UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                   -------------------------------------------

                                    FORM 8-K
                                 CURRENT REPORT
                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


                              Date of Report (Date
                          of earliest event reported):

                                October 26, 2004
                    ----------------------------------------

                           THERMO ELECTRON CORPORATION
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)



                                                                          

Delaware                                        1-8002                                           04-2209186
(State or other jurisdiction of         (Commission File Number)            (I.R.S. Employer Identification
incorporation or organization)                                                                      Number)



                                      81 Wyman Street, P.O. Box 9046
                                          Waltham, Massachusetts                                 02454-9046
                                 (Address of principal executive offices)                        (Zip Code)

                                 
                                (781) 622-1000
                         (Registrant's telephone number
                              including area code)



     This Current Report on Form 8-K contains  forward-looking  statements  that
involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Important factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking
statements are set forth under the heading "Forward  Looking  Statements" in the
Registrant's  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October
2, 2004. These include risks and  uncertainties  relating to the need to develop
new  products  and adapt to  significant  technological  change,  dependence  on
customers  that  operate in  cyclical  industries,  general  worldwide  economic
conditions  and  related  uncertainties,  the effect of changes in  governmental
regulations,  dependence on customers'  capital spending policies and government
funding  policies,  use and  protection of  intellectual  property,  exposure to
product  liability  claims  in  excess  of  insurance  coverage,   retention  of
contingent  liabilities from businesses we sold, realization of potential future
savings  from  new  productivity  initiatives,  implementation  of new  branding
strategy, implementation of strategies for improving internal growth, the effect
of exchange  rate  fluctuations  on  international  operations,  identification,
completion  and  integration  of new  acquisitions  and potential  impairment of
goodwill   from   previous   acquisitions.   While  we  may   elect  to   update
forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim
any obligation to do so, even if our estimates change and, therefore, you should
not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any
date subsequent to today.

Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits.

(a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired: Not applicable. 
(b) Pro Forma Financial Information: Not applicable. 
(c) Exhibits
    99       Press Release dated October 26, 2004.

Item 9.  Regulation FD Disclosure  (Information  furnished  pursuant to Item 12,
"Disclosure of Results of Operations and Financial Condition").

     On October 26, 2004, the Registrant announced its financial results for the
fiscal  quarter ended October 2, 2004. The full text of the press release issued
in connection  with the  announcement is attached as Exhibit 99 to this Form 8-K
and incorporated herein by reference.

     In accordance with the procedural guidance in SEC Release No. 33-8216,  the
information in this Form 8-K and Exhibit 99 attached  hereto is being  furnished
under "Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure"  rather than under "Item 12. Disclosure
of Results of Operations and Financial  Condition." The information shall not be
deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the "Exchange  Act") or otherwise  subject to the  liabilities of that section,
nor  shall it be  deemed  incorporated  by  reference  in any  filing  under the
Securities  Act of 1933 or the Exchange  Act,  except as expressly  set forth by
specific reference in such a filing.






                                    SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized, on this 26th day of October, 2004.


                                    THERMO ELECTRON CORPORATION


                                    By:      /s/ Peter E. Hornstra
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                      Peter E. Hornstra
                                      Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting
                                      Officer







[THERMO LOGO]

 

                                                                      Exhibit 99
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact Information:                      Investor Contact Information:
Lori Gorski                                     J. Timothy Corcoran
Phone:    781-622-1242                          Phone:   781-622-1111
E-mail:   lori.gorski@thermo.com                E-mail:  tim.corcoran@thermo.com
Website:  www.thermo.com

                   Thermo Electron Reports 21% Revenue Growth
                and Record Operating Income in the Third Quarter

WALTHAM, Mass. (October 26, 2004) - Thermo Electron Corporation (NYSE:TMO) today
reported  revenues of $542  million for the third  quarter of 2004, a 21 percent
increase over $449 million in the 2003 quarter.  GAAP diluted earnings per share
(EPS)  were  $.65 in 2004,  compared  with  $.29 a year  ago.  The 2004  quarter
includes a gain of $.39 per share from discontinued operations, primarily due to
the sale of  Spectra-Physics  and tax benefits related to a previously  divested
business. GAAP operating income increased 42 percent from 2003, largely a result
of lower restructuring costs in 2004. GAAP operating margin for the 2004 quarter
rose to 11.0 percent from 9.3 percent in 2003.

Adjusted EPS grew 23 percent to $.32 in the third quarter of 2004, compared with
$.26 in 2003.  Adjusted  operating  income also rose 23 percent to record  third
quarter levels since the company's  reorganization in 2000.  Adjusted  operating
margin was 13.1 percent, up from 12.9 percent in 2003. Adjusted operating margin
improved  by 50 basis  points in 2004 before the effect of  acquisitions,  which
lowered  the margin by 30 basis  points.  Organic  revenues,  which  exclude the
effects of currency translation and  acquisitions/divestitures,  grew 9 percent.
Currency  translation  increased  revenues  by 5 percent,  and the net effect of
acquisitions/divestitures led to a 7 percent increase.

Adjusted EPS, adjusted  operating income,  adjusted operating margin and organic
revenues are non-GAAP measures that exclude certain items detailed at the end of
this press release under the heading, "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

Third Quarter Highlights

     -      Reported revenues grew 21 percent
     -      Adjusted EPS rose 23 percent
     -      Organic revenues increased 9 percent
     -      InnaPhase LIMS business acquired for $65 million
     -      Industrial process segment showing robust growth

Marijn E. Dekkers,  president and chief  executive  officer of Thermo  Electron,
said, "We are very pleased to have delivered strong top- and bottom-line  growth
for the  quarter.  Importantly,  our revenue  performance  contributed  to solid
earnings  growth,  with  adjusted EPS  exceeding the high end of our guidance by
$.02. In addition,  we generated strong cash flow of $66 million from continuing
operations.

"These  results  indicate  that our  growth  strategy  is  working.  We've  made
significant  internal  investments to develop new products,  expand our services
and create the commercial  framework  necessary to  differentiate  Thermo in the
marketplace.   We  also  have  the  resources  to  continue  to  make  strategic
acquisitions that extend our offerings and market coverage.



"In  the  Life  and  Laboratory   Sciences  segment,   our  leading   analytical
technologies  are setting new standards for scientific  research,  enhanced by a
growing  family of  informatics  and  services  solutions  following  our recent
acquisition of InnaPhase  Corporation,  a leader in data management  systems for
the  pharmaceutical  industry.  In  Measurement  and  Control,  we  are  driving
improvement by pursuing  opportunities  in growth  markets,  such as China,  and
applying our laboratory-grade  analytical  instruments to on-line processes.  In
addition to these  initiatives,  we are benefiting  from recovery in many of our
industrial markets."

Mr. Dekkers added, "For the fourth quarter of 2004, we expect to report adjusted
EPS of $.36 to $.38. As a result,  we are  narrowing  our previous  adjusted EPS
guidance of $1.20 to $1.25 for the full year to $1.23 to $1.25." (This  guidance
excludes  approximately  $.03 of expense per quarter  from the  amortization  of
acquisition-related  intangible  assets and the other  items  described  in this
press release under the heading, "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.")

Life and Laboratory Sciences 
The Life and  Laboratory  Sciences  segment  reported a revenue  increase  of 27
percent in the third  quarter to $383  million,  versus $302  million last year.
Organic revenues  increased 8 percent.  The effects of currency  translation and
acquisitions increased revenues by 5 percent and 14 percent,  respectively.  New
products continue to drive stronger sales of our mass spectrometry  systems. Our
Finnigan(TM) LTQ FT(TM) hybrid system, which has become a valuable research tool
for proteomics since its introduction in 2003, has been selected by R&D Magazine
as one of this year's top 100 innovative products. In our molecular spectroscopy
product  line,  we  are  seeing  increased  demand  for  our  recently  launched
Nicolet(TM)  infrared  spectrometry  systems  and our new  Continuum(TM)  series
microscope.  In  addition,  growth in  consumable  products  has led to  general
strengthening  across our clinical diagnostics  portfolio.  The recent InnaPhase
acquisition  allows us to further  leverage  sales of systems  and  hardware  by
extending our informatics offerings to include laboratory information management
systems for specialized pharmaceutical applications.

GAAP operating income for the segment grew 24 percent in the 2004 quarter,  with
GAAP  operating  margin of 14.2 percent,  versus 14.5 percent in 2003.  Adjusted
operating  income for the segment  increased  23 percent in 2004,  and  adjusted
operating  margin  was 16.2  percent,  compared  with 16.7  percent  in the 2003
quarter.  Adjusted  operating  margin improved by 20 basis points in 2004 before
the effect of acquisitions,  which lowered the margin by 70 basis points.  As we
integrate these operations, we expect margins to improve in ensuing quarters.

Measurement and Control
Third  quarter  revenues  in the  Measurement  and Control  segment  increased 9
percent to $159 million,  versus $146 million last year.  Organic  revenues also
rose 9 percent.  The effect of  currency  translation  increased  revenues  by 4
percent, while the net effect of acquisitions/divestitures decreased revenues by
4  percent.  Revenue  growth  was  fueled  by  strong  demand  for  our  process
instruments used by the materials industry;  the metals market continues to grow
in China, and minerals markets are gaining strength due to favorable  pricing of
base materials.  Our temperature control and materials  characterization product
lines are benefiting  from an upturn in industrial  markets.  We are also seeing
higher sales of gas flow systems used in  petroleum  processing,  and  increased
demand for our SOLA on-line sulfur analyzers  resulting from stricter clean-fuel
regulations.



GAAP operating income for the segment increased 34 percent from the 2003 period,
and GAAP  operating  margin rose to 9.1  percent,  versus 7.5 percent last year.
Adjusted  operating income for the segment  increased 24 percent over last year,
with adjusted operating margin of 11.1 percent, up from 9.7 percent in 2003.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to the  financial  measures  prepared in accordance  with  generally
accepted  accounting  principles  (GAAP),  we  use  certain  non-GAAP  financial
measures,  including  adjusted  EPS,  adjusted  operating  income  and  adjusted
operating  margin,  which  exclude  restructuring  and  other  costs/income  and
amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets. Adjusted EPS and adjusted
operating   income  also   exclude   certain   other   gains  and  losses,   tax
provisions/benefits  related to the  previous  items and benefit from tax credit
carryforwards.  We exclude  these items  because  they are outside of our normal
operations  and, in certain  cases,  are  difficult to forecast  accurately  for
future  periods.  We also use the  concept  of  organic  revenue  growth,  which
excludes the effects of currency translation and  acquisitions/divestitures.  We
believe that the  inclusion of such  measures  helps  investors to gain a better
understanding  of our core operating  results and future  prospects,  consistent
with how management measures and forecasts the company's performance, especially
when comparing such results to previous periods or forecasts.

Specifically:

We exclude costs and tax effects associated with restructuring activities,  such
as reducing overhead and consolidating  facilities, in connection with the final
phase of our  overall  reorganization,  which we  expect  will be  substantially
complete  in 2004.  We believe  that the costs  related  to these  restructuring
activities are not indicative of our normal operating costs.

We exclude charges  relating to the sale of inventories  revalued at the date of
acquisition,  as we  believe  these  charges  are not  indicative  of our normal
operating costs.

We exclude  the  expense and tax effects  associated  with the  amortization  of
acquisition-related  intangible  assets  because a  significant  portion  of the
purchase price for acquisitions may be allocated to intangible  assets that have
lives of 5 to 10 years. Exclusion of the amortization expense allows comparisons
of operating  results that are consistent  over time for both our newly acquired
and long-held  businesses and with both  acquisitive  and  non-acquisitive  peer
companies.

We also exclude certain gains/losses and related tax effects, as well as benefit
from tax credit carryforwards, that are either isolated or cannot be expected to
occur again with any  regularity or  predictability,  such as those arising from
the sale of a  business  or real  estate,  the sale of our equity  interests  in
Newport Corporation,  Thoratec Corporation and FLIR Systems, Inc., and the early
retirement of debt,  which we believe are not indicative of our normal operating
gains and losses.

Thermo's management uses these non-GAAP measures,  in addition to GAAP financial
measures,  as the basis for measuring the company's core  operating  performance
and comparing such  performance to that of prior periods and to the  performance
of our competitors. Such measures are also used by management in their financial
and operating decision-making and for compensation purposes.

The non-GAAP  financial  measures of Thermo's results of operations  included in
this press  release are not meant to be  considered  superior to or a substitute
for  Thermo's   results  of  operations   prepared  in  accordance   with  GAAP.
Reconciliations  of  such  non-GAAP  financial  measures  to the  most  directly



comparable  GAAP  financial  measures are set forth in the  accompanying  tables
and/or the text of this press release.  Thermo's earnings guidance,  however, is
only  provided  on an adjusted  basis.  It is not  feasible to provide  GAAP EPS
guidance because the items excluded,  other than the amortization  expense,  are
difficult to predict and estimate and are primarily  dependent on future events,
such as decisions concerning the location and timing of facility consolidations,
and the timing of and proceeds from the sale of our equity  interests in Newport
and Thoratec. We no longer own any shares of FLIR Systems.

Conference Call
Thermo Electron will hold its earnings conference call on Wednesday, October 27,
at 8:30 a.m.  Eastern time.  To listen,  dial  888-872-9028  within the U.S., or
973-633-6740 outside the U.S. You may also listen to the call live on the Web by
visiting http://www.thermo.com.  Click on "About Us," then "Investors." An audio
archive  of the call will be  available  in that  section of our  Website  until
Friday, November 26, 2004. You will also find this press release,  including the
accompanying  reconciliation of non-GAAP financial  measures,  under the heading
"Press Releases," and related information under the heading "Financial Reports,"
in the Investors section of our Website.

About Thermo Electron
Thermo Electron Corporation is the world leader in analytical  instruments.  Our
instrument solutions enable our customers to make the world a healthier, cleaner
and  safer  place.  Thermo's  Life  and  Laboratory  Sciences  segment  provides
analytical  instruments,  scientific equipment,  services and software solutions
for  life  science,  drug  discovery,  clinical,  environmental  and  industrial
laboratories. Thermo's Measurement and Control segment is dedicated to providing
analytical  instruments  used  in  a  variety  of  manufacturing  processes  and
in-the-field  applications,  including those associated with safety and homeland
security. Based near Boston, Massachusetts,  Thermo has revenues of more than $2
billion,  and employs  approximately  10,000  people in 30  countries.  For more
information, visit http://www.thermo.com.

The following constitutes a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities
Litigation  Reform Act of 1995:  This  press  release  contains  forward-looking
statements that involve a number of risks and  uncertainties.  Important factors
that could cause actual  results to differ  materially  from those  indicated by
such forward-looking statements are set forth under the heading "Forward-Looking
Statements"  in the  company's  Quarterly  Report  on Form  10-Q for the  fiscal
quarter ended July 3, 2004. These include risks and  uncertainties  relating to:
the need to develop new products and adapt to significant  technological change,
dependence on customers that operate in cyclical  industries,  general worldwide
economic  conditions  and  related  uncertainties,  the  effect  of  changes  in
governmental regulations, dependence on customers' capital spending policies and
government  funding  policies,  use and  protection  of  intellectual  property,
exposure to product liability claims in excess of insurance coverage,  retention
of contingent  liabilities  from  businesses we sold,  realization  of potential
future savings from new productivity initiatives, implementation of new branding
strategy, implementation of strategies for improving internal growth, the effect
of exchange  rate  fluctuations  on  international  operations,  identification,
completion  and  integration  of new  acquisitions  and potential  impairment of
goodwill  from  previous  acquisitions.  We undertake no  obligation to publicly
update any  forward-looking  statement,  whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.


Consolidated Statement of Income (unaudited)



                                                                                                           
                                                  
                                                                                     Three Months Ended
                                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      October 2, 2004                September 27, 2003
                                                               ------------------------------   -------------------------------
(In thousands except per share amounts)                          Reported (a)    Adjusted (b)     Reported (a)     Adjusted (b)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues                                                         $   542,315     $   542,315      $   448,567      $  448,567
                                                                 ------------    ------------     ------------     -----------

Costs and Operating Expenses:
   Cost of revenues (c)                                              291,360         291,023          239,824         239,824
   Selling, general, and administrative expenses                     147,346         147,346          120,371         120,371
   Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets               6,079               -            2,263               -
   Research and development expenses                                  32,874          32,874           30,444          30,444
   Restructuring and other costs, net (d)                              5,035               -           13,819               -
                                                                 ------------    ------------     ------------     -----------
                                                                     482,694         471,243          406,721         390,639
                                                                 ------------    ------------     ------------     -----------
 Operating Income                                                     59,621          71,072           41,846          57,928
Interest Income                                                        2,459           2,459            2,910           2,910
Interest Expense                                                      (2,677)         (2,677)          (3,458)         (3,458)
Other Income, Net (e)                                                  2,689           2,689           11,084           1,731
                                                                 ------------    ------------     ------------     -----------
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes                 62,092          73,543           52,382          59,111
Provision for Income Taxes (f)                                       (19,451)        (21,125)         (13,387)        (15,199)
                                                                 ------------    ------------     ------------     -----------

Income from Continuing Operations                                     42,641          52,418           38,995          43,912
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (includes income tax
  benefit of $541 in 2004)                                              (940)              -                2               -
Gain on Disposal of Discontinued Operations (includes income
  tax benefit of $4,322 in 2004 and $2,600 in 2003)                   64,835               -            9,518               -
                                                                 ------------    ------------     ------------     -----------

Net Income                                                       $   106,536     $    52,418      $    48,515      $   43,912
                                                                 ============    ============     ============     ===========

Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations:

    Basic                                                        $       .26                      $       .24
                                                                 ============                     ============
    Diluted                                                      $       .26                      $       .24
                                                                 ============                     ============
 
Earnings per Share:

    Basic                                                        $       .66                      $       .30
                                                                 ============                     ============
   Diluted                                                       $       .65     $       .32      $       .29      $      .26
                                                                 ============    =============    ============     ===========
 
Weighted Average Shares:

    Basic                                                            161,514                          162,531
                                                                 ============                     ============
                                                               
    Diluted                                                          165,570         165,570          169,155         169,155
                                                                 ============   =============     ============     ===========
                                                                 


(a)  Reported results were determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
     accounting  principles  (GAAP).  Prior period amounts have been adjusted to
     reflect the treatment of Spectra-Physics as a discontinued  operation.  (b)
     Adjusted  results are  non-GAAP  measures  and  exclude  charges to cost of
     revenues (note c), amortization of  acquisition-related  intangible assets,
     restructuring and other costs/income (note d), certain other income/expense
     (note e), the tax  consequences  of these  items  (note f), and  results of
     discontinued  operations.  
(c)  Reported  results  in 2004  include  $276,000  of charges  for  accelerated
     depreciation  on  manufacturing  equipment  being abandoned due to facility
     consolidations and $61,000 of charges for the sale of inventories  revalued
     at  the  date  of  acquisition.   
(d)  Reported results in 2004 include  restructuring  and other items consisting
     principally of severance and abandoned  facility and other expenses of real
     estate  consolidation.  Reported results in 2003 include  restructuring and
     other items  consisting  principally of severance;  abandoned  facility and
     other expenses of real estate consolidation;  a writedown to disposal value
     of a product line that was sold in October 2003;  and  legal/advisory  fees
     associated  with a  reorganization  of the  company's  non-U.S.  subsidiary
     structure.  
(e)  Reported  results  include  $10,329,000 of gains from the sale of shares of
     Thoratec  Corporation  in 2003.  Reported  results also  include  losses of
     $976,000 in 2003 on the early  retirement of debt.  
(f)  Adjusted  provision for income taxes excludes  $1,674,000 and $1,812,000 of
     incremental  tax benefit in 2004 and 2003,  respectively,  for the items in
     (b) through (e).





                                                                                                                   

Segment Data (g)(h)(i)                                                                                   Three Months Ended
(In thousands except percentage amounts)                                                      --------------------------------------
                                                                                              October 2, 2004     September 27, 2003
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Life and Laboratory Sciences
  Revenues                                                                                    $       383,163     $       301,755
                                                                                              ---------------     ---------------
                                                                                               
  GAAP Operating Income                                                                                54,508              43,845
  Cost of Revenue Charges (j)                                                                             276                -
  Restructuring and Other Items (k)                                                                     2,127               4,871   
  Amortization of Acquisition-related Intangible Assets                                                 5,184               1,663
                                                                                              ---------------    ----------------
                                                                                       
  Adjusted Operating Income                                                                   $        62,095     $        50,379
                                                                                              ---------------     ---------------
                                                                                                
  GAAP Operating Margin                                                                                 14.2%               14.5%
  Adjusted Operating Margin                                                                             16.2%               16.7%


Measurement and Control
  Revenues                                                                                    $       159,152     $       145,562
                                                                                              ---------------     ---------------
                                                                                             
  GAAP Operating Income                                                                                14,533              10,882
  Cost of Revenue Charges (j)                                                                              61                -
  Restructuring and Other Items (k)                                                                     2,102               2,662
  Amortization of Acquisition-related Intangible Assets                                                   895                 600
                                                                                              ---------------     ---------------
                                                                                              
  Adjusted Operating Income                                                                   $        17,591     $        14,144
                                                                                              ---------------     ---------------
                                                                                    
  GAAP Operating Margin                                                                                  9.1%                7.5%
  Adjusted Operating Margin                                                                             11.1%                9.7%


Consolidated (including Corporate Costs)
  Revenues                                                                                    $       542,315     $       448,567
                                                                                              ----------------    ---------------
                                                                                                

  GAAP Operating Income                                                                                59,621              41,846
  Cost of Revenue Charges (j)                                                                             337                -
  Restructuring and Other Items (k)                                                                     5,035              13,819
  Amortization of Acquisition-related Intangible Assets                                                 6,079               2,263
                                                                                              ----------------    ---------------
                                                                                                
  Adjusted Operating Income                                                                   $        71,072     $        57,928
                                                                                              ----------------    ---------------
                                                                                               
  GAAP Operating Margin                                                                                 11.0%                9.3%
  Adjusted Operating Margin                                                                             13.1%               12.9%



(g)  GAAP  operating  income  and  GAAP  operating  margin  were  determined  in
     accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
(h)  Adjusted  operating  income and  adjusted  operating  margin  are  non-GAAP
     measures  and  exclude the items in notes (c) and (d) and  amortization  of
     acquisition-related intangible assets.
(i)  Depreciation  expense  in  2004  was  $7,188,000  at  Life  and  Laboratory
     Sciences,   $2,195,000   at   Measurement   and  Control  and   $10,204,000
     Consolidated.  Depreciation  expense  in 2003  was  $5,922,000  at Life and
     Laboratory  Sciences,  $2,382,000 at Measurement and Control and $9,271,000
     Consolidated.
(j)  Includes items described in note (c).
(k)  Includes items described in note (d).




                                                                                                         

Consolidated Statement of Income (unaudited)
                                                                                       Nine Months Ended
                                                               ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      October 2, 2004                September 27, 2003
                                                               ------------------------------   ------------------------------
(In thousands except per share amounts)                          Reported (a)    Adjusted (b)     Reported (a)     Adjusted (b)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Revenues                                                       $   1,592,656     $ 1,592,656    $   1,370,463    $  1,370,463
                                                               --------------    -------------  --------------   -------------
Costs and Operating Expenses:
   Cost of revenues (c)                                              861,956         858,875          734,032         734,032
   Selling, general, and administrative expenses                     434,963         434,963          374,011         374,011
   Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets              15,529            -               6,707            -
   Research and development expenses                                  99,735          99,735           95,763          95,763
   Restructuring and other costs, net (d)                              9,008            -              25,457            -
                                                               --------------    -------------  --------------   -------------
                                                                    1,421,191       1,393,573        1,235,970       1,203,806
                                                               --------------    -------------  --------------   -------------
Operating Income                                                     171,465         199,083          134,493         166,657
Interest Income                                                        6,045           6,045           17,656          17,656
Interest Expense                                                      (8,100)         (8,100)         (15,544)        (15,544)
Other Income, Net (e)                                                 17,795           8,181           27,044           4,036
                                                               --------------   -------------   --------------   -------------
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes                187,205         205,209          163,649         172,805
Provision for Income Taxes (f)                                       (54,320)        (59,032)         (35,925)        (46,726)
                                                               --------------   -------------   --------------   -------------

Income from Continuing Operations                                    132,885         146,177          127,724         126,079
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (includes income tax
  benefit of $36,321 in 2004 and $1,394 in 2003)                      43,018            -              (4,197)           -
Gain on Disposal of Discontinued Operations (includes income tax
  benefit of $4,322 in 2004; net of income tax provision of $964 
  in 2003)                                                            64,835            -              14,554            -
                                                               --------------    -------------  --------------   -------------

Net Income                                                         $ 240,738     $   146,177    $     138,081    $     126,079
                                                               ==============   =============   ==============   =============
                                                              
Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations:

    Basic                                                      $         .81                    $         .79
                                                               ==============                   ==============
    Diluted                                                    $         .79                    $         .77
                                                               ==============                   ==============

Earnings per Share:

    Basic                                                      $        1.47                    $         .85
                                                               ==============                   ==============
    Diluted                                                    $        1.43     $       .87    $         .83    $        .76
                                                               ==============    =============  ==============   =============
 
Weighted Average Shares:

    Basic                                                            164,097                          162,474
                                                               ==============                   ==============
    Diluted                                                          168,696         168,696          171,703         171,703
                                                               ==============   =============   ==============   =============




(a)  Reported results were determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
     accounting  principles  (GAAP).  Prior period amounts have been adjusted to
     reflect the treatment of Spectra-Physics as a discontinued operation.
(b)  Adjusted  results are  non-GAAP  measures  and  exclude  charges to cost of
     revenues (note c), amortization of  acquisition-related  intangible assets,
     restructuring and other costs/income (note d), certain other income/expense
     (note e), the tax  consequences  of these  items  (note f), and  results of
     discontinued operations.
(c)  Reported  results in 2004 include  $3,081,000 of charges  primarily for the
     sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition.
(d)  Reported results in 2004 include  restructuring  and other items consisting
     principally  of severance;  abandoned  facility and other  expenses of real
     estate  consolidation;  gain on the sale of a business;  and legal/advisory
     fees associated with a reorganization of the company's non-U.S.  subsidiary
     structure.  Reported results in 2003 include  restructuring and other items
     consisting principally of severance;  abandoned facility and other expenses
     of real estate  consolidation;  a writedown to disposal  value of a product
     line and a business that were sold in October  2003;  net gains on the sale
     of a product line and property;  and legal/advisory  fees associated with a
     reorganization of the company's non-U.S. subsidiary structure.
(e)  Reported results include  $9,614,000 and $10,329,000 of gains from the sale
     of shares of  Thoratec  Corporation  in 2004 and  2003,  respectively,  and
     $13,654,000 of gains from the sale of shares of FLIR Systems, Inc. in 2003.
     Reported  results  also  include  a loss of  $976,000  in 2003 on the early
     retirement of debt.
(f)  Adjusted  provision for income taxes excludes  $3,812,000 and $1,775,000 of
     incremental  tax benefit in 2004 and 2003,  respectively,  for the items in
     (b)  through  (e);  $900,000  in  2004  of  tax  benefit  resulting  from a
     reorganization  of  the  company's  subsidiary  structure  in  Europe;  and
     $9,026,000  in  2003  of tax  benefit  from  the  reversal  of a  valuation
     allowance due to expected utilization of foreign tax credit carryforwards.





                                                                                                                



Segment Data (g)(h)(i)                                                                                  Nine Months Ended
                                                                                              --------------------------------------
                                                                                
(In thousands except percentage amounts)                                                      October 2, 2004     September 27, 2003
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Life and Laboratory Sciences
  Revenues                                                                                    $     1,118,451     $       915,866
                                                                                              ---------------     ---------------
                                                                              
  GAAP Operating Income                                                                               154,636             127,471
  Cost of Revenue Charges (j)                                                                           2,897                 -
  Restructuring and Other Items (k)                                                                     2,769              11,351
  Amortization of Acquisition-related Intangible Assets                                                13,289               4,908
                                                                                              ---------------     ---------------
   Adjusted Operating Income                                                                  $       173,591     $       143,730
                                                                                              ---------------     ---------------
  GAAP Operating Margin                                                                                 13.8%               13.9%
  Adjusted Operating Margin                                                                             15.5%               15.7%


Measurement and Control
  Revenues                                                                                    $       474,205     $      449,343
                                                                                              ---------------     --------------
                                                                                              
  GAAP Operating Income                                                                                41,131             35,076
  Cost of Revenue Charges (j)                                                                             184                -
  Restructuring and Other Items (k)                                                                     4,623              6,115
  Amortization of Acquisition-related Intangible Assets                                                 2,238              1,799
                                                                                              ---------------     --------------

  Adjusted Operating Income                                                                   $        48,176     $       42,990
                                                                                              ---------------     --------------
                                                                                               

  GAAP Operating Margin                                                                                  8.7%               7.8%
  Adjusted Operating Margin                                                                             10.2%               9.6%


Consolidated (including Corporate Costs)
  Revenues                                                                                    $     1,592,656     $    1,370,463
                                                                                              ---------------     --------------
                                                                                                
  GAAP Operating Income                                                                               171,465            134,493
  Cost of Revenue Charges (j)                                                                           3,081                -
  Restructuring and Other Items (k)                                                                     9,008             25,457
  Amortization of Acquisition-related Intangible Assets                                                15,529              6,707
                                                                                              ----------------    --------------

  Adjusted Operating Income                                                                   $       199,083     $      166,657
                                                                                              ----------------    --------------


  GAAP Operating Margin                                                                                 10.8%            9.8%
  Adjusted Operating Margin                                                                             12.5%           12.2%



(g)  GAAP  operating  income  and  GAAP  operating  margin  were  determined  in
     accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
(h)  Adjusted  operating  income and  adjusted  operating  margin  are  non-GAAP
     measures  and  exclude the items in notes (c) and (d) and  amortization  of
     acquisition-related intangible assets.
(i)  Depreciation  expense  in  2004  was  $22,169,000  at Life  and  Laboratory
     Sciences,   $7,273,000  at  Measurement   and  Control,   and   $31,864,000
     Consolidated.  Depreciation  expense  in 2003 was  $17,588,000  at Life and
     Laboratory Sciences,  $7,680,000 at Measurement and Control and $28,026,000
     Consolidated.
(j)  Includes items described in note (c).
(k)  Includes items described in note (d).





                                                                                                                

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)


(In thousands)                                                                                October 2, 2004     Dec. 31, 2003
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                                                   $    335,664        $     303,912
  Short-term available-for-sale investments                                                         90,233              114,326
  Accounts receivable, net                                                                         429,388              419,625
  Inventories                                                                                      331,144              302,161
  Other current assets                                                                             173,511              160,001
  Current assets of discontinued operations                                                          5,852               95,231
                                                                                              ------------        -------------

                                                                                                 1,365,792            1,395,256
                                                                                              ------------        -------------

Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net                                                                246,513              252,252
                                                                                              ------------        -------------
Acquisition-related Intangible Assets                                                              160,336               65,542
                                                                                              ------------        -------------

Other Assets                                                                                       100,922               47,408
                                                                                              ------------        -------------

Long-term Assets of Discontinued Operations                                                            -                187,339
                                                                                              -------------       -------------

Goodwill                                                                                          1,493,942           1,441,172
                                                                                              -------------       -------------

                                                                                              $   3,367,505       $   3,388,969
                                                                                              =============       =============


Current Liabilities:
  Short-term obligations and current maturities of long-term obligations                      $      15,378       $      45,981
  Other current liabilities                                                                         543,803             542,994
  Current liabilities of discontinued operations                                                     72,652              95,818
                                                                                              -------------       -------------
 
                                                                                                    631,833             684,793
                                                                                              -------------       -------------

Long-term Deferred Income Taxes and Other Long-term Liabilities                                      77,886              85,095
                                                                                              -------------       -------------

Long-term Liabilities of Discontinued Operations                                                        -                 6,766
                                                                                              --------------      -------------

Long-term Obligations:
  Senior notes                                                                                       137,859            137,874
  Subordinated convertible obligations                                                                77,234             77,234
  Other                                                                                               13,345             14,401
                                                                                              --------------      -------------

                                                                                                     228,438            229,509
                                                                                              --------------      -------------

Total Shareholders' Equity                                                                         2,429,348          2,382,806
                                                                                              --------------      -------------
                                                                                              $    3,367,505      $   3,388,969
                                                                                              ==============      =============