-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, THx/u6JzayA3LYHwSm7b1xR1U+4t1ehSsgeuMsL4VTSzqI10Zs0GTjcX0s9E3QuQ i09l6dQI85n2Txsx0L8Bbg== 0000891020-05-000360.txt : 20051230 0000891020-05-000360.hdr.sgml : 20051230 20051230163439 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000891020-05-000360 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 9 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20041029 FILED AS OF DATE: 20051230 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20051230 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000033619 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: INDUSTRIAL INSTRUMENTS FOR MEASUREMENT, DISPLAY, AND CONTROL [3823] IRS NUMBER: 132595091 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1028 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-06357 FILM NUMBER: 051294998 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 500 - 108TH AVENUE NE STREET 2: SUITE 1500 CITY: BELLEVUE STATE: WA ZIP: 98004 BUSINESS PHONE: 4254539400 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 500 - 108TH AVENUE NE STREET 2: SUITE 1500 CITY: BELLEVUE STATE: WA ZIP: 98004 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: ESTERLINE CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19910317 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: BOYAR SCHULTZ INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19671101 10-K/A 1 v15715a1e10vkza.htm AMENDMENT TO FORM 10-K e10vkza
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K/A
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                                          to                                         
Commission file number 1-6357
ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   13-2595091
(State or other jurisdiction   (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
     
500 108th Avenue NE    
Bellevue, Washington   98004
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 425/453-9400
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
         
    Name of each exchange
Title of each class   on which registered
Common Stock ($.20 par value)
  New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
  New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. þ Yes o No
     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes o No
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). þ Yes o No
 
 

 


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     As of December 30, 2005, 25,355,344 shares of the Registrant’s common stock were outstanding. The aggregate market value of shares of common stock held by non-affiliates as of April 29, 2005 was $812,980,803 (based upon the closing sales price of $32.32 per share).
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of Annual Report to Shareholders for fiscal year ended October 29, 2004 — Parts I, II and IV.
Portions of Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held on March 2, 2005 — Part III.
Explanatory Note
Esterline is filing this Amendment No. 1 to Form 10-K/A to reflect the restatement of its financial statements for the three fiscal years in the period ended October 29, 2004. Please see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for specific information related to the restatement.
Esterline has historically accounted for stock option grants as fixed awards in accordance with Accounting Principles Board No. 25 (APB No. 25) and disclosed in the footnotes to the financial statements the expense based upon the fair value of stock options under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Statement No. 123). During our 2005 year-end closing process, we determined that certain stock option grants required variable rather than fixed accounting treatment under APB No. 25, because grantees were permitted to exercise options by surrendering shares subject to the grant to pay for the exercise price and statutory withholding. As a result, we determined on December 8, 2005, the need to restate our financial statements in the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004 and in the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended January 28, 2005, April 29, 2005, and July 29, 2005. All information contained in this Amendment is as of the original filing date of the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004 and does not reflect any subsequent information or events other than the restatement of financial information referred to above. Forward looking statements have not been updated for events or operations subsequent to January 6, 2005.
This Amendment includes changes to Items 5, 6, 7 and 8 in Part II and Exhibits 11, 12.1 and 13 (which is incorporated by reference into the foregoing Items in Part II) and updates to the signature page, the Exhibit Index referenced in Item 15 of Part IV and Exhibits 23, 31.1, 31.2, 32.1 and 32.2.
All information contained in this Amendment is as of the original filing date of the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004 and does not reflect any subsequent information or events other than as described above. We are not required to update and have not updated the forward-looking statements previously included in the Form 10-K filed on January 6, 2005 for events or operations subsequent to January 6, 2005.

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PART I
Item 1. Business
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Item 14. Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT 11
EXHIBIT 12.1
EXHIBIT 13
EXHIBIT 23
EXHIBIT 31.1
EXHIBIT 31.2
EXHIBIT 32.1
EXHIBIT 32.2


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PART I
This Report includes a number of forward-looking statements that reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Please refer to the section addressing forward-looking information on page 11 for further discussion. In this report, “we,” “our,” “us,” “Company,” and “Esterline” refer to Esterline Technologies Corporation and subsidiaries, unless otherwise noted or context otherwise indicates.
Item 1. Business
(a) General Development of Business.
Esterline, a Delaware corporation formed in 1967, is a leading specialized manufacturing company principally serving aerospace and defense customers. We design, manufacture and market highly engineered products and systems for application within the industries we serve.
Our strategy is to maintain a leadership position in niche markets for the development and manufacture of highly engineered products that are essential to our customers. We are concentrating our efforts to expand selectively our capabilities in these markets, to anticipate the global needs of our customers and to respond to such needs with comprehensive solutions. Our current business and strategic growth plan focuses on the continuous development of these 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. Our products are often mission-critical equipment, which have been designed into particular military and commercial platforms and in certain cases can only be replaced by products of other manufacturers following a formal certification process.
Our products have a long history in the aerospace and defense industry and are found on most military and commercial aircraft, helicopters, and land-based systems. For example, our products are used on the majority of active and in-production U.S. military aircraft and on every Boeing commercial aircraft platform manufactured in the past 65 years. In addition, our products are supplied to Airbus, all of the major regional and business jet manufacturers, and the major aircraft engine manufacturers. We differentiate ourselves through our engineering and manufacturing capabilities and our reputation for quality, reliability, and innovation. We work closely with original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) on new, highly engineered product designs which often results in our products being designed into their platforms; this integration often results in sole-source positions for OEM production and aftermarket business. In fiscal 2004, we estimate that 30% of our sales to commercial and military aerospace customers were derived from aftermarket business. Our aftermarket sales, including retrofits, spare parts, and repair services, historically carry a higher gross margin and have more stability than sales to OEMs. In many cases, aftermarket sales extend well beyond the OEM production period, supporting the platform during its entire life cycle.
Our sales are diversified across three broad markets: defense, commercial aerospace, and general industrial. For fiscal 2004, we estimate we derived approximately 45% of our sales from the defense market, 35% from the commercial aerospace market and 20% from the general industrial market.

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In fiscal 2004 we had 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 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. For further information regarding these acquisitions, see Note 15 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004. The Annual Report is included as Exhibit 13 to this report.
(b) Financial Information About Industry Segments.
A summary of net sales to unaffiliated customers, operating earnings and identifiable assets attributable to our business segments for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 is reported in Note 16 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004. The Annual Report is included as Exhibit 13 of this report.
(c) Narrative Description of Business.
Avionics & Controls
Our Avionics & Controls business 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.
We are a market leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of sophisticated high reliability technology interface systems for commercial and military aircraft. These products include lighted push-button and rotary switches, keyboards, lighted indicators, panels and displays that are used in a broad variety of control and display applications. They have been integrated into many existing aircraft designs, including every Boeing commercial aircraft platform currently in production. This large installed base provides us with a significant spare parts and retrofit business. In addition, we manufacture control sticks, grips and wheels, as well as specialized switching systems. In this area, we primarily serve commercial and military aviation, and airborne and ground-based military equipment manufacturing customers. For example, we are a leading manufacturer of pilot control grips for most types of military fighter jets and helicopters. Additionally, our software engineering center supports our customers’ needs with such applications as primary flight displays, flight management systems, air data computers and engine control systems.
Our proprietary products meet critical operational requirements and provide customers with significant technological advantages in such areas as night vision compatibility (a technology enabling display screens to be read using night vision equipment), and backlighting for active-matrix liquid-crystal displays (a technology enabling pilots to read display screens in a variety of light conditions as well as from extreme angles). Our products are incorporated in a wide variety of programs including the AH-64 Apache and H-60 Black Hawk helicopters; the F-117 Nighthawk, C-17 Globemaster III, F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F/A-18 Super Hornet fixed-wing military aircraft; Canadair regional jets; and Cessna, Gulfstream and Saab business jets. In fiscal 2004, some of our largest customers for these products included The Boeing Company, the U.S. Department of Defense, Smiths Industries, BAE Systems, Honeywell, and Lockheed Martin.

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We are also a supplier in custom input integration with a full line of keyboard switch and input technologies for specialized medical equipment, communications systems and comparable equipment for military applications. These products include custom keyboards, keypads, and input devices that integrate cursor control devices, bar-code scanners, displays, laser pointers, and voice activation. We have developed a wide variety of technologies, including plastic and vinyl membranes that protect high-use switches and fully depressible buttons, and backlighted elastomer switch coverings that are resistant to exposure from harsh chemicals. These technologies now serve as the foundation for a small but growing portion of our product line. In fiscal 2004, some of our largest customers for these products included the U.S. Department of Defense, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, Siemens, Philips, and Menarini.
Sensors & Systems
Our Sensors & Systems business segment produces high-precision temperature and pressure sensors, electrical power switching, control and data communication devices, fluid control components, micro-motors, motion control sensors, and other related systems principally for aerospace and defense customers. We are a market leader for these products in continental Europe with growing positions in the United States and the United Kingdom. For example, we are the sole-source supplier of temperature probes for use on all versions of the General Electric/Snecma CFM-56 jet engine. The CFM-56 has an installed base of over 13,000 engines, is standard equipment on new generation Boeing 737 aircraft and has been selected as the engine for approximately 40% of all Airbus aircraft delivered to date. The principal customers for these products are jet engine manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, petroleum companies and electric utilities. In fiscal 2004, some of our largest customers for these products included Snecma, the British Ministry of Defence, Rolls Royce, Pratt & Whitney, General Electric, BAE Systems, Goodrich, Innovative Solutions & Support, Honeywell, Airbus and Air France.
Advanced Materials
Our Advanced Materials business segment develops and manufactures high-performance elastomer products used in a wide range of commercial aerospace and military applications and combustible ordnance for military applications. This segment focuses on process-related technologies.
Specialized High-Performance Applications. We specialize in the development of proprietary formulations for silicone rubber and other elastomer products. Our elastomer products are engineered to address specific customer requirements where superior performance in high temperature, high pressure, caustic, abrasive and other difficult environments is critical. These products include thermal fire barrier insulation products and precision metal components, seals, tubing and coverings designed in custom-molded shapes. Some of the products include proprietary elastomers that are specifically designed for use on or near a jet engine. We are a leading U.S. supplier of high-performance elastomer products to the aerospace industry, with our primary customers for these products being jet and rocket engine manufacturers, commercial and military airframe manufacturers, as well as commercial airlines. In fiscal 2004, some of the largest customers for these products included Goodrich, The Boeing Company, Bombardier, the U.S. Department of Defense, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney, KAPCO, Northrop Grumman and Alliant Techsystems.
Other Defense Applications. We develop and manufacture combustible ordnance and electronic warfare countermeasure devices for military customers. We manufacture molded fiber cartridge cases, mortar increments, igniter tubing and other combustible ordnance components primarily for the U.S. Department of Defense. We are currently the sole supplier of combustible casings utilized

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by the U.S. Armed Forces. Sales are made either directly to the U.S. Department of Defense or through prime contractors, Alliant Techsystems and General Dynamics. These products include the combustible case for the U.S. Army’s new generation 155mm Modular Artillery Charge System, the 120mm combustible case used with the main armament system on the U.S. Army and Marine Corps’ M1-A1/2 tanks, and the 60mm, 81mm and 120mm combustible mortar increments. We are also currently the only U.S. supplier of radar countermeasure chaff and one of three suppliers to the U.S. Army of infrared decoy flares used by aircraft to help protect against radar and infrared guided missiles.
A summary of product lines contributing sales of 10% or more of total sales for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 is reported in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004. The Annual Report is included as Exhibit 13 of this report.
Marketing and Distribution
We believe that a key to continued success is our ability to meet customer requirements both domestically and internationally. We have and will continue to improve our sales and distribution channels in order to provide a wider variety of products and to improve the effectiveness of our customers’ supply chain. For example, in fiscal 2004 we opened in Shanghai, China, a medical device assembly operation to better service our global medical customers. In addition, we opened a service center in Singapore for our temperature sensor customers. Other enhancements include combining sales and marketing forces of our operating units where appropriate, cross-training our sales representatives on multiple product lines, and cross-stocking our spares parts and components.
In the technical and highly engineered product segments in which we compete, relationship selling is particularly appropriate in targeted marketing segments where customer and supplier design and engineering inputs need to be tightly integrated. Participation in industry trade shows is an effective method of meeting customers, introducing new products, and exchanging technical specifications. In addition to technical and industry conferences, our products are supported through direct internal international sales efforts, as well as through manufacturer representatives and selected distributors. Currently, 163 sales people, 197 representatives, and 120 distributors support our operations internationally.
Backlog
Backlog at October 29, 2004, was $433.1 million, compared with $300.9 million at October 31, 2003. We estimate that approximately $70.6 million of backlog is scheduled to be shipped after fiscal 2005.
Backlog is subject to cancellation until delivered, and therefore, we cannot assure that our backlog will be converted into revenue in any particular period or at all. Backlog does not include the total contract value of cost-plus reimbursable contracts, which are funded as we incur the costs. Except for the released portion, backlog also does not include fixed-price multi-year contracts.

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Competition
Our products and services are affected by varying degrees of competition. We compete with other companies in most markets we serve, many of which have far greater sales volumes and financial resources. The principal competitive factors in the commercial markets in which we participate are product performance, service and price. Part of product performance requires expenditures in research and development that lead to product improvement. The market for many of our products may be affected by rapid and significant technological changes and new product introduction. Our principal competitors include Eaton, ECE and Eastprint in our Avionics & Controls segment; Ametek, Deutsch, Tyco, MPC Products and Goodrich in our Sensors & Systems segment; and TransDigm and Meggitt (including Dunlop Standard Aerospace Group) in our Advanced Materials segment.
Research and Development
Currently, our product development and design programs utilize an extensive base of professional engineers, technicians and support personnel, supplemented by outside engineering and consulting firms when needed. In fiscal 2004, approximately $27.7 million was expended for research, development and engineering, compared with $19.5 million in fiscal 2003 and $15.4 million in fiscal 2002. We believe continued product development is key to our long-term growth, and consequently, we consistently invest in research and development. Examples include research and development projects relating to a ground fault interrupter for aircraft applications, insulation material for various rocket and missile programs, high temperature, low observable material for military applications, and kinematic countermeasure flares for military applications, as well as ice detectors and smoke and pollution concentration measurement devices. In addition, we actively participate in customer-funded research and development programs, including flight controls and instrumentation on the Joint Strike Fighter and Eurofighter, Gulfstream V flight controls, deicing probes for next generation General Electric/Snecma CFM-56 jet engines and LED lighted cockpit switches for Airbus. Recently, we began work on our first major project for the Boeing 7E7 as the primary integrator for the cockpit’s overhead panel subsystem. Additionally, we were awarded a contract to supply the sensor suite for the TP400 Turboprop, which will power the Airbus A400 airlifter.
Foreign Operations
Our 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. For further information regarding foreign operations, see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004. The Annual Report is included as Exhibit 13 of this report.
Government Contracts and Subcontracts
As a contractor and subcontractor to the U.S. government (primarily the U.S. Department of Defense), we are subject to various laws and regulations that are more restrictive than those applicable to private sector contractors. Approximately 17% of our sales were made directly to the U.S. government in fiscal 2004. In addition, we estimate that our subcontracting activities to contractors for the U.S. government accounted for approximately 14% of sales during fiscal 2004. Therefore, we estimate that approximately 31% of our sales during the fiscal year were subject to government contracting regulations. Such contracts may be subject to termination, reduction or

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modification in the event of changes in government requirements, reductions in federal spending, and other factors.
Historically, our U.S. government contracts and subcontracts have been predominately fixed-price contracts. Generally, fixed-price contracts offer higher margins than cost-plus contracts in return for accepting the risk that increased or unexpected costs may reduce anticipated profits or cause us to sustain losses on the contracts. The accuracy and appropriateness of certain costs and expenses used to substantiate our direct and indirect costs for the U.S. government under both cost-plus and fixed-price contracts are subject to extensive regulation and audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency, an arm of the U.S. Department of Defense. The contracts and subcontracts to which we are a party are also subject to profit and cost controls and standard provisions for termination at the convenience of the U.S. government. Upon termination, other than for our default, we will normally be entitled to reimbursement for allowable costs and to an allowance for profit. To date, none of our significant fixed-price contracts have been terminated.
Patents and Licenses
Although we hold a number of patents and licenses, we do not believe that our operations are dependent on our patents and licenses. In general, we rely on technical superiority, continual product improvement, exclusive product features, superior lead-time, on-time delivery performance, quality and customer relationships to maintain competitive advantage.
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.
Sources and Availability of Raw Materials and Components
Due to our diversification, the sources and availability of certain raw materials and components are not as critical as they would be for manufacturers of a single product line. However, certain components, supplies and raw materials for our operations are purchased from single sources. In such instances, we strive to develop alternative sources and design modifications to minimize the effect of business interruptions.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations and ordinances that (i) govern activities or operations that may have adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water, as well as handling and disposal practices for solid and hazardous waste, and (ii) impose liability for the costs of cleaning up, and certain damages resulting from, sites or past spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous substances.
On August 29, 2002, our subsidiary, Armtec, acquired the radar countermeasures chaff and infrared decoy flare operations of the Electronic Warfare Passive Expendables Division of BAE Systems North America. At the time of our asset acquisition from BAE Systems, certain environmental

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remedial activities were required under a Part B Permit issued to the infrared decoy flare facility by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality under the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The Part B Permit was transferred to Armtec, along with the remedial obligations. Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement, BAE Systems agreed to complete all remedial obligations at the infrared decoy flare facility and to indemnify us for all environmental liabilities to a maximum amount of $25 million.
At various times we have been identified as a potentially responsible party pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), and analogous state environmental laws, for the cleanup of contamination resulting from past disposals of hazardous wastes at certain sites to which we, among others, sent wastes in the past. CERCLA requires potentially responsible persons to pay for cleanup of sites from which there has been a release or threatened release of hazardous substances. Courts have interpreted CERCLA to impose strict, joint and several liability on all persons liable for cleanup costs. As a practical matter, however, at sites where there are multiple potentially responsible persons, the costs of cleanup typically are allocated among the parties according to a volumetric or other standard.
We have accrued liabilities for environmental remediation costs expected to be incurred by our operating facilities. Environmental exposures are provided for at the time they are known to exist or are considered reasonably probable and estimable. No provision has been recorded for environmental remediation costs that could result from changes in laws or other circumstances we have not currently contemplated.
Employees
For our continuing operations, we had approximately 6,100 employees at October 29, 2004, of which 4,000 were based in the United States, 1,800 in Europe, 200 in Mexico and 100 in Asia. Approximately 17% of the U.S.-based employees were represented by a labor union. Our European operations are subject to national trade union agreements and to local regulations governing employment.
(d) Financial Information About Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales.
See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004. The Annual Report is included as Exhibit 13 of this report.
(e) Available Information of the Registrant.
You can access financial and other information on our website, www.esterline.com. We make available through our website, free of charge, copies of our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electronically or otherwise furnishing it to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and charters for our board committees are also available on our website and available in print to any shareholder upon request. Our website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

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Executive Officers of the Registrant
The names and ages of all executive officers of the Company and the positions and offices held by such persons as of January 4, 2005 are as follows:
         
Name   Position with the Company   Age
Robert W. Cremin
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer   64
Stephen E. Barton
  Group Vice President   58
Robert D. George
  Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,   48
 
  Secretary and Treasurer    
Marcia J. M. Greenberg
  Vice President, Human Resources   52
Larry A. Kring
  Group Vice President   64
Stephen R. Larson
  Vice President, Strategy & Technology   60
Mr. Cremin has been Chairman since January 2001. In addition, he has served as Chief Executive Officer and President since January 1999 and September 1997, respectively. Mr. Cremin has an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School and a B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. He has been a director of the Company since 1998.
Mr. Barton has been Group Vice President since July 2002. Previously, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Kirkhill-TA Co., a subsidiary of the Company, from October 1998 to June 2002. Mr. Barton has an M.S. degree in Applied Statistics from Villanova University and a B.S. degree in Mathematics from the University of Maine.
Mr. George has been Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer since July 1999 and Treasurer and Controller from June 1997 until July 1999. Mr. George has an M.B.A. from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and a B.A. degree in Economics from Drew University.
Ms. Greenberg has been Vice President, Human Resources since March 1993. Ms. Greenberg has a J.D. degree from Northwestern University School of Law and a B.A. degree in Political Science from Portland State University.
Mr. Kring has been Group Vice President since August 1993. Mr. Kring has an M.B.A. from California State University at Northridge and a B.S. degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University.
Mr. Larson has been Vice President, Strategy & Technology since January 2000. Previously, he was Group Vice President from April 1991 through December 1999. Mr. Larson has an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Northwestern University.

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Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
This annual report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “should” or “will” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. In particular, statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance contained in this report under the headings “Risks Relating to Our Business,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business” are forward-looking statements.
We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors, including those discussed in this report under the headings “Risks Relating to Our Business,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business” may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some of the key factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations are:
    A significant downturn in the aerospace industry;
 
    A significant reduction in defense spending;
 
    A decrease in demand for our products as a result of competition, technological innovation or otherwise;
 
    Our inability to identify future acquisition candidates or to integrate acquired operations; and
 
    Loss of a significant customer or defense program.
Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference into this report are made only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect future events or developments.
Risks Relating to Our Business and Our Industry
Implementing our acquisition strategy involves risks and our failure to successfully implement this strategy could have a material adverse effect on our business.
One of our key strategies is to grow our business by selectively pursuing acquisitions. Since 1996 we have completed over 25 acquisitions, and we are continuing to actively pursue additional acquisition opportunities, some of which may be material to our business and financial performance. Although we have been successful with this strategy in the past, we may not be able to grow our business in the future through acquisitions for a number of reasons, including:
    Encountering difficulties identifying and executing acquisitions;
 
    Increased competition for targets, which may increase acquisition costs;
 
    Consolidation in our industry reducing the number of acquisition targets;

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    Acquisition financing not being available on acceptable terms or at all; and
 
    Competition laws and regulations preventing us from making certain acquisitions.
In addition, there are potential risks associated with growing our business through acquisitions, including the failure to successfully integrate and realize the expected benefits of an acquisition. For example, with any past or future acquisition, there is the possibility that:
    The business culture of the acquired business may not match well with our culture;
 
    Technological and product synergies, economies of scale and cost reductions may not occur as expected;
 
    Management may be distracted from overseeing existing operations by the need to integrate acquired businesses;
 
    We may acquire or assume unexpected liabilities;
 
    Unforeseen difficulties may arise in integrating operations and systems;
 
    We may fail to retain and assimilate employees of the acquired business;
 
    We may experience problems in retaining customers and integrating customer bases; and
 
    Problems may arise in entering new markets in which we may have little or no experience.
Failure to continue implementing our acquisition strategy, including successfully integrating acquired businesses, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our future financial results could be adversely impacted by asset impairment charges.
Effective the beginning of fiscal 2002, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (Statement No. 142). As a result, we are required to test both acquired goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis based upon a fair value approach, rather than amortizing them over time. We have chosen to perform our annual impairment reviews of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. We also are 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. If the market value is less than the book value of goodwill, we could be required to record an impairment charge. 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. As we have grown through acquisitions, we have accumulated $247.8 million of goodwill, and have $22.5 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets, out of total assets of $935.3 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 reported financial results for the period in which the charge is taken.
We performed our impairment test for fiscal 2004 and no impairment charge was necessary at year-end. It is possible, however, that as a result of events or circumstances, we could conclude at a later date that goodwill of up to approximately $63.2 million at one of our reporting units may be considered impaired and that the entire amount could be written off to expense. We also may be

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required to record an earnings charge or incur unanticipated expenses if, due to a change in strategy or other reason, we determined the value of other assets has been impaired.
The loss of a significant customer or defense program could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
Some of our operations are dependent on a relatively small number of customers and defense programs, which change from time to time. Significant customers in fiscal 2004 included the U.S. Department of Defense, The Boeing Company, General Dynamics, Snecma, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin and Smiths Industries. There can be no assurance that our current significant customers will continue to buy our products at current levels. The loss of a significant customer or the cancellation of orders related to a sole-source defense program could have a material adverse effect on our operating results if we were unable to replace the related sales.
Our operating results are subject to fluctuations that may cause our revenues to decline.
Our business is susceptible to seasonality and economic cycles, and as a result, our operating results have fluctuated widely in the past and are likely to continue to do so. Our revenue tends to fluctuate based on a number of factors, including domestic and foreign economic conditions and developments affecting the specific industries and customers we serve. For example, the events of September 11, 2001 and the downturn in commercial aviation, due to, among other things, the conflict in Iraq, have impacted our operations. It is possible that in the future our operating results in a particular quarter or quarters will not meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors, causing the market price of our common stock or senior subordinated notes to decline. We believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results are not a good indication of our future performance and should not be relied upon to predict our future performance.
Political and economic instability in foreign countries and markets may have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
Foreign sales were approximately 39.1% of our total sales in fiscal 2004, and we have manufacturing facilities in a number of foreign countries. Doing business in foreign countries is subject to numerous risks, including political and economic instability, restrictive trade policies of foreign governments, economic conditions in local markets, health concerns in foreign countries, inconsistent product regulation or unexpected changes in regulatory and other legal requirements by foreign agencies or governments, the imposition of product tariffs and the burdens of complying with a wide variety of international and U.S. export laws and differing regulatory requirements. To the extent that foreign sales are transacted in a foreign currency, we are subject to the risk of losses due to foreign currency fluctuations. In addition, we have substantial assets denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the U.K. pound and euro, that are not offset by liabilities denominated in those foreign currencies. These net foreign currency investments are subject to material changes in the event of fluctuations in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar.
Among other things, we are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, which generally prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from bribing foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business or otherwise obtaining favorable treatment. In particular, we may be held liable for actions taken by our strategic or local partners even though our partners are not subject to the FCPA. Any determination that we have violated the FCPA could result in sanctions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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We may not be able to compete effectively.
Our products and services are affected by varying degrees of competition. We compete with other companies and divisions and units of larger companies in most markets we serve, many of which have greater sales volumes or financial, technological or marketing resources than we do. Our principal competitors include: Eaton, ECE and Eastprint in our Avionics & Controls segment; Ametek, Deutsch, Tyco, MPC Products and Goodrich in our Sensors & Systems segment; and TransDigm and Meggitt (including Dunlop Standard Aerospace Group) in our Advanced Materials segment. The principal competitive factors in the commercial markets in which we participate are product performance, service and price. Maintaining product performance requires expenditures in research and development that lead to product improvement and new product introduction; companies with more substantial financial resources may have a better ability to make such expenditures. We cannot assure that we will be able to continue to successfully compete in our markets, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our backlog is subject to modification or termination, which may reduce our sales in future periods.
We currently have a backlog of orders based on our contracts with customers. Under many of our contracts, our customers may unilaterally modify or terminate their orders at any time. In addition, the maximum contract value specified under a government contract awarded to us is not necessarily indicative of the sales that we will realize under that contract. For example, we are a sole-source prime contractor for many different military programs with the U.S. Department of Defense. We depend heavily on the government contracts underlying these programs. Over its lifetime, a program may be implemented by the award of many different individual contracts and subcontracts. The funding of government programs is subject to congressional appropriation.
Changes in defense procurement models may make it more difficult for us to successfully bid on projects as a prime contractor and limit sole-source opportunities available to us.
In recent years, the trend in combat system design and development appears to be evolving towards the technological integration of various battlefield components, including combat vehicles, command and control network communications, advanced technology artillery systems and robotics. If the U.S. military procurement approach continues to require this kind of overall battlefield combat system integration, we expect to be subject to increased competition from aerospace and defense companies who have significantly greater resources than we do. This trend could create a role for a prime contractor with broader capabilities that would be responsible for integrating various battlefield component systems and potentially eliminating or reducing the role of sole-source providers or prime contractors of component weapon systems.
The amount of debt we have outstanding, as well as any debt we may incur in the future, could have an adverse effect on our operational and financial flexibility.
As of October 29, 2004, we had $257.1 million of debt outstanding, of which $250.1 million is long-term debt. Our primary U.S. dollar credit facility totals $60.0 million and is made available through a group of banks. The credit agreement is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets. In addition, we have unsecured foreign currency credit facilities that have been extended by foreign banks for up to $15.3 million. Available credit under the above credit facilities was $60.0 million at October 29, 2004, when reduced by outstanding foreign bank borrowings of $7.0 million and letters of credit of $8.3 million. The indenture governing the notes and our other debt agreements limit, but

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do not prohibit, us from incurring additional debt in the future. Our level of debt could have significant consequences to our business, including the following:
    Depending on debt maturities, a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations could be dedicated to paying principal and interest on our debt, thereby reducing funds available for our acquisition strategy, capital expenditures or other purposes;
 
    A significant amount of debt could make us more vulnerable to changes in economic conditions or increases in prevailing interest rates;
 
    Our ability to obtain additional financing for acquisitions, capital expenditures or for other purposes could be impaired;
 
    The increase in the amount of debt we have outstanding increases the risk of non-compliance with some of the covenants in our debt agreements which require us to maintain specified financial ratios; and
 
    We may be more leveraged than some of our competitors, which may result in a competitive disadvantage.
If we were unable to protect our intellectual property rights adequately, the value of our products could be diminished.
Our success is dependent in part on obtaining, maintaining and enforcing our proprietary rights and our ability to avoid infringing on the proprietary rights of others. While we take precautionary steps to protect our technological advantages and intellectual property and rely in part on patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright laws, we cannot assure that the precautionary steps we have taken will completely protect our intellectual property rights. Because patent applications in the United States are maintained in secrecy until either the patent application is published or a patent is issued, we may not be aware of third-party patents, patent applications and other intellectual property relevant to our products that may block our use of our intellectual property or may be used in third-party products that compete with our products and processes. In the event a competitor successfully challenges our products, processes, patents or licenses or claims that we have infringed upon their intellectual property, we could incur substantial litigation costs defending against such claims, be required to pay royalties, license fees or other damages or be barred from using the intellectual property at issue, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
In addition to our patent rights, we also rely on unpatented technology, trade secrets and confidential information. Others may independently develop substantially equivalent information and techniques or otherwise gain access to or disclose our technology. We may not be able to protect our rights in unpatented technology, trade secrets and confidential information effectively. We require each of our employees and consultants to execute a confidentiality agreement at the commencement of an employment or consulting relationship with us. However, these agreements may not provide effective protection of our information or, in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure, they may not provide adequate remedies.
We may lose money or generate less than expected profits on our fixed-price contracts.
Our customers set demanding specifications for product performance, reliability and cost. Some of our government contracts and subcontracts provide for a predetermined, fixed price for the products we make regardless of the costs we incur. Therefore, we must absorb cost overruns, notwithstanding the difficulty of estimating all of the costs we will incur in performing these contracts and in projecting the ultimate level of sales that we may achieve. Our failure to anticipate technical

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problems, estimate costs accurately, integrate technical processes effectively or control costs during performance of a fixed-price contract may reduce the profitability of a fixed-price contract or cause a loss. While we believe that we have recorded adequate provisions in our financial statements for losses on our fixed-price contracts, as required under GAAP, we cannot assure that our contract loss provisions will be adequate to cover all actual future losses. Therefore, we may incur losses on fixed-price contracts that we had expected to be profitable, or such contracts may be less profitable than expected.
We depend on the continued contributions of our executive officers and other key management, each of whom would be difficult to replace.
Our future success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our senior management and our ability to attract and retain other highly qualified management personnel. We face competition for management from other companies and organizations. Therefore, we may not be able to retain our existing management personnel or fill new management positions or vacancies created by expansion or turnover at our existing compensation levels. Although we have entered into change of control agreements with some members of senior management, we do not have employment contracts with our key executives, nor have we purchased “key-person” insurance on the lives of any of our key officers or management personnel to reduce the impact to our company that the loss of any of them would cause. Specifically, the loss of any of our executive officers would disrupt our operations and divert the time and attention of our remaining officers. Additionally, failure to attract and retain highly qualified management personnel would damage our business prospects.
A continued downturn in the aircraft market could adversely affect our business.
The aircraft industry is cyclical in nature and affected by many factors beyond our control. The current state of the aircraft market, which has been affected by the conflict in Iraq and is still being impacted by the events of September 11, 2001, has resulted in bankruptcy filings, restructurings and downsizing by the major commercial and regional airline carriers. This downturn has had and will likely continue to have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
The principal markets for manufacturers of commercial aircraft are the commercial and regional airlines, which are adversely affected by a number of factors, including fuel and labor costs, intense price competition, outbreak of infectious disease and terrorist attacks, as well as economic cycles, all of which can be unpredictable and are outside our control. Commercial aircraft production may increase or decrease in response to changes in customer demand caused by general economic conditions and the perceived safety and ease of airline travel.
The military aircraft industry is dependent upon the level of equipment expenditures by the armed forces of countries throughout the world, and especially those of the United States. Although the events of September 11, 2001 and the conflict in Iraq have increased the level of equipment expenditures by the U.S. Armed Forces, in the past this industry has been adversely affected by a number of factors, including the reduction in military spending since the end of the Cold War. Decreases in military spending could depress demand for military aircraft.
Any decrease in demand for new aircraft or use of existing aircraft will likely result in a decrease in demand of our products and services, and correspondingly, our revenues, thereby adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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The market for our products may be affected by our ability to adapt to technological change.
The rapid change of technology is a key feature of all of the markets in which our businesses operate. To succeed in the future, we will need to design, develop, manufacture, assemble, test, market, and support new products and enhancements to our existing products in a timely and cost-effective manner. Historically, our technology has been developed through internal research and development expenditures, as well as customer-sponsored research and development programs. There is no guarantee that we will continue to maintain, or benefit from, comparable levels of research and development in the future. In addition, our competitors may develop technologies and products that are more effective than those we develop or that render our technology and products obsolete or noncompetitive. Furthermore, our products could become unmarketable if new industry standards emerge. We cannot assure that our existing products will not require significant modifications in the future to remain competitive or that new products we introduce will be accepted by our customers, nor can we assure that we will successfully identify new opportunities and continue to have the needed financial resources to develop new products in a timely or cost-effective manner.
Our business is subject to government contracting regulations, and our failure to comply with such laws and regulations could harm our operating results and prospects.
We estimate that approximately 31% of our sales in fiscal 2004 were attributable to contracts in which we were either the prime contractor to, or a subcontractor to a prime contractor to, the U.S. government. As a contractor and subcontractor to the U.S. government, we must comply with laws and regulations relating to the formation, administration and performance of federal government contracts that affect how we do business with our clients and may impose added costs on our business. For example, these regulations and laws include provisions that contracts we have been awarded are subject to:
    Protest or challenge by unsuccessful bidders; and
 
    Unilateral termination, reduction or modification in the event of changes in government requirements.
The accuracy and appropriateness of certain costs and expenses used to substantiate our direct and indirect costs for the U.S. government under both cost-plus and fixed-price contracts are subject to extensive regulation and audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency, an arm of the U.S. Department of Defense. Responding to governmental audits, inquiries or investigations may involve significant expense and divert management attention. Our failure to comply with these or other laws and regulations could result in contract termination, suspension or debarment from contracting with the federal government, civil fines and damages, and criminal prosecution and penalties, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
A significant portion of our business depends on U.S. Government contracts, which contracts are often subject to competitive bidding, and a failure to compete effectively or accurately anticipate the success of future projects could adversely affect our business.
We obtain many of our U.S. Government contracts through a competitive bidding process that subjects us to risks associated with:
    The frequent need to bid on programs in advance of the completion of their design, which may result in unforeseen technological difficulties and/or cost overruns;

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    The substantial time and effort, including design, development and marketing activities, required to prepare bids and proposals for contracts that may not be awarded to us; and
 
    The design complexity and rapid rate of technological advancement of defense-related products.
In addition, in order to win the award of developmental programs, we must be able to align our research and development and product offerings with the government’s changing concepts of national defense and defense systems. The government’s termination of, or failure to fully fund, one or more of the contracts for our programs would have a negative impact on our operating results and financial condition. Furthermore, we serve as a subcontractor on several military programs that, in large part, involve the same risks as prime contracts.
Overall, we rely on key contracts with U.S. Government entities for a significant portion of our sales and business. A substantial reduction in these contracts would materially adversely affect our operating results and financial position.
The airline industry is heavily regulated and if we fail to comply with applicable requirements, our results of operations could suffer.
Governmental agencies throughout the world, including the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, or the FAA, prescribe standards and qualification requirements for aircraft components, including virtually all commercial airline and general aviation products, as well as regulations regarding the repair and overhaul of aircraft engines. Specific regulations vary from country to country, although compliance with FAA requirements generally satisfies regulatory requirements in other countries. We include, with the replacement parts that we sell to our customers, documentation certifying that each part complies with applicable regulatory requirements and meets applicable standards of airworthiness established by the FAA or the equivalent regulatory agencies in other countries. In order to sell our products, we and the products we manufacture must also be certified by our individual OEM customers. If any of the material authorizations or approvals qualifying us to supply our products is revoked or suspended, then the sale of the subject product would be prohibited by law, which would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
From time to time, the FAA or equivalent regulatory agencies in other countries propose new regulations or changes to existing regulations, which are usually more stringent than existing regulations. If these proposed regulations are adopted and enacted, we may incur significant additional costs to achieve compliance, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Future asbestos claims could harm our business.
We are subject to potential liabilities relating to certain products we manufactured containing asbestos. To date, our insurance has covered claims against us relating to those products. Commencing November 1, 2003, insurance coverage for asbestos claims has been unavailable. However, we continue to have some insurance coverage for exposure to asbestos contained in our products prior to that date.
We continue to manufacture for one customer a product that contains asbestos. We have an agreement with the customer for indemnification for certain losses we may incur as a result of

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asbestos claims relating to that product, but we cannot assure you that this indemnification agreement will fully protect us from losses arising from asbestos claims.
To the extent we are not insured or indemnified for losses from asbestos claims relating to our products, asbestos claims could adversely affect our operating results and our financial condition.
Environmental laws and regulations may subject us to significant liability.
Our business and our facilities are subject to a number of federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations and ordinances governing, among other things, the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous materials and certain waste products. Among these environmental laws are rules by which a current or previous owner or operator of land may be liable for the costs of investigation, removal or remediation of hazardous materials at such property. In addition, these laws typically impose liability regardless of whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of any hazardous materials. Persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous materials may be liable for the costs of investigation, removal or remediation of such substances at the disposal or treatment site, regardless of whether the affected site is owned or operated by them.
Because we own and operate a number of facilities that use, manufacture, store, handle or arrange for the disposal of various hazardous materials, we may incur costs for investigation, removal and remediation, as well as capital costs, associated with compliance with environmental laws. Additionally, at the time of our asset acquisition of the Electronic Warfare Passive Expendables Division of BAE Systems North America, certain environmental remedial activities were required under a Part B Permit issued to the infrared decoy flare facility by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality under the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The Part B Permit was transferred to our subsidiary, Armtec, along with the remedial obligations. Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement, BAE Systems agreed to complete all remedial obligations at the infrared decoy flare facility and to indemnify us for all environmental liabilities related to that facility to a maximum amount of $25.0 million. Although environmental costs have not been material in the past, we cannot assure that these matters, or any similar liabilities that arise in the future, will not exceed our resources, nor can we completely eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials.
We may be required to defend lawsuits or pay damages in connection with the alleged or actual harm caused by our products.
We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of our products is alleged to have resulted in harm to others or to property. For example, our operations expose us to potential liabilities for personal injury or death as a result of the failure of an aircraft component that has been designed, manufactured or serviced by us. We may incur significant liability if product liability lawsuits against us are successful. While we believe our current general liability and product liability insurance is adequate to protect us from future product liability claims, we cannot assure that coverage will be adequate to cover all claims that may arise. Additionally, we may not be able to maintain insurance coverage in the future at an acceptable cost. Any liability not covered by insurance or for which third-party indemnification is not available could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Item 2. Properties
The following table summarizes our properties that are greater than 50,000 square feet, including identification of the business segment, as of October 29, 2004:
                     
            Approximate   Owned
            Square   or
Location   Type of Facility   Business Segment   Footage   Leased
Brea, CA
  Office, Plant & Warehouse   Advanced Materials     429,000     Owned
East Camden, AR
  Office & Plant   Advanced Materials     175,000     Leased
Seattle, WA
  Office & Plant   Avionics & Controls     200,000     Leased
Coachella, CA
  Office & Plant   Advanced Materials     112,000     Owned
Buena Park, CA
  Office & Plant   Sensors & Systems     110,000     Owned
Bourges, France
  Office & Plant   Sensors & Systems     109,000     Leased
Farnborough, U.K.
  Office & Plant   Sensors & Systems     105,000     Leased
Sylmar, CA
  Office & Plant   Avionics & Controls     96,000     Leased
Kent, WA
  Office & Plant   Advanced Materials     93,000     Owned
Valencia, CA
  Office & Plant   Advanced Materials     88,000     Owned
Coeur d’Alene, ID
  Office & Plant   Avionics & Controls     88,000     Leased
Taunton, MA
  Office & Plant   Advanced Materials     85,000     Leased
Santa Fe Springs, CA
  Office & Plant   Advanced Materials     81,000     Leased
London, U.K.
  Office & Plant   Sensors & Systems     70,000     Leased
Tijuana, Mexico
  Office & Plant   Sensors & Systems     61,000     Leased
Norwich, NY
  Office & Plant   Sensors & Systems     57,000     Owned
Painesville, OH
  Office & Plant   Sensors & Systems     50,000     Owned
Lillington, NC
  Office & Plant   Advanced Materials     50,000     Leased
In total, we own approximately 1,100,000 square feet and lease approximately 1,400,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities and properties.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
From time to time we are involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We believe we have adequately reserved for these liabilities and that there is no litigation pending that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004.

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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
We hereby incorporate by reference the following information that appears in our Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004:
  (a)   The high and low market sales prices of our common stock for each quarterly period during fiscal years 2004 and 2003, respectively, is set forth under the section entitled “Market Price of Esterline Common Stock” of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004. The Annual Report is included as Exhibit 13 to this report.
 
  (b)   Restrictions on the ability to pay future cash dividends is set forth in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004. The Annual Report is included as Exhibit 13 to this report.
No cash dividends were paid during fiscal years 2004 and 2003. We currently intend to retain all future earnings for use to expand the business and retire debt. We are restricted from paying dividends under our current credit facility and do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.
On January 4, 2005, there were 561 holders of record of our common stock.
The principal market for our Common Stock is the New York Stock Exchange.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
We hereby incorporate by reference the information set forth under the section entitled, “Selected Financial Data” of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004. The Annual Report is included as Exhibit 13 to this report.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
We hereby incorporate by reference the information set forth under the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Continuing Operations” of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004. The Annual Report is included as Exhibit 13 to this report.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We hereby incorporate by reference the information set forth under the section “Disclosures About Market Risk” of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004. The Annual Report is included as Exhibit 13 to this report.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, and the consolidated financial statements are included in the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004 and are hereby incorporated by reference. Quarterly results of operations are reported in Note 17 of the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal

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year ended October 29, 2004 and are hereby incorporated by reference. The Annual Report is included as Exhibit 13 to this report.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Our principal executive and financial officers evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of October 29, 2004. Based upon that evaluation, they concluded as of October 29, 2004, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.
During the three months ended October 29, 2004, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.

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PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
(a) Directors.
We hereby incorporate by reference the information set forth under “Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Code of Ethics,” and “Other Information as to Directors — Board and Board Committees,” in the definitive form of the Company’s Proxy Statement, relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 2, 2005.
(b) Executive Officers.
Information regarding our executive officers required by this item appears in Item 1 of this report under “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”
Item 11. Executive Compensation
We hereby incorporate by reference the information set forth under “Other Information as to Directors — Director Compensation,” “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Report,” and “Common Stock Price Performance Graph,” in the definitive form of the Company’s Proxy Statement, relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 2, 2005.

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Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table gives information about the shares of Common Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under the Amended and Restated 1987 Stock Option Plan, the Non-Employee Directors’ Compensation Plan, the Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan, the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the only equity compensation plans of the Company in effect as of the end of the Company’s last fiscal year.
                         
    Equity Compensation Plan Information  
                    Number of securities  
                    remaining available for  
    Number of securities to     Weighted-average     future issuance under equity  
    be issued upon exercise     exercise price of     compensation plans  
    of outstanding options,     outstanding options,     (excluding securities  
Plan Category   warrants and rights     warrants and rights     reflected in the first column)  
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    1,438,000     $ 18.34       822,627 1,2
 
                       
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
                 
 
                 
 
                       
Total
    1,438,000     $ 18.34       822,627  
 
1   Of these shares, 186,187 shares are available for purchase under the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 575,250 are available for grant under the Company’s 2004 Equity Incentive Plan and 61,190 are available for grant under the Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Compensation Plan, as of the end of the Company’s last completed fiscal year.
 
2   Pursuant to the Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Compensation Plan, each of the Company’s non-employee directors will receive an automatic grant of shares of Common Stock not subject to any restriction on the date of each annual shareholders meeting with an aggregate market value of $10,000 based on the closing price of the Common Stock on that date.
We hereby incorporate by reference the information with respect to stock ownership set forth under “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the definitive form of the Company’s Proxy Statement, relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 2, 2005.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
None.
Item 14. Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services
We hereby incorporate the information set forth under “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services” in the definitive form of the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held on March 2, 2005.

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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
(a)(1) Financial Statements.
The following consolidated financial statements, together with the report thereon of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, dated December 10, 2004, appearing in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004.
     
    Annual Report
    Reference
Consolidated Statement of Operations — Fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002
  *
 
   
Consolidated Balance Sheet — October 29, 2004 and October 31, 2003
  *
 
   
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows — Fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002
  *
 
   
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income — Fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002
  *
 
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — October 29, 2004
  *
 
   
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  *
 
*   Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004. The Annual Report is included as Exhibit 13 to this report.
Refer also to Part II, Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for additional information.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company is included as follows:
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts, see page 33.
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
(a)(3) Exhibits.
See Exhibit Index on pages 28-32.

25


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
    ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    (Registrant)
 
       
 
  By   /s/ Robert D. George
 
       
 
      Robert D. George
 
      Vice President,
 
      Chief Financial Officer,
 
      Secretary and Treasurer
 
      (Principal Financial Officer)
Dated: December 30, 2005
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
         
/s/ Robert W. Cremin
  Chairman, President and   December 30, 2005
 
       
(Robert W. Cremin)
  Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
  Date
 
/s/ Robert D. George
  Vice President,   December 30, 2005
 
       
(Robert D. George)
  Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
  Date
 
/s/ Gary J. Posner
  Corporate Controller and   December 30, 2005
 
       
(Gary J. Posner)
  Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  Date
 
/s/ Lewis E. Burns
  Director   December 30, 2005
 
       
(Lewis E. Burns)
      Date
 
/s/ Ross J. Centanni
  Director   December 30, 2005
 
       
(Ross J. Centanni)
      Date

26


Table of Contents

         
/s/ John F. Clearman
  Director   December 30, 2005
 
       
(John F. Clearman)
      Date
 
/s/ Robert S. Cline
  Director   December 30, 2005
 
       
(Robert S. Cline)
      Date
 
/s/ Anthony P. Franceschini
  Director   December 30, 2005
 
       
(Anthony P. Franceschini)
      Date
 
/s/ Charles R. Larson
  Director   December 30, 2005
 
       
(Charles R. Larson)
      Date
 
/s/ Jerry D. Leitman
  Director   December 30, 2005
 
       
(Jerry D. Leitman)
      Date
 
/s/ James L. Pierce
  Director   December 30, 2005
 
       
(James L. Pierce)
      Date

27


Table of Contents

     
Exhibit    
Number   Exhibit
 
2
  Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 8, 2004, among Esterline Technologies Corporation, Esterline Technologies Holdings Limited, Esterline Acquisition Sub, Inc., Leach Holding Corporation and Robert Sires. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 8, 2004 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
3.1
  Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated June 6, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 26, 2002 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
3.2
  By-laws of the Company, as amended and restated December 4, 2003 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2004 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
4.1
  Rights Agreement dated as of December 11, 2002, between Esterline Technologies Corporation and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent, which includes as Exhibit A the Form of Certificate of Designation of Series B Serial Preferred Stock, as Exhibit B the Form of Rights of Certificate and as Exhibit C the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Esterline Technologies Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, as amended, filed on December 12, 2002 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
4.2
  Indenture relating to Esterline Technologies Corporation’s 7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, dated as of June 11, 2003. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Esterline Technologies Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 2003 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
4.3
  Form of Exchange Note. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Esterline Technologies Corporation Form S-4, as amended, filed on September 30, 2003 [Commission File Number 333-109325].)
 
   
10.1
  Registration Rights Agreement among Esterline Technologies Corporation, its domestic subsidiaries listed on Schedule 1 thereto and Wachovia Securities, Inc., dated June 11, 2003. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended August 1, 2003 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.2
  Credit Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2003, among Esterline Technologies Corporation, the financial institutions referred to therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative and Collateral Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to 10-Q for the third quarter ended August 1, 2003 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)

28


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Exhibit    
Number   Exhibit
 
10.4
  Industrial Lease dated July 17, 1984, between 901 Dexter Associates and Korry Electronics Co., First Amendment to Lease dated May 10, 1985, Second Amendment to Lease dated June 20, 1986, Third Amendment to Lease dated September 1, 1987, and Notification of Option Exercise dated January 7, 1991, relating to the manufacturing facility of Korry Electronics at 901 Dexter Avenue N., Seattle, Washington. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1991 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.4a
  Fourth Amendment dated July 27, 1994, to Industrial Lease dated July 17, 1984 between Houg Family Partnership, as successor to 901 Dexter Associates, and Korry Electronics Co. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4a to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1994 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.5
  Industrial Lease dated July 17, 1984, between 801 Dexter Associates and Korry Electronics Co., First Amendment to Lease dated May 10, 1985, Second Amendment to Lease dated June 20, 1986, Third Amendment to Lease dated September 1, 1987, and Notification of Option Exercise dated January 7, 1991, relating to the manufacturing facility of Korry Electronics at 801 Dexter Avenue N., Seattle, Washington. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1991 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.5a
  Fourth Amendment dated March 28, 1994, to Industrial Lease dated July 17, 1984, between Michael Maloney and the Bancroft & Maloney general partnership, as successor to 801 Dexter Associates, and Korry Electronics Co. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5a to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1994 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.10*
  Compensation of Directors. (Incorporated by reference to first paragraph under “Other Information as to Directors” in the definitive form of the Company’s Proxy Statement, relating to its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 2, 2005, and to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange.
 
   
10.13*
  Amended and Restated 1987 Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to Registration Statement of Form S-8 [No. 33-52851] filed March 28, 1994.)
 
   
10.15*
  Esterline Corporation Supplemental Retirement Income Plan for Key Executives. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1989 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)

29


Table of Contents

     
Exhibit    
Number   Exhibit
 
10.16j*
  Esterline Technologies Corporation Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, fiscal years 2000-2004. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16j to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 30, 2004 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.19*
  Executive Officer Termination Protection Agreement. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1992 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.19a*
  Amendment A to the Executive Officer Termination Protection Agreement, effective June 8, 2000. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19a to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2000 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.20j*
  Esterline Technologies Corporation FY04 Annual Incentive Compensation Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20j to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 30, 2004 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.22
  Real Property Lease and Sublease, dated June 28, 1996, between 810 Dexter L.L.C. and Korry Electronics Co. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1996 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.24*
  Esterline Technologies Corporation Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Annex B in the definitive form of the Company’s Proxy Statement, relating to its 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on March 5, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange on January 23, 2003 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.25
  Property lease between Slibail Immobilier and Norbail Immobilier and Auxitrol S.A., dated April 29, 1997, relating to the manufacturing facility of Auxitrol at 5, allée Charles Pathé, 18941 Bourges Cedex 9, France, effective on the construction completed date (December 5, 1997). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 1998 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.26
  Industrial and build-to-suit purchase and sale agreement between The Newhall Land and Farming Company, Esterline Technologies Corporation and TA Mfg. Co., dated February 13, 1997 including Amendments. The agreement is for land and building located at 28065 West Franklin Parkway, Valencia, CA 91384, effective upon acceptance of construction completion (May 12, 1998). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1998 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)

30


Table of Contents

     
Exhibit    
Number   Exhibit
 
10.27
  Note Purchase Agreement between Esterline Technologies Corporation and various life insurance companies for Senior Notes maturing in fiscal 2004-2009. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 1999 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.28*
  Executive Retirement Agreement between Esterline Technologies Corporation and Wendell P. Hurlbut dated January 19, 1999. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 1999 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.30
  Counterpart Underlease, dated January 4, 1993, between Openment Limited and Muirhead Vactric Components Limited, relating to premises located at Oakfield Road, Penge in the London Borough of Bromley. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2000 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.31
  Lease Agreement, dated as of February 27, 1998, between Glacier Partners and Advanced Input Devices, Inc., Lease Amendment #1, dated February 27, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2000 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.33*
  Esterline Technologies Corporation 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Annex B in the definitive form of the Company’s Proxy Statement, relating to its 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on March 5, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange on January 23, 2002 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.34
  Lease Agreement, dated as of August 6, 2003, by and between the Prudential Insurance Company of America and Mason Electric Co., relating to premises located at Sylmar, California. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.35
  Occupation Lease of Buildings known as Phases 3 and 4 on the Solartron Site at Victoria Road, Farnborough, Hampshire between J Sainsbury Developments Limited and Weston Aerospace Limited, dated July 21, 2000. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)
 
   
10.36*
  Esterline Technologies Corporation 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Annex B in the definitive form of the Company’s Proxy Statement, relating to its 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on March 3, 2004, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange on February 3, 2004 [Commission File Number 1-6357].)

31


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit        
Number   Exhibit    
 
10.37
  Lease Agreement dated as of March 19, 1969, as amended, between Leach Corporation and Gin Gor Ju, Trustee of Ju Family Trust, relating to premises located in Orange County. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004 [Commission File Number 1-63571].)
 
       
11
  Schedule setting forth computation of earnings per share for the five fiscal years ended October 29, 2004.    
 
       
12.1
  Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.    
 
       
13
  Portions of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004, incorporated by reference herein.    
 
       
21
  List of subsidiaries.    
 
       
23
  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.    
 
       
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer.    
 
       
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer.    
 
       
32.1
  Certification (of Robert W. Cremin) pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.    
 
       
32.2
  Certification (of Robert D. George) pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.    
 
*   Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
  Previously filed.

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ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(In Thousands)
                                 
    Balance at     Charged             Balance  
    Beginning     to Costs             at End  
Description   of Year     and Expenses     Deductions     of Year  
Reserve for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
                               
Fiscal Years
                               
2004
  $ 2,669     $ 1,294     $ (276 )1   $ 3,687  
 
                       
2003
  $ 2,700     $ 741     $ (772 )1   $ 2,669  
 
                       
2002
  $ 2,447     $ 1,327     $ (1,074 )2   $ 2,700  
 
                       
 
1   Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
 
2   Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries, of $364 and the reclassification of the reserve for doubtful accounts receivable to net assets of discontinued operations of $710.

33

EX-11 2 v15715a1exv11.txt EXHIBIT 11 Exhibit 11 ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION (In thousands, except per share amounts) Computation of Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic
2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 ------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- (Restated) (Restated) (Restated) (Restated) (Restated) Income From Continuing Operations $ 30,402 $ 28,643 $ 28,252 $ 46,732 $ 23,785 Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax 9,181 (5,808) (25,039) (9,780) 3,043 ------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Earnings Before Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle 39,583 22,835 3,213 36,952 26,828 Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle, Net of Tax -- -- (7,574) (403) -- ------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Net Earnings (Loss) $ 39,583 $ 22,835 $ (4,361) $ 36,549 $ 26,828 ============= ============== ============= ============== ============= Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding - Basic 21,195 20,900 20,751 19,641 17,375 ============= ============== ============= ============== ============= Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic: Continuing operations $ 1.43 $ 1.37 $ 1.36 $ 2.38 $ 1.36 Discontinued operations .44 (.28) (1.21) (.50) .18 ------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Earnings per share before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle 1.87 1.09 .15 1.88 1.54 Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle -- -- (.36) (.02) -- ------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic $ 1.87 $ 1.09 $ (.21) $ 1.86 $ 1.54 ============= ============== ============= ============== =============
ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION (In thousands, except per share amounts) Computation of Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Diluted
2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 ------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- (Restated) (Restated) (Restated) (Restated) (Restated) Income From Continuing Operations $ 30,402 $ 28,643 $ 28,252 $ 46,732 $ 23,785 Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax 9,181 (5,808) (25,039) (9,780) 3,043 ------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Earnings Before Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle 39,583 22,835 3,213 36,952 26,828 Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle, Net of Tax -- -- (7,574) (403) -- ------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Net Earnings (Loss) $ 39,583 $ 22,835 $ (4,361) $ 36,549 $ 26,828 ============= ============== ============= ============== ============= Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding 21,195 20,900 20,751 19,641 17,375 Net Shares Assumed to be Issued for Stock Options 344 205 270 373 279 ------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Weighted Average Number of Shares and Equivalent Shares Outstanding - Diluted 21,539 21,105 21,021 20,014 17,654 ============= ============== ============= ============== ============= Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Diluted: Continuing operations $ 1.41 $ 1.36 $ 1.34 $ 2.34 $ 1.35 Discontinued operations .43 (.28) (1.19) (.49) .17 ------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Earnings per share before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle 1.84 1.08 .15 1.85 1.52 Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle -- -- (.36) (.02) -- ------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------
2
2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 ------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- (Restated) (Restated) (Restated) (Restated) (Restated) Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Diluted $ 1.84 $ 1.08 $ (.21) $ 1.83 $ 1.52 ============= ============== ============= ============== ============= Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic $ 1.87 $ 1.09 $ (.21) $ 1.86 $ 1.54 ============= ============== ============= ============== ============= Dilutive Effect Per Share $ .03 $ .01 $ -- $ .03 $ .02 ============= ============== ============= ============== =============
3
EX-12.1 3 v15715a1exv12w1.txt EXHIBIT 12.1 Exhibit 12.1 ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION (In thousands) Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- (Restated) (Restated) (Restated) (Restated) (Restated) Income from continuing operations before income taxes $40,395 $41,363 $37,034 $73,452 $ 36,408 Fixed charges (1) Interest expense 17,339 11,995 7,122 7,663 8,124 Amortization of debt issuance cost 56 703 167 178 116 Interest included in rental expense 2,894 2,398 2,164 2,035 1,957 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 20,289 15,096 9,453 9,876 10,197 Earnings (2) $60,684 $56,459 $46,487 $83,328 $ 46,605 Ratio of earnings available to cover fixed charges 3.0 3.7 4.9 8.4 4.6
(1) Fixed charges consist of interest on indebtedness and amortization of debt issuance cost plus that portion of lease rental expense representative of the interest factor. (2) Earnings consist of income from continuing operations before income taxes plus fixed charges.
EX-13 4 v15715a1exv13.htm EXHIBIT 13 exv13
 

Exhibit 13
Financial Highlights
In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts
                 
    2004     2003  
For Fiscal Years   (Restated)     (Restated)  
Operating Results
               
Net sales
  $ 628,169     $ 562,454  
Segment earnings
    69,299       67,233  
Income from continuing operations
    30,402       28,643  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    9,181       (5,808 )
Net earnings
    39,583       22,835  
 
               
Earnings (loss) per share — diluted:
               
Continuing operations
    1.41       1.36  
Discontinued operations
    .43       (.28 )
Earnings per share
    1.84       1.08  
 
               
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted
    21,539       21,105  
 
 
               
Financial Position
               
Total assets
  $ 935,348     $ 802,827  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    145,135       117,090  
Long-term debt, net
    249,056       246,792  
Shareholders’ equity
    461,028       396,069  
 

1


 

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 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.

2


 

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:
                         
    Increase (Decrease)              
Dollars In Thousands   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 $122.0 million in fiscal 2004 compared with $109.2 million in the prior year. Selling, general and administrative expenses include stock option expense of $4.3 million and $1.4 million in fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively, which are non-cash charges resulting from mark-to-market adjustments under the variable method of accounting. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily reflected the $2.9 million increase in stock option expense, 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 19.4% in both fiscal 2004 and 2003.
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 3.1% during fiscal 2004 to $69.3 million compared to $67.2 million in the prior year. Avionics & Controls segment earnings increased 9% during fiscal 2004 to $32.1 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. Stock option expense was $1.0 million and $0.3 million in fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Sensors & Systems segment earnings decreased nearly 1% during fiscal 2004 to $9.8 million. Sensors & Systems earnings in fiscal 2004 included 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

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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 operating expenses. Stock option expense was $0.8 million and $0.2 million in fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Advanced Materials segment earnings decreased 2.3% to $28.0 million. This 2.3% decrease 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. Stock option expense was $1.5 million and $0.5 million in fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively.
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 24.7% compared with 30.8% 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

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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 $30.4 million, or $1.41 per share on a diluted basis, compared with $28.6 million, or $1.36 per share, in the prior year. Net earnings were $39.6 million, or $1.84 per share on a diluted basis in fiscal 2004, compared with net earnings of $22.8 million, or $1.08 per share, in the prior year. Net earnings in fiscal 2004 included net 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:
                         
    Increase (Decrease)              
Dollars In Thousands   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 $109.2 million in fiscal 2003 compared with $83.8 million in the prior year. Selling, general and administrative expenses include stock option expense of $1.4 million and $4.7 million in fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively, which are non-cash charges resulting from mark-to-market adjustments under the variable method of accounting. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 19.4% and 19.3% 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. These increases were partially offset by a $3.3 million decrease in stock option expense.
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 14.4% during fiscal 2003 to $67.2 million compared to $58.8 million in the prior year. Avionics & Controls segment earnings increased 11.9% during fiscal 2003 to $29.5 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. Stock option expense was $0.3 million and $0.1 million in fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Sensors & Systems segment earnings decreased 18.9% during fiscal 2003 to $9.9 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. Stock option expense was $0.2 million in both fiscal 2003 and 2002.

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Advanced Materials segment earnings increased 32.3% during fiscal 2003 to $28.7 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. Stock option expense was $0.5 million and $0.2 million in fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively.
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 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 30.8% compared with 23.7% 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 $28.6 million, or $1.36 per share on a diluted basis, compared with $28.3 million, or $1.34 per share, in the prior year. Net earnings were $22.8 million, or $1.08 per share on a diluted basis in fiscal 2003, compared with a net loss of $4.4 million, or ($.21) 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

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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 $173.0 million at the end of fiscal 2004 from $224.6 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 $63.3 million and $65.8 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.
                                         
            Less than     1-3     4-5     After 5  
In Thousands   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  
    Principal     Average     Notional     Average     Average  
Maturing in:   Amount     Rates     Amount     Pay Rate (1)     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.

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Firmly Committed Sales Contracts
Operations with Foreign Functional Currency
Principal Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Foreign Currency Exchange Rate (USD/Foreign Currency)
In Thousands
                 
    Euro   U.K. Pound
    Firmly Committed   Firmly Committed
    Sales Contracts   Sales Contracts
Fiscal Years   United States Dollar   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.

17


 

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.

18


 

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 impairments 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 $935.3 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.

19


 

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 34.

21


 

Selected Financial Data
In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts
                                         
  2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
For Fiscal Years   (Restated)   (Restated)   (Restated)   (Restated)   (Restated)
Operating Results1
                                       
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
    122,015       109,225       83,797       74,718       90,868  
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
    40,395       41,363       37,034       73,452       36,408  
 
                                       
Income tax expense
    9,971       12,720       8,782       26,720       12,623  
Income from continuing operations
    30,402       28,643       28,252       46,732       23,785  
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)
    39,583       22,835       (4,361 )     36,549       26,828  
 
                                       
Earnings (loss) per share — diluted:
                                       
Continuing operations
  $ 1.41     $ 1.36     $ 1.34     $ 2.34     $ 1.35  
Discontinued operations
    .43       (.28 )     (1.19 )     (.49 )     .17  
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
                (.36 )     (.02 )      
Earnings (loss) per share — diluted
    1.84       1.08       (.21 )     1.83       1.52  
 

22


 

Selected Financial Data
In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts
                                         
  2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
For Fiscal Years   (Restated)   (Restated)   (Restated)   (Restated)   (Restated)
Financial Structure
                                       
Total assets
  $ 935,348     $ 802,827     $ 573,678     $ 561,306     $ 478,812  
Long-term debt, net
    249,056       246,792       102,133       102,125       108,172  
Shareholders’ equity
    461,028       396,069       357,164       351,793       254,168  
 
                                       
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted
    21,539       21,105       21,021       20,014       17,654  
 
 
1   Operating results and balance sheet items for 2000 through 2004 have been restated as explained in Note 2 to the Company’s financial statements to account for the Company’s stock option plan under variable accounting. In addition, 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.
                                         
  2004     2003     2002     2001     2000  
For Fiscal Years   (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
Other Selected Data2
                                       
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  
Stock option expense (income)
    4,326       1,428       4,711       (6,385 )     8,900  
 
                                       
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 stock option expense and 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

23


 

    be available for discretionary uses by us. The following table reconciles operating earnings from continuing operations to EBITDA from continuing operations.
In Thousands
                                         
  2004     2003     2002     2001     2000  
For Fiscal Years   (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
Operating earnings from continuing operations
  $ 51,827     $ 49,880     $ 42,343     $ 72,391     $ 39,736  
Stock option expense (income)
    4,326       1,428       4,711       (6,385 )     8,900  
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
                                 
  2004   2003
For Fiscal Years   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  
    (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
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
    122,015       109,225       83,797  
Research, development and engineering
    27,715       19,524       15,433  
 
Total Expenses
    149,730       128,749       99,230  
 
Operating Earnings From Continuing Operations
    51,827       49,880       42,343  
 
                       
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
    40,395       41,363       37,034  
Income Tax Expense
    9,971       12,720       8,782  
 
Income From Continuing Operations Before Minority Interest
    30,424       28,643       28,252  
 
                       
Minority Interest
    (22 )            
 
Income From Continuing Operations
    30,402       28,643       28,252  
 
                       
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
    9,181       (5,808 )     (25,039 )
 
Earnings Before Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle
    39,583       22,835       3,213  
 
                       
Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle, Net of Tax
                (7,574 )
 
 
                       
Net Earnings (Loss)
  $ 39,583     $ 22,835     $ (4,361 )
 

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  
    (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
Earnings (Loss) Per Share – Basic:
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 1.43     $ 1.37     $ 1.36  
Discontinued operations
    .44       (.28 )     (1.21 )
 
Earnings per share before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
    1.87       1.09       .15  
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
                (.36 )
 
 
                       
Earnings (Loss) Per Share – Basic
  $ 1.87     $ 1.09     $ (.21 )
 
 
Earnings (Loss) Per Share – Diluted:
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 1.41     $ 1.36     $ 1.34  
Discontinued operations
    .43       (.28 )     (1.19 )
 
Earnings per share before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
    1.84       1.08       .15  
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
                (.36 )
 
 
                       
Earnings (Loss) Per Share – Diluted
  $ 1.84     $ 1.08     $ (.21 )
 
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  
    (Restated)     (Restated)  
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
    23,499       18,726  
Prepaid expenses
    9,441       7,030  
Other current assets
    435        
 
Total Current Assets
    322,625       356,869  
 
               
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
  $ 935,348     $ 802,827  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

28


 

As of October 29, 2004 and October 31, 2003
                 
    2004     2003  
    (Restated)     (Restated)  
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
    144,879       137,797  
Retained earnings
    287,344       247,761  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    24,541       6,298  
 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    461,028       396,069  
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 935,348     $ 802,827  
 
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  
    (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
                       
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 39,583     $ 22,835     $ (4,361 )
Minority interest
    22              
Depreciation and amortization
    31,145       26,215       17,563  
Deferred income tax (benefit)
    3,264       9,235       (1,947 )
Stock-based compensation
    4,326       1,428       4,711  
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       9,483  
 
 
    63,327       65,788       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  
    (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
                       
Proceeds provided by stock issuance under employee stock plans
    2,807       2,424        
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        
 
 
    (22,768 )     171,236       (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  
    (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
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
    137,797       134,001       129,491  
Shares issued under stock option plans
    2,756       2,368       (201 )
Stock-based compensation expense
    4,326       1,428       4,711  
 
End of year
    144,879       137,797       134,001  
 
 
                       
Retained Earnings
                       
Beginning of year
    247,761       224,926       229,287  
Net earnings (loss)
    39,583       22,835       (4,361 )
 
End of year
    287,344       247,761       224,926  
 
 
                       
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
  $ 461,028     $ 396,069     $ 357,164  
 
 
                       
Comprehensive Income
                       
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 39,583     $ 22,835     $ (4,361 )
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
  $ 57,826     $ 35,053     $ 847  
 
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 at

33


 

$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

34


 

rates. Revenue and expense accounts are translated at average exchange 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. The variable method of accounting is used to account for stock option plans where the option holders are permitted to exercise options by surrendering the option subject to the grant in payment of the exercise price of the option and the related statutory taxes. No compensation cost is recognized at the grant date because the exercise price of all stock option grants is equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock as of the date of the grant. However, subsequent changes in the market price of the Company’s

36


 

common stock to the date of exercise or forfeiture results in a change in measure of compensation cost. Additional disclosures as required under Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (Statement No. 123), 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.
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  
    (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
Net earnings (loss) as reported
  $     39,583     $     22,835     $ (4,361 )
Stock-based compensation cost, net of income tax included in net earnings (loss) as reported
    2,906       1,061       2,995  
Stock-based compensation cost, net of income tax under the fair value method of accounting
    (1,784 )     (1,295 )     (1,285 )
 
Pro forma net earnings (loss)
    40,705       22,601       (2,651 )
 
 
                       
Basic earnings (loss) per share as reported
  $     1.87     $     1.09     $ (.21 )
Pro forma basic earnings (loss) per share
    1.92       1.08       (.13 )
 
                       
Diluted earnings (loss) per share as reported
  $     1.84     $     1.08     $ (.21 )
Pro forma diluted earnings (loss) per share
    1.89       1.07       (.13 )
 
The weighted average Black-Scholes value of options granted during fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $12.81, $9.72 and $9.05, respectively. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:
                         
    2004     2003     2002  
    (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
Volatility
    47.1 %     48.5 %     47.5 %
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
                 
 

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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.
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. 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: Restatement, Stock Option Accounting
The Company has restated its financial statements to account for the Company’s non-qualified stock option plan using variable accounting because grantees were permitted to exercise stock options by surrendering stock under the grant to pay for the exercise price and statutory taxes. The Company previously accounted for these stock option grants as fixed awards under APB No. 25. As a result, the Company recorded additional stock-based compensation expense under the variable method of accounting and the related income tax adjustments. These adjustments are reflected in the financial statements with the cumulative adjustment at October 26, 2001 resulting in an increase in additional paid in capital of $16.2 million, a decrease in retained earnings of $14.7 million and increase in deferred income tax assets of $1.5 million. Comparing the previously reported amounts to the restated amounts, additional paid in capital increased by $20.5 million, $21.0 million and $24.3 million, retained earnings decreased by $17.7 million, $18.8 million and $21.8 million, and deferred income tax assets increased by $2.7 million, $2.2 million and $2.5 million at October 25, 2002, October 31, 2003 and October 29, 2004, respectively. In addition, the adjustments decreased net income by $3.0 million or $.15 per diluted share in fiscal year 2002, $1.1 million or $.05 per diluted share in fiscal year 2003, and $3.0 million or $.14 per diluted share in fiscal year 2004.
A summary of the significant effects of the restatement for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 is as follows:
In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts
                                                 
    2004   2003   2002
    As   As   As   As   As   As
    Reported   Restated   Reported   Restated   Reported   Restated
Selling, general & administrative expenses
  $ 117,689     $ 122,015     $ 107,797     $ 109,225     $ 79,086     $ 83,797  
Income from continuing operations
    33,374       30,402       29,741       28,643       31,284       28,252  
Net income (loss)
    42,555       39,583       23,933       22,835       (1,329 )     (4,361 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations per share
                                               
Basic
  $ 1.57     $ 1.43     $ 1.42     $ 1.37     $ 1.51     $ 1.36  
Diluted
  $ 1.55     $ 1.41     $ 1.41     $ 1.36     $ 1.49     $ 1.34  
Net income (loss) per share
                                               
Basic
  $ 2.01     $ 1.87     $ 1.15     $ 1.09     $ (.07 )   $ (.21 )
Diluted
  $ 1.98     $ 1.84     $ 1.13     $ 1.08     $ (.06 )   $ (.21 )
Deferred income tax benefits
  $ 20,984     $ 23,499     $ 16,529     $ 18,726     $ 25,069     $ 27,792  
Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 458,513     $ 461,028     $ 393,872     $ 396,069     $ 354,441     $ 357,164  
 

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NOTE 3: 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.

40


 

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 &   Sensors &   Advanced    
    Controls   Systems   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   Gross           Gross    
    Average Years   Carrying   Accum.   Carrying   Accum.
    Useful Life   Amount   Amort.   Amount   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%

46


 

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  
 

47


 

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:
                         
    2004     2003     2002  
In Thousands   (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
Current
                       
U.S. Federal
  $ 8,214     $ 10,325     $ 7,397  
State
    1,000       600       (123 )
Foreign
    284       2,230       3,423  
 
 
    9,498       13,155       10,697  
Deferred
                       
U.S. Federal
    3,705       (1,435 )     (1,561 )
State
    847       (180 )     (28 )
Foreign
    (4,079 )     1,180       (326 )
 
 
    473       (435 )     (1,915 )
 
Income tax expense
  $ 9,971     $ 12,720     $ 8,782  
 
U.S. and foreign components of income from continuing operations before income taxes for each of the fiscal years were:
                         
    2004     2003     2002  
In Thousands   (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
U.S.
  $ 34,111     $ 34,654     $ 27,355  
Foreign
    6,284       6,709       9,679  
 
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes
  $ 40,395     $ 41,363     $ 37,034  
 

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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:
                 
    2004     2003  
In Thousands   (Restated)     (Restated)  
Reserves and liabilities
  $ 12,667     $ 13,896  
Tax credit carryforwards
    2,116        
NOL carryforwards
    13,677        
Employee benefits
    3,740       3,281  
Non-qualified stock options
    2,515       2,197  
Other
    1,158        
 
Total deferred tax assets
    35,873       19,374  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    (14,851 )     (13,061 )
Intangibles and amortization
    (25,310 )     (6,875 )
Retirement benefits
    (4,440 )     (6,194 )
Other
          (1,843 )
 
Total deferred tax liabilities
    (44,601 )     (27,973 )
 
Net deferred tax liabilities
  $ (8,728 )   $ (8,599 )
 
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 incremental tax benefit received by the Company upon exercise of non-qualified employee stock options was $0.5 million in fiscal 2004. There was no incremental tax benefit in fiscal 2003 and 2002.
No valuation allowance was considered necessary on deferred tax assets.

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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  
    (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
U.S. statutory income tax rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
State income taxes
    1.6       0.9       (0.2 )
Foreign taxes
    (5.6 )     (0.7 )     0.5  
Export sales benefit
    (1.6 )     (2.0 )     (2.7 )
Pass-through entities
    6.6              
Foreign tax credits
    (5.4 )            
Research & development credits
    (4.2 )     (5.0 )     (8.0 )
Tax accrual adjustment
    (2.0 )     2.1       (0.4 )
Other, net
    0.3       0.5       (0.5 )
 
Effective income tax rate
    24.7 %     30.8 %     23.7 %
 
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.

52


 

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:
                                 
    2004     2003  
    Outstanding     Interest     Outstanding     Interest  
In Thousands   Borrowings     Rate     Borrowings     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.

55


 

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.

56


 

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  
            Weighted           Weighted             Weighted  
    Shares     Average     Shares     Average     Shares     Average  
    Subject to     Exercise     Subject to     Exercise     Subject to     Exercise  
    Option     Price     Option     Price     Option     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  
 

57


 

The following table summarizes information for stock options outstanding at October 29, 2004:
                                         
    Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
            Weighted                      
            Average     Weighted             Weighted  
Range of
          Remaining     Average             Average  
Exercise Prices
  Shares     Life (years)     Price     Shares     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.

59


 

NOTE 15: Acquisitions and Divestitures
Acquisitions
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.

62


 

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  
 

63


 

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.

64


 

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.

65


 

Details of the Company’s operations by business segment for the last three fiscal years were as follows:
                         
    2004     2003     2002  
In Thousands   (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
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
  $ 32,077     $ 29,507     $ 26,362  
Sensors & Systems
    9,791       9,876       12,176  
Advanced Materials
    28,004       28,671       21,670  
Other
    (573 )     (821 )     (1,420 )
 
Segment Earnings
    69,299       67,233       58,788  
 
                       
Corporate expense
    (17,472 )     (17,353 )     (16,445 )
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 )
 
 
  $ 40,395     $ 41,363     $ 37,034  
 
 
                       
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  
Corporate1
    95,270       177,085       58,772  
 
 
  $ 935,348     $ 802,827     $ 573,678  
 
 
                       
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  
 

66


 

                         
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  
 

67


 

                         
    2004     2003     2002  
In Thousands   (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
Segment Earnings1
                       
Domestic
  $ 64,153     $ 60,531     $ 48,767  
France
    227       4,539       7,435  
United Kingdom
    4,745       2,861       2,025  
All other foreign
    174       (698 )     561  
 
 
  $ 69,299     $ 67,233     $ 58,788  
 
 
                       
Identifiable Assets2
                       
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 %
 

68


 

NOTE 17: Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly financial information:
In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts
                                 
    Fourth     Third     Second     First  
Fiscal Year 2004   (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  
Net sales
  $ 194,763     $ 150,614     $ 150,194     $ 132,598  
Gross margin
    64,106       47,145       50,304       40,002  
 
                               
Income from continuing operations 1
    14,996 2       5,286       9,714       406 3  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
    7,883       626       672        
 
Net earnings
  $ 22,879 2     $ 5,912     $ 10,386     $ 406 3  
 
 
                               
Earnings per share — basic
                               
Continuing operations
  $ .70     $ .25     $ .46     $ .02  
Discontinued operations 4
    .37       .03       .03        
 
Earnings per share — basic 4
  $ 1.07     $ .28     $ .49     $ .02  
 
 
                               
Earnings per share — diluted
                               
Continuing operations 4
  $ .69     $ .25     $ .45     $ .02  
Discontinued operations 4
    .37       .03       .03        
 
Earnings per share — diluted 4
  $ 1.06     $ .28     $ .48     $ .02  
 

69


 

In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts
                                                 
  Fourth     Third             Second             First  
Fiscal Year 2003   (Restated)     (Restated)             (Restated)             (Restated)  
Net sales
  $ 160,326     $ 140,518             $ 135,281             $ 126,329  
Gross margin
    53,680       45,706               40,570               38,673  
 
Income from continuing operations 1
    8,731       8,188 5           5,683 6           6,041  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
                        (5,808 )              
 
Net earnings
  $ 8,731     $ 8,188 5         $ (125 )6         $ 6,041  
 
 
                                               
Earnings per share — basic
                                               
Continuing operations
  $ .41     $ .39             $ .27             $ .29  
Discontinued operations 4
                        (.28 )              
 
Earnings per share — basic 4
  $ .41     $ .39             $ (.01 )           $ .29  
 
 
                                               
Earnings per share — diluted
                                               
Continuing operations 4
  $ .41     $ .38             $ .27             $ .28  
Discontinued operations 4
                        (.28 )              
 
Earnings per share — diluted 4
  $ .41     $ .38             $ (.01 )           $ .28  
 
1   The effects of stock options expense, net of tax, are included in income from continuing operations and presented below:
                                 
    Fourth     Third     Second     First  
Fiscal Year 2004
  $ (237 )   $ (1,737 )   $ 474     $ (1,472 )
Fiscal Year 2003
  $ (681 )   $ (256 )   $ (359 )   $ 198  
2   Included a $3.4 million gain on the sale of a product line in the Sensors & Systems segment.
 
3   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.
 
4   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.
 
5   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.
 
6   Included an $863,000 gain on the sale of a product line in the Sensors & Systems segment.

70


 

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.

71


 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 29, 2004
In Thousands
(Restated)
                                         
                    Non-        
            Guarantor   Guarantor        
    Parent   Subsidiaries   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
    40,630             (17,131 )           23,499  
Prepaid expenses
    353       3,598       5,490             9,441  
Other current assets
    147       288                   435  
 
Total Current Assets
    58,721       165,522       98,382             322,625  
 
                                       
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
    152,346       36,188             (188,534 )      
Investment in Subsidiaries
    558,234             92       (558,326 )      
 
Total Assets
  $ 798,625     $ 572,146     $ 311,437     $ (746,860 )   $ 935,348  
 

72


 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 29, 2004
In Thousands
(Restated)
                                         
                    Non-        
            Guarantor   Guarantor        
    Parent   Subsidiaries   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
                186,310       (186,310 )      
Minority Interest
                2,378             2,378  
Shareholders’ Equity
    461,028       499,894       60,656       (560,550 )     461,028  
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 798,625     $ 572,146     $ 311,437     $ (746,860 )   $ 935,348  
 

73


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004
In Thousands
(Restated)
                                         
                    Non-        
            Guarantor   Guarantor        
    Parent   Subsidiaries   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
          82,307       39,708             122,015  
Research, development and engineering
          12,134       15,581             27,715  
 
Total Expenses
          94,441       55,289             149,730  
 
Operating Earnings from Continuing Operations
          52,878       (1,051 )           51,827  
 
                                       
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 )     52,859       (11,990 )           40,395  
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
    (140 )     13,313       (3,202 )           9,971  
 
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Minority Interest
    (334 )     39,546       (8,788 )           30,424  
Minority Interest
                (22 )           (22 )
 
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations
    (334 )     39,546       (8,810 )           30,402  
 
 
Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
          9,181                   9,181  
Equity in Net Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries
    39,917                   (39,917 )      
 
Net Income (Loss)
  $ 39,583     $ 48,727     $ (8,810 )   $ (39,917 )   $ 39,583  
 

74


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004
In Thousands
(Restated)
                                         
                    Non-        
            Guarantor   Guarantor        
    Parent   Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
                                       
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 39,583     $ 48,727     $ (8,810 )   $ (39,917 )   $ 39,583  
Stock-based compensation
          3,191       1,135             4,326  
Minority interest
                22             22  
Depreciation & amortization
          22,320       8,825             31,145  
Deferred income tax
    3,375             (111 )           3,264  
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 )
 
 
    59,579       50,988       (7,323 )     (39,917 )     63,327  
 
                                       
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 )

75


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004
In Thousands
(Restated)
                                         
                    Non-        
            Guarantor   Guarantor        
    Parent   Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
                                       
Proceeds provided by stock issuance under employee stock plans
    2,807                         2,807  
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
    (143,641 )     5,573       98,151       39,917        
 
 
    (164,098 )     5,316       96,097       39,917       (22,768 )
 
                                       
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  
 

76


 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 31, 2003
In Thousands
(Restated)
                                         
                    Non-        
            Guarantor   Guarantor        
    Parent   Subsidiaries   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
    19,687             (961 )           18,726  
Prepaid expenses
    134       3,797       3,099             7,030  
 
Total Current Assets
    154,921       133,780       68,168             356,869  
 
                                       
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
    77,297       14,439             (91,736 )      
Investment in Subsidiaries
    458,293             83       (458,376 )      
 
Total Assets
  $ 703,159     $ 475,022     $ 174,758     $ (550,112 )   $ 802,827  
 

77


 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 31, 2003
In Thousands
(Restated)
                                         
                    Non-        
            Guarantor   Guarantor        
    Parent   Subsidiaries   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
    (17,306 )           120,585       (103,279 )      
Shareholders’ Equity
    396,069       418,924       27,909       (446,833 )     396,069  
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 703,159     $ 475,022     $ 174,758     $ (550,112 )   $ 802,827  
 

78


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003
In Thousands
(Restated)
                                         
                    Non-        
            Guarantor   Guarantor        
    Parent   Subsidiaries   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
          83,384       25,841             109,225  
Research, development and engineering
          9,306       10,218             19,524  
 
Total Expenses
          92,690       36,059             128,749  
 
Operating Earnings from Continuing Operations
          45,876       4,004             49,880  
 
                                       
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 )     45,761       (1,058 )           41,363  
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
    (868 )     13,834       (246 )           12,720  
 
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations
    (2,472 )     31,927       (812 )           28,643  
 
                                       
Loss From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
          (5,808 )                 (5,808 )
Equity in Net Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries
    25,307                   (25,307 )      
 
Net Income (Loss)
  $ 22,835     $ 26,119     $ (812 )   $ (25,307 )   $ 22,835  
 

79


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003
In Thousands
(Restated)
                                         
              Non-        
            Guarantor   Guarantor        
    Parent   Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
                                       
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 22,835     $ 26,119     $ (812 )   $ (25,307 )   $ 22,835  
Stock-based compensation
          1,137       291             1,428  
Depreciation & amortization
          22,230       3,985             26,215  
Deferred income tax (benefit)
    14,051       (4,221 )     (595 )           9,235  
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  
 
 
    35,758       51,693       3,644       (25,307 )     65,788  
 
                                       
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 )

80


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003
In Thousands
(Restated)
                                         
                    Non-        
            Guarantor   Guarantor        
    Parent   Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
                                       
Proceeds provided by stock issuance under employee stock plans
    2,424                         2,424  
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
    (85,867 )     (9,443 )     70,003       25,307        
 
 
    83,587       (9,519 )     71,861       25,307       171,236  
 
                                       
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  
 

81


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2002
In Thousands
(Restated)
                                         
                    Non-        
            Guarantor   Guarantor        
    Parent   Subsidiaries   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
          64,831       18,966             83,797  
Research, development and engineering
          7,472       7,961             15,433  
 
Total Expenses
          72,303       26,927             99,230  
 
Operating Earnings From Continuing Operations
          34,862       7,481             42,343  
 
                                       
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 )     34,374       7,053             37,034  
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
    (1,838 )     7,628       2,992             8,782  
 
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations
    (2,555 )     26,746       4,061             28,252  
 
                                       
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
    (1,806 )                 1,806        
 
Net Income (Loss)
  $ (4,361 )   $ (5,452 )   $ 3,646     $ 1,806     $ (4,361 )
 

82


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2002
In Thousands
(Restated)
                                         
                    Non-        
            Guarantor   Guarantor        
    Parent   Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
                                       
Net earnings (loss)
  $ (4,361 )   $ (5,452 )   $ 3,646     $ 1,806     $ (4,361 )
Stock-based compensation
          3,921       790             4,711  
Depreciation & amortization
          15,152       2,411             17,563  
Deferred income tax (benefit)
    (764 )     (1,190 )     7             (1,947 )
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
    (140 )     16,279       (6,656 )           9,483  
 
 
    (4,920 )     48,853       7,217       1,806       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 )

83


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2002
In Thousands
(Restated)
                                         
                    Non-        
            Guarantor   Guarantor        
    Parent   Subsidiaries   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
    (86,603 )     81,613       6,796       (1,806 )      
 
 
    (92,317 )     81,538       4,279       (1,806 )     (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  
 

84


 

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, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets 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 have been restated.
As discussed in Note 3 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, except as to the restatement discussed in note 2,
as to which the date is December 7, 2005

85

EX-23 5 v15715a1exv23.txt EXHIBIT 23 Exhibit 23 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Esterline Technologies Corporation of our report dated December 10, 2004, except as to the restatement discussed in Note 2, as to which the date is December 7, 2005, included in the 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders of Esterline Technologies Corporation. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of Esterline Technologies Corporation listed in Item 15(a). This schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Forms S-8 No. 333-43843, No. 33-58375, No. 333-62650, No. 333-85440 and Form S-3 No. 333-117905) pertaining to the 1997 Stock Option Plan, Non-Employee Directors' Stock Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan, the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Esterline Technologies Corporation and the $300,000,000 Shelf Registration Statement of our report dated December 10, 2004, except as to the restatement discussed in Note 2, as to which the date is December 7, 2005, with respect to the consolidated financial statements incorporated herein by reference, and our report included in the preceding paragraph with respect to the financial statement schedule included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Esterline Technologies Corporation for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004. Ernst & Young LLP Seattle, Washington December 30, 2005 EX-31.1 6 v15715a1exv31w1.txt EXHIBIT 31.1 Exhibit 31.1 CERTIFICATIONS I, Robert W. Cremin, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K/A of Esterline Technologies Corporation; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Dated: December 30, 2005 By: /s/ Robert W. Cremin ----------------------------------------------- Robert W. Cremin Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) EX-31.2 7 v15715a1exv31w2.txt EXHIBIT 31.2 Exhibit 31.2 CERTIFICATIONS I, Robert D. George, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K/A of Esterline Technologies Corporation; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Dated: December 30, 2005 By: /s/ Robert D. George ------------------------------------------ Robert D. George Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) EX-32.1 8 v15715a1exv32w1.txt EXHIBIT 32.1 Exhibit 32.1 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Annual Report of Esterline Technologies Corporation (the "COMPANY") on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "FORM 10-K"), I, Robert W. Cremin, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1) The Form 10-K/A fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and (2) The information contained in the Form 10-K/A fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Dated: December 30, 2005 By: /s/ Robert W. Cremin ----------------------------------------------- Robert W. Cremin Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer EX-32.2 9 v15715a1exv32w2.txt EXHIBIT 32.2 Exhibit 32.2 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Annual Report of Esterline Technologies Corporation (the "COMPANY") on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "THE FORM 10-K"), I, Robert D. George, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1) The Form 10-K/A fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and (2) The information contained in the Form 10-K/A fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Dated: December 30, 2005 By: /s/ Robert D. George ---------------------------------------- Robert D. George Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
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