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EASTERN CO - Quarter Report: 2012 September (Form 10-Q)

fm10q3rd12.htm


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

 
FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 
 
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED September 29, 2012
 

 
OR
 

 
 
[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                          to
 

Commission File Number:    0599

 
THE EASTERN COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Connecticut
06-0330020
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)


112 Bridge Street, Naugatuck, Connecticut
06770
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)


(203) 729-2255
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable
(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 by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes   [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [  ]
Accelerated filer [X]
Non-accelerated filer [  ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes   [  ] No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Outstanding as of October 24, 2012
Common Stock, No par value
6,219,334


 
 

 


PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION




ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



THE EASTERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)



ASSETS
 
September 29, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Current Assets
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
17,823,345
 
$
11,147,297
 
Accounts receivable, less allowances: $523,000 - 2012; $423,000 - 2011
   
19,682,686
   
18,633,088
 
Inventories
   
28,975,858
   
29,793,434
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
3,248,445
   
3,313,186
 
Recoverable income taxes receivable
   
-
   
647,950
 
Deferred income taxes
   
1,332,663
   
1,881,775
 
Total Current Assets
   
71,062,997
   
65,416,730
 
               
               
Property, Plant and Equipment
   
58,456,044
   
54,863,020
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(32,610,329
)
 
(30,228,924
)
     
25,845,715
   
24,634,096
 
               
               
Goodwill
   
13,948,576
   
13,905,209
 
Trademarks
   
163,182
   
152,446
 
Patents, technology, and other intangibles net of accumulated amortization
   
1,688,462
   
1,770,008
 
Deferred income taxes
   
1,062,236
   
821,485
 
     
16,862,456
   
16,649,148
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
113,771,168
 
$
106,699,974
 


 



-2-

 
 
 

 






LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
September 29, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Current Liabilities
             
Accounts payable
 
$
8,263,899
 
$
8,412,245
 
Accrued compensation
   
3,075,349
   
2,999,478
 
Other accrued expenses
   
2,169,272
   
1,060,143
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
1,428,571
   
3,714,286
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
14,937,091
   
16,186,152
 
               
               
Other long-term liabilities
   
655,001
   
655,001
 
Long-term debt, less current portion
   
6,428,571
   
3,035,714
 
Accrued postretirement benefits
   
1,939,189
   
1,853,157
 
Accrued pension cost
   
14,363,288
   
15,811,622
 
               
               
               
Shareholders’ Equity
             
 Voting Preferred Stock, no par value:
             
        Authorized and unissued: 1,000,000 shares
             
 Nonvoting Preferred Stock, no par value:
             
        Authorized and unissued: 1,000,000 shares
             
Common Stock, no par value:
             
        Authorized: 50,000,000 shares
             
Issued: 8,914,063 shares in 2012 and 8,908,607 shares in 2011
   
28,579,340
   
28,499,779
 
Treasury Stock: 2,694,729 shares in 2012 and 2011
   
(19,105,723
)
 
(19,105,723
)
Retained earnings
   
78,237,582
   
73,200,362
 
               
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
             
Foreign currency translation
   
2,713,716
   
2,107,187
 
Unrecognized net pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax
   
(14,976,887
)
 
(15,543,277
)
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(12,263,171
)
 
(13,436,090
)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
   
75,448,028
   
69,158,328
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
113,771,168
 
$
106,699,974
 

See accompanying notes.
 
-3-
 
 

 



THE EASTERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

   
Nine Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
     
September 29, 2012
   
October 1, 2011
   
September 29, 2012
   
October 1, 2011
 
Net sales
 
$
121,699,533
 
$
104,798,740
 
$
39,644,050
 
$
36,089,946
 
Cost of products sold
   
(96,104,184
)
 
(84,993,869
)
 
(31,478,557
)
 
(29,533,528
)
Gross margin
   
25,595,349
   
19,804,871
   
8,165,493
   
6,556,418
 
                           
Selling and administrative expenses
   
(14,947,179
)
 
(13,659,793
)
 
(4,830,971
)
 
(4,429,312
)
Operating profit
   
10,648,170
   
6,145,078
   
3,334,522
   
2,127,106
 
                           
Interest expense
   
(281,142
)
 
(173,686
)
 
(93,238
)
 
(53,643
)
Other income
   
14,185
   
17,528
   
3,462
   
8,012
 
Income before income taxes
   
10,381,213
   
5,988,920
   
3,244,746
   
2,081,475
 
                           
Income taxes
   
3,479,284
   
1,948,006
   
1,020,771
   
621,534
 
Net income
 
$
6,901,929
 
$
4,040,914
 
$
2,223,975
 
$
1,459,941
 
                           
Earnings per Share:
                         
Basic
 
$
1.11
 
$
.66
 
$
.36
 
$
.24
 
                           
Diluted
 
$
1.11
 
$
.65
 
$
.36
 
$
.24
 
                           
Cash dividends per share:
 
$
.30
 
$
.27
 
$
.10
 
$
.09
 

See accompanying notes.




THE EASTERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 
Nine Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 29, 2012
   
October 1, 2011
   
September 29, 2012
   
October 1, 2011
 
Net income
$
6,901,929
 
$
4,040,914
 
$
2,223,975
 
$
1,459,941
 
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
                       
Change in foreign currency translation
 
606,529
   
(483,490
)
 
554,596
   
(903,487
)
Change in pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of taxes of:
2012 – $308,343 and $112,154, respectively
2011 – $281,495 and $94,057, respectively
 
     566,390
   
518,316
   
206,013
   
172,772
 
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)
 
1,172,919
   
34,826
   
760,609
   
(730,715
)
Comprehensive income
$
8,074,848
 
$
4,075,740
 
$
2,984,584
 
$
729,226
 

See accompanying notes.
 
-4-

 
 

 



THE EASTERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)


   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 29, 2012
 
October 1, 2011
 
Operating Activities
             
Net income
 
$
6,901,929
 
$
4,040,914
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
2,550,290
   
2,793,149
 
Loss on sale of equipment and other assets
   
17,713
   
(2,000
)
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
94,315
   
54,696
 
Deferred income taxes
   
18
   
-
 
Issuance of Common Stock for directors’ fees
   
18,451
   
12,301
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
             
Accounts receivable
   
(923,685
)
 
(6,213,779
)
Inventories
   
1,058,395
   
(1,811,220
)
Prepaid expenses and other
   
94,487
   
(178,772
)
Prepaid pension cost
   
(555,684
)
 
40,103
 
Recoverable taxes receivable
   
647,949
   
-
 
Other assets
   
(86,365
)
 
(48,897
)
Accounts payable
   
(243,280
)
 
3,542,043
 
Accrued compensation
   
62,476
   
(1,211,652
)
Other accrued expenses
   
1,132,760
   
633,132
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
10,769,769
   
1,650,018
 
               
Investing Activities
             
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(3,549,674
)
 
(2,934,833
)
Proceeds from sales of equipment and other assets
   
19,000
   
2,000
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(3,530,674
)
 
(2,932,833
)
               
Financing Activities
             
Principal payments on long-term debt
   
(892,857
)
 
(535,714
)
Principal payments on revolving credit loan
   
(3,000,000
)
 
-
 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
   
5,000,000
   
-
 
Proceeds from sales of Common Stock
   
61,110
   
447,690
 
Tax benefit from disqualifying disposition of incentive stock options
   
-
   
98,034
 
Dividends paid
   
(1,864,709
)
 
(1,664,966
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(696,456
)
 
(1,654,956
)
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
133,409
   
46,850
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
6,676,048
   
(2,890,921
)
               
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
11,147,297
   
12,224,608
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
17,823,345
 
$
9,333,687
 

See accompanying notes.

-5-
 
 
 

 


THE EASTERN COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
September 29, 2012


Note A – Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for complete financial statements. Refer to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for additional information.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for interim periods have been reflected therein. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet at that date.


Note B – Earnings Per Share

The denominators used in the earnings per share computations follow:

 
Nine Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
September 29, 2012
 
October 1, 2011
 
September 29, 2012
 
October 1, 2011
Basic:
             
Weighted average shares outstanding
6,216,113
 
6,167,262
 
6,219,241
 
6,172,193
               
Diluted:
             
Weighted average shares outstanding
6,216,113
 
6,167,262
 
6,219,241
 
6,172,193
Dilutive stock options
15,816
 
44,090
 
15,486
 
30,303
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
6,231,929
 
6,211,352
 
6,234,727
 
6,202,496



Note C – Inventories

The components of inventories follow:

 
September 29, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
       
Raw material and component parts
$  11,532,392
 
$  11,863,199
Work in process
      6,258,785
 
     6,425,914
Finished goods
    11,184,681
 
    11,504,321
 
$  28,975,858
 
$  29,793,434


-6-

 
 

 




Note D – Segment Information

Segment financial information follows:


   
Nine Months Ended
     
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 29, 2012
     
October 1, 2011
     
September 29, 2012
     
October 1, 2011
 
Revenues:
                                     
Sales to unaffiliated customers:
                                     
Industrial Hardware
 
$
55,610,830
     
$
46,616,318
     
$
18,656,171
     
$
17,150,236
 
Security Products
   
38,689,676
       
37,025,245
       
12,593,633
       
12,431,267
 
Metal Products
   
27,399,027
       
21,157,177
       
8,394,246
       
6,508,443
 
   
$
121,699,533
     
$
104,798,740
     
$
39,644,050
     
$
36,089,946
 
                                       
Income before income taxes:
                                     
Industrial Hardware
 
$
6,138,342
     
$
3,077,782
     
$
2,048,559
     
$
1,093,102
 
Security Products
   
3,489,090
       
2,676,151
       
1,145,886
       
1,037,122
 
Metal Products
   
1,020,738
       
391,145
       
140,077
       
(3,118
)
Operating Profit
   
10,648,170
       
6,145,078
       
3,334,522
       
2,127,106
 
Interest expense
   
(281,142
)
     
(173,686
)
     
(93,238
)
     
(53,643
)
Other income
   
14,185
       
17,528
       
3,462
       
8,012
 
   
$
10,381,213
     
$
5,988,920
     
$
3,244,746
     
$
2,081,475
 



Note E – Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which clarifies the concepts related to highest and best use and valuation premise, blockage factors and other premiums and discounts, the fair value measurement of financial instruments held in a portfolio and of those instruments classified as a component of shareowners’ equity. The guidance includes enhanced disclosure requirements about recurring Level 3 fair value measurements, the use of nonfinancial assets, and the level in the fair value hierarchy of assets and liabilities not recorded at fair value.  This guidance became effective for the Company on January 1, 2012. This guidance did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures, as there are presently no recurring Level 3 fair value measurements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued authoritative guidance aimed at increasing the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income in the financial statements. In December 2011, the FASB also issued an accounting standards update that indefinitely deferred certain financial statement presentation provisions contained in its original June 2011 guidance. The guidance requires companies to present comprehensive income in a single statement below net income or in a separate statement of comprehensive income immediately following the income statement. Companies will no longer be allowed to present comprehensive income on the statement of changes in shareholders' equity. In both options, companies must present the components of net income, total net income, the components of other comprehensive income, total other comprehensive income and total comprehensive income. This update does not change which items are reported in other comprehensive income or the requirement to report reclassifications of items from other comprehensive income to net income. This guidance became effective for the Company on January 1, 2012 and required retrospective application for all periods presented.  The adoption of this guidance did not impact the presentation of the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
 
-7-

 
 

 


In September 2011, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on testing goodwill for impairment.  This guidance provides an entity the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it is required to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized for that reporting unit, if any.  The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2012 and it had no impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In July 2012, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to amend previous guidance on the annual and interim testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment.  The guidance provides entities with the option of first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount.  If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test would still be required.  The Company will adopt this guidance with its fiscal year effective December 30, 2012 and does not anticipate the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
 
 
The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that could impact its consolidated financial statements and does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued, but are not yet effective, that might have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.


Note F – Debt

On January 25, 2012, the Company signed an amendment to its secured Loan Agreement with People’s United Bank (“People’s”) which included an additional $5,000,000 term portion (the “2012 Term Loan”).  The 2012 Term Loan requires quarterly payments of $178,571 for a period of seven (7) years, maturing on January 31, 2019.

Interest on the original term portion of the Loan Agreement is fixed at 4.98%.  Interest on the 2012 Term Loan is fixed at 3.90%   Prior to the amendment, the interest rate on the revolving credit portion of the Loan Agreement varied based on the LIBOR rate or People’s Prime rate plus a margin spread of 2.25%, with a floor rate of 4.0%.  As part of the amendment signed on January 25, 2012, this was changed to the LIBOR rate or People’s Prime rate plus 2.25%, with a floor of 3.25%; additionally the maturity date was extended to January 31, 2014.  During December 2011, the Company used $3,000,000 of the revolving credit, the proceeds of which, along with existing cash, were used to fund a discretionary pension payment made in December, 2011.  This amount was repaid in January 2012.  The Company did not utilize the revolving credit during the quarter ended September 29, 2012.

The Company has loan covenants under the Loan Agreement which require the Company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.1 to 1, a leverage ratio of no more than 1.75 to 1, and minimum tangible net worth of $43 million as of the end of Fiscal 2010 increasing each year by 50% of consolidated net income.  As of December 31, 2011, this amount was approximately $45.8 million.  In addition, the Company has restrictions on, among other things, new capital leases, purchases or redemptions of its capital stock, mergers and divestitures, and new borrowing.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants in 2011 and for the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2012.

-8-

 
 

 


Note G – Goodwill

The following is a roll-forward of goodwill from year-end 2011 to the end of the third quarter 2012:

   
Industrial
Hardware
Segment
 
Security
Products
Segment
 
Metal
Products
Segment
 
 
 
Total
 
                           
Beginning balance
 
$
2,071,393
 
$
11,833,816
 
$
 
$
13,905,209
 
Foreign exchange
   
 43,367
   
 —
   
   
 43,367
 
Ending balance
 
$
2,114,760
 
$
11,833,816
 
$
 
$
13,948,576
 

During the third quarter of 2012 the Company decided to change its annual impairment testing from the second quarter of its fiscal year to the fourth quarter of its fiscal year.  The Company completed a qualitative analysis in the second quarter of 2012 and determined it is more likely than not that no impairment of goodwill existed at that time.  The Company will perform another qualitative analysis in the fourth quarter of 2012 and will then perform future annual qualitative analyses in the fourth quarter of subsequent years.  Additionally, the Company will perform interim analysis whenever conditions warrant.  The Company discussed this change in accounting principle with its Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and have attached their Preference Letter as an exhibit to this Form 10-Q.


Note H – Intangibles

Patents are recorded at cost and are amortized using the straight-line method over the lives of the patents. Technology and licenses are recorded at cost and are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 5 to 17 years. Non-compete agreements and customer relationships are being amortized using the straight-line method over a period of 5 years. Trademarks are not amortized as their lives are deemed to be indefinite.

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of amortizable intangible assets:

   
 
Industrial
Hardware
Segment
 
 
Security
Products
Segment
 
 
Metal
Products
Segment
 
 
 
 
Total
 
Weighted-Average
Amortization Period (Years)
 
2012 Gross Amount:
                             
Patents and developed
technology
 
$
2,756,757
 
$
1,026,011
 
$
5,839
 
$
3,788,607
 
15.8
 
Customer relationships
   
45,825
   
   
   
45,825
 
  5.0
 
Non-compete agreements
   
30,000
   
   
   
30,000
 
  5.0
 
Total Gross Intangibles
 
$
2,832,582
 
$
1,026,011
 
$
5,839
 
$
3,864,432
 
15.6
 
                               
2012 Accumulated
Amortization:
                             
Patents and developed
technology
 
$
1,642,935
 
$
455,420
 
$
5,581
 
$
2,103,936
     
Customer relationships
   
43,534
   
   
   
43,534
     
Non-compete agreements
   
28,500
   
   
   
28,500
     
Total Gross Amortization
 
$
1,714,969
 
$
455,420
 
$
5,581
 
$
2,175,970
     
                               
Net September 29, 2012         per Balance Sheet
 
$
1,117,613
 
$
570,591
 
$
258
 
$
1,688,462
     

-9-

 
 

 


   
 
Industrial
Hardware
Segment
 
 
Security
Products
Segment
 
 
Metal
Products
Segment
 
 
 
 
Total
 
Weighted-Average
Amortization Period (Years)
 
2011 Gross Amount:
                             
Patents and developed
technology
 
$
2,714,900
 
$
1,062,652
 
$
5,839
 
$
3,783,391
 
15.5
 
Customer relationships
   
45,825
   
1,921,811
   
   
1,967,636
 
  5.0
 
Non-compete agreements
   
30,000
   
90,735
   
   
120,735
 
  5.0
 
Total Gross Intangibles
 
$
2,790,725
 
$
3,075,198
 
$
5,839
 
$
5,871,762
 
11.7
 
                               
2011 Accumulated
Amortization:
                             
Patents and developed
technology
 
$
1,528,007
 
$
495,218
 
$
5,323
 
$
2,028,548
     
Customer relationships
   
36,660
   
1,921,811
   
   
1,958,471
     
Non-compete agreements
   
24,000
   
90,735
   
   
114,735
     
Total Gross Amortization
 
$
1,588,667
 
$
2,507,764
 
$
5,323
 
$
4,101,754
     
                               
Net December 31, 2011 per Balance Sheet
 
$
1,202,058
 
$
567,434
 
$
516
 
$
1,770,008
     


Note I – Retirement Benefit Plans

The Company has non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain U.S. employees. Plan benefits are generally based upon age at retirement, years of service and, for its salaried plan, the level of compensation. The Company also sponsors unfunded nonqualified supplemental retirement plans that provide certain current and former officers with benefits in excess of limits imposed by federal tax law.

The Company also provides health care and life insurance for retired salaried employees in the United States who meet specific eligibility requirements.

Significant disclosures relating to these benefit plans for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2012 and 2011 follow:

   
Pension Benefits
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
Sept. 29,
2012
 
October 1,
 2011
 
Sept. 29,
2012
 
October 1,
 2011
 
Service cost
 
$
2,034,985
 
$
1,590,755
 
$
687,789
 
$
530,252
 
Interest cost
   
2,151,392
   
2,212,255
   
723,432
   
737,418
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(2,948,242
)
 
(2,737,713
)
 
(982,747
)
 
(912,571
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
165,787
   
145,612
   
82,968
   
48,537
 
Amortization of the net loss
   
726,863
   
672,791
   
241,171
   
224,264
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
2,130,785
 
$
1,883,700
 
$
752,613
 
$
627,900
 



 
-10-
 

 
 

 


   
Postretirement Benefits
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
Sept. 29,
2012
 
October 1,
 2011
 
Sept. 29,
2012
 
October 1,
 2011
 
Service cost
 
$
130,210
 
$
94,848
 
$
43,403
 
$
31,616
 
Interest cost
   
107,541
   
102,564
   
35,847
   
34,188
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(72,779
)
 
(74,475
)
 
(24,259
)
 
(24,825
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
(17,917
)
 
(17,916
)
 
(5,972
)
 
(5,972
)
Amortization of the net loss
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
147,055
 
$
105,021
 
$
49,019
 
$
35,007
 

The Company’s funding policy with respect to its qualified plans is to contribute at least the minimum amount required by applicable laws and regulations. In 2012, the Company is required to contribute $3,472,000 into its pension plans and $155,000 into its postretirement plan. As of September 29, 2012, the Company has made contributions totaling $2,676,000 into its pension plans and $80,000 to its postretirement plan and will make the remaining contributions as required during the remainder of the year.

The Company has a contributory savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering substantially all U.S. non-union employees. The plan allows participants to make voluntary contributions of up to 100% of their annual compensation on a pretax basis, subject to IRS limitations. The plan provides for contributions by the Company at its discretion. The Company made contributions of $47,463 and $144,191 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, respectively and $44,690 and $137,847 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, respectively.


Note J – Stock Based Compensation and Stock Options

The Company has stock option plans for officers, other key employees, and non-employee directors. As of September 29, 2012 two plans have shares reserved for future issuance, the 1995 and 2010 plans.  Incentive stock options granted under the 1995 and 2010 plans must have exercise prices that are not less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the dates the options are granted. Restricted stock awards may also be granted to participants under the 2010 plan with restrictions determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. Under the 1995 and 2010 plans, nonqualified stock options granted to participants will have exercise prices determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. No options or restricted stock were granted in the first nine months of 2012 or 2011.

As of September 29, 2012, there were 500,000 shares available for future grant under the above noted 2010 plan and there were no shares available for grant under the 1995 plan.  As of September 29, 2012, there were 521,000 shares of common stock reserved under all option plans for future issuance.



   
Nine Months Ended
September 29, 2012
 
Year Ended
December 31, 2011
   
Shares
 
Weighted - Average Exercise Price
 
Shares
 
Weighted - Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period
 
25,500
 
$
13.580
 
80,000
 
$
12.471
Exercised
 
(4,500
)
 
13.580
 
(54,500
)
 
11.952
Outstanding at end of period
 
21,000
   
13.580
 
25,500
   
13.580



Options Outstanding and Exercisable
 
 
 
Range of Exercise Prices
 
 
 
Outstanding as of September 29, 2012
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life
 
 
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$13.58
 
21,000
2.2
  13.580
 
-11-
 
 

 

At September 29, 2012, outstanding and exercisable options had an intrinsic value of $108,360.  The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised in the first nine months of 2012 was $12,150.  For the nine month periods ended September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011, the Company recognized tax benefits of $0 and $98,034, respectively, resulting from the disqualification of incentive stock options that were exercised and sold prior to the required holding period.


Note K – Income Taxes

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009 and non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities prior to 2006.
 
 
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could increase or decrease within the next twelve months for a number of reasons, including the closure of federal, state and foreign tax years by expiration of the statute of limitations and the recognition and measurement considerations under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740.  There have been no significant changes to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits during the three or nine months ended September 29, 2012.  The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will not increase or decrease significantly over the next twelve months.


Note L - Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
 
Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies

The Company is exposed primarily to credit, interest rate and currency exchange rate risks which arise in the normal course of business.
 
Credit Risk
 
Credit risk is the potential financial loss resulting from the failure of a customer or counterparty to settle its financial and contractual obligations to the Company, as and when they become due. The primary credit risk for the Company is its receivable accounts with customers. The Company has established credit limits for customers and monitors their balances to mitigate the risk of loss. At September 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk. No one customer represented more than 10% of the Company’s net trade receivables at September 29, 2012.  At year end 2011 only one customer exceeded 10% of total receivables.  The maximum exposure to credit risk is primarily represented by the carrying amount of the Company’s accounts receivable.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
On September 29, 2012, the Company has no exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates as the interest rates on the outstanding debt are fixed at 4.98% and 3.90%.

Fair Value Measurements

Assets and liabilities that require fair value measurement are recorded at fair value using market and income valuation approaches and considering the Company’s and counterparty’s credit risk. The Company uses the market approach and the income approach to value assets and liabilities as appropriate. There are no assets or liabilities requiring fair value measurements on September 29, 2012 or December 31, 2011.



-12-

 
 
 

 

ITEM 2 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion is intended to highlight significant changes in the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2012. The interim financial statements and this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both of which are contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

Certain statements set forth in this discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. They use such words as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan” and other similar terminology. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this release. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual future results and trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, including changing customer preferences, lack of success of new products, loss of customers, competition, increased raw material prices, problems associated with foreign sourcing of parts and products, changes within our industry segments and in the overall economy, litigation and legislation. In addition, terrorist threats and the possible responses by the U.S. government, the effects on consumer demand, the financial markets, the travel industry, the trucking industry and other conditions increase the uncertainty inherent in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the expectations of the Company at the time they are made, and investors should rely on them only as expressions of opinion about what may happen in the future and only at the time they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement. Although the Company believes it has an appropriate business strategy and the resources necessary for its operations, future revenue and margin trends cannot be reliably predicted and the Company may alter its business strategies to address changing conditions.

In addition, the Company makes estimates and assumptions that may materially affect reported amounts and disclosures. These relate to valuation allowances for accounts receivable and for excess and obsolete inventories, accruals for pensions and other postretirement benefits (including forecasted future cost increases and returns on plan assets), provisions for depreciation (estimating useful lives), uncertain tax positions, and, on occasion, accruals for contingent losses.

Overview

Sales in the third quarter of 2012 increased 10% compared to the third quarter of 2011, as a result of an increase in sales of existing products in many of the markets we serve, selective price increases to customers and the introduction of new products.  In the third quarter of 2012 Industrial Hardware sales increased 9%, Security Products sales increased 1% and Metal Products sales increased 29% compared to the prior year period.

Gross margin as a percentage of sales for the three months ended September 29, 2012 increased slightly to 21% compared to 18% in the comparable period a year ago.  This increase was the result of higher sales volume, selective price increases to customers, the mix of products produced and the introduction of new products.
 
 
Sales in the first nine months of 2012 increased 16% compared to the prior year period as a result of an increase in sales of existing products in many of the markets we serve, selective price increases to customers and the introduction of new products.  Sales increased in the first nine months of 2012 by 19% in the Industrial Hardware segment, by 5% in the Security Products segment, and by 30% in the Metal Products segment compared to the prior year period.

Gross margin as a percentage of sales for the nine months ended September 29, 2012 was 21% compared to 19% in the comparable period a year ago.  This increase was the result of higher sales volume, selective price increases to customers, the mix of products produced and the introduction of new products.



-13-

 
 

 

Raw material prices have increased compared to the prior year periods.  The Company, through price increases, is recovering these additional costs from our customers, wherever possible.  The Company expects that raw material prices will continue to increase as worldwide economic conditions improve, which may have a negative impact on future operating margins if not recovered by price increases.  Currently, there is no indication that the Company will be unable to obtain supplies of all the raw materials that it requires.

Cash flow from operations in the first nine months of 2012 increased compared to the same period in 2011. This increase is primarily due to the higher level of earnings in the 2012 period and the associated timing differences in the collections of accounts receivable, payments of liabilities, and changes in inventories.  Cash on hand, cash flow from operations, along with the result of controlling discretionary expenditures, should enable the Company to meet all its existing obligations and continue its quarterly dividend payments.

A more detailed analysis of the Company’s results of operations and financial condition follows:

Results of Operations

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, selected line items from the condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales, by segment:

 
Three Months Ended September 29, 2012
 
Industrial
Security
Metal
 
 
Hardware
Products
Products
Total
Net sales
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Cost of products sold
76.0%
76.1%
91.9%
79.4%
Gross margin
24.0%
23.9%
8.1%
20.6%
         
Selling and administrative expense
13.0%
14.8%
6.4%
12.2%
Operating profit
11.0%
9.1%
1.7%
8.4%
         
         
 
Three Months Ended October 1, 2011
 
Industrial
Security
Metal
 
 
Hardware
Products
Products
Total
Net sales
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Cost of products sold
81.9%
76.1%
92.9%
81.9%
Gross margin
18.1%
23.9%
7.1%
18.1%
         
Selling and administrative expense
11.7%
15.6%
7.1%
12.2%
Operating profit
6.4%
8.3%
0.0%
5.9%


-14-

 
 
 

 

The following table shows the amount of change for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011 in sales, cost of products sold, gross margin, selling and administrative expenses and operating profit, by segment (dollars in thousands):

 
Industrial
Security
Metal
 
 
Hardware
Products
Products
Total
Net sales
         $ 1,506
       $  162
          $ 1,886
        $ 3,554
         
         Volume
5.1%
-0.9%
0.0%
2.1%
         Prices
0.4%
1.0%
-2.3%
0.1%
         New products
    3.3%
     1.2%
   31.3%
     7.6%
 
8.8%
1.3%
29.0%
9.8%
         
Cost of products sold
        $   147
       $  117
  $ 1,663
        $ 1,927
 
1.0%
1.2%
27.5%
6.5%
         
Gross margin
      $ 1,359
    $    45
        $    223
      $ 1,627
 
43.7%
1.5%
48.5%
24.9%
         
Selling and administrative expenses
      $    404
    $ (64)
         $      80
      $    420
 
20.0%
-3.3%
17.3%
9.5%
         
Operating profit
      $    955
     $ 109
        $    143
      $ 1,207
 
87.4%
10.5%
4,592.5%
56.8%


The following table shows, for the periods indicated, selected line items from the condensed consolidated statements of income as a percentage of net sales, by segment:

 
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2012
 
Industrial
Security
Metal
 
 
Hardware
Products
Products
Total
Net sales
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Cost of products sold
75.7%
75.9%
90.0%
79.0%
Gross margin
24.3%
24.1%
10.0%
21.0%
         
Selling and administrative expense
13.3%
15.1%
6.3%
12.3%
Operating profit
11.0%
9.0%
3.7%
8.7%
         
         
 
Nine Months Ended October 1, 2011
 
Industrial
Security
Metal
 
 
Hardware
Products
Products
Total
Net sales
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Cost of products sold
80.1%
76.7%
91.1%
81.1%
Gross margin
19.9%
23.3%
8.9%
18.9%
         
Selling and administrative expense
13.3%
16.1%
7.1%
13.0%
Operating profit
6.6%
7.2%
1.8%
5.9%

-15-

 
 

 

The following table shows the amount of change for the first nine months of 2012 compared to the first nine months of 2011 in sales, cost of products sold, gross margin, selling and administrative expenses and operating profit, by segment (dollars in thousands):

 
Industrial
Security
Metal
 
 
Hardware
Products
Products
Total
Net sales
         $ 8,995
       $ 1,664
           $ 6,242
      $16,901
         
         Volume
15.6%
2.7%
2.0%
8.3%
         Prices
0.4%
0.8%
1.6%
0.8%
         New products
    3.3%
     1.0%
    25.9%
    7.0%
 
19.3%
4.5%
29.5%
16.1%
         
Cost of products sold
        $ 4,756
       $   988
  $ 5,367
        $11,111
 
12.7%
3.5%
27.8%
13.1%
         
Gross margin
      $ 4,239
     $   676
         $   875
      $ 5,790
 
45.6%
7.8%
46.5%
29.2%
         
Selling and administrative expenses
      $ 1,178
     $ (137)
         $   245
      $ 1,286
 
19.0%
-2.3%
16.5%
9.4%
         
Operating profit
      $ 3,061
    $   813
         $   630
      $ 4,504
 
99.4%
30.4%
161%
73.3%

Industrial Hardware Segment

Net sales in the Industrial Hardware segment were up 9% in the third quarter of 2012 and up 19% in the first nine months compared to the prior year periods.  The higher sales in the third quarter of 2012 reflected an increase in sales of existing products to the distribution, truck accessory and military markets compared to the same period in 2011, selective price increases to customers and the introduction of new products.  The higher sales in the first nine months of 2012 reflected an increase in sales of existing products to the distribution, truck accessory, military and Class 8 truck markets compared to the same period in 2011, selective price increases to customers and the introduction of new products.  All of the new products were developed internally and included rotary latches and a venting line of products for the Class 8 truck market; an escape hatch for the military market; a door latch for the recreational vehicle market; as well as a variety of locking and latching products for the many markets we serve.

Cost of products sold for the Industrial Hardware segment increased $147,000 or 1% in the third quarter and $4.8 million or 13% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the prior year periods.  The increase in the third quarter was primarily due to increased costs for payroll and payroll related charges of $124,000 or 3.7%, raw materials of $40,000 or 0.5%, supplies and tools of $26,000 or 10.0%, maintenance and repair of $22,000 or 57.8%, an increase in miscellaneous income of $210,000 or 411.9%, a reduction in income from the sale of scrap of $28,000 or 17.9% and an increase in the allocation of corporate expenses of $81,000 or 66.1% as compared to the same period in 2011.  The cost increases in the third quarter were reduced by favorable foreign exchange of $308,000 or 171.6% and decreases in cost for research and development of $24,000 or 58.8% as compared to the same period in 2011.  The increase in the first nine months was primarily due to increased costs for payroll and payroll related charges of $1.2 million or 12.7%, raw materials of $3.1 million or 13.7%, supplies and tools of $202,000 or 28.3%, maintenance and repair of $34,000 or 30.9%, shipping expenses of $75,000 or 12.3%, fire and liability insurance of $28,000 or 15%, engineering expenses of $53,000 or 55.3%, depreciation expense of $25,000 or 2.4%, equipment maintenance of $55,000 or 31.9%, utilities of $35,000 or 8.5%,  an increase in miscellaneous income of $308,000 or 562.3% and a reduction in income from the sale of scrap of $110,000 or 23.5% as compared to the same period in 2011.  The cost increases in the first nine months were reduced by favorable foreign exchange of $365,000 or 231.3% and decreases in cost for research and development of $65,000 or 55.1% and in the allocation of corporate expenses of $31,000 or 4.8% as compared to the same period in 2011.

Gross margin as a percent of net sales increased to 24% in the third quarter of 2012 from 18% in the 2011 quarter.  Gross margin in the first nine months of 2012 increased to 24% from 20% in the prior year period.  The increase in gross margin for the 2012 periods reflects the higher volume of sales in 2012, the mix of products produced and the changes in cost of products sold discussed above.
 
-16-
 
 

 


Selling and administrative expenses increased $404,000 or 20% in the third quarter and $1.2 million or 19% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the prior year periods.  The increase in the third quarter was primarily due to increased payroll and payroll related charges of $246,000 or 22.5% and an increase in the allocation of corporate expenses based on the sales volume in 2012 of $98,000 or 31.4% as compared to the same period in 2011.  The increase in the first nine months was primarily due to increased payroll and payroll related charges of $700,000 or 21.1%, an increase in the allocation of corporate expenses based on the sales volume in 2012 of $322,000 or 32.8%, increased commission payments resulting from the higher sales volume in 2012 of $38,000 or 104.1% and increased bad debt expense of $40,000 or 230.4% as compared to the same period in 2011.


Security Products Segment

Net sales in the Security Products segment increased 1% in the third quarter and 5% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the 2011 periods.  The increase in sales in the third quarter of 2012 in the Security Products segment is a combination of selective price increases to customers and sales of new products.  Sales of new products in the third quarter of 2012 included new lock products for the storage, original equipment manufacturer and locksmith markets.   The increase in sales in the first nine months of 2012 in the Security Products segment is a combination of increased sales of existing products, selective price increases to customers and sales of new products.  The increase in sales of existing products in 2012 in the Security Products segment resulted from sales to the many markets served by this segment, including: storage, cash management and commercial laundry. Sales of new products included new lock products for the storage, original equipment manufacturer, locksmith, cash management and commercial laundry markets.

Cost of products sold for the Security Products segment increased $117,000 or 1% in the third quarter and $988,000 or 4% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011.  The increase in the third quarter was primarily due to increased costs for raw materials of $107,000 or 1.6%, supplies and tools of $45,000 or 23.3% and engineering expenses of $62,000 or 27.4% as compared to the same period in 2011.  The cost increases in the third quarter were reduced by a decrease in the allocation of corporate expenses of $68,000 or 26.3% and lower miscellaneous income of $33,000 or 86.8% as compared to the same period in 2011.  The increase in the first nine months was primarily due to increased costs raw materials of $973,000 or 4.8%, supplies and tools of $25,000 or 3.9%, engineering expenses of $29,000 or 4.1%, an increase in the allocation of corporate expenses of $25,000 or 3.4% and foreign exchange of $57,000 or 941.2% as compared to the same period in 2011.  The cost increases in the first nine months were reduced by decreases in cost maintenance and repair of $28,000 or 58.3%, freight on sales of $63,000 or 47.7% and utilities of $37,000 or 18.6% as compared to the same period in 2011.

Gross margin as a percentage of sales in the third quarter was 24% in 2012 and was comparable to the prior year period and increased slightly in the first nine months to 24% from 23% in the prior year period.  The increase in the first nine months of 2012 was primarily the result of the mix of products produced, the increased sales volume and the changes in cost of products sold discussed above.
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses decreased $64,000 or 3% in the third quarter and $137,000 or 2% in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to the 2011 periods. The decrease in the third quarter was primarily due to decreased payroll and payroll related charges of $14,000 or 1.5%, a decrease in commission payments of $26,000 or 14.0% and a reduction in amortization expense in 2012 resulting from acquisition costs related to Royal Lock which were fully amortized in 2011 of $102,000 or 86.7% as compared to the same period in 2011.  The decreases in the third quarter were reduced by increased costs for advertising of $33,000 or 87.2% and other administrative charges of $37,000 or 27.3%.  The decrease in the first nine months was primarily due to a decrease in travel expenses of $52,000 or 15.8%, commission payments of $63,000 or 11.4% and a reduction in amortization expense in 2012 resulting from acquisition costs related to Royal Lock which were fully amortized in 2011 of $307,000 or 86.7% as compared to the same period in 2011.  The decreases in the first nine months were reduced by increased costs for advertising of $74,000 or 37.6%, other administrative charges of $72,000 or 14.7%, payroll and payroll related charges of $63,000 or 2.3%, and an increase in the allocation of corporate expenses based on the sales volume in 2012 of $77,000 or 7.4%,

 
-17-
 
 

 

Metal Products Segment

Net sales in the Metal Products segment were up 29% in the third quarter and up 30% in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to the prior year periods.  Sales of mining products were up 8% in the third quarter and up 16% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the prior year periods.  The increase in sales of mining products was driven by continued strong demand in 2012 in both the U.S. and Canadian mining markets compared to the prior year periods and the introduction of new mining products.  New mining products included hexnuts, square cableheads, truss shoes, splice tubes, bearing blocks and steel mine anchor shells.  While the Company experienced continued strong demand for its mining products in the third quarter of 2012, the coal mining industry is forecasting a softening in coal usage beginning during the second half of 2012 resulting from new clean air rules enacted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), which may negatively impact the Company.   Sales of contract castings increased 197% in the third quarter and 150% in the first nine months of 2012 from the prior year levels.  The increase in sales of contract casting was primarily the result of new products: a tie plate for the railroad industry and kicker clips and rail clamps for a solar panel application.  The Company is actively trying to develop additional new products to replace any softening in sales volume of mining products that may result from the new EPA clean air regulations.

Cost of products sold increased $1.7 million or 28% in the third quarter and $5.4 million or 28% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011.  The increase in the third quarter was primarily due to increased costs for payroll and payroll related charges of $375,000 or 16.5%, raw materials of $899,000 or 69.7%, supplies and tools of $524,000 or 68.9% and maintenance and repair of $67,000 or 77.3% as compared to the same period in 2011.  The cost increases in the third quarter were reduced by a decrease in the allocation of corporate expenses of $118,000 or 41.1% as compared to the same period in 2011.  The increase in the first nine months was primarily due to increased costs for payroll and payroll related charges of $1.5 million or 19.8%, raw materials of $2.0 million or 47.7%, supplies and tools of $1.4 million or 56.3%, maintenance and repair of $163,000 or 55.7%, depreciation expense of $53,000 or 8.1%, equipment maintenance of $65,000 or 5.6% and an increase in the allocation of corporate expenses of $227,000 or 34.7% as compared to the same period in 2011.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased from 7% to 8% in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the 2011 period and increased from 9% to 10% for the first nine months of 2012 compared to the 2011 period. The increases in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 as compared to the prior year periods are due to the mix of products produced, elimination of products with unacceptable profit margins, price increases to customers, and cost reductions related to improved production efficiency.

Selling and administrative expenses were up $80,000 or 17% in the third quarter and $245,000 or 17% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011.  The increase in the third quarter primarily related to an increase in the allocation of corporate expenses based on the sales volume in 2012 of $101,000 or 77.1% as compared to the 2011 period.  The increase in the third quarter was reduced by a reduction in payroll and payroll related charges of $17,000 or 10.3% as compared to the 2011 period.  The increase in the first nine months primarily related to an increase in the allocation of corporate expenses based on the sales volume in 2012 of $223,000 or 38.5%, travel expenses of $12,000 or 48.6% and other administrative expenses of $21,000 or 7.2% as compared to the 2011 period.  The increase in the third quarter was reduced by a reduction in payroll and payroll related charges of $7,000 or 1.4% as compared to the 2011 period.


Other Items

Interest expense increased 74% in the third quarter and 62% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the prior year period due to the increased level of debt in 2012.

Other income was not material to the financial statements.

Income taxes reflected the change in the operating results.  The effective tax rates in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 were 32% and 34%, respectively, compared to 30% and 33% in the 2011 periods.

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Liquidity and Sources of Capital

The Company provided $10.8 million from its operations during the first nine months of 2012 compared to $1.7 million during the same period in 2011.  The increase in cash flows in the quarter was primarily the result of the increased earnings in the current year over the same period last year and the associated timing differences in the collections of accounts receivable, payments of liabilities, and changes in inventories.  Cash flow from operations coupled with cash on hand at the beginning of the year was sufficient to fund capital expenditures, debt service, and dividend payments.  The Company did not utilize its revolving line of credit during the third quarter.

Additions to property, plant and equipment were $3.5 million for the first nine months of 2012 compared to $2.9 million for the same period in 2011.  Total capital expenditures for 2012 are expected to be approximately $4 - $5 million.  As of September 29, 2012, there is approximately $428,000 of outstanding commitments for these capital expenditures.

The following table shows key financial ratios at the end of each period:

   
Third
Quarter
2012
 
Third
Quarter
2011
 
Year
End
2011
 
Current ratio
 
4.8
 
4.3
 
4.0
 
Average days’ sales in accounts receivable
 
46
 
56
 
45
 
Inventory turnover
 
4.4
 
3.8
 
3.9
 
Total debt to shareholders’ equity
 
10.4
%
5.4
%
9.8
%


The following table shows important liquidity measures as of the balance sheet date for each period below (in millions):

   
Third
Quarter
2012
 
Third
Quarter
2011
 
Year
End
2011
 
Cash and cash equivalents
     
 
     
  - Held in the United States
$
9.5
 $
4.3
$
5.1
 
  - Held by foreign subsidiary
 
8.3
 
5.0
 
6.0
 
   
17.8
 
9.3
 
11.1
 
Working capital
 
56.1
 
 50.2
 
 49.2
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
 10.8
 
 1.6
 
 1.4
 
Change in working capital impact on net cash
    used in operating activities
 
 
1.2
 
 
(5.2
)
 
(9.7
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(3.5
)
(2.9
)
(3.4
)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
 
(0.7
)
(1.7
)
0.8
 

U.S. income taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries except where required under U.S. tax laws.  The Company would be required to accrue and pay United States income taxes to repatriate the funds held by foreign subsidiaries not otherwise provided. The Company intends to reinvest these earnings outside the United States indefinitely.

All cash held by foreign subsidiaries is readily convertible into other currencies, including the U.S. Dollar.

Total inventories as of September 29, 2012 were $29.0 million, compared to $29.8 million at year end 2011 and $29.7 million at the end of the third quarter of 2011.  Accounts receivable were $19.7 million at September 29, 2012, $18.6 million at year end 2011 and $22.2 million at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011.  The balance at October 1, 2011 was higher related to slower than anticipated collections at the end of the quarter.

Cash on hand, cash flow from operating activities and funds available under the revolving credit portion of the Company’s Loan Agreement are expected to be sufficient to cover future foreseeable working capital requirements.
 
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ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in market risk from what was reported in the 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

As of the end of the quarter ended September 29, 2012, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 240.13a-15.  As defined in Exchange Act Rules 240.13a-15(e) and 240.15d-15(e), “the term disclosure controls and procedures means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.”  Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s current disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the September 29, 2012 evaluation date.

The Company believes that a controls system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and the CEO and CFO have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective at the “reasonable assurance” level.

Changes in Internal Controls:

During the period covered by this report, there have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls.


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company was contacted by the State of Illinois regarding potential ground contamination at our plant in Wheeling, Illinois.  The Company enlisted into a voluntary remediation program in Illinois and has engaged an environmental clean-up company to perform testing and develop a remediation plan, if needed.  No estimate for the cost of remediation was available when this Form 10-Q was filed with the SEC.

During 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identified the Company as a potentially responsible party in connection with a site in Cleveland, Ohio based on the ownership of the site by a division of the Company in the 1960’s.  According to the Agency, the current occupant of the site filed bankruptcy, leaving behind plating operations which required remedial action.  The Company declined to participate in the remedial action, and intends to defend against any efforts of the Agency to impose any liability against the Company for environmental conditions on this site which may have occurred in the years since its ownership.

There are no other legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the Company’s business, to which either the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of their property is the subject.
 
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ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in risk factors from what was reported in the 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


ITEM 2 – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

There have been no sales of unregistered securities by the Company or purchases of registered equity securities by the Company during the period covered by this report.

 

 
ITEM 3 – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 

None


ITEM 4 – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


ITEM 5 – OTHER INFORMATION

None


ITEM 6 – EXHIBITS

31) Certifications required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32) Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 USC 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99(1)) The Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(2)) Form 8-K filed on April 25, 2012 setting forth the press release reporting the Company’s earnings for the quarter ended April 25, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(3)) Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2012 setting forth the results of the vote at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company which was held on April 25, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(4)) Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2012 setting forth the press release that the Company is set to join the Russell Global Index when Russell Investments reconstitutes its comprehensive set of global equity indexes on June 25, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(5)) Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2012 setting forth the press release reporting the Company’s earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(6)) Form 8-K filed on August 16, 2012 setting forth the amendment of the Employment Agreement dated February 22, 2005 with Leonard F. Leganza is incorporated herein by reference.

99(7)) Form 8-K filed on October 24, 2012 setting forth the press release reporting the Company’s earnings for the quarter ended September 29, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
 
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99(8)) Preference Letter from Fiondella, Milone and LaSaracina LLP, the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm dated October 19, 2012 relating to a change in the date of goodwill impairment evaluation is attached hereto.



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.

 
THE EASTERN COMPANY
 
(Registrant)
 
DATE:  November 6, 2012
/s/Leonard F. Leganza
 
Leonard F. Leganza
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
   
DATE:  November 6, 2012
/s/John L. Sullivan III
 
John L. Sullivan III
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
-22-