<PAGE>
 
                                 UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549

                                 FORM 10-Q

[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998

     or

[_]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     For the transition period from _____ to  _______


                          Commission File No. 0-13059


                                 CERADYNE, INC.
                                 --------------
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
         Delaware                                        33-0055414
--------------------------------            ------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
 
  3169 Redhill Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA                      92626
---------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
   (Address of principal executive)                     (Zip Code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (714) 549-0421
                                                   ---------------

                                  N/A
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report)

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 the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


                Class                      Outstanding at June 30, 1998
-----------------------------------     ----------------------------------

Common Stock, $.01 par value                    8,005,876 Shares


                              Page 1 of 15 Pages
<PAGE>
 
                                 CERADYNE, INC.


                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                               -----------------


                                                                    PAGE NO.
                                                                    --------

PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Financial Statements

           Statement Regarding Financial Information...................... 3

           Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 1998 and 
           December 31, 1997............................................ 4-5

           Consolidated Statements of Income -              
           Three and six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997.............. 6

           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow - 
           Six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997........................ 7

           Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........ 8-10

Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of
           Financial Condition & Results of Operations................. 10-12


PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings........................................... 12-13

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders.............. 14

Items 2, 3 
 and 5     N/A............................................................ 14

Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K............................... 14

SIGNATURE................................................................. 15

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                CERADYNE, INC.


                                   FORM 10-Q
                      FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 1998


PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements
         --------------------

The Financial Statements included herein have been prepared by Ceradyne, Inc.
(the "Company"), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information normally included in the
Financial Statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles has been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  However,
the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information
presented not misleading.  It is suggested that the Financial Statements be read
in conjunction with the Financial Statements and notes thereto included in the
Company's Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997,
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 1998.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
===============================================================================
 
                                CERADYNE, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                    ASSETS
 
                            (Amounts in thousands)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   6-30-1998         12-31-1997
                                                  (Unaudited)        (Audited)
===============================================================================
CURRENT ASSETS:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Cash & cash equivalents                          $   3,546          $   3,569
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Accounts receivable, net  of allowances of       $   4,592          $   4,685
  approximately $181 & $179 for doubtful accts
  at 6-30-1998 & 12-31-1997, respectively
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Other Receivables                                $     506          $      96
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Inventories                                      $   7,727          $   7,366
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Production Tooling                               $     919          $     882
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Prepaid expenses and other                       $     825          $     716
                                                   ---------          ---------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                             $  18,115          $  17,314
                                                   ---------          ---------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, at cost:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Land                                             $     422          $     422
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Buildings & improvements                         $   1,825          $   1,825
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Lease rights                                     $   --             $   2,659
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Machinery & equipment                            $  19,253          $  18,456
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Leasehold improvements                           $   1,702          $   1,629
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Office equipment                                 $   2,069          $   2,001
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Construction in progress                         $     321          $     401
                                                   ---------          ---------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   $  25,592          $  27,393
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Less accumulated depreciation & amortization     $ (17,382)         $ (19,427)
                                                   ---------          ---------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   $   8,210          $   7,966
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COSTS IN EXCESS OF NET ASSETS ACQUIRED,            $   1,846          $   1,923
 net of accumulated amortization of $1,828 &
 $1,751 at 6-30-1998 & 12-31-1997, respectively
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
OTHER ASSETS, net of accumulated amortization      $   1,801          $   1,814
 of $605 and $592 at 6-30-1998 & 12-31-1997,       ---------          ---------
 respectively    
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
TOTAL ASSETS                                       $  29,972         $   29,017
                                                   =========         ==========
===============================================================================


                      See accompanying condensed notes to
                      Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=========================================================================================
                                 CERADYNE, INC.
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                     LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                    (Amounts in thousands, except share data)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
                                                     6-30-1998              12-31-1997
                                                    (Unaudited)             (Audited)
=========================================================================================
<S>                                                 <C>                     <C>  
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
Current portion of long-term debt                   $    ---                $    ---
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
  Accounts payable                                  $   1,285               $   1,197
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
  Accrued expenses:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
    Payroll and payroll related                     $     766               $     622
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
    Other                                           $     165               $     168
                                                    ---------               ---------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
  Total current liabilities                         $   2,216               $   1,987
                                                    ---------               ---------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
LONG-TERM DEBT                                      $     ---               $     ---
                                                    ---------               ---------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
DEFERRED REVENUE                                    $      143              $     270
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
  Common stock, $.01 par value:
    Authorized - 12,000,000 shares;
    Outstanding - 8,005,876 shares &
    7,963,459 shares at 6-30-1998 &
    12-31-1997, respectively                         $  37,453              $  37,408
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
  Accumulated deficit                                $ ( 9,840)             $ (10,648)
                                                     ---------              ---------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
  TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                         $  27,613              $  26,760
                                                     ---------              ---------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY             $  29,972              $  29,017
                                                     =========              =========
=========================================================================================
</TABLE>

                      See accompanying condensed notes to
                      Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
======================================================================================================================

                                                    CERADYNE, INC.
                                          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                     FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED  6-30-1998 & 1997
                                        AND SIX MONTHS ENDED 6-30-98 AND 1997
                                    (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
======================================================================================================================
                                                               THREE MONTHS                       SIX MONTHS
                                                                  ENDED                             ENDED
                                                                 JUNE 30                           JUNE 30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            1998           1997              1998           1997
====================================================================================================================== 
                                                                 Unaudited                        Unaudited
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>                <C>           <C>
NET SALES                                                  $ 6,342       $ 7,280           $13,685       $13,901
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
COST OF PRODUCT SALES                                      $ 5,176       $ 5,249           $10,759       $10,477
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Gross Profit                                             $ 1,166       $ 2,031           $ 2,926       $ 3,424
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  R&D                                                      $    89       $   ---           $   157       $   ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Selling                                                  $   419       $   402           $   778       $   819
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  General/ Admin./Other                                    $   429       $   831           $ 1,361       $ 1,560
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                           $   937       $ 1,233           $ 2,296       $ 2,379
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from operations                                     $   229       $   798           $   630       $ 1,045
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Other (income)                                           $   (97)      $   (48)          $  (189)      $  (131)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Interest expense                                         $   ---       $    36           $   ---       $    73
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           $   (97)      $   (12)          $  (189)      $   (58)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Income before provision                                  $   326       $   810           $   819       $ 1,103
  for income taxes
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                                 $   ---       $    51           $    10       $    60
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME                                                 $   326       $   759           $   809       $ 1,043
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC & DILUTED INCOME                                     $   .04       $   .10           $   .10       $   .13
PER SHARE                                                  =======       =======           =======       =======
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                 See accompanying condensed notes to
                                 Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================================================================
                                            CERADYNE, INC.
 
                                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                              FOR THE SIX  MONTHS ENDED 6-30 1998 & 1997                                   SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                        (Amounts in thousands)
                                                                                                               JUNE 30
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                                                       1998            1997
                                                                                                     Unaudited       Unaudited
====================================================================================================================================

<S>                                                                                                  <C>             <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Income                                                                                         $  809          $ 1,043
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME (LOSS) TO NET CASH PROVIDED FROM (USED IN)                              
 OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                                                                                      
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Depreciation and amortization                                                                      $  706          $   758
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Decrease in accounts receivable, net                                                               $   93          $ 1,578
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Increase in other receivables                                                                      $ (410)         $    (8)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Increase in inventories                                                                            $ (361)         $  (890)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Increase in production tooling                                                                     $  (37)         $  (149)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Increase in prepaid expenses & other assets                                                        $ (110)         $  (305)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Increase in accounts payable                                                                       $   88          $    99
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses                                                            $  141          $  (116)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Decrease in deferred revenue                                                                       $ (127)         $  (131)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                                            $  792          $ 1,879
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                                                                       
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Purchases of property, plant & equipment                                                           $ (860)         $(1,490)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                                                $ (860)         $(1,490)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                                                                       
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Issuance of common stock, net                                                                      $   45          $   140
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net payments on long-term debt                                                                       $  ---          $   ---
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                                                  $   45          $   140
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                                                     $  (23)         $   529
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash & cash equivalents, beginning of period                                                         $3,569          $ 4,643
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash & cash equivalents, end of period                                                               $3,546          $ 5.172
===================================================================================================================================
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:                                                          
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Interest paid                                                                                      $  ---          $    73
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Income taxes paid                                                                                  $    2          $    72
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                 See accompanying condensed notes to
                                 Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                                CERADYNE, INC.

             CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 JUNE 30, 1998
                                  (Unaudited)


1.   Basis of Presentation
     ---------------------

     The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of
     Ceradyne, Inc. (the Company) and its subsidiaries.  All material
     intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.



2.   Inventories
     -----------

     Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first in, first out) or
     market. Inventory costs include the cost of material, labor and
     manufacturing overhead. The following is a summary of the inventory
     components as of June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==================================================================================================  
                                                    JUNE 30, 1998                DECEMBER 31, 1997
================================================================================================== 
<S>                                                 <C>                          <C>   
Raw Materials                                          $4,114,000                     $3,338,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Finished Goods                                           $394,000                       $411,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Work-in-Process                                        $3,219,000                     $3,617,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Inventories                                      $7,727,000                     $7,366,000 
==================================================================================================
</TABLE>



3.   Net Income Per Share
     --------------------

     The Company accounts for net income per share in accordance with SFAS No.
     128 "Earnings Per Share". Basic net income per share is computed by
     dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average
     number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share is
     computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the
     weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of any
     dilutive stock options and common stock warrants using the treasury stock
     method. The following is a summary of the number of shares entering into
     the computation of net income per common and common equivalent share:

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==============================================================================================  
                                                  THREE  MONTHS ENDED       SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                        JUNE 30                 JUNE 30 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
                                                   1998        1997        1998        1997
============================================================================================== 
<S>                                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Weighted average number of shares outstanding    7,979,986   7,913,689   7,971,917   7,909,630
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common stock equivalents                            90,022      79,720      91,173     107,674           
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of shares                                 8,070,008   7,993,409   8,063,090   8,017,304
==============================================================================================
</TABLE>

4.  Debt and Bank Borrowing Arrangements
    ------------------------------------

In November, 1997 the Company terminated its revolving credit agreement with an
asset based lender, and entered into a revolving credit agreement with Comerica
Bank.  The new credit facility amount remains at $4,000,000 and no collateral is
required of the Company.  During the transition of changing financial
institutions, the Company paid off its short-term minimum borrowing requirement
debt of $1,000,000.  As of June 30, 1998 there  had been no borrowing under the
new credit facility.

5.  Income Tax
    ----------

The Company, in conformance with its adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standard (SFAS) No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes", has reversed a portion
of the valuation allowance previously established applicable to the net deferred
tax asset.  The income tax benefit resulting from the reversal results from the
Company's recent history of profitable operations.  The Company has available
net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $10.7 million as of June 30,
1998 for federal income tax purposes.

6.  Comprehensive Income
    --------------------

Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income" which established standards for the reporting and display
of comprehensive income and its components in financial statements.
Comprehensive income generally represents all changes in stockholder's equity
except those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners.
Currently, no difference exists between the Company's net income and its
comprehensive net income.

7.  Disclosure About Segments of Enterprise and Related Information
    ---------------------------------------------------------------

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement
of Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information.  SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for the
way that public business enterprises report information about operating
segments.  The Company will adopt SFAS No. 131 in fiscal 1998, as required.
This statement will affect disclosure and presentation in the financial
statements, but will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated
financial position, liquidity cash flows or results of operations.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
8.  Reclass
    -------

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year
presentation.


  Item 2.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of
              Financial Condition and Results of Operations
              ---------------------------------------------

Preliminary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements which may constitute
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
Forward-looking statements regarding future events and the future performance of
the Company involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially.  These risks and uncertainties are described in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under "Item 1-Business," including
the section therein entitled "Certain Factors That May Affect the Company's
Business and Future Results," and "Item 7-Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Result of Operations."

Results of Operations for Quarter and Six Months Ended JUNE 30, 1998.
-------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Reference is made to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1997, for an analysis and detailed discussion of the
Company's financial condition and results of operations for the period covered
by that report.

Net Sales.  Net sales for the quarter ended June 30, 1998 were $6.3 million,
---------                                                                   
which represents a 14.8% or $938,000 decrease over the corresponding quarter of
the prior year. For the six months ended June 30, 1998, net sales were $13.7
million, and this represents a decrease of 1.6% or $216,000 from the prior
year's six months.

The comments reflected below are for both the three and six months ended June
30, 1998 compared to the corresponding periods of 1997.  Sales have declined in
each of the product lines except at the Company's Thermo Materials division.
Thermo Materials had increased sales despite the temporary work interruption
caused by defective raw material which reduced its shipments in the second
quarter of 1998.  The turnaround for Thermo Materials is due to missile radome
shipments that are a result of the prior year pilot production, and an increase
in fused silica ceramic components due to an aggressive sales effort.  The
decrease in sales of the Company was in the following product lines.
Lightweight armor sales decreased due to delays in new Government procurement
activity.  Wear resistant component sales decreased because of the downturn in
capital equipment shipments, and due to the low price of crude oil for
exploration components.  Orthodontic bracket sales decreased because the
Company's customer was increasing its inventory levels in the prior year periods
due to the introduction of a new orthodontic bracket, and are reducing that
level of inventory this year because of "just in time" inventory practices.
Dispenser cathodes and samarium cobalt permanent magnets also posted a sales
decrease due to reduced demands.

International sales represented 18.8% and 20.0% for the three and six months
ending June 30, 1998, respectively.  This compares to 18.7% and 20.9% in the
prior year three and six months periods, respectively.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
Gross Profit.  The Company's gross profit was $1.2 million or 18.4% of net sales
------------                                                                    
for the second quarter ended June 30, 1998, compared to $2.0 million or 27.9% of
the prior year's second quarter.  For the six months ended June 30, 1998, gross
profit was $2.9 million or 21.4%, compared to $3.4 million or 24.6% one year
ago.

The comments reflected below are for both the three and six months ended June
30, 1998 compared to last year.  Gross profit has decreased in each of the
product lines, except for Thermo Materials Division.  The turnaround at Thermo
Materials from the prior year periods was due to increased volume and production
yields and greater capacity utilization.  All other product lines have decreased
in gross profit as compared to prior year periods due to lower volume and lower
capacity utilization resulting in unfavorable overhead absorption.  Also, the
product lines of dispenser cathodes, samarium cobalt permanent magnets, and
semiconductor components continue to have problems in production yields and
rework costs.

Research and Development Expenses.  Research and development expenses were
---------------------------------                                         
$89,000 and $157,000 for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 1998,
respectively.  This is a new department set up this year to focus on new
materials technology.  The expenses were salaries, travel, outside services,
material and small tools related.

In addition, the Company historically has and continues to engage in application
engineering  and internally-funded research to improve and reduce the cost of
production and to develop new products.  The costs associated with application
engineering and internally-funded research are generally expensed as incurred
and are included in cost of product sales.

Selling Expenses.  Selling expenses were $419,000 for the quarter, and $778,000
----------------                                                               
for the six months ended June 30, 1998.  The above compares to prior year
amounts of $402,000 for the quarter, and $819,000 for the six months ended June
30, 1997.  Increases in direct salaries and travel expenses for the quarter were
nearly offset by a reduction in commission expense; however, for the six month
period, the offset resulted in an overall decrease.

General, Administrative and Other.  General, administrative and other was
---------------------------------                                        
$429,000 for the quarter and $1,361,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1998.
The above compares to the prior year's quarter total of $831,000 and $1,560,000
for the six months ended June 30, 1997.  A key element for the decrease between
the comparable quarters was that Samsung Display Devices Co. Ltd. and the
Company agreed to a final settlement of all claims related to the sale/purchase
of cathode pellets, and "spider cathodes".  The agreement was dated April 23,
1998 and awarded the Company a net of $354,000.  Offsetting the above decrease
for the six months' comparable periods was an increase in legal expenses in the
first quarter of this year.

Other Income.  Other income was $97,000 for the quarter, and $189,000 for the
------------                                                                 
six months ended June 30, 1998.  This compares to last year's total of $48,000
for the quarter and $131,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1997.  The
significant difference for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 1998 as
compared to the prior year periods was the reduction of non-operational
miscellaneous expenses.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
Interest Expense.  The Company has no interest expense for the quarter and six
----------------                                                              
months ended June 30, 1998.  The prior quarter and six months were $36,000 and
$73,000, respectively.  The reason for the decrease is the reduction of debt.

Income Taxes.  No provision was necessary for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.
------------                                                                   
For the six months' period, the Company has recorded a $10,000 provision.  The
Company has reversed a portion of the previously established valuation
allowance, primarily related to net operating losses from prior years to offset
tax provisions at statutory rates.  The Company has approximately $10.7 million
remaining in net operating loss carryforwards.

Net Income.  Reflecting all of the matters discussed above, net income was
----------                                                                
$326,000 (or $.04 per share basic and diluted) for the quarter, and $809,000 (or
$.10 per share basic and diluted) for the six months ended June 30, 1998.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
-------------------------------
The Company meets its operating and capital requirements for cash flow from
operating activities and borrowings under its credit facilities.

In November 1997, the Company terminated its revolving credit agreement with an
asset based lender, and entered into a revolving credit agreement with Comerica
Bank.  The new credit facility amount remains at $4,000,000 and no collateral is
required of the Company.  During the transition of changing financial
institutions, the Company paid off its short term minimum borrowing requirement
debt of $1,000,000.  As of June 30, 1998, there had been no borrowing under the
new credit facility.

Management believes that its current cash and cash equivalents on hand, as well
as cash generated from operations and the ability to borrow under the existing
credit facility, will be sufficient to finance anticipated capital and operating
requirements for at least the next 12 months.

New Accounting Pronouncements
-----------------------------
Statement of Position (SOP 98-5) "Reporting on the Cost of Start-up Activities"
was issued in April 1998, and is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1998.  The Company will adopt SOP 98-5 for the period beginning
January 1, 1999 and anticipates that such adoption will not materially impact
the Company's financial statements.


PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
        -----------------

  The Company is, from time to time, involved in various legal and other
proceedings that relate to the ordinary course of operating its business,
including, but not limited to, employment-related actions and workers'
compensation claims.

In October 1995 the Company was served with a complaint that was filed by four
persons and the spouses of those persons, who are/were employed by one of the
Company's customers.  The complaint, filed in the United States District Court,
Eastern District of Tennessee, alleges that the employees contracted chronic
beryllium disease as a result of their exposure, during the course of their
employment with the Company's customer, to beryllium-containing products sold by
Ceradyne.  The complaint seeks compensatory damages in the amount of $3.0
million for each of the four plaintiffs who were employed by

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
the Company's customer, compensatory damages of $1.0 million each for the two
spouses, and punitive damages in the amount of $5.0 million.  Based upon
information currently available, the Company believes that the plaintiffs'
claims are without merit and that the resolution of this matter will not have a
material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of the Company.
Defense of this case has been tendered to the Company's insurance carriers, some
of which are providing a defense subject to a reservation of rights.  There can
be no assurance, however, that this claim or any of the claims related to
exposure to beryllium oxide will be covered by insurance, or that, if covered,
the amount of insurance will be sufficient to cover any potential judgment.

In February 1997 the Company was served with a complaint that was filed by a
former employee of one of the Company's customers and his wife.  The complaint,
filed in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee,
alleges that the husband contracted chronic beryllium disease as a result of his
exposure to beryllium-containing products sold by Ceradyne.  The complaint seeks
compensatory damages in the amount of $5.0 million for the husband, $1.0 million
for the wife, and punitive damages in the amount of $10.0 million.  The Company
believes that the plaintiffs' claims are without merit and that the resolution
of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the financial
condition or operations of the Company.  Defense of this case has been tendered
to the Company's insurance carriers, some of which are providing a defense
subject to a reservation of rights. There can be no assurances, however, that
this claim will be covered by insurance, or that, if covered, the amount of
insurance will be sufficient to cover any potential judgment.

In July 1997 the Company was served with a complaint filed by an employee of one
of the Company's former parent companies and landlords.  The complaint, filed in
the Los Angeles County Superior Court on behalf of the employee by his wife,
alleges that the husband contracted chronic beryllium disease as a result of his
exposure to beryllium through Ceradyne's products, equipment and premises.  The
complaint, which was transferred to the Orange County Superior Court, seeks
unspecified damages against the Company, its officers and its directors.  The
Company believes that the plaintiffs' claims are without merit and that the
resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition or operations of the Company.  Defense of this case has been
tendered to the Company's insurance carriers, some of which are providing
defense and indemnification subject to a reservation of rights.   On July 22,
1998 the plaintiffs accepted a settlement, and will be covered by the insurance
carriers.

In August 1997 the Company was served with a complaint filed by a former
employee of one of the Company's customers and his wife.  The complaint, filed
in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee, alleges that
the husband contracted chronic beryllium disease as a result of his exposure to
beryllium-containing products sold by Ceradyne.  The complaint seeks
compensatory damages in the amount of $5.0 million for the husband, $1.0 million
for the wife, and punitive damages in the amount of $10.0 million. The Company
believes that the plaintiffs' claims are without merit and that the resolution
of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the financial
condition or operations of the Company.  Defense of this case has been tendered
to the Company's insurance carriers, some of which are providing defense and
indemnification subject to a reservation of rights.  There can be no assurances,
however, that this claim will be covered by insurance, or that, if covered, the
amount of insurance will be sufficient to cover any potential judgment.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders
         -------------------------------------------------


The following matters were voted upon at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held
on July 27, 1998.

A. The following seven persons were elected as Directors of the Company to serve
   until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are
   elected and have qualified:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=================================================================================================== 
                                                                  NUMBER OF SHARES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                     FOR                        AUTHORITY WITHHELD
=================================================================================================== 
<S>                                               <C>                           <C>
J.P. Moskowitz                                    6,695,689                          459,966
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
L.M. Allenstein                                   6,695,813                          459,842
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R.A. Alliegro                                     6,695,813                          459,842
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P. Beardmore                                      6,695,813                          459,842
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F. Edelstein                                      6,695,751                          459,904
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M.A. Shader                                       6,695,813                          459,842
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M. Lohr                                           6,695,813                          459,842
===================================================================================================
</TABLE>


B. The approval of an amendment to increase the number of shares of Common Stock
   authorized for issuance by 100,000 shares to 650,000 shares of Common Stock
   under the Company's 1994 Stock Incentive Plan


Votes:
----- 


         For                           6,484,486
         Against                         569,599
         Abstain                          37,237
         Broker non votes                    -0-


Items 2,3 and 5.    N/A

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
         --------------------------------

(a)      Exhibits:

         27   Financial Data Schedule

(b)      Reports on Form 8-K:

         None

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
SIGNATURE
---------

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

CERADYNE, INC.



By: /s/ HOWARD F. GEORGE
    --------------------------------------------------
    Howard F. George
    Vice President
    Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Dated:  August 12, 1998

                                       15