006, as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement. Any additional payment made, when the contingency is resolved, will be accounted for as additional consideration for the acquired assets. BVR is included in the Sensors & Systems segment and enhances the Company’s position in aerospace sensors.

On August 29, 2002, the Company’s Armtec Defense Products Co. subsidiary (Armtec) acquired BAE Systems’ radar countermeasures chaff and infrared decoy flare operations for approximately $71.4 million in cash. At the time of the asset acquisition from BAE Systems, certain environmental remedial activities were required under a Part B Permit issued to the infrared decoy flare facility by the State of Arkansas under the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The Part B Permit was transferred to Armtec, along with the remedial obligations. Under the Asset Purchase Agreement, BAE Systems agreed to complete all remedial obligations at the infrared decoy flare facility and to indemnify Esterline on all environmental liabilities to a maximum amount of $25.0 million.

Radar countermeasure chaff is used by aircraft to help protect against radar-guided missiles. Aircraft-dispensable flares are designed to protect against infrared-guided missiles. The business operates as a division of Armtec and complements Armtec’s position as the U.S. Army’s sole-source provider of combustible ordnance for tank, artillery, and mortar ammunition.



-59-


The following summarizes the estimated fair market values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The amount allocated to goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. In fiscal 2003, the Company finalized its purchase price allocation, which is reflected below:

In Thousands

As of August 29, 2002

Current assets     $ 11,231  
Property, plant and equipment    9,123  
Intangible assets subject to amortization  
    Programs (17 year weighted average useful life)    38,221  
    Patents (10 year useful life)    941  

     39,162  
           
Goodwill    15,106  

Total assets acquired    74,622  
           
Current liabilities assumed    3,197  

Net assets acquired   $ 71,425  



On April 29, 2002, the Company acquired Burke Industries’ Engineered Polymers Group (Polymers Group) for approximately $37.6 million in cash. The acquired group is a manufacturer of aerospace seals and similar high-performance products. The Polymers Group is included in the Advanced Materials segment. The acquisition added to the Company’s existing technology base and establishes the Company as a global leader in custom aerospace seals and similar high-performance products.

The following summarizes the estimated fair market values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The amount allocated to goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

In Thousands

As of April 29, 2002

Current assets     $ 9,442  
Property, plant and equipment    5,313  
Intangible assets subject to amortization  
    Core technology (15 year useful life)    5,949  
    Programs (9 year weighted average useful life)    9,855  

     15,804  
           
Goodwill    7,942  

Total assets acquired    38,501  
           
Current liabilities assumed    864  

Net assets acquired   $ 37,637  


  


-60-


On June 3, 2002, the Company acquired Janco Corporation (Janco) for approximately $13.8 million in cash. Janco manufactures aircraft rotary switches, potentiometers and sophisticated modular control systems. In addition, the Company acquired a product line for approximately $5.7 million in cash.

The above acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and the results of operations were included from the effective date of each acquisition.

Divestitures
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company sold a product line in its Sensors & Systems segment and recorded a gain of $3.4 million. In the second quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company sold a product line in its Sensors & Systems segment and reported a net loss on sale of $66,000.



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NOTE 16:  Business Segment Information

In the third quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan providing for the discontinuation of the Automation segment. Subsequent to that decision, management redefined the Company’s segments to correspond with the way the Company is now organized and managed. Accordingly, business segment information includes the segments of Avionics & Controls, Sensors & Systems and Advanced Materials. Operations within the Avionics & Controls segment focus on technology interface systems for commercial and military aircraft, and similar devices for land- and sea-based military vehicles, secure communications systems, specialized medical equipment and other industrial applications. Sensors & Systems includes operations that produce high-precision temperature and pressure sensors, electrical power switching, control and data communication devices, fluid and motion control components and other related systems principally for aerospace and defense customers. The Advanced Materials segment focuses on high-performance elastomer products used in a wide range of commercial aerospace and military applications, and combustible ordnance and electronic warfare countermeasure devices. Sales in all segments include domestic, international, defense and commercial customers.

Geographic sales information is based on product origin. The Company evaluates these segments based on segment profits prior to net interest, other income/expense, corporate expenses and federal/foreign income taxes.



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Details of the Company’s operations by business segment for the last three fiscal years were as follows:

In Thousands

2004 2003 2002
Sales                
Avionics & Controls   $ 209,498   $ 198,249   $ 171,709  
Sensors & Systems    194,803    146,976    104,942  
Advanced Materials    223,344    216,655    157,384  
Other    524    574    774  

    $ 628,169   $ 562,454   $ 434,809  

                       
Income From Continuing Operations  
Avionics & Controls   $ 33,079   $ 29,798   $ 26,501  
Sensors & Systems    10,621    10,090    12,352  
Advanced Materials    29,497    29,120    21,884  
Other    (573 )  (821 )  (1,420 )

   Segment Earnings    72,624    68,187    59,317  
                       
Corporate expense    (16,471 )  (16,879 )  (12,263 )
Gain (loss) on sale of product line    3,943    (66 )    
Gain (loss) on derivative  
   financial instruments        2,676    (1 )
Interest income    1,964    868    1,814  
Interest expense    (17,339 )  (11,995 )  (7,122 )

    $ 44,721   $ 42,791   $ 41,745  

                       
Identifiable Assets  
Avionics & Controls   $ 198,142   $ 144,492   $ 145,296  
Sensors & Systems    374,123    219,247    98,624  
Advanced Materials    267,811    262,001    257,408  
Other    2    2    2  
Discontinued operations            13,576  
Corporate 1    92,755    174,888    56,049  

    $ 932,833   $ 800,630   $ 570,955  

                       
Capital Expenditures  
Avionics & Controls   $ 6,483   $ 2,744   $ 1,980  
Sensors & Systems    3,600    3,232    4,432  
Advanced Materials    11,492    8,857    8,497  
Other              
Discontinued operations    61    62    580  
Corporate    490    2,235    220  

    $ 22,126   $ 17,130   $ 15,709  



-63-


In Thousands

2004 2003 2002
Depreciation and Amortization                
Avionics & Controls   $ 5,525   $ 4,964   $ 4,060  
Sensors & Systems       10,954     6,449     3,083  
Advanced Materials    12,394    11,982    7,156  
Other            4  
Discontinued operations    835    1,789    2,726  
Corporate    1,437    1,031    534  

      $ 31,145   $ 26,215   $ 17,563  


1

Primarily cash, prepaid pension expense (see Note 9) and deferred tax assets (see Note 10).


The Company’s operations by geographic area for the last three fiscal years were as follows:

In Thousands

2004 2003 2002
Sales                
Domestic  
Unaffiliated customers – U.S.   $ 383,561   $ 377,947   $ 294,693  
Unaffiliated customers – export    88,989    62,077    51,044  
Intercompany    3,549    1,720    1,816  

     476,099    441,744    347,553  

                       
France  
Unaffiliated customers    58,788    54,857    54,944  
Intercompany    5,050    3,182    3,652  

     63,838    58,039    58,596  

                       
United Kingdom  
Unaffiliated customers    90,531    61,998    20,354  
Intercompany    2,406    65      

     92,937    62,063    20,354  

                       
All Other Foreign  
Unaffiliated customers    6,300    5,575    13,774  
Intercompany    938    1,280    417  

     7,238    6,855    14,191  

                       
Eliminations    (11,943 )  (6,247 )  (5,885 )

    $ 628,169   $ 562,454   $ 434,809  



-64-


2004 2003 2002
Segment Earnings 1                
Domestic   $ 66,680   $ 61,271   $ 49,120  
France       772     4,716     7,608  
United Kingdom    4,998    2,898    2,028  
All other foreign    174    (698 )  561  

    $ 72,624   $ 68,187   $ 59,317  

                       
Identifiable Assets 2  
Domestic   $ 432,365   $ 448,780   $ 420,895  
France    197,431    42,828    46,683  
United Kingdom    202,411    133,309    35,583  
All other foreign    7,871    825    11,745  

    $ 840,078   $ 625,742   $ 514,906  


1

Before corporate expense, shown on page 63.

2

Excludes corporate, shown on page 63.


The Company’s principal foreign operations consist of manufacturing facilities located in France, Germany and the United Kingdom, and include sales and service operations located in Singapore and China. Sensors & Systems segment operations are dependent upon foreign sales, which represented $144.3 million, $117.0 million and $87.8 million of Sensors & Systems sales in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Intercompany sales are at prices comparable with sales to unaffiliated customers. U.S. Government sales as a percent of Advanced Materials and Avionics & Controls sales were 35.9% and 9.4%, respectively, in fiscal 2004 and 16.6% of consolidated sales. In fiscal 2003, U.S. Government sales as a percent of Advanced Materials and Avionics & Controls sales were 36.1% and 7.4%, respectively, and 16.8% of consolidated sales.

Product lines contributing sales of 10% or more of total sales in any of the last three fiscal years were as follows:

2004 2003 2002
                       
Elastomeric products       16%     18%     20%  
Sensors    21%    16%    16%  
Aerospace switches and indicators    13%    15%    17%  
Combustible ordnance components    8%    10%    11%  



-65-


NOTE 17:  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly financial information:

In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts

Fiscal Year 2004 Fourth Third Second First
                             
Net sales     $ 194,763   $ 150,614   $ 150,194   $ 132,598  
Gross margin       64,106     47,145     50,304     40,002  
                             
Income from continuing operations       15,233  1   7,023     9,240     1,878  2
Income from discontinued operations,    
    net of tax       7,883     626     672      

Net earnings     $ 23,116  1 $ 7,649   $ 9,912   $ 1,878  2

                             
Earnings per share – basic  
    Continuing operations     $ .71   $ .33   $ .44   $ .09  
    Discontinued operations 3       .37     .03     .03      

Earnings per share – basic 3   $ 1.08   $ .36   $ .47   $ .09  

                             
Earnings per share – diluted    
    Continuing operations 3     $ .70   $ .33   $ .43   $ .09  
    Discontinued operations 3       .37     .03     .03      

Earnings per share – diluted 3   $ 1.07   $ .36   $ .46   $ .09  



-66-


In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts

Fiscal Year 2003 Fourth Third Second First
                                   
Net sales     $ 160,326   $ 140,518   $ 135,281   $ 126,329  
Gross margin       53,680     45,706     40,570     38,673  
                                   
Income from continuing operations       9,412     8,444  4   6,042  5   5,843  
Loss from discontinued operations,    
    net of tax               (5,808 )    

Net earnings     $ 9,412   $ 8,444  4 $ 234  5 $ 5,843  

                             
Earnings per share – basic    
    Continuing operations     $ .45   $ .40   $ .29   $ .28  
    Discontinued operations 3               (.28 )    

Earnings per share – basic 3     $ .45   $ .40   $ .01   $ .28  

                             
Earnings per share – diluted    
    Continuing operations 3     $ .44   $ .40   $ .29   $ .28  
    Discontinued operations 3               (.28 )    

Earnings per share – diluted 3     $ .44   $ .40   $ .01   $ .28  



1

Included a $3.4 million gain on the sale of a product line in the Sensors & Systems segment.


2

Included $4.5 million in legal, severance and early retirement expense in the Sensors & Systems segment. Included a $1.9 million reduction of previously estimated tax liabilities associated with the receipt of a NOPA from the Internal Revenue Service.


3

The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal per share amounts reported for year-to-date periods. This is due to changes in the number of weighted average shares outstanding and the effects of rounding for each period.


4

Included the $2.7 million foreign currency gain recorded upon settlement of foreign currency forward contracts used to hedge the U.K. £55.0 million cash price for the Weston Group. Included $929,000 in severance incurred in connection with the closing of facilities and termination of affected employees of a product line in the Sensors & Systems segment.


5

Included an $863,000 gain on the sale of a product line in the Sensors & Systems segment.




-67-


NOTE 18:  Guarantors

The following schedules set forth condensed consolidating financial information as required by Rule 3-10 of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X for fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002 for (a) Esterline Technologies Corporation (the Parent); (b) on a combined basis, the subsidiary guarantors (Guarantor Subsidiaries) of the Senior Subordinated Notes which include Advanced Input Devices, Inc., Amtech Automated Manufacturing Technology, Angus Electronics Co., Armtec Countermeasures Co., Armtec Defense Products Co., Auxitrol Co., AVISTA, Incorporated, Boyar-Schultz Corporation, BVR Technologies Co., Equipment Sales Co., EA Technologies Corporation, Esterline Technologies Holdings Limited, Fluid Regulators Corporation, H.A. Sales Co., Hauser Inc., Hytek Finishes Co., Janco Corporation, Kirkhill-TA Co., Korry Electronics Co., Leach Holding Corporation, Leach International Corporation, Leach Technology Group, Inc., Mason Electric Co., MC Tech Co., Memtron Technologies Co., Norwich Aero Products, Inc., Pressure Systems, Inc., Pressure Systems International, Inc., SureSeal Corporation, Surftech Finishes Co., UMM Electronics Inc., and (c) on a combined basis, the subsidiary non-guarantors (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries), which include Auxitrol S.A., Auxitrol Technologies S.A., Auxitrol Asia PTE Ltd., Esterline Technologies DK Aps (Denmark), Esterline Technologies Ltd. (England), Esterline Technologies Ltd. (Hong Kong), Excellon Europa GmbH, Excellon France S.A.R.L., Guizhou Leach-Tianyi Aviation Electrical Company Ltd. (China), Leach International Asia-Pacific Ltd. (Hong Kong), Leach International Europe S.A. (France), Leach International Germany GmbH (Germany), Leach International Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico), Leach International U.K. (England), LRE Technologies Partner GmbH (Germany), Muirhead Aerospace Ltd., Norcroft Dynamics Ltd., Pressure Systems International Ltd., Weston Aero Ltd. (England), and Weston Aerospace, Ltd. (England). The guarantor subsidiaries are direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Esterline Technologies and have fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed the Senior Subordinated Notes.



-68-


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 29, 2004

In Thousands

Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations
Total
Assets                        
                                   
Current Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents     $ 6,859   $ 2,353   $ 20,267   $   $ 29,479  
Cash in escrow       8,511                 8,511  
Accounts receivable, net       2,221     83,115     46,870         132,206  
Inventories           76,168     42,886         119,054  
Deferred income tax benefits       38,115         (17,131 )       20,984  
Prepaid expenses       353     3,598     5,490         9,441  
Other current assets       147     288             435  

   Total Current Assets       56,206     165,522     98,382         320,110  
                                   
Property, Plant & Equipment, Net       2,369     99,360     43,406         145,135  
Goodwill           175,607     72,210         247,817  
Intangibles, Net       141     77,160     92,575         169,876  
Debt Issuance Costs, Net       5,818                 5,818  
Deferred Income Tax Benefits       11,216                 11,216  
Other Assets       9,780     18,309     4,772         32,861  
Amounts Due To/From  
   Subsidiaries       145,244     41,074         (186,318 )    
Investment in Subsidiaries       565,336         92     (565,428 )    

   Total Assets     $ 796,110   $ 577,032   $ 311,437   $ (751,746 ) $ 932,833  



-69-


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 29, 2004

In Thousands

Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations
Total
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                        
                                   
Current Liabilities  
Accounts payable     $ 520   $ 16,814   $ 20,533   $   $ 37,867  
Accrued liabilities       29,880     41,466     25,692         97,038  
Credit facilities       5,000         1,977         6,977  
Current maturities of  
   long-term debt           50     981         1,031  
Federal and foreign  
   income taxes       2,996     75     3,607         6,678  

   Total Current Liabilities       38,396     58,405     52,790         149,591  
                                   
Long-Term Debt, Net       246,769     7     2,280         249,056  
Deferred Income Taxes       43,149         294         43,443  
Other Liabilities       9,283     13,840     6,729         29,852  
Amounts Due To (From)  
   Subsidiaries               184,094     (184,094 )    
Minority Interest               2,378         2,378  
Shareholders' Equity       458,513     504,780     62,872     (567,652 )   458,513  

   Total Liabilities and  
      Shareholders' Equity     $ 796,110   $ 577,032   $ 311,437   $ (751,746 ) $ 932,833  



-70-


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004

In Thousands

Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations
Total
Net Sales     $   $ 475,626   $ 155,073   $ (2,530 ) $ 628,169  
Cost of Sales           328,307     100,835     (2,530 )   426,612  

            147,319     54,238         201,557  
Expenses  
   Selling, general  
      and administrative           79,116     38,573         117,689  
   Research, development  
      and engineering           12,134     15,581         27,715  

      Total Expenses           91,250     54,154         145,404  

Operating Earnings from  
   Continuing Operations           56,069     84         56,153  
                                   
   Gain on sale of business       (1,700 )       (1,734 )       (3,434 )
   Interest income       (14,316 )   (3,017 )   (828 )   16,197     (1,964 )
   Interest expense       17,010     3,275     13,251     (16,197 )   17,339  
   Other expense (income)       (520 )   (239 )   250         (509 )

Other Expense, Net       474     19     10,939         11,432  
                                   
Income (Loss) from Continuing  
   Operations Before Taxes       (474 )   56,050     (10,855 )       44,721  
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)       (140 )   14,667     (3,202 )       11,325  

Income (Loss) From  
   Continuing Operations  
   Before Minority Interest       (334 )   41,383     (7,653 )       33,396  
Minority Interest               (22 )       (22 )

Income (Loss) From  
   Continuing Operations       (334 )   41,383     (7,675 )       33,374  

                                   
Income From Discontinued  
   Operations, Net of Tax           9,181             9,181  
Equity in Net Income of  
   Consolidated Subsidiaries       42,889             (42,889 )    

Net Income (Loss)     $ 42,555   $ 50,564   $ (7,675 ) $ (42,889 ) $ 42,555  



-71-


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004

In Thousands

Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations
Total
                                   
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities                        
Net earnings (loss)     $ 42,555   $ 50,564   $ (7,675 ) $ (42,889 ) $ 42,555  
Minority interest               22         22  
Depreciation & amortization           22,320     8,825         31,145  
Deferred income tax       3,693         (111 )       3,582  
Gain on disposal of  
   discontinued operations           (12,521 )           (12,521 )
Gain on sale of land           (892 )           (892 )
Gain on sale of product line       (1,700 )       (1,734       (3,434 )
Working capital changes, net of  
   effect of acquisitions  
   Accounts receivable       (2,126 )   (5,513 )   (1,393 )       (9,032 )
   Inventories           (6,897 )   (2,198 )       (9,095 )
   Prepaid expenses       (219 )   760     (1,200 )       (659 )
   Accounts payable       382     (684 )   2,902         2,600  
   Accrued liabilities       11,800     (1,444 )   (116 )       10,240  
   Federal & foreign income taxes       8,935     (804 )   820         8,951  
   Other liabilities       9,283     (923 )   (4,001 )       4,359  
Other, net       (9,734 )   5,668     (1,464 )       (5,530 )

        62,869     49,634     (7,323 )   (42,889 )   62,291  
                                   
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities  
Purchases of capital assets       (490 )   (18,881 )   (2,755 )       (22,126 )
Proceeds from sale of    
   discontinued operations           10,000             10,000  
Proceeds from sale of product line       1,700         1,775         3,475  
Proceeds from sale of land           1,654             1,654  
Escrow deposit       (12,500 )               (12,500 )
Capital dispositions       23     1,190     (435 )       778  
Sale of short-term  
   investments       12,797                 12,797  
Acquisitions of businesses, net           (50,855 )   (87,956 )       (138,811 )

        1,530     (56,892 )   (89,371 )       (144,733 )


-72-


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004

In Thousands

Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations
Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities                        
Proceeds provided by stock  
   issuance under employee  
   stock plans       3,843                 3,843  
Net change in credit facilities       5,000     (180 )   (698 )       4,122  
Repayment of long-term debt, net       (27,996 )   (77 )   (1,356 )       (29,429 )
Debt and other issuance costs       (268 )               (268 )
Net change in intercompany  
   financing       (147,967 )   6,927     98,151     42,889      

        (167,388 )   6,670     96,097     42,889     (21,732 )
                                   
Effect of foreign exchange  
   rates on cash       14     (89 )   2,365         2,290  

                                   
Net increase (decrease) in cash  
   and cash equivalents       (102,975 )   (677 )   1,768         (101,884 )
Cash and cash equivalents  
   – beginning of year       109,834     3,030     18,499         131,363  

Cash and cash equivalents  
   – end of year     $ 6,859   $ 2,353   $ 20,267   $   $ 29,479  

-73-


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 31, 2003

In Thousands

Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations
Total
Assets                        
                                   
Current Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 109,834   $ 3,030   $ 18,499   $   $ 131,363  
Cash in escrow    4,536                4,536  
Short-term investments    12,797                12,797  
Accounts receivable, net    95    69,297    29,003        98,395  
Inventories        57,816    18,529        76,345  
Income tax refundable    7,838    (160 )  (1 )      7,677  
Deferred income tax benefits    17,490        (961 )      16,529  
Prepaid expenses    134    3,797    3,099        7,030  

   Total Current Assets    152,724    133,780    68,168        354,672  
                                   
Property, Plant & Equipment, Net    2,332     89,160     25,598         117,090  
Goodwill           151,696     33,657         185,353  
Intangibles, Net        67,224    47,706        114,930  
Debt Issuance Costs, Net    6,301                6,301  
Other Assets    4,015    18,723    (454 )      22,284  
Amounts Due To/From  
   Subsidiaries    79,494    17,488        (96,982 )    
Investment in Subsidiaries    462,423        83    (462,506 )    

   Total Assets   $ 707,289   $ 478,071   $ 174,758   $ (559,488 ) $ 800,630  



-74-


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 31, 2003

In Thousands

Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations
Total
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                        
                                   
Current Liabilities  
Accounts payable   $ 138   $ 14,315   $ 8,820   $   $ 23,273  
Accrued liabilities    22,168    38,913    13,910        74,991  
Credit facilities            2,312        2,312  
Current maturities of  
   long-term debt    30,000    75    398        30,473  
Federal and foreign  
   income taxes        17    1,167        1,184  

   Total Current Liabilities    52,306    53,320    26,607        132,233  
                                   
Long-Term Debt, Net    244,765    59    1,968        246,792  
Deferred Income Taxes    27,325                27,325  
Net Liabilities of  
   Discontinued Operations        2,719    (2,311 )      408  
Amounts Due To (From)  
   Subsidiaries    (10,979 )      119,504    (108,525 )    
Shareholders' Equity    393,872    421,973    28,990    (450,963 )  393,872  

   Total Liabilities and  
      Shareholders' Equity   $ 707,289   $ 478,071   $ 174,758   $ (559,488 ) $ 800,630  



-75-


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003

In Thousands

Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations
Total
Net Sales     $   $ 439,373   $ 124,638   $ (1,557 ) $ 562,454  
Cost of Sales        300,807    84,575    (1,557 )  383,825  

         138,566    40,063        178,629  
Expenses  
   Selling, general  
      and administrative        82,247    25,550        107,797  
   Research, development  
      and engineering        9,306    10,218        19,524  

      Total Expenses        91,553    35,768        127,321  

Operating Earnings from  
   Continuing Operations        47,013    4,295        51,308  
                                   
   Loss on sale of business            66        66  
   Gain on derivative  
      financial instruments    (2,676 )              (2,676 )
   Interest income    (5,492 )  (2,511 )  (370 )  7,505    (868 )
   Interest expense    11,624    2,530    5,346    (7,505 )  11,995  
   Other expense (income)    (116 )  96    20          

Other Expense, Net    3,340    115    5,062        8,517  
                                   
Income (Loss) from Continuing  
   Operations Before Taxes    (3,340 )  46,898    (767 )      42,791  
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)    (868 )  14,164    (246 )      13,050  

Income (Loss) From  
   Continuing Operations    (2,472 )  32,734    (521 )      29,741  
                                   
Loss From Discontinued  
   Operations, Net of Tax        (5,808 )          (5,808 )
Equity in Net Income of  
   Consolidated Subsidiaries    26,405            (26,405 )    

Net Income (Loss)   $ 23,933   $ 26,926   $ (521 ) $ (26,405 ) $ 23,933  



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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003

In Thousands

Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations
Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities                        
Net earnings (loss)   $ 23,933   $ 26,926   $ (521 ) $ (26,405 ) $ 23,933  
Depreciation & amortization        22,230    3,985        26,215  
Deferred income tax (benefit)    13,525    (4,221 )  (595 )      8,709  
Loss on disposal and holding  
   period loss on discontinued  
   operations        9,282            9,282  
Loss on sale of product line            66        66  
Working capital changes, net of  
   effect of acquisitions  
   Accounts receivable    154    (10,824 )  1,154        (9,516 )
   Inventories        2,078    4,244        6,322  
   Prepaid expenses    (97 )  (8 )  222        117  
   Accounts payable    115    503    (5,014 )      (4,396 )
   Accrued liabilities    7,905    1,155    (4,134 )      4,926  
   Federal & foreign income taxes    (7,451 )  6,639    (111 )      (923 )
Other, net    (1,754 )  (2,397 )  4,348        197  

     36,330    51,363    3,644    (26,405 )  64,932  
                                   
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities  
Purchases of capital assets    (2,235 )  (12,334 )  (2,561 )      (17,130 )
Proceeds from sale of business        3,850    5,630        9,480  
Escrow deposit    (1,036 )              (1,036 )
Capital dispositions    38    581    147        766  
Purchase of short-term  
   investments    (12,797 )              (12,797 )
Acquisitions of businesses, net        (32,767 )  (78,968 )      (111,735 )

     (16,030 )  (40,670 )  (75,752 )      (132,452 )


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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003

In Thousands

Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations
Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities                        
Proceeds provided by stock  
   issuance under employee  
   stock plans    3,280                3,280  
Net change in credit facilities            2,279        2,279  
Repayment of long-term debt    (235 )  (76 )  (421 )      (732 )
Debt and other issuance costs    (7,735 )              (7,735 )
Proceeds from note issuance    175,000                175,000  
Investment in subsidiaries    (87,295 )  (9,113 )  70,003    26,405      

     83,015    (9,189 )  71,861    26,405    172,092  
                                   
Effect of foreign exchange  
   rates on cash    (83 )  41    4,322        4,280  

                                   
Net increase in cash  
   and cash equivalents    103,232    1,545    4,075        108,852  
Cash and cash equivalents  
   – beginning of year    6,602    1,485    14,424        22,511  

Cash and cash equivalents  
   – end of year   $ 109,834   $ 3,030   $ 18,499   $   $ 131,363  



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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2002

In Thousands

Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations
Total
Net Sales     $   $ 345,689   $ 90,400   $ (1,280 ) $ 434,809  
Cost of Sales        238,524    55,992    (1,280 )  293,236  

         107,165    34,408        141,573  
Expenses  
   Selling, general  
      and administrative        60,910    18,176        79,086  
   Research, development  
      and engineering        7,472    7,961        15,433  

      Total Expenses        68,382    26,137        94,519  

Operating Earnings From  
   Continuing Operations        38,783    8,271        47,054  
                                   
   Loss on derivative  
      financial instruments    1                1  
   Interest income    (2,449 )  166    (315 )  784    (1,814 )
   Interest expense    6,841    (157 )  1,222    (784 )  7,122  
   Other expense (income)        479    (479 )        

Other Expense, Net    4,393    488    428        5,309  
                                   
Income (Loss) From Continuing  
   Operations Before Taxes    (4,393 )  38,295    7,843        41,745  
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)    (1,838 )  9,307    2,992        10,461  

Income (Loss) From Continuing  
   Operations    (2,555 )  28,988    4,851        31,284  
                                   
Loss From Discontinued  
   Operations, Net of Tax        (24,624 )  (415 )      (25,039 )
Cumulative Effect of a Change  
   in Accounting Principle,  
   Net of Tax        (7,574 )          (7,574 )
Equity in Net Income of  
   Consolidated Subsidiaries    1,226            (1,226 )    

Net Income (Loss)   $ (1,329 ) $ (3,210 ) $ 4,436   $ (1,226 ) $ (1,329 )

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2002

In Thousands

Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations
Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities                        
Net earnings (loss)   $ (1,329 ) $ (3,210 ) $ 4,436   $ (1,226 ) $ (1,329 )
Depreciation & amortization        15,152    2,411        17,563  
Deferred income tax (benefit)    461    (1,190 )  7        (722 )
Loss on disposal and holding  
   period loss on discontinued  
   operations        22,718            22,718  
Working capital changes, net of  
   effect of acquisitions  
   Accounts receivable    639    3,057    1,848        5,544  
   Inventories        (105 )  3,041        2,936  
   Prepaid expenses    66    (1,683 )  1,160        (457 )
   Accounts payable    (412 )  4,020    1,441        5,049  
   Accrued liabilities    1,714    (350 )  550        1,914  
   Federal & foreign income taxes    (1,662 )  (7,514 )  (1,021 )      (10,197 )
Other, net    314    16,279    (6,656 )      9,937  

     (209 )  47,174    7,217    (1,226 )  52,956  
                                   
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities  
Purchases of capital assets    (209 )  (11,186 )  (4,314 )      (15,709 )
Escrow deposit    (3,500 )              (3,500 )
Capital dispositions    24    140    395        559  
Acquisitions of businesses, net        (118,995 )  (5,654 )      (124,649 )

     (3,685 )  (130,041 )  (9,573 )      (143,299 )


-80-


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2002

In Thousands

Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations
Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities                        
Net change in credit facilities            (1,960 )      (1,960 )
Repayment of long-term debt    (5,714 )  (75 )  (557 )      (6,346 )
Investment in subsidiaries    (91,314 )  83,292    6,796    1,226      

     (97,028 )  83,217    4,279    1,226    (8,306 )
                                   
Effect of foreign exchange  
   rates on cash    (68 )  75    1,213        1,220  

                                   
Net increase (decrease) in cash  
   and cash equivalents    (100,990 )  425    3,136        (97,429 )
Cash and cash equivalents  
   – beginning of year    107,592    1,060    11,288        119,940  

Cash and cash equivalents  
   – end of year   $ 6,602   $ 1,485   $ 14,424   $   $ 22,511  



-81-


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors
Esterline Technologies Corporation
Bellevue, Washington

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Esterline Technologies Corporation as of October 29, 2004 and October 31, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 29, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Esterline Technologies Corporation at October 29, 2004 and October 31, 2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 29, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective October 27, 2001 the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”.

Ernst & Young LLP

Seattle, Washington
December 10, 2004

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