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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended October 3, 2003

OR

For the transition period from              to             

000-25393

(Commission File Number)

VARIAN, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(650) 213-8000

(Telephone number)

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

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

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

Preferred Stock Purchase Rights

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  ¨

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

The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of December 4, 2003 was $1,424,509,069.

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of December 4, 2003 was 34,649,291.

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

An index of exhibits filed with this Form 10-K is located on page 33.

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VARIAN, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 3, 2003

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PART I

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Throughout this Report, and particularly in Item 1—Business and Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, there are forward-looking statements that are based upon our current expectations, estimates, and projections, and that reflect our beliefs and assumptions based upon information available to us at the date of this Report. In some cases, you can identify these statements by words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue,” and other similar terms. These forward-looking statements include those relating to anticipated diluted earnings per share and anticipated restructuring costs in fiscal year 2004.

We caution investors that forward-looking statements are only predictions, based upon our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Some of the important factors that could cause our results to differ are discussed in Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Risk Factors. We encourage you to read that section carefully.

Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: whether we will succeed in new product development, commercialization, performance, and acceptance, particularly in life science applications; whether we can achieve continued growth in sales in life science applications; risks arising from the timing of shipments, installations, and the recognition of revenues on leading-edge NMR systems; whether we will see continued demand for vacuum products and for electronics manufacturing services; competitive products and pricing; economic conditions in the Company’s product and geographic markets; whether we will see continued and timely delivery of key raw materials and components by suppliers; foreign currency fluctuations that could adversely impact revenue growth and earnings; whether we will see sustained or improved market investment in capital equipment; whether we will be able to successfully integrate acquired businesses; whether we will see reduced demand from customers that operate in cyclical industries; whether government funding for research might decline; the actual cost of anticipated restructuring activities and their impact on future costs; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the SEC. You should carefully consider those risks, in addition to the other information in this Report and in our other filings with the SEC, before deciding to invest in our stock or to maintain or change your investment. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, future events, or otherwise.

Item 1. Business

GENERAL

Overview and History

Varian, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or the “Registrant”), is a technology company engaged in the design, development, manufacture, sale, and service of scientific instruments (including related consumable products) and vacuum products, and in contract electronics manufacturing. The Company’s operations are grouped into three corresponding segments: Scientific Instruments, Vacuum Technologies, and Electronics Manufacturing. These segments, their products, and the markets they serve are described below.

Varian, Inc. became a separate, public company on April 2, 1999. Until that date, the business of the Company was operated as the Instruments business (“IB”) of Varian Associates, Inc. (“VAI”). VAI contributed the IB to the Company; then on April 2, 1999, VAI distributed to the holders of record of VAI common stock on March 24, 1999 one share of common stock of the Company for each share of VAI common stock outstanding on April 2, 1999. At the same time, VAI contributed its Semiconductor Equipment business to Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. (“VSEA”) and distributed to the holders of record of VAI common stock on March 24, 1999 one share of common stock of VSEA for each

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share of VAI common stock outstanding on April 2, 1999. VAI retained its Health Care Systems business and changed its name to Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (“VMS”) effective as of April 3, 1999. These transactions (collectively referred to as the “Distribution”) were accomplished under the terms of an Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement dated as of January 14, 1999 by and among the Company, VAI, and VSEA (the “Distribution Agreement”). References in this section to the Company’s business for periods prior to April 2, 1999 refer to the historical business and operations of the Company as conducted by VAI prior to the Distribution.

Business Segments and Products

The Company’s products and services can be classified into the following three categories, which correspond to the Company’s three business segments: Scientific Instruments, Vacuum Technologies, and Electronics Manufacturing.

Scientific Instruments

The Company’s Scientific Instruments business designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and services chromatography, optical spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, dissolution testing, nuclear magnetic resonance equipment, and consumable laboratory supplies for a broad range of life science and chemical analysis applications requiring identification, quantification, and analysis of the elemental, molecular, physical, or biological composition or structure of liquids, solids, or gases.

Chromatography is a technique for separating, identifying, and quantifying the individual chemical components of substances based on the physical and chemical characteristics specific to each component. The Company’s chromatography instruments include gas chromatographs (“GCs”), high-performance liquid chromatographs (“HPLCs”), sample automation products, and data analysis systems. For certain applications, mass spectrometers are sold as a detector for GC or HPLC systems. In addition to these instruments, the Company also offers related accessories and consumable laboratory supplies.

Optical spectroscopy is a technique for analyzing the individual chemical components of substances based on the absorption or emission of electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength of light. The Company’s optical spectroscopy instruments include atomic absorption spectrometers, inductively coupled plasma-optical emissions spectrometers, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometers, fluorescence spectrometers, ultraviolet-visible (“UV-Vis”) and near-infrared spectrophotometers, sample automation products, and data analysis systems. The Company also sells related accessories and consumable laboratory supplies.

Mass spectrometry is a technique for analyzing the individual chemical components of substances by breaking molecules into multiple electrically charged ions that are then sorted for analysis according to their mass-to-charge ratios. The Company combines mass spectrometers with other instruments to create high-performance instruments such as liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometers, liquid chromatograph-nuclear magnetic resonance/mass spectrometers, gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometers, and offers related accessories and consumable laboratory supplies.

Dissolution testing is a technique for in-vitro analysis of the rate of release of a drug under controlled conditions. The Company’s dissolution testing products include systems for analyzing the rate of release and equipment for testing the physical characteristics of different dosage forms.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (“NMR”) is a non-destructive instrumental technique that uses electromagnetic fields to interact with the magnetic property of atomic nuclei in order to determine and analyze the molecular content and structure of liquids and solids. NMR spectroscopy is used in the study of liquids containing chemical substances including proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), carbohydrates, membranes, and solid materials such as crystals, plastics, rubbers, ceramics, and polymers. NMR imaging systems are used to obtain non-invasive images of, primarily, biological materials and to probe the chemical processes within these materials. The Company’s NMR systems include NMR spectrometers, NMR imaging spectrometers, and liquid chromatograph-NMR/mass spectrometers. The Company also offers probes and console upgrades to customers seeking to enhance NMR performance.

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Scientific Instruments’ consumable laboratory supplies include sample preparation products, GC and HPLC columns, GC filters, xenon lamps, cuvettes, and graphite furnace replacement parts. Consumable supplies also include on-site testing devices for drugs of abuse that allow rapid testing from a urine or saliva sample.

Scientific Instruments’ chromatography, optical spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, dissolution testing, NMR, and consumable supplies can be generally categorized as either those used principally in life science applications or those used principally in chemical analysis applications (although many products are used in both applications). Life science applications include the study of biological processes, the testing of biological materials, and the diagnosis, treatment, or development of treatments of diseases. In fiscal years 2003 and 2002, Scientific Instruments sales into life science applications accounted for nearly half of the segment’s total sales (these are estimates based on assumptions of how the Company’s products are likely to be used by customers, and are provided only as an indication of a historical trend).

Life science products include HPLCs and HPLC columns, liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometers, fluorescence and UV-Vis spectrophotometers, NMR spectrometers, NMR imaging spectrometers, liquid chromatograph-NMR/mass spectrometers, sample automation products, data analysis systems, dissolution systems, sample preparation products, consumable supplies (including testing devices for drugs of abuse), and related accessories. These products are primarily used by pharmaceutical companies in drug development, manufacturing, and quality control; by biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies in studying biomolecules and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases; by government and private laboratories, employers, and law enforcement and correctional agencies in drug testing; and by research hospitals and universities in basic chemistry, biological, biochemistry, and health care research. Life science customers include Abbott Laboratories, Amgen, Aventis, Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Pfizer, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Wyeth, governmental agencies, and numerous academic institutions and research hospitals.

Chemical analysis products include GCs, gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers, atomic absorption spectrometers, near-infrared spectrophotometers, inductively coupled plasma-optical emissions spectrometers, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometers, NMR spectrometers, sample automation products, data analysis systems, sample preparation products, consumable laboratory supplies, and related accessories. These products are primarily used by environmental laboratories in testing water, soil, air, solids, and food products; by petroleum and natural gas companies in refining and quality control; by petroleum, agriculture, chemical, mining and metallurgy, and food and beverage processing companies in research and quality control; by semiconductor companies in manufacturing and quality control; and by other industrial, governmental, and academic research laboratories in forensic analysis, materials science, and general research. Chemical analysis customers include 3M, BASF, British Petroleum, Dow Chemical, DuPont, ExxonMobil, Huntsman Polymers, Laboratory Corporation of America, Monsanto, Procter & Gamble, Quest Diagnostics, governmental agencies, and numerous academic and research institutions.

Vacuum Technologies

The Company’s Vacuum Technologies business designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and services a broad range of products used to create, control, measure, and test vacuum environments in life science, industrial, research, semiconductor, and scientific applications where ultra-clean, high-vacuum environments are needed. Products include a wide range of high and ultra-high vacuum pumps (diffusion, turbomolecular, and ion getter), intermediate vacuum pumps (rotary vane, sorption, and dry scroll), vacuum instrumentation (vacuum control instruments, sensor gauges, and meters), and vacuum components (valves, flanges, and other mechanical hardware). Its products also include helium mass spectrometry and helium-sensing leak detection equipment for use in identifying and measuring leaks in hermetic or vacuum environments. In addition to product sales, the Company also offers a wide range of services including assistance with the design and integration of vacuum systems, a pump exchange and repair program, applications support, and training in basic and advanced vacuum technology.

Vacuum Technologies products are used in a broad range of scientific instruments, such as mass spectrometers for mass analysis and linear accelerators for cancer therapy; in the manufacture of flat-panel displays, television tubes, decorative coating, architectural glass, optical lenses, light bulbs, and automobile

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components; in food packaging; in the testing of aircraft components, automobile airbags, refrigeration components, medical devices, and industrial processing equipment; in high-energy physics research; and in the manufacture of semiconductors, fabrication and metrology equipment such as ion implanters, thin film deposition systems, and electron microscopes. Customers include Applied Biosystems, KLA-Tencor, MDS SCIEX, Varian Medical Systems, and Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates.

Electronics Manufacturing

The Company’s Electronics Manufacturing business is a contract manufacturer of electronic assemblies and subsystems such as printed circuit boards for original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). For some customers, the business provides total manufacturing services including design support, customized manufacturing (such as just-in-time and inventory management), and post-manufacturing services (such as direct end-user shipping and repair depots).

The Electronics Manufacturing business serves customers in a wide range of industries, including life science products (which includes medical equipment) and communications equipment (e.g., satellite, networking, telephony, and voice and data transfer). The business focuses on customers with low- to medium-volume, high-mix manufacturing needs. Customers include, for example, Alaris Medical and Inter-Tel. The business also supplies products to the Company’s Scientific Instruments and Vacuum Technologies businesses.

For financial information about industry segments including foreign and domestic operations and export sales, see Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Marketing and Sales

In the United States, the Company markets the largest portion of its products directly through its own sales and distribution organizations, although a few products and services are marketed through independent distributors and sales representatives. Sales to major markets outside the United States are generally made by the Company’s foreign-based sales and service staff, although some export sales are made directly from the United States to foreign customers. In addition, in certain foreign countries, sales are made through various representative and distributorship arrangements. The Company maintains sales and service offices in strategic regional locations in the United States and, through its sales subsidiaries, in key foreign locations.

The markets in which the Company competes are, for the most part, global. Sales outside of North America accounted for 44%, 39%, and 39% of sales for fiscal years 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. As a result, the Company’s customers increasingly require service and support on a worldwide basis. In addition to the United States, the Company has sales and service offices located throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The Company has invested substantial financial and management resources to develop an international infrastructure to meet the needs of its customers worldwide.

Demand for the Company’s products depends on many factors, including the level of capital expenditures of the Company’s customers, the rate of economic growth in the Company’s major markets, and competitive considerations. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s sales in fiscal year 2003, 2002, or 2001.

The Company experiences some cyclical patterns in sales of its products. Generally, sales and earnings in the first quarter of the Company’s fiscal year are lower when compared to the preceding fourth fiscal quarter, primarily because there are fewer working days in the first fiscal quarter (October to December) and many customers defer December deliveries until the next calendar year, the Company’s second fiscal quarter. The Company’s fourth fiscal quarter sales and earnings are often the highest in the fiscal year compared to the other three quarters, primarily because many customers spend budgeted money before their own fiscal years end. This cyclical pattern can be influenced by other factors, including general economic conditions, acquisitions, and new product introductions.

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The Company believes that it differentiates its products from those of its competitors by its responsiveness to customer requirements, as determined through market research. Although specific customer requirements can vary depending on applications, customers generally demand superior performance, high quality, high productivity, and low cost of ownership. The Company has responded to these customer demands by introducing new products focused on these requirements in the markets it serves. For example, customers of Scientific Instruments products have demanded higher levels of analytical throughput to support their research programs aimed at drug discovery and advanced life sciences. The Company has responded to these needs by introducing products with higher levels of automation and computerized data analysis routines.

Backlog

The Company’s recorded backlog was $206 million at October 3, 2003, $234 million at September 27, 2002, and $265 million at September 28, 2001. Backlog decreased from September 27, 2002 to October 3, 2003 primarily due to the recognition of revenue during fiscal year 2003 on several leading-edge NMR systems and accessories that were previously deferred pending delivery and/or customer acceptance. Backlog decreased from September 28, 2001 to September 27, 2002 primarily due to a trend toward shorter customer lead times in Electronics Manufacturing; this trend was a result of customers adopting more efficient ordering and production processes as well as their order visibility due to the difficult economic conditions during fiscal year 2002. To a lesser degree, the decrease in backlog from fiscal year 2001 to fiscal year 2002 was also due to the fact that the Company began recognizing revenue on certain leading-edge NMR systems during fiscal year 2002.

The Company includes in backlog purchase orders or production releases under blanket purchase orders that have firm delivery dates. Recorded backlog in U.S. dollars is impacted by foreign currency fluctuations. In addition, recorded backlog might not result in sales because of cancellations or other factors. Most of the Company’s products are shipped soon after they are ordered by customers, with the time between order receipt and shipment being as short as a few days for some products and less than a fiscal quarter for most others. Significant shipments often occur in the last month of each quarter, in part because of how customers place orders and schedule shipments.

The Company believes that over 90% of orders included in the backlog at October 3, 2003 will result in sales before the end of fiscal year 2004.

Competition

Competition in markets served by the Scientific Instruments and Vacuum Technologies segments is primarily based upon the performance capabilities of products, technical support and after-market service, the manufacturer’s reputation as a technological leader, and product pricing. The Company believes that performance capabilities are the most important of these criteria. With respect to markets served by the Electronics Manufacturing segment, competition is primarily based upon assembly and test capabilities, technical expertise and support, flexibility and responsiveness of logistics management capabilities, the manufacturer’s financial stability, and product pricing. The Company believes that technical expertise and support are the most important of these criteria.

The markets in which the Company competes are highly competitive and are characterized by the application of advanced technology. There are numerous companies that specialize in, and a number of larger companies that devote a significant portion of their resources to, the development, manufacture, sale, and service of products that compete with those manufactured, sold, or serviced by the Company. Many of the Company’s competitors are well-known manufacturers with a high degree of technical proficiency. In addition, competition is intensified by the ever-changing nature of the technologies in the industries in which the Company is engaged. The markets for the Company’s products are characterized by specialized manufacturers that often have strength in narrow segments of these markets. While the absence of reliable statistics makes it difficult to determine the Company’s relative market position in its industry segments, the Company is one of the principal manufacturers in its primary fields.

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Each of the Company’s major business segments competes with many companies that address the same markets. The Company’s Scientific Instruments business competes with Agilent Technologies; PerkinElmer; Shimadzu; Thermo Electron; Waters; Bruker; JEOL; and other smaller suppliers. The Company’s Vacuum Technologies business competes with BOC Edwards High Vacuum; Leybold-Balzers; Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology; Alcatel; and other smaller suppliers. The Company’s Electronics Manufacturing business competes with numerous other high-mix, low-volume contract manufacturers, including Suntron; Pemstar; PLEXUS; Sigmatron International; and privately-owned regional and off-shore manufacturers.

Manufacturing

The Company’s principal manufacturing activities consist of precision assembly, test, calibration, and certain specialized machining activities. The Company subcontracts a portion of its assembly and machining. All other assembly, test, and calibration functions are performed by the Company.

The Company believes that the ability to manufacture reliable products in a cost-effective manner is critical to meeting the “just-in-time” delivery and other demanding requirements of its OEM and end-user customers. The Company monitors and analyzes product lead times, warranty data, process yields, supplier performance, field data on mean time between failures, inventory turns, repair response time, and other indicators so that it can continuously improve its manufacturing processes.

The Company operates 14 manufacturing facilities located throughout the world. Scientific Instruments has manufacturing facilities in Palo Alto, California; Walnut Creek, California; Lake Forest, California; Harbor City, California; Ft. Collins, Colorado; Cary, North Carolina; Melbourne, Australia; Middelburg, Netherlands; and Grenoble, France. Vacuum Technologies has manufacturing facilities in Lexington, Massachusetts, and Turin, Italy. Electronics Manufacturing has manufacturing facilities in Tempe, Arizona; Poway, California; and Rocklin, California.

All of the Company’s manufacturing facilities, other than Lake Forest, California, and Grenoble, France, have been certified as complying with the International Organization for Standardization Series 9000 Quality Standards (“ISO 9000”).

Raw Materials

There are no specialized raw materials that are particularly essential to the operation of the Company’s business. The Company’s manufacturing operations require a wide variety of raw materials, electronic and mechanical components, chemical and biochemical materials, and other supplies, some of which are occasionally in short supply. In addition, use of certain of the Company’s products requires reliable and cost-effective supply of certain raw materials. For example, end-users of the Company’s NMR systems require helium to operate those systems; shortages of helium could result in higher helium prices, and thus higher operating costs for NMR systems, which could impact demand for those systems.

Some components used in the Company’s products are manufactured by the Company. Other components, including superconducting magnets and electronic components, are purchased from other manufacturers. Most of the raw materials, components, and supplies purchased by the Company are available from a number of different suppliers; however, a number of items—in particular, superconducting magnets for NMR systems—are purchased from limited or single sources of supply, and disruption of these sources could cause delays or reductions in shipment of our products or increases in our costs, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Research and Development

The Company is actively engaged in basic and applied research, development, and engineering programs designed to develop new products and to improve existing products. During fiscal years 2003, 2002, and 2001, the Company spent $45.7 million, $39.9 million, and $35.6 million, respectively, on research, development, and engineering activities. Over this period, the focus of the Company’s research and development activities has been shifting more toward products that serve life science applications. The

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Company intends to continue to conduct extensive research and development activities, with a continued emphasis on life science, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to develop and market new products on a cost-effective and timely basis, that such products will compete favorably with products developed by others, or that the Company’s existing technology will not be superseded by new discoveries or developments.

Customer Support and Service

The Company believes that its customer service and support are an integral part of its competitive strategy. As part of its support services, the Company’s technical support staff provides individual assistance in solving analysis problems, integrating vacuum components, designing circuit boards, etc., depending on the business. The Company offers training courses and periodically sends its customers information on applications development. The Company’s products generally include a 90-day to one-year warranty. Service contracts may be purchased by customers to cover equipment no longer under warranty. Service work not performed under warranty or service contract is generally performed on a time-and-materials basis. The Company installs and services its products primarily through its own field service organization, although certain distributors and sales representatives are capable of performing some field services.

Patent and Other Intellectual Property Rights

The Company has a policy of seeking patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret protection in the United States and other countries for developments, improvements, and inventions originating within its organization that are incorporated in the Company’s products or that fall within its fields of interest. As of October 3, 2003, the Company owned approximately 280 patents in the United States and approximately 418 patents throughout the world, and had numerous patent applications on file with various patent agencies worldwide. The Company intends to continue to file patent applications, as it deems appropriate.

The Company relies on a combination of copyright, trade secret, and other legal, as well as contractual, restrictions on disclosure, copying, and transferring title to protect its proprietary rights. The Company has trademarks, both registered and unregistered, that are maintained and enforced to provide customer recognition for its products in the marketplace. The Company also has agreements with third parties that provide for licensing of patented or proprietary technology. These agreements include royalty-bearing licenses and technology cross-licenses.

Environmental Matters

The Company’s operations are subject to various foreign, federal, state, and local laws regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. These regulations increase the costs and potential liabilities of the Company’s operations. However, the Company’s compliance with these regulations is not expected to have a material effect upon the Company’s capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position. For additional information on environmental matters, see Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Risk Factors—Environmental Matters.

Employees

At October 3, 2003, the Company had approximately 4,300 full-time and temporary employees and contract laborers worldwide—approximately 2,700 in North America, 800 in Europe, 300 in Asia, 400 in Australia, and 100 in Latin America.

Risk Factors

For additional information on risks relating to the Company and its business, see Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements at the beginning of Part I and Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Risk Factors.

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Executive Officers

The following table sets forth the names and ages of the Company’s executive officers, together with positions and offices held within the last five years by such executive officers.

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Investor Information

Financial and other information relating to the Company can be accessed on its Investor Relations website. This can be reached from the Company’s main Internet website (http://www.varianinc.com) by clicking on “Investors.” On its Investor Relations website, the Company makes available, free of charge, copies of its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electronically or otherwise furnishing it to the SEC.

Item 2. Properties

The Company has manufacturing, warehouse, research and development, sales, service, and administrative facilities that have an aggregate floor space of approximately 959,000 and 585,000 square feet in the United States and abroad, respectively, for a total of approximately 1,544,000 square feet worldwide. Of these facilities, aggregate floor space of approximately 503,000 square feet is leased, and the Company owns the remainder. The Company believes that its facilities and equipment generally are well maintained, in good operating condition, suitable for the Company’s purposes, and adequate for current operations.

The Company owns or leases 14 manufacturing facilities located throughout the world. Scientific Instruments has manufacturing facilities in Palo Alto, California; Walnut Creek, California; Lake Forest, California; Harbor City, California; Ft. Collins, Colorado; Cary, North Carolina; Melbourne, Australia; Middelburg, Netherlands; and Grenoble, France. Vacuum Technologies has manufacturing facilities in Lexington, Massachusetts; and Turin, Italy. Electronics Manufacturing has manufacturing facilities in Tempe, Arizona; Poway, California; and Rocklin, California. The Company owns or leases 47 sales and service facilities located throughout the world, 42 of which are located outside the United States, including in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003, the Company settled a patent infringement lawsuit brought by Unaxis Balzers Aktiengesellschaft Liechtenstein (“Unaxis”), in which Unaxis sought infringement damages for the period beginning when the Company’s alleged infringing product (a Vacuum Technologies leak detection system) was introduced in 1997 until the patent expired in 2001. In exchange for a $1.1 million cash payment, Unaxis agreed to dismiss all pending claims against the Company and released the Company from any future claims relating to this matter.

The Company is involved in pending legal proceedings that are ordinary, routine, and incidental to its business. While the ultimate outcome of these legal matters is not determinable, the Company believes that these matters are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

The Company’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the trading symbol VARI.

The Company has never paid cash dividends on its capital stock. The Company currently intends to retain any earnings for use in its business and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

There were 3,580 holders of record of the Company’s common stock on December 4, 2003.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Until April 2, 1999, the business of Varian, Inc. (the “Company”) was operated as the Instruments business (“IB”) of Varian Associates, Inc. (“VAI”). IB included the business units that designed, developed, manufactured, sold, and serviced scientific instruments and vacuum technologies, and a business unit that provided contract electronics manufacturing services. VAI contributed IB to the Company; then on April 2, 1999, VAI distributed to the holders of record of VAI common stock on March 24, 1999 one share of common stock of the Company for each share of VAI common stock outstanding on April 2, 1999 (the “Distribution”). At the same time, VAI contributed its Semiconductor Equipment business to Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. (“VSEA”) and distributed to the holders of record of VAI common stock on March 24, 1999 one share of common stock of VSEA for each share of VAI common stock outstanding on April 2, 1999. VAI retained its Health Care Systems business and changed its name to Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (“VMS”) effective as of April 3, 1999. These transactions were accomplished under the terms of an Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement dated as of January 14, 1999 by and among the Company, VAI, and VSEA (the “Distribution Agreement”). For purposes of providing an orderly transition and to define certain ongoing relationships between and among the Company, VMS, and VSEA after the Distribution, the Company, VMS, and VSEA also entered into certain other agreements which include an Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement, an Intellectual Property Agreement, and a Tax Sharing Agreement.

The Company’s fiscal years reported are the 52- or 53-week periods which ended on the Friday nearest September 30. Fiscal year 2003 comprised the 53-week period ended on October 3, 2003. Fiscal year 2002 comprised the 52-week period ended on September 27, 2002. Fiscal year 2001 comprised the 52-week period ended on September 28, 2001.

Results of Operations

Fiscal Year 2003 Compared to Fiscal Year 2002

Sales. Sales were $847.7 million in fiscal year 2003, an increase of 8.7% from sales of $779.9 million in fiscal year 2002. Sales by the Scientific Instruments, Vacuum Technologies, and Electronics Manufacturing segments increased by 11.8%, 5.1%, and 2.3%, respectively.

Geographically, sales in North America of $473.8 million, Europe of $234.8 million, and the rest of the world of $139.1 million in fiscal year 2003 represented increases (decreases) of (0.3%), 18.7%, and 30.0%, respectively, as compared to fiscal year 2002. The decrease in North America resulted primarily from a shift in NMR system sales from North America to Europe and the Pacific Rim. This decrease was partially offset by higher sales in North America by the rest of the Scientific Instruments segment. The increase in Europe was primarily the result of stronger Scientific Instruments sales, due in part to the stronger Euro. The increase in the rest of the world was primarily driven by continued growth in Scientific Instrument sales into the Pacific Rim.

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $321.8 million (representing 38.0% of sales) in fiscal year 2003, compared to $295.7 million (representing 37.9% of sales) in fiscal year 2002. The increase in gross profit was driven primarily by higher Scientific Instruments sales in fiscal year 2003. The gross profit percentage was slightly higher in fiscal year 2003 due to an increase in the gross profit margin for Electronics Manufacturing due to improved operational efficiencies. This increase was partially offset by increased sales of newer leading-edge Scientific Instruments products, which had lower margins due to higher installation and warranty costs.

Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses were $144.1 million (representing 17.0% of sales) in fiscal year 2003, compared to $132.3 million (representing 17.0% of sales) in fiscal year 2002. The increase in sales and marketing expenses resulted primarily from the acquisition of ANSYS Technologies, Inc. (“ANSYS”) in February 2002 and the non-clinical, drugs of abuse testing business (the “DAT Business”) of Roche Diagnostics Corporation in January 2003. The increase is also attributable to costs associated with higher revenues as well as the weaker U.S. dollar, which increased costs for most sales and marketing resources based in non-U.S. locations.

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Research and Development. Research and development expenses were $45.7 million (representing 5.4% of sales) in fiscal year 2003, compared to $39.9 million (representing 5.1% of sales) in fiscal year 2002. Research and development expenses increased from fiscal year 2002 primarily because the Company continued to increase its focus within the Scientific Instruments and Vacuum Technologies segments on new product development with an emphasis on life science applications. The weaker U.S. dollar also contributed to the increase, as costs relating to certain non-U.S. based research and development resources were higher.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses were $55.5 million (representing 6.5% of sales) in fiscal year 2003, compared to $39.5 million (representing 5.1% of sales) in fiscal year 2002. The increase in general and administrative expenses resulted primarily from higher expenses related to acquired businesses, higher insurance and corporate compliance costs, pretax restructuring costs of $6.9 million, and pretax patent suit settlement costs of $1.1 million (discussed more fully in Item 3—Legal Proceedings). The restructuring costs were incurred in connection with actions undertaken during fiscal year 2003 to improve efficiency and more closely align employee skill sets with the Company’s evolving product mix as the Company continues to emphasize products targeted toward life science applications. The restructuring actions primarily involved the termination of approximately 140 employees and the closure of three sales offices. In the aggregate, personnel-related costs made up $5.3 million of these costs, while facilities-related costs totaled $1.6 million. Also, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets increased to $2.7 million in fiscal year 2003 from $1.6 million in the prior year as a result of the ANSYS and DAT Business acquisitions.

Purchased In-Process Research and Development. In connection with the acquisition of ANSYS in February 2002, the Company recorded a one-time pretax charge of $0.9 million for purchased in-process research and development relating to several ANSYS products that were in process at the time of the acquisition. No such charges were recorded during fiscal year 2003.

Net Interest Expense. Net interest expense was $1.0 million (representing 0.1 % of sales) in fiscal year 2003, compared to $1.9 million (representing 0.2% of sales) in fiscal year 2002. The decrease in net interest expense resulted primarily from an increase in interest income due to higher levels of invested cash.

Income Tax Expense. The effective income tax rate was 35.0% for fiscal year 2003, compared to 36.4% (36.0% excluding the impact of the purchased in-process research and development charge) for fiscal year 2002. The fiscal year 2003 rate was lower than the fiscal year 2002 rate due mainly to a reduction in tax rates and higher tax credits in certain foreign jurisdictions.

Net Earnings. Net earnings were $49.1 million ($1.40 net earnings per diluted share) in fiscal year 2003, compared to net earnings of $51.6 million ($1.48 net earnings per diluted share) in fiscal year 2002. Net earnings for fiscal year 2003 reflect the impact of pretax restructuring costs of $6.9 million and pretax patent suit settlement costs of $1.1 million, while net earnings for fiscal year 2002 include the impact of a one-time pretax charge of $0.9 million for purchased in-process research and development relating to the ANSYS acquisition. Excluding the effect of these costs, the increase in net earnings in fiscal year 2003 was primarily the result of increased profitability in the Scientific Instruments and Electronics Manufacturing segments, partially offset by lower profitability in the Vacuum Technologies segment and higher corporate costs.

Segments. Scientific Instruments sales of $552.0 million in fiscal year 2003 increased 11.8% over fiscal year 2002 sales of $493.9 million. The revenue growth was primarily driven by increased sales of chromatography, spectroscopy, and high-end NMR systems into life science applications, the impact of a stronger Euro, and the acquisition of ANSYS and the DAT Business. Earnings from operations in fiscal year 2003 were $51.7 million (9.4% of sales) compared to $54.4 million (11.0% of sales) in fiscal year 2002. These results include $5.7 million of pretax restructuring costs in fiscal year 2003 and a one-time pretax charge for purchased in-process research and development relating to the acquisition of ANSYS in fiscal year 2002. In addition, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets relating to the Scientific Instruments segment increased to $2.6 million, compared to $1.5 million in fiscal year 2002 as a result of the ANSYS and the DAT Business acquisitions. Excluding the impact of these costs, the decrease in operating earnings as a percentage of sales resulted primarily from lower gross profit margins and increased general and administrative expenses.

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Vacuum Technologies sales of $116.8 million in fiscal year 2003 increased 5.1% from fiscal year 2002 sales of $111.1 million. The revenue increase was caused primarily by higher sales of products into life science applications. Earnings from operations in fiscal year 2003 of $13.0 million (11.2% of sales) were down from $16.8 million (15.1% of sales) in fiscal year 2002. The results for fiscal year 2003 include pretax restructuring costs of $0.8 million and pretax patent suit settlement costs of $1.1 million. Excluding the impact of these costs, the decrease in operating earnings as a percentage of sales in fiscal year 2003 resulted primarily from increased spending on research and development, legal expenses relating to the patent suit, and some impact of a weaker U.S. dollar.

Electronics Manufacturing sales in fiscal year 2003 of $178.9 million increased 2.3% from fiscal year 2002 sales of $174.9 million. The revenue increase was due primarily to the acquisition of Comtel in the third quarter of fiscal year 2003 and increased sales to industrial customers. Earnings from operations in fiscal year 2003 of $20.8 million (11.6% of sales) increased from $17.8 million (10.2% of sales) in fiscal year 2002. Operating earnings for fiscal year 2003 reflect $0.5 million in pretax acquisition-related transition costs. Excluding the impact of these costs, the increase in operating earnings as a percentage of sales in fiscal year 2003 was due to improved operational efficiencies in fiscal year 2003.

With respect to consolidated results for fiscal year 2004, the Company expects net earnings per diluted share to be between $1.64 and $1.72 on a U.S. GAAP basis, including anticipated restructuring costs of approximately $4 million relating to the consolidation of three consumable products factories into one in Southern California. The Company currently anticipates that approximately $3.4 million of these restructuring costs will be incurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004.

Fiscal Year 2002 Compared to Fiscal Year 2001

Sales. Sales were $779.9 million in fiscal year 2002, an increase of 4.1% from sales of $749.2 million in fiscal year 2001. Sales by the Scientific Instruments, Vacuum Technologies, and Electronics Manufacturing segments increased (decreased) by 15.9%, (22.2%) and (3.0%), respectively.

Geographically, sales in North America of $475.0 million, Europe of $197.9 million, and the rest of the world of $107.0 million in fiscal year 2002 represented increases (decreases) of 4.3%, 10.6%, and (7.0%), respectively, as compared to fiscal year 2001. The increase in North America primarily resulted from an increase in Scientific Instruments sales. This increase was partially offset by the sales decline in Vacuum Technologies. The increase in Europe was primarily driven by growth in Scientific Instruments sales. The decrease in the rest of the world was primarily due to the decline of Vacuum Technologies sales into the Pacific Rim and, to a lesser degree, lower Scientific Instruments demand in Latin America.

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $295.7 million (representing 37.9% of sales) in fiscal year 2002, compared to $281.1 million (representing 37.5% of sales) in fiscal year 2001. The increase in gross profit percentage was driven primarily by higher Electronics Manufacturing gross profit margins as a result of improved operational efficiency in fiscal year 2002 and higher costs from integrating an acquisition and higher start-up costs for new customers in fiscal year 2001. This increase in fiscal year 2002 was partially offset by a lower gross profit percentage for Vacuum Technologies, which was negatively impacted by lower sales to industrial capital equipment and semiconductor equipment customers, and a lower gross profit percentage for Scientific Instruments, due to proportionally higher revenues from NMR systems, which had lower gross profit margins (but similar operating profit margins) compared to the overall segment.

Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses were $132.3 million (representing 17.0% of sales) in fiscal year 2002, compared to $130.6 million (representing 17.4% of sales) in fiscal year 2001. The decline as a percentage of sales resulted primarily from increased Scientific Instruments sales, particularly high-field NMR systems, which typically generate lower sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of sales. The decline is also attributable to programs undertaken in the second half of fiscal year 2001 to reduce sales and marketing costs.

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Research and Development. Research and development expenses were $39.9 million (representing 5.1% of sales) in fiscal year 2002, compared to $35.6 million (representing 4.8% of sales) in fiscal year 2001. Research and development expenses increased from fiscal year 2001 primarily because the Company continued to increase its focus within the Scientific Instruments segment on new product development for life science applications.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses were $39.5 million (representing 5.1% of sales) in fiscal year 2002, compared to $41.1 million (representing 5.5% of sales) in fiscal year 2001. During fiscal year 2002, general and administrative expenses included $1.6 million in amortization of intangible assets, compared to $3.7 million in amortization of goodwill and intangible assets in fiscal year 2001. The decrease in amortization resulted primarily from the Company’s adoption at the beginning of fiscal year 2002 of Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. (“FAS”) 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, eliminating the amortization of goodwill, which was partially offset by new amortization of intangible assets from acquisitions made in the first half of fiscal year 2002.

Purchased In-Process Research and Development. In connection with the acquisition of ANSYS in February 2002, the Company recorded a one-time charge of $0.9 million for purchased in-process research and development relating to several ANSYS products that were in process at the time of the acquisition. No such charges were recorded during fiscal year 2001.

Net Interest Expense. Net interest expense was $1.9 million (representing 0.2% of sales) in fiscal year 2002, compared to $1.2 million (representing 0.2% of sales) in fiscal year 2001. The increase in net interest expense resulted primarily from lower interest rates on invested cash.

Income Tax Expense. The effective income tax rate was 36.4% (36.0% excluding the impact of the purchased in-process research and development charge) for fiscal year 2002, compared to 39.0% for fiscal year 2001. The fiscal year 2002 rate was lower than the fiscal year 2001 rate due mainly to reductions in tax rates in non-U.S. jurisdictions where the Company has significant manufacturing operations.

Net Earnings. Net earnings were $51.6 million ($1.48 net earnings per diluted share) in fiscal year 2002, compared to net earnings of $44.3 million ($1.29 net earnings per diluted share) in fiscal year 2001 prior to the $7.5 million (net of tax) cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle (SAB 101). The improvement in net earnings resulted primarily from the items discussed above.

Segments. Scientific Instruments sales of $493.9 million in fiscal year 2002 increased 15.9% over fiscal year 2001 sales of $426.1 million. The revenue growth was primarily driven by increased sales of NMR systems, certain products selling into life science applications (which accounted for approximately 46% of Scientific Instruments sales, compared to approximately 36% in the prior year), and the ANSYS acquisition in the second quarter of fiscal year 2002. Excluding sales from this and other businesses acquired in fiscal year 2002, sales in fiscal year 2002 increased by approximately 11% from fiscal year 2001. Earnings from operations in fiscal year 2002 were $54.4 million (11.0% of sales). Excluding the purchased in-process research and development charge, earnings from operations of $55.3 million (11.2% of sales) increased from $42.3 million (9.9% of sales) in fiscal year 2001, primarily as a result of increased sales of products targeted toward life science applications and revenues from after-market products and services, all of which typically have higher operating margins. During fiscal year 2002, operating expenses for Scientific Instruments included $1.5 million in amortization of intangible assets, compared to $3.3 million in amortization of goodwill and intangible assets in fiscal year 2001. The decrease in amortization resulted primarily from the Company’s adoption at the beginning of fiscal year 2002 of FAS 142, eliminating the amortization of goodwill, which was partially offset by new amortization of intangible assets from acquisitions made in the first half of fiscal year 2002.

Vacuum Technologies sales of $111.1 million in fiscal year 2002 decreased 22.2% from fiscal year 2001 sales of $142.8 million. The revenue decrease was caused primarily by weak demand from semiconductor equipment and other industrial capital equipment manufacturers. Earnings from operations in fiscal year 2002 of $16.8 million (15.1% of sales) were down from the $27.6 million (19.3% of sales) in fiscal year 2001. The lower earnings were primarily the result of lower sales in fiscal year 2002.

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Electronics Manufacturing sales in fiscal year 2002 of $174.9 million decreased 3.0% from fiscal year 2001 sales of $180.3 million. The revenue decrease from the prior-year period was caused by weaker demand from communications and industrial customers, largely offset by increased sales to life science (such as health care equipment) companies (which accounted for approximately 46% of Electronics Manufacturing sales, compared to approximately 33% in the prior year). Earnings from operations in fiscal year 2002 of $17.8 million (10.2% of sales) increased from $10.7 million (5.9% of sales) in fiscal year 2001. The higher earnings in fiscal year 2002 were due to improved operational efficiency in fiscal year 2002 and higher costs from integrating an acquisition and higher start-up costs relating to new customers in fiscal year 2001.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to exercise certain judgments in selecting and applying accounting policies and methods. Following is a summary of what management considers to be the Company’s most critical accounting policies—those that are most important to the portrayal of its financial condition and results of operations and that require management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments—the effects of those accounting policies applied, and the judgments made in their application.

Revenue Recognition. The Company derives revenues from three primary sources: system sales, parts sales, and service contracts. The Company recognizes revenue on system sales and parts sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the contract price is fixed or determinable, the product has been delivered, title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. The Company’s sales are typically not subject to rights of return and, historically, actual sales returns have not been significant. System sales that do not involve unique customer acceptance terms or new specifications or technology with customer acceptance provisions, and that involve installation services, are accounted for as multiple-element arrangements, where the larger of the contractual billing hold back or the fair value of the installation service is deferred when the product is delivered and subsequently recognized when the installation is complete. In all cases, the fair value of undelivered elements, such as accessories, is deferred until those items are delivered to the customer. For certain other system sales that do involve unique customer acceptance terms or new specifications or technology with customer acceptance provisions, all revenue is generally deferred until customer acceptance. Revenue related to service contracts is recognized ratably over the duration of the contracts. Unearned maintenance and service contract revenue is included in accrued liabilities. Management determines when and how much revenue may be recognized on a particular transaction in a particular period based on its best estimates of the fair value of undelivered elements and its judgment of when the Company’s performance obligations have been met. These judgments and estimates impact reported revenues.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts Receivable. The Company sells its products and extends trade credit to a large number of customers. These customers are dispersed across many different industries and geographies and, historically, no single customer has accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s total revenues. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral from them. Although bad debt write-offs have historically not been significant, allowances are established for amounts that are considered to be uncollectible. These allowances represent management’s best estimates and are based on management’s judgment after considering a number of factors including third-party credit reports, actual payment history, customer-specific financial information, and broader market and economic trends and conditions. In the event that actual uncollectible amounts differ from these best estimates, changes in allowances for doubtful accounts might become necessary.

Inventory Valuation. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being computed on an average-cost basis. Provisions are made to write down potentially excess, obsolete, or slow-moving inventories to their net realizable value. These provisions are based on management’s best estimates after considering historical demand, projected future demand (including current backlog), inventory purchase commitments, industry and market trends and conditions, and other factors. In the event that actual excess, obsolete, or slow-moving inventories differ from these best estimates, changes to inventory reserves might become necessary.

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Product Warranty. The Company’s products are generally subject to warranties, and liabilities are therefore established for the estimated future costs of repair or replacement through charges to cost of sales at the time the related sale is recognized. These liabilities are adjusted based on management’s best estimates of future warranty costs after considering historical and projected product failure rates and product repair costs. In the event that actual experience differs from these best estimates, changes in the Company’s warranty liabilities might become necessary.

Environmental Liabilities. As discussed more fully below under the heading Risk Factors—Environmental Matters, under the terms of the Distribution, the Company and VSEA are each obligated to indemnify VMS for one-third of certain environmental investigation, monitoring, and/or remediation costs (after adjusting for any insurance proceeds and tax benefits recognized or realized by VMS for such costs). The liabilities recorded by the Company relating to these matters are based on management’s best estimates after considering currently available information regarding the cost and timing of remediation efforts, related legal matters, insurance recoveries, and other environmental-related events. As additional information becomes available, these amounts are adjusted accordingly. Should the cost or timing of remediation efforts, legal matters, insurance recoveries, or other environmental-related events (including any which may be currently unidentified) differ from the Company’s current expectations and best estimates, changes to the Company’s reserves for environmental matters might become necessary.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company generated $121.6 million of cash from operating activities in fiscal year 2003, which compares to $80.6 million in fiscal year 2002. The increase in cash from operating activities resulted primarily from increased collections of accounts receivable and contract advances from customers as well as improved overall working capital utilization.

The Company used $51.1 million of cash for investing activities in fiscal year 2003, which compares to $76.6 million in fiscal year 2002. This decrease in cash used for investing activities was primarily due to a decrease in payments made relating to acquisitions during fiscal year 2003.

The Company used $4.8 million of cash for financing activities in fiscal year 2003, which compares to $0.3 million generated in fiscal year 2002. The increase in cash used for financing activities in fiscal year 2003 was primarily due to an increase in the repurchase of common stock, which was partially offset by lower repayment of debt.

During fiscal year 2002, the Company established a three-year unsecured revolving bank credit facility in the amount of $50.0 million for working capital purposes. No amounts were outstanding under this credit facility as of October 3, 2003. Borrowings under this credit facility bear interest at rates of LIBOR plus 1.25% to 2.0% depending on certain financial ratios of the Company at the time of borrowing. This credit facility contains certain customary covenants that limit future borrowings of the Company and require the maintenance by the Company of certain levels of financial performance. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants and requirements at October 3, 2003.

During fiscal year 2003, the Company established a short-term bank credit facility in Japan in the amount of 300 million yen (approximately $2.7 million at October 3, 2003). The credit facility is available to the Company’s wholly owned Japanese subsidiary for working capital purposes. As of October 3, 2003, no amounts were outstanding under this credit facility, and 300 million yen was available for future borrowing. This credit facility contains certain covenants that limit future borrowings of the Company from this facility, with which the Company was in compliance at October 3, 2003.

In addition to these bank credit facilities, as of October 3, 2003, the Company and its subsidiaries had a total of $68.4 million in other uncommitted and unsecured credit facilities for working capital purposes with interest rates to be established at the time of borrowing. No borrowings were outstanding under these credit facilities as of October 3, 2003. All of these credit facilities contain certain conditions and events of default customary for such facilities, with which the Company was in compliance at October 3, 2003. Of the $68.4 million in uncommitted and unsecured credit facilities, a total of $38.9 million was limited for use by, or in favor, of certain subsidiaries. As of October 3, 2003, a total of $23.8 million of the

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$38.9 million was being utilized in the form of bank guarantees or short-term standby letters of credit. These guarantees and letters of credit related primarily to advance payments or deposits made to the Company’s subsidiaries by customers for which separate liabilities were recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements at October 3, 2003. No amounts had been drawn by beneficiaries under these or any other outstanding guarantees or letters of credit as of that date.

As of October 3, 2003, the Company had $35.0 million in term loans outstanding compared to $37.5 million at September 27, 2002. As of both October 3, 2003 and September 27, 2002, fixed interest rates on the term loans ranged from 6.7% to 7.2%. The weighted-average interest rate on the term loans was 6.8% at October 3, 2003 and 6.9% at September 27, 2002. The term loans contain certain covenants that limit future borrowings and the payment of cash dividends and require the maintenance of certain levels of working capital and operating results. The Company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants of the term loan agreements at October 3, 2003. The Company also had other long-term notes payable of $4.1 million as of October 3, 2003 with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.1% and $3.5 million as of September 27, 2002 with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.9%.

Future principal payments on long-term debt outstanding on October 3, 2003 will be $2.8 million, $4.4 million, $4.4 million, $2.5 million, $6.2 million, and $18.8 million during fiscal years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and thereafter, respectively.

In connection with an acquisition completed during fiscal year 2003, the Company has accrued but not yet paid a portion of the purchase price amount which has been retained to secure the seller’s indemnification obligations. This retained amount, which is due to be paid during fiscal year 2004 (net of any indemnification claims), totaled approximately $0.1 million at October 3, 2003. In addition to this retained payment, the Company is, from time to time, obligated to pay additional cash purchase price amounts in the event that contingent financial or operational milestones are met by the acquired businesses. As of October 3, 2003, up to a maximum of $10.6 million could be payable through fiscal year 2006 under these contingent consideration arrangements. Any contingent payments made will be recorded as additional goodwill at the time they are earned.

The Distribution Agreement provides that the Company is responsible for certain litigation to which VAI was a party, and further provides that the Company will indemnify VMS and VSEA for one-third of the costs, expenses, and other liabilities relating to certain discontinued, former, and corporate operations of VAI, including certain environmental liabilities (see below under the heading Risk Factors—Environmental Matters).

The Company’s liquidity is affected by many other factors, some based on the normal ongoing operations of the business and others related to the uncertainties of the industry and global economies. Although the Company’s cash requirements will fluctuate based on the timing and extent of these factors, management believes that cash generated from operations, together with the Company’s borrowing capability, will be sufficient to satisfy commitments for capital expenditures and other cash requirements for the next 12 months.

Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments

The following table summarizes future principal payments on outstanding debt and minimum rentals due for certain facilities and other leased assets under long-term, non-cancelable operating leases as of October 3, 2003:

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In addition to the above, the Company had cancelable commitments to purchase certain superconducting magnets intended for use with leading-edge NMR systems totaling approximately $32.2 million, net of deposits paid, as of October 3, 2003. In the event that these commitments are canceled for reasons other than the supplier’s default, the Company would be responsible for reimbursement of actual costs incurred by the supplier.

As of October 3, 2003, the Company did not have any off-balance sheet commercial commitments that could result in a significant cash outflow upon the occurrence of some contingent event, except for contingent payments of up to a maximum of $10.6 million related to acquisitions as discussed under Liquidity and Capital Resources above, the specific timing and amounts of which are not currently determinable.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2001, the FASB issued FAS 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. FAS 143 addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. FAS 143 applies to all entities. The adoption of FAS 143 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In October 2001, the FASB issued FAS 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, which supersedes FAS 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of, and portions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. (“APB”) 30, Reporting the Results of Operations—Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions. While FAS 144 carries forward many of the provisions of FAS 121 and APB 30, some of the key differences in the new standard are that goodwill is excluded from its scope, assets to be abandoned will be viewed as held for use and amortized over their remaining service period, and the standard broadens the presentation of discontinued operations. The adoption of FAS 144 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In July 2002, the FASB issued FAS 146, Accounting for Exit or Disposal Activities. FAS 146 addresses the recognition, measurement, and reporting of costs associated with exit and disposal activities, including restructuring activities that are currently accounted for pursuant to the guidance set forth in Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. (“EITF”) 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). The scope of FAS 146 includes costs related to terminating a contract that is not a capital lease, costs to consolidate facilities or relocate employees, and certain termination benefits provided to employees who are involuntarily terminated. FAS 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of FAS 146 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34. FIN 45 elaborates on the existing disclosure requirements for most guarantees, including loan guarantees, standby letters of credit, and warranty obligations. It also clarifies that at the time a company issues a guarantee, a company must recognize an initial liability for the fair value of the obligations it assumes under that guarantee and must disclose that information in its interim and annual financial statements. The provisions of FIN 45 relating to initial recognition and measurement must be applied on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements of FIN 45, which are effective for both interim and annual periods, were adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003. The adoption of the initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

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In November 2002, the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force finalized EITF 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. EITF 00-21 addresses how to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting. EITF 00-21 also addresses how arrangement consideration should be measured and allocated to the separate units of accounting in the arrangement. However, it does not address when the criteria for revenue recognition are met or provide guidance on the appropriate revenue recognition convention for a given unit of accounting. EITF 00-21 is effective for all revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003, and early application is permitted. Upon adoption, entities may elect to either apply EITF 00-21 prospectively or report the change in accounting as a cumulative-effect adjustment. The Company adopted the initial recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 00-21 prospectively in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003. This adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In December 2002, the FASB issued FAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure—an Amendment of FAS 123. FAS 148 provides additional transition guidance for those entities that elect to voluntarily adopt the accounting provisions of FAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Since the Company has decided to continue to apply the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based compensation, the adoption of FAS 148 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 did not have an impact on its financial condition or results of operations. However, the Company began making the additional disclosures required by FAS 148 at that time.

Risk Factors

Customer Demand.    Demand for our products depends upon, among other factors, the level of capital expenditures by current and prospective customers, the rate of economic growth in the markets in which we compete, and the competitiveness of our products and services. Changes in any of these factors could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

In the case of our Scientific Instruments and Vacuum Technologies segments, we must continue to assess and predict customer needs, regulatory requirements, and evolving technologies. We must develop new products, including enhancements to existing products, new services, and new applications, successfully commercialize, manufacture, market, and sell these products, and protect our intellectual property in these products. If we are unsuccessful in these areas, our financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.

In the case of our Electronics Manufacturing segment, we must respond quickly to our customers’ changing requirements. Customers may change, delay, or cancel orders for many reasons, including lack of success of their products or business strategies and economic conditions in the markets they serve. In addition, some customers, including start-up companies, have limited product histories and financial resources, which make them riskier customers for us. We must determine, based on our judgment and our customers’ estimates of their future requirements, what levels of business we will accept, what start-up costs to incur for new customers or products, production schedules, component procurement commitments, personnel needs, and other resource requirements. All of these decisions require predictions about the future and judgments that could be wrong. Cancellations, reductions, or delays in orders by a significant customer or group of customers, or their inability to meet financial commitments with respect to orders or shipments, could have an adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Variability of Operating Results.    We experience some cyclical patterns in sales of our products. Generally, sales and earnings in the first quarter of our fiscal year are lower when compared to the preceding fourth fiscal quarter, primarily because there are fewer working days in our first fiscal quarter (October to December) and many customers defer December deliveries until the next calendar year, our second fiscal quarter. Our fourth fiscal quarter sales and earnings are often the highest in the fiscal year compared to the other three quarters, primarily because many customers spend budgeted money before their own fiscal years end. This cyclical pattern can be influenced by other factors, including general economic conditions, acquisitions, and new product introductions. Consequently, our results of operations may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter.

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For most of our products, we operate on a short backlog, as short as a few days for some products and less than a fiscal quarter for most others. We also experience significant shipments in the last month of each quarter, in part because of how our customers place orders and schedule shipments. This can make it difficult for us to forecast our results of operations.

Certain of our leading-edge NMR systems, probes, and components (together accounting for less than 10% of our revenues and operating profits) sell for high prices and on long lead-times. These systems and components are complex; require development of new technologies and, therefore, significant research and development resources; are often intended for evolving leading-edge research applications; often have customer-specific features, custom capabilities, and specific acceptance criteria; and, in the case of NMR systems, require superconducting magnets that can be difficult to manufacture. These superconducting magnets are not manufactured by us, so our ability to ship, install, and obtain customer acceptance of our leading-edge NMR systems is dependent upon the superconducting magnet supplier’s timely development, delivery, and installation of magnets that perform to customer specifications. If we are unable to meet these challenges, it could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. In addition, all of these factors can make it difficult for us to forecast shipment, installation, and acceptance of, and warranty costs on, leading-edge NMR systems and probes, which in turn can make it difficult for us to forecast the timing of revenue recognition and the achieved gross profit margin on these systems and probes.

Competition.    The industries in which we operate—scientific instruments, vacuum technologies, and electronics manufacturing—are highly competitive. In each of these industries, we compete against many U.S. and non-U.S. companies, most with global operations. Some of our competitors have greater financial resources than we have, which may enable them to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies, take advantage of acquisition opportunities, compete on price, or devote greater resources to research and development, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales, or managerial activities. Others have greater name recognition and geographic and market presence or lower cost structures than we do. In addition, weaker demand and excess capacity in our industries could cause greater price competition as our competitors seek to maintain sales volumes and market share.

Additionally, in the case of electronics manufacturing, current and prospective customers continually evaluate the merits of manufacturing products internally; there is substantial excess manufacturing capacity in the industry; certain competitors manufacture or are seeking to manufacture outside the U.S. where there can be significant cost advantages, and certain customers may be willing to move to “off-shore” manufacturing for cost reasons; larger competitors might have greater direct buying power from suppliers; and electronics manufacturing processes are generally not subject to significant intellectual property protection.

For all of the foregoing reasons, competition could result in lower revenues due to lost sales or price reductions, lower margins, and loss of market share, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Key Suppliers.    Some items we purchase for the manufacture of our products, including superconducting magnets used in NMR systems, are purchased from limited or single sources of supply. The loss of a key supplier or the inability to obtain certain key raw materials or components could cause delays or reductions in shipments of our products or increase our costs, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

We have experienced and could again experience delivery delays in superconducting magnets used in NMR systems, which has caused and could again cause delays in our product shipments. In addition, end-users of our NMR systems require helium to operate those systems; shortages of helium could result in higher helium prices, and thus higher operating costs for NMR systems, which could impact demand for those systems.

Our Electronics Manufacturing segment uses electronic components in the manufacture of its products. These components can be more or less difficult and expensive to obtain, depending on the overall demand for these components as a result of general economic cycles or other factors. Consequently, the Electronics Manufacturing segment’s results of operations could fluctuate over time.

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Business Interruption.    Our facilities, operations, and systems could be impacted by fire, flood, terrorism, or other natural or man-made disasters. In particular, we have significant facilities in areas prone to earthquakes and fires, such as our production facilities and headquarters in California. Due to their limited availability, broad exclusions, and prohibitive costs, we do not have insurance policies that would cover losses resulting from an earthquake. If any of our facilities or surrounding areas were to be significantly damaged in an earthquake or fire, it could disrupt our operations, delay shipments, and cause us to incur significant repair or replacement costs, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Our employees based in certain foreign countries are subject to factory-specific and/or industry-wide collective bargaining agreements. Of these, certain of our employees in Australia are subject to a collective bargaining agreement that was renegotiated following a recent brief work stoppage. A further work stoppage, strike, or other labor action at this or other of our facilities could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Intellectual Property.    Our success depends on our intellectual property. We rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, confidentiality agreements, and licensing arrangements to establish and protect that intellectual property, but these protections might not be available in all countries, might not be enforceable, might not fully protect our intellectual property, and might not provide meaningful competitive advantages. Moreover, we might be required to spend significant resources to police and enforce our intellectual property rights, and we might not detect infringements of those intellectual property rights. If we fail to protect our intellectual property and enforce our intellectual property rights, our competitive position could suffer, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Other third parties might claim that we infringe their intellectual property rights, and we may be unaware of intellectual property rights that we are infringing. Any litigation regarding intellectual property of others could be costly and could divert personnel and resources from our operations. Claims of intellectual property infringement might also require us to develop non-infringing alternatives or enter into royalty-bearing license agreements. We might also be required to pay damages or be enjoined from developing, manufacturing, or selling infringing products. We sometimes rely on licenses to avoid these risks, but we cannot be assured that these licenses will be available in the future or on favorable terms. These risks could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Acquisitions.    We have acquired companies and operations, and intend to acquire companies and operations in the future, as part of our growth strategy. Acquisitions must be carefully evaluated and negotiated if they are to be successful. Once completed, acquired operations must be carefully integrated to realize expected synergies, efficiencies, and financial results. Some of the challenges in doing this include retaining key employees, managing operations in new geographic areas, retaining key customers, and managing transaction costs. All of this must be done without diverting management and other resources from other operations and activities. Failure to successfully evaluate, negotiate, and integrate acquisitions could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Foreign Operations and Currency Exchange Rates.    A significant portion of our sales, manufacturing activities, and employees are outside of the United States. As a result, we are subject to various risks, including the following: duties, tariffs, and taxes; restrictions on currency conversions, fund transfers, or profit repatriations; import, export, and other trade restrictions; protective labor regulations and union contracts; compliance with local laws and regulations; travel and transportation difficulties; and adverse developments in political or economic environments in countries where we operate. These risks could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Additionally, the U.S. dollar value of our sales and operating costs varies with currency exchange rate fluctuations. Because we manufacture and sell in the U.S. and a number of other countries, the impact that currency exchange rate fluctuations have on us is dependent on the interaction of a number of variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the relationships between various foreign currencies, the relative amount of our revenues that are denominated in U.S. dollars or in U.S. dollar-linked currencies, customer resistance to currency-driven price changes, and the suddenness and severity of changes in

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certain foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, we hedge most of our balance sheet exposures denominated in other-than-local currencies based upon forecasts of those exposures; in the event that these forecasts are overstated or understated during periods of currency volatility, foreign exchange losses could result. For all of these reasons, currency exchange fluctuations could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Key Personnel.    Our success depends upon the efforts and abilities of key personnel, including research and development, engineering, manufacturing, finance, administrative, marketing, sales, and management personnel. The availability of qualified personnel can vary significantly based on factors such as the strength of the general economy. However, even in weak economic periods, there is still intense competition for personnel with certain expertise in the geographic areas where we compete for personnel. In addition, certain employees have significant institutional and proprietary technical knowledge, which could be difficult to quickly replace. Failure to attract and retain qualified personnel, who generally do not have employment agreements or post-employment non-competition agreements, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Environmental Matters.    Our operations are subject to various foreign, federal, state, and local laws regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. These regulations increase the costs and potential liabilities of our operations. However, we do not currently anticipate that our compliance with these regulations will have a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position.

As is described above, we and VSEA are each obligated (pursuant to the terms of the Distribution) to indemnify VMS for one-third of certain costs (after adjusting for any insurance proceeds and tax benefits recognized or realized by VMS for such costs) relating to environmental matters. In that regard, VMS has been named by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or third parties as a potentially responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, at nine sites where VAI is alleged to have shipped manufacturing waste for recycling, treatment, or disposal. In addition, VMS is overseeing and, as applicable, reimbursing third parties for environmental investigation, monitoring, and/or remediation activities under the direction of, or in consultation with, foreign, federal, state, and/or local agencies at certain current VMS or former VAI facilities. We and VSEA are each obligated to indemnify VMS for one-third of these environmental investigation, monitoring, and/or remediation costs (after adjusting for any insurance proceeds and taxes).

For certain of these sites and facilities, various uncertainties make it difficult to assess the likelihood and scope of further environmental-related activities or to estimate the future costs of such activities if undertaken. As of October 3, 2003, it was nonetheless estimated that our share of the future exposure for environmental-related costs for these sites and facilities ranged in the aggregate from $1.7 million to $4.8 million (without discounting to present value). The time frame over which these costs are expected to be incurred varies with each site and facility, ranging up to approximately 30 years as of October 3, 2003. No amount in the foregoing range of estimated future costs is believed to be more probable of being incurred than any other amount in such range, and we therefore had an accrual of $1.7 million as of October 3, 2003.

As to certain sites and facilities, sufficient knowledge has been gained to be able to better estimate the scope and certain costs of future environmental-related activities. As of October 3, 2003, it was estimated that our share of the future exposure for these environmental-related costs for these sites and facilities ranged in the aggregate from $5.9 million to $12.2 million (without discounting to present value). The time frame over which these costs are expected to be incurred varies with each site and facility, ranging up to approximately 27 years as of October 3, 2003. As to each of these sites and facilities, it was determined that a particular amount within the range of certain estimated costs was a better estimate of the future environmental-related cost than any other amount within the range, and that the amount and timing of these future costs were reliably determinable. Together, these amounts totaled $7.3 million at October 3, 2003. We therefore had an accrual of $4.8 million as of October 3, 2003, which represents the best estimate of our share of these future environmental-related costs discounted at 4%, net of inflation. This accrual is in addition to the $1.7 million described in the preceding paragraph.

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At October 3, 2003, our reserve for environmental-related costs, based upon future environmental-related costs estimated by us as of that date, was calculated as follows:

The foregoing amounts are only estimates of anticipated future environmental-related costs, and the amounts actually spent in the years indicated may be greater or less than such estimates. The aggregate range of cost estimates reflects various uncertainties inherent in many environmental investigation, monitoring, and remediation activities and the large number of sites where such investigation, monitoring, and remediation activities are being undertaken.

An insurance company has agreed to pay a portion of certain of VAI’s (now VMS’) future environmental-related costs for which we have an indemnity obligation, and we therefore have a short-term receivable of $0.1 million in accounts receivable and a $1.2 million receivable in other assets as of October 3, 2003 for our share of such recovery. We have not reduced any environmental-related liability in anticipation of recoveries from third parties.

Management believes that our reserves for the foregoing and other environmental-related matters are adequate, but as the scope of our obligation becomes more clearly defined, these reserves may be modified, and related charges against or credits to earnings may be made. Although any ultimate liability arising from environmental-related matters could result in significant expenditures that, if aggregated and assumed to occur within a single fiscal year, would be material to our financial statements, the likelihood of such occurrence is considered remote. Based on information currently available and our best assessment of the ultimate amount and timing of environmental-related events, management believes that the costs of environmental-related matters are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Governmental Regulations.    Our businesses are subject to many governmental regulations in the U.S. and other countries, including with respect to protection of the environment, employee health and safety, labor matters, product safety, medical devices, import, export, competition, and sales to governmental entities. These regulations are complex and change frequently. We incur significant costs to comply with governmental regulations, and failure to comply could result in suspension of or restrictions on our operations, product recalls, fines, and other civil and criminal penalties, private party litigation, and damage to our reputation, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

The Company typically hedges its foreign currency exposures associated with certain assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies and, from time to time, hedges certain forecasted foreign currency cash flows. The success of the Company’s hedging activities depends on its ability to forecast balance sheet exposures and transaction activity in various foreign currencies. To the extent that these forecasts are overstated or understated during periods of currency volatility, the Company could experience unanticipated currency gains or losses. However, the Company believes that in most cases gains or losses would be substantially offset by losses or gains from the related foreign exchange forward contracts. The Company therefore believes that the direct effect of an immediate 10% change in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and all other currencies is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts generally range from one to 12 months in original maturity.

At October 3, 2003, there were no outstanding forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges of forecasted sale transactions. During the fiscal year ended October 3, 2003, a loss of $0.1 million from cash flow hedge ineffectiveness was recognized and included in general and administrative expenses. A summary of all forward exchange contracts that were outstanding as of October 3, 2003 follows:

Interest Rate Risk

The Company has no material exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates. The Company invests any excess cash primarily in short-term U.S. Treasury securities and money market funds, and changes in interest rates would not be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The Company primarily enters into debt obligations to support general corporate purposes, including working capital requirements, capital expenditures, and acquisitions. At October 3, 2003, the Company’s debt obligations had fixed interest rates.

Based upon rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities, the carrying amounts of long-term debt and notes payable approximate their estimated fair values.

Although payments under certain of the Company’s operating leases for its facilities are tied to market indices, the Company is not exposed to material interest rate risk associated with its operating leases.

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Debt Obligations – Principal Amounts and Related Weighted-Average Interest Rates By Year of Maturity

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The response to this Item is submitted as a separate section to this Report. See Item 15—Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Our management evaluated, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

The information required by this Item with respect to the Company’s executive officers is incorporated herein by reference from the information contained in Item 1 of Part I of this Report under the caption Executive Officers. The information required by this Item with respect to the Company’s directors and nominees for directors is incorporated herein by reference from the information provided under the heading Proposal One—Election of Directors of the Company’s Proxy Statement. The information required by this Item with respect to the Company’s audit committee financial expert is incorporated herein by reference from the information provided under the heading Audit Committee Financial Expert of the Company’s Proxy Statement. The information required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the information provided under the heading Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance of the Company’s Proxy Statement.

The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller. This code of ethics, which is included in the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to officers, directors, and employees, is posted on the Company’s website. The Internet address for our main website is http://www.varianinc.com, and the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics may be found as follows:

The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics with respect to directors and executive officers by posting such information on its website, at the address and location specified above.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the information provided under the heading Executive Compensation Information of the Company’s Proxy Statement.

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the information provided under the headings Equity Compensation Plan Information and Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners of the Company’s Proxy Statement.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

None.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this Item with respect to the Company’s principal accountant is incorporated herein by reference from the information provided under the heading Independent Accountants of the Company’s Proxy Statement.

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PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

The following Financial Statement Schedule of the Company and its subsidiaries for fiscal years 2003, 2002, and 2001 is filed as a part of this Report and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

All other required schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is given in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.

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The Company furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K on July 8, 2003 for its press release reporting preliminary results for the third quarter of its fiscal year 2003.

The Company furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K on July 23, 2003 for its press release reporting the results for the third quarter of its fiscal year 2003.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

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VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

The following Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrant and its subsidiaries are required to be included in Item 8:

The following Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of the Registrant and its subsidiaries for fiscal years 2003, 2002, and 2001 is filed as a part of this Report as required to be included in Item 15(a) and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrant and its subsidiaries:

All other required schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is given in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.

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VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Varian, Inc.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Varian, Inc. and its subsidiaries at October 3, 2003 and September 27, 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 3, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

San Jose, California

November 4, 2003

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VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)