IN FOCUS

IDEX Corporation reported record sales and net income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004. Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter were 44 cents, up 33 percent from the third quarter of 2003. Earnings per diluted share for the first nine months of 2004 were $1.23, up 32 percent versus the first nine months of 2003.

SKF reports for the third quarter of 2004 a 14.1% increase in sales, measured in local currencies, compared to the same period in 2003. The operating margin for the quarter was 10.6% (8.4). The price/mix increased by 2.3%. Cash flow continued to be strong.

Parker Hannifin Corporation today reported record quarterly net income and earnings for the period ended September 30, 2004, while also marking a record $1.95 billion in fiscal first-quarter sales.

Flowserve Corp. announced that Richard J. Guiltinan, vice president and chief accounting officer, has notified Flowserve of his plans to leave the company.

Timothy C. Brown, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Industries Inc., has announced the signing of a letter of intent to buy the side channel blower business of Ruey Chaang Electric Co. Ltd. of Taipei, Taiwan.

Crane Co. announced that it has initiated a search for a chief financial officer. The Company’s CFO, George S. Scimone, has been on a medical leave of absence since March 3, 2004 and Eric C. Fast, president and chief executive officer, has been serving as acting chief financial officer since that date.

National-Oilwell, Inc. and Varco International, Inc. jointly announced they have received a request for additional information from the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the proposed merger between the companies.

In accordance with a resolution taken at the Annual General Meeting of AB SKF on April 20, 2004, this is to announce the representatives of the four largest shareholders, …

Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced net income per share of $1.09 for the third quarter of 2004, an increase of 58 percent over net income per share of $.69 in the third quarter of 2003.

“Mark brings an outstanding complement of skills and background to Flowserve and will be an integral member of our executive team,” said C. Scott Greer, chairman, president and chief executive officer.