BELLEVUE, Wash., February 26, 2004— Esterline Technologies (NYSE/ESL www.esterline.com), a leading specialty manufacturer serving aerospace/defense markets, today reported fiscal 2004 first quarter (ended January 30) net earnings of $1.9 million, or $.09 per diluted share, on $132.6 million sales. The results include a $1.9 million tax benefit, or $.09 per share, from a reduction of previously estimated tax liabilities for U.S. research and development tax credits, and a $2.9 million after-tax, or $.14 per share, severance expense related to the merger of a recently acquired UK-based operation with an existing France-based operation. The prior year’s comparable earnings were $5.8 million, or $.28 per diluted share, on sales of $126.3 million.