Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-K

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

Commission file number 0-12640

Kaydon Corporation

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (734) 747-7025

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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. Yes x No o

          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. x

          Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer. Yes x No o

          The aggregate market value of the Registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on July 3, 2004 (based on the July 2, 2004 closing sales price of $30.49 of the Registrant’s Common Stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on such date) was approximately $629,150,000.

          Number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock at March 3, 2005:

28,255,932 Shares of Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share.

          Portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forward-Looking Statements

     This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regarding the Company’s plans, expectations, estimates and beliefs. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “may,” “potential,” “projects” and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may include, among other things, projections of the Company’s financial performance, anticipated growth, characterization of and the Company’s ability to control contingent liabilities, and anticipated trends in the Company’s businesses. These statements are only predictions, based on the Company’s current expectation about future events. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements or that predictions or current expectations will be accurate. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

     In addition, the Company or persons acting on its behalf may from time to time publish or communicate other items that could also be construed to be forward-looking statements. Statements of this sort are or will be based on the Company’s estimates, assumptions, and projections and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Kaydon does not undertake any responsibility to update its forward-looking statements or risk factors to reflect future events or circumstances. For a specific discussion of the risks and uncertainties that could affect the Company’s operating results, please refer to the Forward-Looking Statements section of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Item 7 herein.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General Development of Business

     Kaydon Corporation (the “Company” or “Kaydon”) is a leading designer and manufacturer of custom-engineered, critical performance products for a broad customer base. Kaydon was incorporated under the laws of Delaware in 1983 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bairnco Corporation, its former parent company. The Company became a separate public company in 1984 when it was spun-out of Bairnco Corporation as a dividend to Bairnco’s shareholders. At the time of its incorporation, Kaydon was principally involved in the design and manufacture of bearing systems and components as well as filters and filter housings. Since 1984, the Company has pursued a diversified growth strategy in the manufacturing sector. The Company’s principal products now include the previously mentioned bearing systems and components and filters and filter housings, and also custom rings, shaft seals, linear deceleration products, slip-rings, video and data multiplexers, fiber optic rotary joints, printed circuit boards, specialty retaining rings, specialty balls, fuel cleansing systems, industrial presses and metal alloy products. These products are used by customers in a wide variety of medical, instrumentation, material handling, machine tool positioning, aerospace, defense, security, construction, electronic, marine and other industrial applications. The Company performs as an extension of its customers’ engineering and manufacturing functions, with a commitment to identify and provide engineered solutions to design problems through technical innovation, cost-effective manufacturing and outstanding value-added service.

Recent Developments

     On January 7, 2005 we acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Purafil, Inc. (“Purafil”) in a cash transaction valued at $42.6 million. Purafil manufactures and distributes gas-phase air filtration systems and media for industrial and commercial applications throughout the world. On a reportable segment basis, Purafil’s results will be reported in “Other.”

     On January 19, 2005 the Securities and Exchange Commission declared effective the Company’s $400.0 million universal shelf registration statement.

Industry Segments

     We operate through operating segments for which separate financial information is available, and for which operating results are evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in determining resource allocation and assessing performance. Certain of the operating segments have similar economic characteristics, as well as other common attributes, including nature of the products and production processes, distribution patterns and classes of customers. The Company aggregates these operating segments for reporting purposes. Certain other operating segments do not exhibit the common attributes mentioned above and, therefore, information about them is reported separately. Still other operating segments do not meet the quantitative thresholds for separate disclosure and their information is combined and disclosed as “Other.”

     We have four reportable segments and other operating segments engaged in the manufacture and sale of the following:

     Friction and Motion Control Products – complex components used in specialized medical, aerospace, defense, security, electronic, material handling, construction and other industrial applications. Products include anti-friction bearings, split roller bearings, specialty balls and retaining devices.

     Velocity Control Products – complex components used in specialized robotics, material handling, machine tool, medical, amusement and other industrial applications. Products include industrial shock absorbers, safety shock absorbers, velocity controls, gas springs and rotary dampers.

     Sealing Products – complex and standard ring and seal products used in demanding industrial, aerospace and defense applications. Products include engine rings, sealing rings and shaft seals.

     Power and Data Transmission Products – complex and standard electrical and fiber optic products used in demanding industrial, aerospace, defense, security, medical, electronic and marine equipment applications. Products include slip-rings, slip-ring assemblies, video and data multiplexers, fiber optic rotary joints and printed circuit boards.

     Other – filter elements and filtration systems, metal alloys, machine tool components, presses, dies and benders used in a variety of industrial applications.

     Net sales related to our four reportable segments and other operating segments during 2004, 2003 and 2002 are set forth in the following table:

     See the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 12) contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for additional information on the Company’s reportable segments.

     Sophisticated technology plays a significant role in all of our reportable segments in the design, engineering and manufacturing of our products. Due to the custom-engineered, proprietary nature of the Company’s products, substantially all of the manufacturing is done in-house and subcontractors are utilized for occasional specialized services. Products are manufactured utilizing a variety of precision metalworking and other process technologies after working closely with customers to engineer the required solution to their design and performance challenges.

     We sell our products in each reportable segment through a sales organization consisting of salespersons and representatives located throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Salespersons are trained to provide technical assistance to customers, as well as to serve as a liaison between the factory engineering staffs of Kaydon and its customers. Also, a global network of specialized distributors and agents provides local availability of our products to serve the requirements of customers. During 2004, 2003 and 2002, sales to no single customer exceeded 10 percent of Kaydon net sales. However, during 2004, sales to one customer exceeded 10 percent (10.4 percent) of net sales in the Friction and Motion Control Products reporting segment, sales to three customers exceeded 10 percent (22.2 percent, 15.8 percent, and 10.5 percent) of net sales in the Sealing Products reporting segment, sales to one customer exceeded 10 percent (17.0 percent) of net sales in the Power and Data Transmission Products reporting segment, and sales to one customer exceeded 10 percent (16.0 percent) of net sales in the other businesses. During 2003, sales to three customers exceeded 10 percent (19.8 percent, 17.3 percent, and 10.3 percent) of net sales in the Sealing Products reporting segment, and sales to two customers exceeded 10 percent (11.7 percent and 11.4 percent) of net sales in the Power and Data Transmission Products reporting segment.

     We do not consider our business in any reportable segment to be seasonal in nature or to have special working capital requirements. Compliance with federal, state and local regulations relating to the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, is not expected to result in material capital expenditures by us or to have a material adverse effect on our earnings or competitive position. In general, raw materials required by the Company are attainable from various sources and in the quantities desired. During 2004, the Company was negatively affected by increases in certain raw material prices, particularly steel. The Company was successful in passing some of the increases along to its customers. Various provisions of federal law and regulations require, under certain circumstances, the renegotiations of military procurement contracts or the refund of profits determined to be excessive. The Company, based on experience, believes that no material renegotiations or refunds will be required. We have not made any public announcement of, or otherwise made public information about, a new product or a new industry segment which would require the investment of a material amount of our assets or which would otherwise result in a material cost.

Backlog

     We sell certain products on a build-to-order basis that requires substantial order lead-time. This results in a backlog of unshipped, scheduled orders. In addition, certain products are manufactured on the basis of sales projections or annual blanket purchase orders. Backlog in the Friction and Motion Control Products reporting segment was $69.9 million at December 31, 2004 and $55.2 million at December 31, 2003. Backlog in the Velocity Control Products reporting segment was $4.2 million at December 31, 2004 and $5.5 million at December 31, 2003. Backlog in the Sealing Products reporting segment was $18.0 million at December 31, 2004 and $13.6 million at December 31, 2003. Backlog in the Power and Data Transmission Products reporting segment was $15.5 million at December 31, 2004 and $15.9 million at December 31, 2003. Backlog in other businesses was $9.5 million at December 31, 2004 and $6.7 million at December 31, 2003. We expect to ship approximately 90 percent of the year-end backlog over the following twelve months. Backlog has become less indicative of future results as we have made efforts to shorten manufacturing lead times, creating a faster response to customer orders.

Patents and Trademarks

     The Company holds various patents, patent applications, licenses, trademarks and trade names. The Company considers its patents, patent applications, licenses, trademarks and trade names to be valuable, but does not believe that there is any reasonable likelihood of a loss of such rights which would have a material adverse effect on our present business as a whole.

Competition

     The major domestic and foreign markets for our products in all reporting segments are highly competitive. Competition is based primarily on price, product engineering and performance, technology, quality and overall customer service, with the relative importance of such factors varying by degree among products. Our competitors include a large number of other well-established diversified manufacturers as well as other smaller companies. Although a number of companies of varying size compete with us, no single competitor is in substantial competition with the Company with respect to more than a few of its product lines and services.

Employees

     We employ approximately 2,000 people. Satisfactory relationships have generally prevailed between the Company and its employees.

International Operations

     Certain friction and motion control products are manufactured in Mexico and the United Kingdom, certain velocity control products are assembled and distributed through a facility in Germany, and certain power and data transmission products are manufactured in Canada, the United Kingdom and Mexico. In addition, within all reporting segments, we distribute a wide array of products throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Our foreign operations are subject to political, monetary, economic and other risks attendant generally to international businesses. These risks generally vary from country to country.

     See the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 12) contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for additional information on the Company’s operations by geographic area.

Available Information

     Our internet address is www.kaydon.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and amendments to all such reports and statements are accessible at no charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Also accessible on our website under “Corporate Governance” are our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our Codes of Ethics, and the charters of the various committees of our Board of Directors. These items are also available in print at no charge to those who direct a request in writing to the Company.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

     The following list sets forth the location of our principal manufacturing facilities for each reportable segment:

     The Company considers that its properties are generally in good condition, are well maintained, and are generally suitable and adequate to carry on the Company’s business. Substantially all of the properties are owned by the Company and are not subject to significant encumbrances. The Company’s manufacturing facilities have sufficient capacity to meet increased customer demand. The Company’s leased executive offices are located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

     As previously reported, the Company, along with certain other companies, was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in 1996 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Transactions Lawsuit”). In April 2004, the Court of Appeals issued its Summary Order affirming in all respects an earlier judgment of the District Court, which granted the motion for summary judgment, dismissing the case in its entirety against all defendants. When the chances of this ruling being further appealed by the plaintiffs became remote, the Company reduced its previously recorded Transactions Lawsuit legal fee accrual by $1.7 million in the second quarter 2004 financial statements. This change in estimate increased second quarter 2004 net income by $1.1 million. The deadline for the plaintiffs to take action to prolong the case has expired, therefore, the case has concluded.

     As previously reported, in August 2000, an accident involving a MH53E helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, resulted in four deaths and two injuries during a military training mission. The Company manufactures and sells swashplate bearings used on MH53E helicopters. In May 2002, the Company, along with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, The Armoloy Corporation, Armoloy of Illinois, Inc., Armoloy of Connecticut, Inc. and Investment Holdings, Inc., was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by the relatives and the estates of the four deceased individuals, and by the two injured individuals. The litigation currently is pending in the District Court of Nueces County, Texas, 28th Judicial District. Armoloy of Connecticut, Inc. is no longer a party to the litigation. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to these claims including, but not limited to, the fact that the bearing utilized in the helicopter involved in the accident was inspected and approved prior to shipment by both U.S. government and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation inspectors. Accordingly, an accrual is not recorded in the consolidated financial statements related to this legal action. Further, the Company’s insurance carrier has retained legal counsel to respond to the lawsuit. The Company believes that the alleged damages claimed in this

lawsuit will be fully covered under the Company’s insurance policy.

     The Company is involved in ongoing environmental remediation activities at certain manufacturing sites as well as proceedings relating to the cleanup of waste disposal sites that provide for the allocation of costs among potentially responsible parties. One of the manufacturing sites undergoing environmental remediation is a discontinued operation sold in December 2001, where the Company retained the environmental liability. The Company is working with the appropriate regulatory agencies to complete the necessary remediation or to determine the extent of the Company’s portion of the remediation necessary. During the fourth quarter of 2004, based on the favorable results of remediation efforts to-date, the Company reduced its environmental reserves by $1.1 million. As of December 31, 2004, an undiscounted accrual in the amount of $2.1 million, representing the Company’s best estimate for ultimate resolution of these environmental matters, is recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

     Various other claims, arising in the normal course of business are pending against the Company. The Company’s estimated legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with claims, lawsuits and environmental matters are consistently accrued in the consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2004.

SUPPLEMENTARY ITEM. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
(Pursuant to Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K)

     Executive officers, who are elected by the Board of Directors, serve for a term of one year.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information and Dividends

     The New York Stock Exchange is the principal market on which our common stock is traded under the symbol KDN. The following table sets forth high and low closing sales prices of our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape and the cash dividends declared per share for the periods indicated.

     We expect that our practice of paying quarterly dividends on our common stock will continue, although future dividends will continue to depend upon the Company’s earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors.

     As of December 31, 2004, there were 916 holders of record of our common stock.

     The following table provides the information with respect to purchases made by the Company of shares of its common stock during each month in the fourth quarter of 2004:

Equity Compensation Plan Information

     The following table gives information about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of our existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2004, including the 1999 Long Term Stock Incentive Plan, the 1993 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan, the 2003 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan and the Director Deferred Compensation Plan.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

     We provide an array of proprietary, value added products to a diverse customer base covering a broad spectrum of industries. This strategic diversification means that demand for our products depends, in part, upon a wide range of general economic conditions, which affect our markets in varying ways from year to year. During 2004, the Company was favorably impacted as the manufacturing economy continued to emerge from the slowdown of the 1999-2002 timeframe. The general economic rebound and continued significant military and defense spending meant that during the year the Company experienced strong demand from various markets including specialty electronic manufacturing equipment, industrial, marine equipment, heavy equipment, material handling and automation equipment, military aerospace, and ordnance markets. As a result of these positive factors, for the second straight year the Company achieved increases in customer order levels in each quarter during 2004 compared to the prior year. The total order book for 2004 was $354.1 million, a 17.0 percent increase over 2003. The total order book for 2003 was $302.7 million, a 9.6 percent increase over 2002.

     The Company continues to focus on programs intended to reduce costs, improve capacity utilization, increase efficiencies, and grow market share and cash flow, thereby positioning the Company to capitalize on future opportunities in targeted end-markets, especially during a period of sustained economic growth. During 2004, the Company continued a Company-wide Six Sigma effort and continued its investments in lean manufacturing and information systems to strengthen the Company’s operational excellence.

     Maintaining the Company’s strong balance sheet and financial flexibility remains a key strategy of the Company. In May 2003, the Company issued $200.0 million of 4% Contingent Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023. In July 2003, the Company negotiated a $200.0 million revolving credit agreement. In January 2005, the Company filed a $400.0 million universal shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company’s current cash balances, the $200.0 million revolving credit facility and other available financial resources enhance liquidity and provide additional financial strength to support the Company’s objectives, including strategic acquisitions.

     During the third quarter of 2004, we completed a small product line acquisition in our Velocity Control Products reporting segment for $3.9 million, and in early January 2005 we acquired Purafil, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of gas-phase air filtration systems and media for $42.6 million. On a reportable segment basis, Purafil’s results will be reported in “Other.” In total, during 2004 we incurred $1.2 million of expenses related to various acquisition initiatives.

     As previously disclosed, the “Transactions Lawsuit,” which dated back to 1996, was concluded during 2004, with a favorable outcome for the Company, as the case was dismissed in its entirety against all defendants. This litigation was extremely time-consuming, distracting and costly, involving hundreds of hours of management’s time and resulting in legal costs and other expenditures of almost $17.0 million over its life.

     As disclosed elsewhere in this Annual Report, the Company has concluded that its system of internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Our independent registered public accounting firm’s report on internal control over financial reporting is included in Item 8 under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm– Internal Control.” Expenses related to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance equaled $2.6 million in 2004. The requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley are ongoing, and we will incur additional compliance-related costs in the future in our efforts to remain compliant.

     In summary, the Company would expect to continue to benefit from a favorable manufacturing economy, continued strong military and defense spending, relatively low inflation and interest rates, the Company’s cost reduction and capacity utilization efforts, and the utilization of current liquidity levels in completing strategic acquisitions. However, because many of these factors are external to the Company, it is difficult to predict the specific impact they may have on the Company’s operating results.

     The discussion which follows should be reviewed in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Annual Report to assist in understanding the Company’s results of operations, its financial position, cash flows, capital structure and other relevant financial information.

Analysis of 2004 Operations Compared to 2003 Operations

Selected Data For The Year 2004 Compared With The Year 2003

     Net sales of $333.8 million in 2004 increased $39.7 million or 13.5 percent compared to 2003’s net sales of $294.1 million. Specifically, the Friction and Motion Control Products reporting segment achieved sales of $163.8 million during 2004, up $25.2 million or 18.2 percent compared to 2003 sales of $138.6 million. The increase is the result of increased sales of custom-engineered bearings to the specialty electronics manufacturing equipment market of $9.9 million, the machinery market of $9.2 million and the heavy equipment market of $6.6 million. These increases were partially offset by reduced sales to specialty ball markets of $0.4 million. Our Velocity Control Products reporting segment achieved sales of $51.0 million during 2004, up $7.9 million, or 18.4 percent from 2003 sales of $43.1 million. Increased worldwide product demand from a variety of industrial markets contributed to $3.9 million of the increase, while favorable foreign currency translation, primarily related to the strengthening of the Euro, accounted for another $2.9 million of the increase. Also, a small product line acquisition in the third quarter of 2004 contributed $1.1 million to the sales increase. Our Sealing Products reporting segment achieved sales of $35.0 million during 2004, down $2.6 million, or 6.8 percent from 2003 sales of $37.5 million, primarily as a result of a work stoppage at the Company’s Baltimore Maryland facility, which began on December 5, 2004 and was settled on January 22, 2005. The Company’s Power and Data Transmission Products reporting segment achieved sales of $37.1 million during 2004, up $1.5 million, or 4.1 percent from 2003 sales of $35.6 million. Increased demand for electronic rotary products and specialty slip-ring products used in the offshore oil and gas production, industrial, aerospace, and certain security equipment markets resulted in increased sales of $3.8 million, while favorable foreign currency translation accounted for another $1.6 million of the increase. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in sales of these products to certain military markets of $4.1 million, as competitive dynamics in those markets changed. Our other businesses achieved sales of $46.9 million during 2004, up $7.7 million, or 19.7 percent from 2003 sales of $39.2 million, due primarily to higher sales prices on metal alloys caused by a pass through of higher raw material prices.

     Our gross profit equaled $129.1 million or 38.7 percent of sales in 2004, as compared to $105.6 million or 35.9 percent of sales achieved in 2003. Gross profit was positively impacted by increased sales, favorable product mix, inventory revaluations and Six Sigma cost reduction initiatives. Many of our products are high value-added and have strong contribution margins, which causes our profit performance to be sensitive to sales volume and mix. As previously reported, the 2003 gross profit includes a $3.8 million favorable impact related to the settlement of a legal matter.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $63.6 million or 19.1 percent of sales in 2004, compared to $49.9 million or 17.0 percent of sales for 2003. Generally, selling, general and administrative expenses increased in 2004 as a result of higher sales volume. In addition, expenses in 2004 related to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance increased $2.3 million compared to 2003, while costs related to acquisition initiatives in 2004 increased $1.1 million compared to 2003. Also included in selling, general and administrative expenses for 2004 is a $1.9 million pre-tax, non-cash goodwill impairment loss. During the second quarter of 2004, we determined that the fair value of one of our reporting units had been reduced to an amount less than the reporting unit’s carrying amount. A change in competitive dynamics resulted in a reduction of this reporting unit’s fair value. As calculated in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” there is no implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. Therefore, during the second quarter of 2004, the Company incurred a $1.9 million pre-tax, non-cash goodwill impairment loss. Partially offsetting this loss, was the $1.7 million favorable impact of reducing our previously recorded Transactions Lawsuit legal fee accrual when this case was concluded during

the second quarter of 2004. During 2003, the Company sold a building for $1.7 million, net of closing costs, and recorded a gain on sale of $0.9 million reported as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. In addition, during 2003 the Company reduced its product liability accrual by $1.5 million, favorably impacting 2003 selling, general and administrative expenses.

     Our 2004 results were favorably affected by approximately $0.7 million, net, as a result of two additional items. First, based on the most recent information from our environmental consultants, we reduced our environmental reserves by $1.1 million, to the current estimated exposure of $2.1 million. This favorable impact was partially offset by the effects of a work stoppage at the Company’s Baltimore, Maryland facility, which began on December 5, 2004, and which was settled on January 22, 2005.

     Operating income equaled $65.5 million during 2004, compared to $55.7 million in 2003, with operating margins of 19.6 percent and 18.9 percent in 2004 and 2003.

     On a reporting segment basis, operating income from the Friction and Motion Control Products reporting segment was $41.0 million during 2004 as compared to $30.8 million during 2003. The increase is the result of increased sales of custom-engineered bearings to the specialty electronics manufacturing equipment, machinery and heavy equipment markets. Operating income was also favorably impacted by the previously reported restructuring plan that was fully implemented during 2003. The restructuring plan has reduced labor costs primarily as a result of the relocation of manufacturing to lower cost locales and lower headcount. Operating income for 2003 included $1.4 million of the aforementioned favorable adjustments related to the settlement of a legal matter and the gain on the sale of a building.

     The Velocity Control Products reporting segment contributed $11.8 million to our consolidated operating income during 2004 as compared to $8.2 million during 2003. Increases in operating income were primarily due to increased worldwide product demand from a variety of industrial markets and favorable foreign currency translation, primarily related to the strengthening of the Euro, which accounted for $0.6 million of the increase.

     The Sealing Products reporting segment contributed $5.8 million to our consolidated operating income during 2004 as compared to $4.6 million during 2003. Operating income was positively impacted by improved operating efficiencies that offset the negative impact of the work stoppage that began on December 5, 2004, and which has since been settled.

     The Power and Data Transmission Products reporting segment contributed $.9 million to our consolidated operating income during 2004 as compared to $1.1 million during 2003. Operating income was negatively impacted by unfavorable sales mix, particularly a decrease in sales to certain military markets.

     Our other businesses contributed $2.2 million to our consolidated operating income during 2004 as compared to $3.3 million during 2003. The reduction is primarily the result of a $1.9 million goodwill impairment loss recognized in 2004, partially offset by increased sales due primarily to higher prices on metal alloys caused by the pass through of higher raw material prices.

     Changes in exchange rates applicable to non-functional currency assets and liabilities resulted in exchange gains of $1.3 million during 2004 and $1.5 million in 2003.

     In May 2003, we issued $200.0 million of 4% Contingent Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”). Net interest expense during 2004 was $5.6 million as compared to net interest expense reported during 2003 of $3.8 million. Amortization of Note issuance costs is recorded as a component of net interest expense. The Company would expect approximately $9.3 million of interest and amortization of Note issuance costs to be charged to interest expense related to the Notes during 2005.

     Primarily as a result of higher foreign taxes, the effective income tax rate was 36.0 percent in 2004, compared with 35.0 percent in 2003. We expect the effective tax rate for 2005 to be approximately 36.0 percent.

     As was previously disclosed, beginning with the fourth quarter of 2004, Kaydon’s diluted earnings per common share calculations reflect the provisions of the final consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) on EITF 04-8, “The Effects of Contingently Convertible Instruments on Diluted Earnings per Share,” which states that the impact of contingently convertible instruments that are convertible into common stock upon the achievement of a specified market price of the issuer’s shares, such as the Company’s 4% Contingent Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes, should be included in diluted earnings per share computations regardless of

whether or not the market price trigger has been met. The Notes are convertible into Kaydon common stock once the common stock has traded above $34.99 for a period of time (market price trigger). The impact of adopting the new accounting rule is a reduction in diluted earnings per common share, but not a reduction in net income.

     Our net income for 2004 was $38.4 million or $1.27 per common share on a diluted basis, compared with net income for 2003 of $33.8 million or $1.14. The 2003 diluted earnings per share figure, previously reported as $1.18, has been restated in accordance with EITF 04-8. Return on sales equaled 11.5 percent in both 2004 and 2003.

Analysis of 2003 Operations Compared to 2002 Operations

Selected Data For The Year 2003 Compared With The Year 2002

     Net sales of $294.1 million in 2003 increased $14.7 million or 5.3 percent compared to 2002’s net sales of $279.4 million. Specifically, the Friction and Motion Control Products reporting segment achieved sales of $138.6 million during 2003, up $6.5 million or 4.9 percent compared to 2002 sales of $132.1 million. Increased sales of custom-engineered bearings to defense and military markets of $8.2 million were partially offset by reduced sales to specialty ball markets of $2.0 million. Our Velocity Control Products reporting segment achieved sales of $43.1 million during 2003, up $8.2 million, or 23.5 percent from 2002 sales of $34.9 million. Increased product demand from a variety of industrial markets and a 5 percent price increase implemented in April 2003 contributed to $4.1 million of the increase, while favorable foreign currency translation, primarily related to the strengthening of the Euro, accounted for another $4.1 million of the increase. Our Sealing Products reporting segment achieved sales of $37.5 million during 2003, up $3.8 million, or 11.3 percent from 2002 sales of $33.7 million, primarily as a result of increased demand from defense markets. Our Power and Data Transmission Products reporting segment achieved sales of $35.6 million during 2003, down $1.5 million, or 4.1 percent from 2002 sales of $37.1 million. Lower sales to manufacturers of security scanning equipment of $5.1 million, was partially offset by increased sales to military, defense, and certain marine markets. Our other businesses achieved sales of $39.2 million during 2003, down $2.3 million, or 5.6 percent from 2002 sales of $41.6 million, due primarily to lower shipments of presses and dies to China as a result of reduced business activity and marketing efforts caused by the SARS outbreak.

     Our gross margin percentage equaled 35.9 percent in 2003, as compared to 34.1 percent achieved in 2002. The 2003 gross profit includes a $3.8 million favorable impact related to the settlement of a legal matter. As previously reported, the Company, the Company’s insurance provider and the plaintiff agreed to a settlement of a product liability lawsuit, with the settlement payment to the plaintiff being shared between the Company and the Company’s insurance provider. The Company believed that the majority of its portion of the settlement payment, which equaled $2.8 million, was covered under the Company’s commercial general liability policy, and, therefore, filed a legal claim in August 2001 in an attempt to recover $2.6 million from the Company’s insurance provider. Subsequently, the Company’s insurance provider filed a counterclaim in an attempt to recover its portion of the settlement payment, $2.6 million, from the Company. Because of the uncertainties involved, and based on a demand from the Company’s insurance provider to settle this case out of court, the Company recorded a $1.3 million charge to cost of sales and a corresponding credit to other accrued expenses during December 2001. Throughout 2002 and most of 2003 there was very little activity in this case. On December 1, 2003, the court granted the Company’s motion for summary judgment, and after the Company’s insurance provider filed a notice of appeal from the court’s decision, the Company and the

Company’s insurance provider agreed to settle the case for $2.5 million, which the Company’s insurance provider paid to the Company in January 2004. The Company has recorded the $2.5 million settlement amount, as well as the reversal of the $1.3 million accrual recorded in 2001, a total of $3.8 million, as a credit to cost of sales, favorably impacting gross margin percentage for the year ended December 31, 2003. In addition, adjustments to inventory reserves related to slow moving and obsolete items were more unfavorable by approximately $2.3 million during 2002 as compared to 2003.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $49.9 million or 17.0 percent of sales in 2003, compared to $49.5 million or 17.7 percent of sales for 2002. During the third quarter of 2003, we classified certain land and building assets that were in the process of being sold as assets held for sale as required under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” These assets, a warehousing facility in the Company’s Friction and Motion Control Products reporting segment, were valued at their carrying amount of $0.8 million. The opportunity to sell these assets arose due to the facility transferring its inventory to third party warehousing locations in various geographic areas to provide better logistical support to customers. During the fourth quarter of 2003, we sold the assets held for sale for approximately $1.7 million, net of closing costs, and recorded a gain on sale of $0.9 million reported as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, during 2003 and January of 2004 we settled certain product liability claims for approximately $0.6 million, which was less than what had been estimated at the end of 2002. As a result, during the fourth quarter of 2003 we reduced our product liability accrual by $1.5 million favorably impacting 2003 selling, general and administrative expenses. Also, during 2003, we substantially completed our restructuring plan that began in late 2002 to enhance operating performance and balance manufacturing utilization in the Specialty Bearings Products Group, part of the Friction and Motion Control Products reporting segment. This restructuring plan resulted in charges, included in selling, general and administrative expenses, of $0.8 million in 2003 and $0.5 million in 2002.

     Both gross profit margin and selling, general, and administrative expenses were equally affected during the year by increased insurance and employment-related costs, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and the Company-wide Six Sigma implementation. These costs negatively impacted 2003 by approximately $3.9 million compared to 2002.

     During the second quarter of 2002, a $7.5 million provision was recorded in order to support the Company’s then most current and best estimate of the cost to continue to litigate the Transactions Lawsuit. The change in the estimate during the second quarter resulted from spending levels and new information provided by the Company’s outside attorneys regarding forecasted spending levels to complete the trial phase. This legal action is further discussed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 9) and other discussions throughout this Annual Report.

     Operating income equaled $55.7 million during 2003, compared to $38.4 million in 2002, with operating margins of 18.9 percent and 13.7 percent in 2003 and 2002.

     On a reporting segment basis, operating income from the Friction and Motion Control Products reporting segment was $30.8 million during 2003 as compared to $25.7 million during 2002. Operating income in 2003 includes $1.4 million of the aforementioned favorable adjustments related to the settlement of a legal matter and the gain on the sale of a building. Operating income was positively impacted by increased sales volumes and reduced inventory reserve expenses related to slow moving and obsolete items, partially offset by increased insurance and employment-related costs.

     The Velocity Control Products reporting segment contributed $8.2 million to our consolidated operating income during 2003 as compared to $4.4 million during 2002. Increases in operating income were primarily due to increased product demand, a 5 percent price increase implemented in April 2003, and favorable foreign currency translation, primarily related to the strengthening of the Euro, which accounted for $1.0 million of the increase.

     The Sealing Products reporting segment contributed $4.6 million to our consolidated operating income during 2003 as compared to $3.9 million during 2002. Increases in operating income were primarily due to increased sales volumes and reduced inventory reserve expenses related to slow moving and obsolete items, partially offset by increased insurance and employment-related costs.

     The Power and Data Transmission Products reporting segment contributed $1.1 million to our

consolidated operating income during 2003 as compared to $4.8 million during 2002. One business unit within this segment underwent significant changes in its customers and product offerings during 2003, resulting in reduced operating income of $3.3 million as compared to 2002. Sales by this business unit to manufacturers of security scanning equipment decreased by $5.1 million in 2003 compared to 2002 as a result of the completion in early 2003 of sales related to homeland security programs, which was only partially offset during the year by increased demand from military and defense markets. Corrective actions implemented at this business unit, as it adapted to lower 2003 volume levels, and a changing mix of commercial and defense products, included headcount reductions of approximately 15 percent, focus on increased efficiencies and overhead reductions, and the launch of a new enterprise resource planning system.

     Our other businesses contributed $3.3 million to our consolidated operating income during 2003 as compared to $4.2 million during 2002. Reductions in operating income are primarily due to lower sales volumes and higher raw material costs for metal alloys.

     Changes in exchange rates applicable to non-functional currency assets and liabilities resulted in exchange gains of $1.5 million during 2003 and $0.9 million in 2002.

     In May 2003, the Company issued $200.0 million of 4% Contingent Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”). Net proceeds received from the Notes were $194.0 million. The Company used $72.2 million of the net proceeds to repay the full amount outstanding on the Company’s $300.0 million revolving credit facility, which was then cancelled. Net proceeds were also used to repurchase 2.0 million shares of Company common stock for $43.5 million, concurrent with the offering of the Notes. The remaining proceeds of $78.3 million are being utilized for general corporate purposes.

     Net interest expense during 2003 was $3.8 million as compared to net interest income reported during 2002 of $0.8 million. When comparing 2003 with 2002, interest expense on the Notes of $4.8 million and amortization of Note issuance costs of $0.8 million was partially offset by $1.0 million of reduced interest expense on our outstanding bank debt that was retired in connection with the issuance of the Notes, and by $0.4 million of interest income on the additional cash balances which resulted from the issuance of the Notes. Amortization of Note issuance costs is recorded as a component of net interest expense.

     The effective income tax rate was 35.0 percent in 2003 and 35.1 percent in 2002.

     Income before cumulative effect of accounting change equaled $33.8 million during 2003, compared to $25.4 million in 2002, with return on sales of 11.5 percent and 9.1 percent in 2003 and 2002.

     On January 1, 2002, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” As a result, as of January 1, 2002, we are no longer amortizing goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, but we perform an annual impairment analysis.

     During the second quarter of 2002, we compared the fair value of our reporting units, with the reporting unit’s carrying amount. As required by SFAS No. 142, the comparison was done as of January 1, 2002. Fair values of the reporting units were estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows. As a result, we identified two reporting units whose carrying amount exceeded their fair value, which indicated potential goodwill impairment. For purposes of reporting segment information, both reporting units are included in “Other.” The aggregate total carrying amount of goodwill at these two reporting units was $19.3 million as of January 1, 2002.

     During the third quarter of 2002, we engaged a valuation specialist who assisted us in determining that the implied fair value of the goodwill of the two aforementioned reporting units equaled $2.5 million. Therefore, under SFAS No. 142, we incurred a pre-tax, non-cash goodwill impairment loss of $16.8 million as of January 1, 2002. The two reporting units are expected to generate positive future cash flows, but under the provisions of SFAS No. 142 the present values of those cash flows (reporting unit fair value) resulted in the implied fair value of goodwill being significantly less than the carrying amount. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the $16.8 million goodwill impairment loss ($13.2 million or $0.44 per share on an after tax, diluted basis) was recognized as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle as of January 1, 2002.

     Our net income for 2003 was $33.8 million or $1.14 per common share on a diluted basis, compared with net income for 2002 of $12.2 million or $0.41. The 2003 diluted earnings per share

figure, previously reported as $1.18, has been restated in accordance with EITF 04-8.

Liquidity, Working Capital, and Cash Flows

     One of our financial strategies is to maintain a high level of liquidity and cash flow, which continued in 2004. Historically, we have generated significant cash flows from operating activities to fund capital expenditures, dividends and other operating requirements. Cash flow generation has been enhanced by our continuing efforts to improve operating efficiencies, cost reductions and the management of working capital requirements. One of our strengths is our ability to generate cash from operations in excess of requirements for capital investments and dividends. Net cash from operating activities equaled $54.0 million in 2004, $60.6 million in 2003, and $62.2 million in 2002. Included in 2002 net cash from operating activities is the receipt of a $10.1 million tax refund related to the sale of the Fluid Power Products reporting segment completed on December 31, 2001. Net capital expenditures to reduce costs, improve quality and expand productive capacity equaled $12.4 million in 2004, $11.9 million in 2003 and $8.8 million in 2002. During 2005 we expect to invest approximately $18.0 million in net capital expenditures, including approximately $2.0 million for a new building in our Power and Data Transmission Products segment, and approximately $2.0 million relating to a specific capital project for a large customer of our filtration products. Common stock dividends paid in 2004, 2003 and 2002 equaled $13.5 million, $14.0 million and $14.6 million.

     Cash paid to litigate the Transactions Lawsuit equaled $0.8 million, $2.9 million, and $6.6 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002. The Transactions Lawsuit is further discussed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 9) and other discussions throughout this Annual Report. The Company contributed $5.6 million to its pensions plans during 2004, and estimates that contributions during 2005 will be approximately $4.3 million. The Company’s payments to various taxing authorities were $14.7 million, $4.0 million, and $14.0 million during 2004, 2003 and 2002. A $5.6 million overpayment from 2002 was credited to 2003 tax payments. Tax payments are estimated to be approximately $21.2 million during 2005.

     During May 2003, we completed the sale of $200.0 million of 4% Contingent Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”). The Notes bear interest at 4 percent per year, payable semi-annually, and under certain circumstances beginning in 2008, may bear additional contingent interest of 0.50 percent per year. The Notes are convertible into a total of 6,858,710 shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $29.16 per share, provided certain contingencies are met including that our common stock has traded above $34.99 for 20 out of 30 trading days for specified periods of time. The conversion price represents a 34.0 percent premium based on the closing price of $21.76 per share for the common stock on May 19, 2003. The Notes may not be redeemed by us until May 30, 2008 but are redeemable at any time thereafter at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Holders of the Notes will have the option to require us to purchase their Notes at par for one day each at the end of 5, 10, and 15 years after issuance. In addition, the holders have the right to require redemption of the Notes before the specified maturity dates in the event of a change of control of the Company, as identified in the Notes’ Indenture.

     In addition, the contingent interest feature of the Notes requires us to deduct for tax purposes an amount of interest expense that is greater than the stated coupon rate on the Notes. The deductibility for tax purposes of the additional interest beyond the stated coupon rate may have to be recaptured, in part or in whole, if the Notes are redeemed for cash instead of converted into our common stock. Redemption of the Notes for cash may cause volatility in tax payments, cash flows and the liquidity of the Company.

     Net proceeds received from the Notes in May 2003 were $194.0 million. We used $72.2 million of the net proceeds to repay the full amount outstanding on our $300.0 million revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility was then cancelled. Net proceeds were also used to repurchase 2.0 million shares of our common stock for $43.5 million, concurrent with the offering of the Notes. The remaining proceeds of $78.3 million are being utilized for general corporate purposes.

     Note issuance costs of approximately $6.5 million are being amortized as a component of net interest expense over a five-year period. Note issuance costs included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004 equaled $4.4 million.

     In connection with the May issuance of the Notes, we received ratings during the third quarter of 2003 from both Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s. Standard and Poor’s assigned an issuer rating of BB+, and rated our Notes BB-. Moody’s

assigned an issuer rating of Ba2, and rated our Notes Ba3.

     In July 2003, we entered into a new three-year $200.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility with seven banks. The new revolving credit facility provides for borrowings and issuance of letters of credit by the Company and its subsidiaries in various currencies for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. Interest expense incurred on borrowings under the new revolving credit facility will be based on the London Interbank Offered Rate. The revolving credit facility contains restrictive financial covenants on a consolidated basis including leverage and interest coverage ratios, utilizing measures of earnings and interest expense as defined in the revolving credit facility agreement. Under the leverage ratio restriction, we may not allow the ratio of total indebtedness, net of domestic cash in excess of $15.0 million, to earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization to exceed 3.00 to 1.00. Under the interest coverage ratio restriction, we may not allow the ratio of earnings before interest expense and taxes to interest expense to be less than 3.00 to 1.00. We are in compliance with all restrictive covenants contained in the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2004. After consideration of the facility’s covenants and $3.1 million of letters of credit issued under the facility, we have available credit under our revolving credit facility of $196.9 million at December 31, 2004.

     Fees paid in connection with the revolving credit facility of approximately $0.8 million are being amortized as a component of net interest expense over a three-year period. Revolving credit facility fees included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004, equaled $0.4 million.

     We repurchased 75,600 shares of our common stock in 2004 for $2.1 million compared to 2,429,432 shares for $52.2 million in 2003 (including 2.0 million shares concurrent with the offering of the Notes) and 690 shares for less than $0.1 million in 2002. Of the 5,000,000 shares currently authorized by the Board of Directors for repurchase, 3,974,164 shares have been repurchased as of December 31, 2004. We will continue to make selective stock repurchases during 2005, the amount of which will depend on the market for our common stock and our financial position and liquidity.

     In September 2004, we acquired the net assets of a privately-held manufacturer of linear deceleration products for $3.9 million.

     We believe our current cash balances and future cash flows from operations, along with our borrowing capacity and access to financial markets are adequate to fund our strategies for future growth, including working capital, expenditures for manufacturing expansion and efficiencies, selected stock repurchases, market share initiatives and corporate development activities.

     At December 31, 2004, our current ratio was 9.0 to 1 and working capital totaled $349.3 million, including $278.6 million of cash and cash equivalents. At December 31, 2003, the current ratio was 8.5 to 1 and working capital totaled $317.9 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $255.8 million. Inventories equaled $55.7 million at December 31, 2004, compared to $44.8 million at December 31, 2003. The increase is the result of higher sales and order activity, higher raw material prices, and the impact of a small product line acquisition during 2004.

     Our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2004 are set forth below.

     See the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 3) for additional information on our 4% Contingent Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023. Interest payments on the Notes are expected to be $8.0 million per year. We expect to contribute $4.3 million to our pension plans and $1.1 million to our postretirement benefit plans in 2005.

Corporate Development

     Our corporate development efforts are aimed to complement internal growth through the acquisition of additional companies consistent with our well-disciplined criteria. We maintain an active acquisition program, which has made important contributions to our growth. Beginning in 2000, and including the acquisition of Purafil, Inc. in January 2005, we have acquired seven businesses for $169.3 million.

Litigation

     As previously reported, the Company, along with certain other companies, was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in 1996 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Transactions Lawsuit”). The Transactions Lawsuit sought damages alleged by plaintiffs to be an amount of $700 million, plus interest and punitive damages against the defendants collectively. During the second quarter of 2002, a $7.5 million provision was recorded in order to support our most current and best estimate of the cost to continue to litigate the Transactions Lawsuit. In April 2004, the Court of Appeals issued its Summary Order affirming in all respects an earlier judgment of the District Court, which granted the motion for summary judgment, dismissing the case in its entirety against all defendants. When the chances of this ruling being further appealed by the plaintiffs became remote, we reduced our previously recorded Transactions Lawsuit legal fee accrual by $1.7 million in the second quarter 2004 financial statements. This change in estimate increased second quarter net income by $1.1 million. The deadline for the plaintiffs to take action to prolong the case has expired, therefore, the case has concluded. Expenditures to litigate this matter equaled $0.8 million in 2004, $2.9 million in 2003 and $6.6 million in 2002.

     As previously reported, in August 2000, an accident involving a MH53E helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, resulted in four deaths and two injuries during a military training mission. The Company manufactures and sells swashplate bearings used on MH53E helicopters. In May 2002, the Company, along with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, The Armoloy Corporation, Armoloy of Illinois, Inc., Armoloy of Connecticut, Inc. and Investment Holdings, Inc., was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by the relatives and the estates of the four deceased individuals, and by the two injured individuals. The litigation currently is pending in the District Court of Nueces County, Texas, 28^th Judicial District. Armoloy of Connecticut, Inc. is no longer a party to the litigation. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to these claims including, but not limited to, the fact that the bearing utilized in the helicopter involved in the accident was inspected and approved prior to shipment by both U.S. government and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation inspectors. Accordingly, an accrual is not recorded in the consolidated financial statements related to this legal action. Further, the Company’s insurance carrier has retained legal counsel to respond to the lawsuit. The Company believes that the alleged damages claimed in this lawsuit will be fully covered under the Company’s insurance policy.

     We are a party to various other lawsuits and matters arising in the normal course of business that are pending. Refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 9) for further information.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

     Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.

     We continually evaluate the estimates, judgments, and assumptions used to prepare the consolidated financial statements. In general, our estimates are based on historical experience, on information from third party professionals and on various other judgments and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the current facts and circumstances. Actual results could differ from the current estimates made by the Company. We have identified certain accounting policies and estimates, described below, that are the most critical to the portrayal of our current financial condition and results of operations.

     Loss Contingencies and Legal Costs – We record loss contingencies as a liability when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. Estimated legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with loss contingencies are accrued in the consolidated financial statements.

     We believe the accounting estimates related to loss contingencies and legal costs to be critical

accounting estimates as contingent liabilities are often resolved over long time periods and estimation of probable losses and costs to litigate requires forecasts that often depend on judgments from third party experts and are based on potential actions by other third parties such as plaintiffs, juries, and regulators.

     To better understand this accounting policy and its historic impact on the Company, readers should refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 9) in this Annual Report for additional information regarding loss contingencies and legal costs.

     Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets – The Company annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a need, tests the carrying amounts of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment.

     We identify impairment of goodwill by comparing the fair value of each of our reporting units with the reporting unit’s carrying amount. The fair value of each of our reporting units is derived from an estimate of future discounted cash flows including an estimate for terminal value. We utilize a 10 percent discount rate, and a growth assumption of 2 percent in perpetuity to calculate terminal value. Potential goodwill impairment is identified if a reporting unit’s carrying amount is more than a reporting unit’s fair value. If this occurs, normally a third-party valuation specialist is utilized to assist the Company in determining the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. The amount of any actual impairment loss is calculated by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill.

     Trademarks are the Company’s only indefinite-lived intangible assets. We identify impairment of these trademarks by comparing their fair value to their carrying amounts. The fair value of the trademarks are calculated based on estimates of discounted future cash flows including an estimates for terminal values related to the net amount of royalty expenses avoided due to the existence of the trademarks.

     We believe the accounting estimates related to impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets to be critical accounting estimates because: the estimate of discounted future cash flows and terminal values, while based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections, requires the Company’s subjective judgments; the time periods for estimating future cash flows is often lengthy which increases the sensitivity to assumptions made; projected outcomes based on the assumptions made can vary; and the calculation of implied fair value is inherently subject to estimates.

     To better understand this accounting policy and its impact on the Company, readers should refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 10) in this Annual Report for additional information regarding goodwill and intangible assets.

     Impairment of Long-Lived Assets – We continually evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful lives of long-lived assets including fixed assets and amortizable intangible assets may warrant revision or that remaining balances may not be recoverable. When factors indicate that such costs should be evaluated for possible impairment, we use an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows over the remaining lives of the long-lived assets that are compared to the carrying value of the asset to evaluate whether the asset costs are recoverable.

     We believe the accounting estimates related to long-lived asset impairment to be critical accounting estimates because: the estimate of undiscounted future cash flows, while based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections, requires the Company’s subjective judgments; the time periods for estimating future cash flows is often lengthy which increases the sensitivity to assumptions made; and projected outcomes based on the assumptions made can vary.

     To better understand this accounting policy and its impact on the Company, readers should refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 1 and Note 10) in this Annual Report for additional information regarding long-lived assets.

     Retirement Benefits – Our employee pension and postretirement benefit costs and obligations recorded in the financial statements are dependent on the Company’s estimates provided to and used by our actuaries in calculating such amounts.

     We believe the accounting estimates related to retirement benefits to be critical accounting estimates because of the wide range of assumptions used in deriving yearly contribution and expense amounts as well as the amounts recorded for retirement benefits in our financial statements. Significant assumptions include judgments regarding discount rates, health care cost

trend rates, inflation rates, salary growth rates, long-term return on plan assets, retirement rates, mortality rates and other factors.

     We have developed estimates based on historical experience, on information from third party professionals and on various other judgments and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the current facts and circumstances. Discount rate assumptions are based on investment yields available on long-term bonds. Health care cost trend assumptions are developed based on historical data, the near-term outlook, and on an assessment of likely long-term trends.

     Inflation assumptions are based on an evaluation of external market indicators. Salary growth assumptions reflect our long-term experience, the near-term outlook and assumed inflation. Long-term return on plan assets is based on an evaluation of historical and expected returns of the individual asset classes comprising the total plan assets. Retirement and mortality rates are based primarily on actual plan experience and mortality tables.

     The following table summarizes certain of the Company’s assumptions:

     Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect our recognized expense and recorded obligation in such future periods. While we believe that the assumptions used are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions would affect our pension and postretirement benefits costs and obligations.

     To better understand this accounting policy and its historic impact on the Company, readers should refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 6) in this Annual Report for additional information regarding costs, obligations, and assumptions for employee pension and postretirement benefits.

     4% Contingent Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes – In May of 2003, we completed the sale of $200.0 million of 4% Contingent Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”). The Notes are convertible into a total of 6,858,710 shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $29.16 per share, provided certain contingencies are met including that our common stock has traded above $34.99 for 20 out of 30 trading days for specified periods of time.

     In October 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ratified the final consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) on EITF 04-8, “The Effects of Contingently Convertible Instruments on Diluted Earnings per Share,” which states that the impact of contingently convertible instruments that are convertible into common stock upon the achievement of a specified market price of the issuer’s shares, such as the Company’s Notes, should be included in diluted earnings per share computations regardless of whether or not the market price trigger has been met. The provisions are effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2004. Accordingly, beginning with the second quarter of 2003, prior period diluted earnings per share amounts have been restated to adjust net income by adding back the after tax interest expense, including amortization of debt issuance costs, attributable to the Notes and to increase total shares outstanding by the number of shares that would be issuable upon conversion.

     In addition, the contingent interest feature of the Notes requires the Company to deduct for tax purposes an amount of interest expense that is greater than the stated coupon rate on the Notes. The deductibility for tax purposes of the additional interest beyond the stated coupon rate may have to be recaptured, in part or in whole, if the Notes are redeemed for cash instead of converted into Company common stock. Should this happen, depending on other factors, tax payments may increase.

     We believe that the impact the Notes have on the accounting for our diluted earnings per share calculations, and tax-related account balances as discussed above are critical to the understanding of our current financial condition and results of operations. Application of EITF 04-8 has caused further dilution to our diluted earnings per share calculation, and redemption of the Notes for cash may cause volatility in tax payments, cash flows and the liquidity of the Company.

     To better understand the Notes and their impact on the Company’s financial reporting, readers should refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 2 and Note 3) and other discussions in this Annual Report.

     Income Taxes – We record deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates for the effect of differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. These deferred tax assets and liabilities are reviewed for recoverability by using estimates of future taxable income streams and the impact of tax planning strategies. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Reserves are also estimated for ongoing audits regarding federal, state and international issues that are currently unresolved. Income tax is provided based upon an effective tax rate that is dependent upon tax regulations governing the regions in which we conduct business, geographic composition of worldwide earnings, the availability of tax credits and other factors.

     We believe the accounting estimates related to income taxes to be critical accounting estimates because the range of assumptions used to determine deferred tax assets and liabilities and to record current tax benefits and liabilities, while based on reasonable and supportable information, may change from year to year causing projected outcomes based on the assumptions to vary.

     To better understand this accounting policy and its impact on the Company, readers should refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 8) in this Annual Report for additional information regarding income taxes.

     Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. The carrying value of inventory is reduced for estimated obsolescence by the difference between its cost and the estimated market value based upon assumptions regarding future demand. We evaluate the inventory carrying value for potential excess and obsolete inventory exposures by analyzing historical and anticipated demand. In addition, inventories are evaluated for potential obsolescence due to the effect of known or anticipated engineering change orders, new products, and other factors.

     We believe the accounting estimates related to inventories to be critical accounting estimates because the range of assumptions used to determine the valuation of inventories, while based on reasonable and supportable information, may change causing projected outcomes based on the assumptions to vary.

Forward-Looking Statements

     This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regarding the Company’s plans, expectations, estimates and beliefs. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “may,” “potential,” “projects” and other similar expressions, including statements regarding pending litigation, general economic conditions, competitive dynamics and the adequacy of capital resources. These forward-looking statements may include, among other things, projections of the Company’s financial performance, anticipated growth, characterization of and the Company’s ability to control contingent liabilities and anticipated trends in the Company’s businesses. These statements are only predictions, based on the Company’s current expectation about future events. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements or that predictions or current expectations will be accurate. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those specifically listed below, that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

     In addition, the Company or persons acting on its behalf may from time to time publish or communicate other items that could also be construed to be forward-looking statements. Statements of this sort are or will be based on the Company’s estimates, assumptions, and projections and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those specifically listed below, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Kaydon does not undertake any responsibility to update its forward-looking statements or

risk factors to reflect future events or circumstances. The following risk factors could affect the Company’s operating results.

The Company’s customers’ economic cycles may affect Kaydon’s operating results.

     Many of our customers are in industries that are cyclical in nature and sensitive to changes in general economic conditions and other factors, including capital spending levels. Such industries include commercial and military aerospace, specialty electronics manufacturing equipment, power generation, off-road and heavy industrial equipment, and other capital equipment manufacturing. As a result, the demand for our products by these customers depends, in part, upon general economic conditions. Historically, downward economic cycles have reduced customer demand for our products, thereby reducing sales of our products and resulting in reductions to our revenues and net earnings.

Increased competition in the Company’s key markets could result in a reduction in Kaydon’s revenues and earnings and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition.

     The industries in which we operate are fragmented and we face competition from multiple companies across our diverse product lines. We expect competitive pressures from new products and aggressive pricing to increase, which may cause us to lose market share or compel us to reduce prices to remain competitive, which could result in reduced levels of revenues and earnings. Our competitors include U.S. and non-U.S. companies, some of which benefit from lower labor costs and fewer regulatory burdens. In addition, certain competitors, including Perkin Elmer, Timken, SKF, and INA/ FAG, are larger than Kaydon and may have access to greater financial, technical, development, marketing, manufacturing, sales and distribution services and other resources. Increased competition with these companies or new entrants to our key markets could prevent price increases for our products or could require price reductions for our products, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, growth or liquidity.

Future acquisitions may require Kaydon to incur costs and liabilities which may adversely affect the Company’s operating results.

     In addition to internal growth, our current strategy involves growth through acquisitions of complementary businesses as well as acquisitions that diversify our product offerings. Like other companies with similar growth strategies, we may be unable to continue to implement our growth strategy, and this strategy may be ultimately unsuccessful. A portion of our expected future growth in revenues may result from acquisitions. We frequently engage in evaluations of potential acquisitions and negotiations for possible acquisitions, certain of which, if consummated, could be significant to the Company. Although it is our policy only to acquire companies in transactions which are accretive to both earnings and cash flow, any potential acquisitions may result in material transaction expenses, increased interest and amortization expense, increased depreciation expense and increased operating expense, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Acquisitions may entail integration and management of the new businesses to realize economies of scale and control costs. In addition, acquisitions may involve other risks, including diversion of management resources otherwise available for ongoing development of our business and risks associated with entering new markets. We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates in the future, obtain acceptable financing or consummate any future acquisitions. In addition, as a result of our acquisitions of other businesses, we may be subject to the risk of unanticipated business uncertainties or legal liabilities relating to those acquired businesses for which the sellers of the acquired businesses may not indemnify the Company. Future acquisitions may also result in potentially dilutive issuances of securities.

Political, economic and regulatory conditions inherent in the international markets in which Kaydon participates could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition.

     Typically, sales of our products from our foreign subsidiaries and from our domestic subsidiaries selling to foreign locations account for approximately 33.0 percent of net sales. These foreign sales could be adversely affected by changes in various foreign countries’ political and economic conditions, trade protection measures, differing intellectual property rights and changes in regulatory requirements that restrict the sales of our products or increase our costs.

     We generate significant revenues outside the United States. Currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which those customers do business may have an impact on the demand for our products in foreign countries where the U.S. dollar has increased in value

compared to the local currency. We cannot predict the effects of exchange rate fluctuations upon our future operating results because of the number of currencies involved, the variability of currency exposure and the potential volatility of currency exchange rates.

     Relationships with customers and effective terms of sale frequently vary by country, often with longer-term receivables than are typical in the United States.

Kaydon’s manufactured critical performance products expose the Company to potential litigation-related costs which may adversely affect the Company’s financial position and operating results.

     As a provider of critical performance products in a variety of industries including aerospace, defense, construction, marine, medical, material handling, machine tool positioning and other industrial applications, we face a risk of exposure to claims in the event that the failure, use or misuse of our products results, or is alleged to result, in bodily injury and/or property damage. The Company, along with certain other companies, is named as a defendant in a lawsuit arising from an August 2000 fatal accident involving a MH53E helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. We believe that the Company has meritorious defenses to these claims including, but not limited to, the fact that the bearing utilized in the helicopter involved in the accident was inspected and approved prior to shipment by both U.S. government and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation inspectors. Further, we believe that the alleged damages claimed in this lawsuit, and the associated legal costs, will be fully covered under our insurance policy, but it is possible that such costs will not be covered by insurance and, if so, we will incur unknown additional direct costs. These claims have not been finally resolved or settled.

     In the past, costs related to legal proceedings and settlements have had a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. We cannot assure you that the ultimate cost of current known or future unknown litigation and claims will not exceed management’s current expectations and it is possible that such costs could have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition, litigation is time consuming and could divert management attention and resources away from our business.

Failing to continue to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 may adversely affect investor perceptions and the market value of Company common stock.

     Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Kaydon Corporation has included in this Annual Report a report of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting. Also included in this Annual Report is a report from the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm on their assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal control, and on their evaluation of management’s assessment. In order to issue their report, management has documented both the design of the system of internal control, and the testing processes that support their evaluation and conclusion. While the Company and its independent registered public accounting firm believe that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, the requirements of Section 404 are ongoing, and, if in the future the Company’s management or its independent registered public accounting firm determine that the internal controls are not effective, as defined under Section 404, investor perceptions of the Company may be adversely affected.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     We are exposed to certain market risks, which exist as part of our ongoing business operations including interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to investments in cash and cash equivalents. All highly liquid investments, including highly liquid debt and investment instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less, are considered cash equivalents. We place our investments in cash equivalents with high credit quality issuers and limit the amount of exposure to any one issuer. A 15 basis point decrease in interest rates (10 percent of the Company’s weighted average investment interest rate for 2004) would have an immaterial impact on the Company’s pre-tax earnings. We conduct business in various foreign currencies, primarily in Europe, Canada, Mexico, and Japan. Therefore, changes in the value of currencies of these countries affect our financial position and cash flows when translated into U.S. dollars. We have mitigated and will continue to mitigate a portion of our currency

exposure through operation of decentralized foreign operating companies in which many costs are local currency based. In addition, periodically, we enter into derivative financial instruments in the form of forward foreign exchange contracts to reduce the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. A 10 percent change in the value of all foreign currencies would have an immaterial effect on the Company’s financial position and cash flows.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

      Kaydon’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules as a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

     Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

     Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004.

     Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. Their report is included herein under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Internal Control.”

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM — INTERNAL CONTROL

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Kaydon Corporation

     We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Kaydon Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Kaydon Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

     We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

     Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

     In our opinion, management’s assessment that Kaydon Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, Kaydon Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the COSO criteria.

     We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 of Kaydon Corporation and our report dated February 23, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Detroit, Michigan

February 23, 2005

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Kaydon Corporation

     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Kaydon Corporation as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule 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 Kaydon Corporation at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

     As described in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of calculating diluted earnings per share in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force 04-08, The Effects of Contingently Convertible Instruments on Diluted Earnings Per Share.

     Also, as described in Note 10, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, as of January 1, 2002.

     We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Kaydon Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 23, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Detroit, Michigan

February 23, 2005

KAYDON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2004 and 2003

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

KAYDON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

KAYDON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

KAYDON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED Financial Statements

NOTE 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation:

     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kaydon Corporation and its wholly-owned domestic and foreign subsidiaries (the “Company”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates:

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 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. During 2004, there were no material changes in the Company’s methods or policies used to establish estimates and assumptions. Generally, matters subject to estimation and judgment include amounts related to accounts receivable realization, inventory obsolescence, long-lived asset valuations including goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets (Note 10), income taxes (Note 8), accruals related to litigation and environmental reserves (Note 9), and pension and other postretirement benefit plan assumptions (Note 6). While the Company does not believe that the ultimate settlement of any such assets or liabilities will materially affect the Company’s financial position or results of future operations, actual results may differ from estimates provided.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

     The Company considers all highly liquid debt and investment instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2004, the Company had $63.5 million invested in investment grade prime commercial paper of several United States issuers and municipal tax notes, $168.2 million invested in various money market and other short-term funds, $16.4 million invested in time-deposits and other interest bearing accounts, and $27.6 million invested in U.S. Government treasury bills.

Inventories:

     Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method. Inventories are summarized as follows at December 31:

Property, Plant and Equipment, and Other Long-Lived Assets:

     Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. The cost is depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. The Company recorded depreciation expense of $11.8 million, $11.7 million and $11.2 million in 2004, 2003, and 2002. Useful lives vary among the classifications, but generally fall within the following ranges:

     Leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the respective leases or over their useful lives, whichever is shorter. Renewals and betterments are capitalized while maintenance and repairs are charged to operations in the year incurred.

     The Company evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful lives of long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balances may not be recoverable. When factors indicate that such costs should be evaluated for possible impairment, the Company uses an estimate of the undiscounted cash flows over the remaining lives of the long-lived assets to evaluate whether the costs are recoverable. The Company believes that there was no impairment at December 31, 2004.

Other Assets:

     Other assets primarily include deferred debt issuance costs and deferred tax assets, which are discussed further in Notes 3 and 8.

Derivative Financial Instruments:

     The Company periodically enters into derivative financial instruments in the form of forward exchange contracts to reduce the effect of

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED Financial Statements (continued)

fluctuations in exchange rates on certain short-term intercompany transactions as well as certain third-party sales transactions denominated in non-functional currencies. Based on the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” the Company records derivative financial instruments at fair value. For derivative financial instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on these hedges is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated financial statements, and is reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. As of December 31, 2004, the Company’s outstanding forward exchange contracts were immaterial.

Foreign Currency Translation:

     Assets and liabilities of the Company’s international subsidiaries are translated from the local functional currency into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at year-end. Income statement accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange in effect during the year. The resulting cumulative translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated financial statements. Changes in exchange rates applicable to non-functional currency assets and liabilities are recorded as a component of exchange gains and losses in the consolidated financial statements. Net exchange gains recorded in 2004, 2003 and 2002 equaled $1.3 million, $1.5 million and $0.9 million and are reported as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Stock-Based Compensation:

     The Company accounts for stock-based compensation granted to employees and Directors using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25. The following table details the effect on net income and earnings per share had compensation cost for stock-based awards been recognized based on the fair value method prescribed under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”:

     The Company’s stock-based compensation plans are discussed further in Note 4.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

     The carrying amounts of financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Management’s estimate of the fair value of long-term debt is determined by reference to market data. As of December 31, 2004, the fair value of long-term debt is approximately 27 percent greater than its recorded value. The change in the fair value of long-term debt, which is convertible into Company common stock, would be expected to fluctuate consistently with the market price of Company common stock.

Revenue Recognition:

     The Company recognizes revenue when there is evidence of a sales agreement, the delivery of the goods has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and the collectibility of the revenue is reasonably assured. Sales are recorded upon shipment of product to customers and transfer of title under standard commercial terms. Allowances are recorded for uncollectible accounts receivable based upon the age of the outstanding balance and the credit standing of the related customer. The Company

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED Financial Statements (continued)

charges off accounts receivable when it becomes apparent that amounts will not be collected.

Comprehensive Income:

     Comprehensive income primarily consists of net income, minimum pension liability adjustments and cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments, and is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement:

     In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a revision to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” This revision will require Kaydon to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. This revised Statement is effective as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005, but earlier adoption is allowed for periods for which financial statements have not been issued. This revised Statement will apply to all awards granted after the required effective date and to awards modified, repurchased or canceled after that date. As of the required effective date, Kaydon will apply this revised Statement using a modified version of prospective application. Under that transition method, compensation cost is recognized on or after the required effective date for the portion of outstanding awards for which the requisite service has not yet been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those awards calculated under SFAS No. 123 for either recognition or pro-forma disclosures. For periods before the effective date, Kaydon anticipates that it will not restate the financial statements to reflect compensation cost previously reported in the pro-forma footnote disclosures under the provisions of SFAS No. 123. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of the revised Statement, but does not expect the impact of adoption to be significant.

Legal Costs:

     Estimated legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with claims, lawsuits and environmental matters are consistently accrued in the consolidated financial statements.

Other:

     In 2002 the Company’s cash flow included net payments of $0.7 million relating to discontinued operations. The discontinued operations were disposed in the fourth quarter of 2001.

NOTE 2 EARNINGS PER SHARE

      The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share before cumulative effect of accounting change for each of the last three years:

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED Financial Statements (continued)

     During 2004, 2003 and 2002 certain options to purchase shares of common stock were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for part of the year because at various times during the year the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares. Also, certain options granted to purchase 63,000 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $28.35 to $33.31 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for 2003 and 2002 because the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares.

     In May 2003, the Company completed the sale of $200.0 million of 4% Contingent Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”). The Notes are convertible into a total of 6,858,710 shares of Company common stock at a conversion price of $29.16 per share, provided certain contingencies are met including that Company common stock has traded above $34.99 for 20 out of 30 trading days for specified periods of time. The Notes are discussed further in Note 3.

     In October 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ratified the final consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) on EITF 04-8, “The Effects of Contingently Convertible Instruments on Diluted Earnings per Share,” which states that the impact of contingently convertible instruments that are convertible into common stock upon the achievement of a specified market price of the issuer’s shares, such as the Company’s Notes, should be included in diluted earnings per share computations regardless of whether or not the market price trigger has been met. The provisions are effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2004. Accordingly, the diluted earnings per share amount for the year ended December 31, 2003, previously reported as $1.18, has been restated to adjust net income by adding back the after tax interest expense, including amortization of debt issuance costs, attributable to the Notes and to increase total shares outstanding by the number of shares that would be issuable upon conversion.

NOTE 3 LONG-TERM DEBT

      The Company’s Contingent Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”) are convertible into a total of 6,858,710 shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $29.16 per share, provided certain contingencies are met including that Company common stock has traded above $34.99 for 20 out of 30 trading days for specified periods of time. The Notes may not be redeemed by the Company until May 30, 2008, but are redeemable at any time thereafter at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Holders of the Notes will have the option to require the Company to purchase their Notes at par for one day each at the end of 5, 10, and 15 years after issuance. In addition, the holders have the right to require redemption of the Notes before the specified maturity dates in the event of a change of control of the Company, as identified in the Notes’ Indenture.

     Interest expense on the Notes equaled $8.0 and $4.8 million during 2004 and 2003. Note issuance costs of approximately $6.5 million are being amortized over a five-year period. Amortization of Note issuance costs during 2004 and 2003 was $1.3 million and $0.8 million. Amortization of Note issuance costs is recorded as a component of interest expense. Note issuance costs included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 equaled $4.4 million and $5.7 million.

     The Company’s revolving credit facility, which is unsecured, provides for borrowings and the issuance of letters of credit by the Company and its subsidiaries in various currencies for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. Interest expense incurred on borrowings under the revolving credit facility will be based on the London Interbank Offered Rate. The revolving credit facility contains restrictive financial covenants on a consolidated basis including leverage and coverage ratios, utilizing measures of earnings and interest expense as defined in the revolving credit facility agreement. Under the leverage ratio restriction, the Company may not allow the ratio of total indebtedness, net of domestic cash in excess of $15.0 million, to adjusted earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization to exceed 3.0 to 1.0. Under the interest coverage ratio restriction, the Company may not allow the ratio of adjusted earnings before interest expense and taxes to interest expense to be less than 3.0 to 1.0. The Company is in compliance with all restrictive covenants contained in the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2004. After consideration of the facility’s covenants and $3.1 million

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED Financial Statements (continued)

of letters of credit issued under the facility, the Company has available credit under its revolving credit facility of $196.9 million at December 31, 2004.

     The Company’s outstanding debt was as follows at December 31:

NOTE 4 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

      The Company’s 1999 Long Term Stock Incentive Plan (“Incentive Plan”), provides for the issuance of 2,000,000 shares of Company common stock, plus an additional 2,000,000 shares resulting from certain reacquisitions of shares by the Company, for stock-based incentives in various forms. The Company also has the 2003 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan (“Directors Plan”), which replaced the 1993 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan, which provides for the issuance of 300,000 shares of Company common stock in various forms to non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors. In addition, the Company’s Director Deferred Compensation Plan (“Director Deferred Plan”) provides for the issuance of Company common stock to non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors who elect to defer all or a portion of their fees for services earned as a member of the Board of Directors into a common stock account.

     Pursuant to the Incentive Plan, the Company granted restricted stock awards for 131,285 shares, 76,130 shares, and 48,660 shares of Company common stock during 2004, 2003 and 2002, to key employees of the Company. Pursuant to the Directors Plan, the Company granted restricted stock awards for 5,000 shares and 4,000 shares during 2004 and 2003, to non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors. At December 31, 2004 restricted stock awards of 360,293 shares remain outstanding. During 2004, 11,404 shares were canceled and 60,506 shares vested. During 2003, 12,356 shares were canceled and 42,412 shares vested. During 2002, 178,220 shares were canceled because specific diluted earnings per share and common stock price performance criteria were not achieved by the Company during 2002 and prior years. Prior to their cancellation at the end of 2002, the deferred compensation associated with these performance-based shares was based on the market price of Company common stock during each reporting period and the degree to which the performance criteria had been met, and did change each reporting period. The deferred compensation associated with the 360,293 shares outstanding at December 31, 2004 is fixed and will vest over the awards’ five- to ten-year vesting periods. Compensation expense for the vesting of restricted stock awards was $2.0 million, $1.3 million and $1.0 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002. The weighted average fair value per share of the restricted stock awards granted, on the date of grant, was $28.34, $18.76 and $23.60 in 2004, 2003 and 2002. The unamortized value of unvested restricted stock awards aggregating $6.9 million at December 31, 2004 is recorded in the consolidated financial statements as a deduction from shareholders’ equity.

     Pursuant to the Director Deferred Plan, the Company has provided for 12,960 shares, 12,703 shares, and 7,832 shares of Company common stock, known as phantom stock units, as of December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 which may be issued at some future date as elected by the members of the Board of Directors participating in this plan. Annual compensation expense related to providing for these phantom stock units totaled $0.1 million in each of 2004, 2003, and 2002.

     Fixed stock options have been granted to key employees and Directors of the Company. The exercise price of each fixed option equals the market price of Company common stock on the date of the grant. Options granted become exercisable at the rate of 10.0 percent, 20.0 percent or 25.0 percent per year, commencing one year after the date of grant, and options expire five or ten years after the date of grant.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED Financial Statements (continued)

     A summary of stock option information is as follows: