UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 2, 2004 ADE CORPORATION --------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Massachusetts 0-26714 04-2441829 ------------- ------- ---------- (State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) 80 Wilson Way Westwood, Massachusetts 02090 -------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code) (781) 467-3500 -------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On March 2, 2004, ADE Corporation issued a press release reporting its financial results for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2004. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. ADE CORPORATION By: /s/ Brian C. James ---------------------------- Brian C. James Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Date: March 2, 2004