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EASTERN CO - Quarter Report: 2013 September (Form 10-Q)

fm10-q3rd2013.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 28, 2013
 

 
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 23, 2013
Common Stock, No par value
6,221,817


 
 

 


PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION




ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



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



ASSETS
 
September 28, 2013
 
December 29, 2012
 
Current Assets
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
19,080,745
 
$
18,482,144
 
Accounts receivable, less allowances: $425,000 - 2013; $487,000 - 2012
   
18,662,614
   
18,368,774
 
Inventories
   
30,425,463
   
29,384,780
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
3,352,951
   
3,365,904
 
Recoverable income taxes receivable
   
-
   
1,158,632
 
Deferred income taxes
   
1,066,161
   
1,064,202
 
Total Current Assets
   
72,587,934
   
71,824,436
 
               
               
Property, Plant and Equipment
   
62,073,438
   
58,130,024
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(35,072,372
)
 
(32,469,281
)
     
27,001,066
   
25,660,743
 
               
               
Goodwill
   
13,889,060
   
13,933,599
 
Trademarks
   
176,540
   
170,512
 
Patents, technology, and other intangibles net of accumulated amortization
   
1,519,100
   
1,653,957
 
Deferred income taxes
   
2,168,037
   
2,610,903
 
     
17,752,737
   
18,368,971
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
117,341,737
 
$
115,854,150
 





-2-


 
 

 






LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
September 28, 2013
 
December 29, 2012
 
Current Liabilities
             
Accounts payable
 
$
8,224,036
 
$
7,607,658
 
Accrued co   mpensation
   
2,465,905
   
3,453,709
 
Other accrued expenses
   
1,043,375
   
2,414,135
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
1,428,571
   
1,428,571
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
13,161,887
   
14,904,073
 
               
               
Other long-term liabilities
   
607,463
   
607,463
 
Long-term debt, less current portion
   
5,000,000
   
6,071,428
 
Accrued postretirement benefits
   
2,669,762
   
2,507,726
 
Accrued pension cost
   
20,766,553
   
20,181,361
 
               
               
               
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: 8,916,546 shares in 2013 and 8,914,478 shares in 2012
   
28,615,949
   
28,585,498
 
Treasury Stock: 2,694,729 shares in 2013 and 2012
   
(19,105,723
)
 
(19,105,723
)
Retained earnings
   
81,767,475
   
78,717,589
 
               
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
             
Foreign currency translation
   
2,303,111
   
2,640,478
 
Unrecognized net pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax
   
(18,444,740
)
 
(19,255,743
)
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(16,141,629
)
 
(16,615,265
)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
   
75,136,072
   
71,582,099
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
117,341,737
 
$
115,854,150
 

See accompanying notes.
 
-3-
 
 

 



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

   
Nine Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
     
September 28, 2013
   
September 29, 2012
   
September 28, 2013
   
September 29, 2012
 
Net sales
 
$
108,196,240
 
$
121,699,533
 
$
34,256,086
 
$
39,644,050
 
Cost of products sold
   
(86,174,409
)
 
(96,104,184
)
 
(27,031,677
)
 
(31,478,557
)
Gross margin
   
22,021,831
   
25,595,349
   
7,224,409
   
8,165,493
 
                           
Selling and administrative expenses
   
(14,671,986
)
 
(14,947,179
)
 
(4,767,505
)
 
(4,830,971
)
Operating profit
   
7,349,845
   
10,648,170
   
2,456,904
   
3,334,522
 
                           
Interest expense
   
(249,481
)
 
(281,142
)
 
(78,629
)
 
(93,238
)
Other income
   
36,660
   
14,185
   
8,201
   
3,462
 
Income before income taxes
   
7,137,024
   
10,381,213
   
2,386,476
   
3,244,746
 
                           
Income taxes
   
2,158,699
   
3,479,284
   
587,693
   
1,020,771
 
Net income
 
$
4,978,325
 
$
6,901,929
 
$
1,798,783
 
$
2,223,975
 
                           
Earnings per Share:
                         
Basic
 
$
.80
 
$
1.11
 
$
.29
 
$
.36
 
                           
Diluted
 
$
.80
 
$
1.11
 
$
.29
 
$
.36
 
                           
Cash dividends per share:
 
$
.31
 
$
.30
 
$
.11
 
$
.10
 

See accompanying notes.




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

 
Nine Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 28, 2013
   
September 29, 2012
   
September 28, 2013
   
September 29, 2012
 
Net income
$
4,978,325
 
$
6,901,929
 
$
1,798,783
 
$
2,223,975
 
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
                       
Change in foreign currency translation
 
(337,367
)
 
606,529
   
199,495
   
554,596
 
Change in pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of taxes of:
2013 – $442,866 and $149,033, respectively
2012 – $308,343 and $112,154, respectively
 
811,003
   
566,390
   
272,919
   
206,013
 
Total other comprehensive income
 
473,636
   
1,172,919
   
472,414
   
760,609
 
Comprehensive income
$
5,451,961
 
$
8,074,848
 
$
2,271,197
 
$
2,984,584
 

See accompanying notes.
 
-4-
 
 

 



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


   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 28, 2013
 
September 29, 2012
 
Operating Activities
             
Net income
 
$
4,978,325
 
$
6,901,929
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
2,916,310
   
2,550,290
 
Loss on sale of equipment and other assets
   
28,065
   
17,713
 
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
76,201
   
94,315
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(1,959
)
 
18
 
Issuance of Common Stock for directors’ fees
   
16,872
   
18,451
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
             
Accounts receivable
   
(499,335
)
 
(923,685
)
Inventories
   
(1,092,971
)
 
1,058,395
 
Prepaid expenses and other
   
201,459
   
94,487
 
Prepaid pension cost
   
1,842,832
   
(555,684
)
Recoverable taxes receivable
   
1,158,632
   
647,949
 
Other assets
   
(59,685
)
 
(86,365
)
Accounts payable
   
655,352
   
(243,280
)
Accrued compensation
   
(960,059
)
 
62,476
 
Other accrued expenses
   
(1,366,903
)
 
1,132,760
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
7,893,136
   
10,769,769
 
               
Investing Activities
             
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(4,160,251
)
 
(3,549,674
)
Proceeds from sales of equipment and other assets
   
-
   
19,000
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(4,160,251
)
 
(3,530,674
)
               
Financing Activities
             
Principal payments on long-term debt
   
(1,071,429
)
 
(892,857
)
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
   
13,580
   
61,110
 
Dividends paid
   
(1,928,439
)
 
(1,864,709
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(2,986,288
)
 
(696,456
)
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
(147,996
)
 
133,409
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
598,601
   
6,676,048
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
18,482,144
   
11,147,297
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
19,080,745
 
$
17,823,345
 

See accompanying notes.


-5-

 
 

 


THE EASTERN COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
September 28, 2013


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 29, 2012 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 29, 2012 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 28, 2013
 
September 29, 2012
 
September 28, 2013
 
September 29, 2012
Basic:
             
Weighted average shares outstanding
6,220,620
 
6,216,113
 
6,221,515
 
6,219,241
               
Diluted:
             
Weighted average shares outstanding
6,220,620
 
6,216,113
 
6,221,515
 
6,219,241
Dilutive stock options
17,027
 
15,816
 
16,559
 
15,486
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
6,237,647
 
6,231,929
 
6,238,074
 
6,234,727


Note C – Inventories

The components of inventories follow:

 
September 28, 2013
 
December 29, 2012
       
Raw material and component parts
$    8,762,534
 
$    8,473,007
Work in process
      6,389,347
 
      6,160,578
Finished goods
    15,273,582
 
    14,751,195
 
$  30,425,463
 
$  29,384,780


-6-

 
 

 


Note D – Segment Information

Segment financial information follows:


   
Nine Months Ended
     
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 28, 2013
     
September 29, 2012
     
September 28, 2013
     
September 29, 2012
 
Revenues:
                                     
Sales to unaffiliated customers:
                                     
Industrial Hardware
 
$
46,682,686
     
$
55,610,830
     
$
15,067,122
     
$
18,656,171
 
Security Products
   
36,647,899
       
38,689,676
       
12,690,410
       
12,593,633
 
Metal Products
   
24,865,655
       
27,399,027
       
6,498,554
       
8,394,246
 
   
$
108,196,240
     
$
121,699,533
     
$
34,256,086
     
$
39,644,050
 
                                       
Income before income taxes:
                                     
     Industrial Hardware
 
$
3,507,935
     
$
6,138,342
     
$
1,444,830
     
$
2,048,559
 
     Security Products
   
1,737,150
       
3,489,090
       
499,717
       
1,145,886
 
     Metal Products
   
2,104,760
       
1,020,738
       
512,357
       
140,077
 
Operating Profit
   
7,349,845
       
10,648,170
       
2,456,904
       
3,334,522
 
     Interest expense
   
(249,481
)
     
(281,142
)
     
(78,629
)
     
(93,238
)
     Other income
   
36,660
       
14,185
       
8,201
       
3,462
 
   
$
7,137,024
     
$
10,381,213
     
$
2,386,476
     
$
3,244,746
 


Note E – Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
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 adopted this guidance effective December 30, 2012 and it had no impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In February 2013, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.  The guidance requires that an entity present either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this guidance effective December 30, 2012 and it had no impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In July 2013, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that requires an entity to net its liability for unrecognized tax positions against a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward when settlement in this manner is available under the tax law.  The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements.

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.
 
-7-

 
 

 


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, along with existing cash, to fund a discretionary pension payment.  This amount was repaid in January 2012.  The Company did not utilize the revolving credit during the remainder of Fiscal 2012 or during the quarter or nine month period ended September 28, 2013.

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.  This amount is approximately $52.8 million for Fiscal 2013 and was $48.5 million for Fiscal 2012.  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 2012 and for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013.


Note G – Goodwill

The following is a roll-forward of goodwill from year-end 2012 to the end of the third quarter 2013:

   
Industrial
Hardware
Segment
 
Security
Products
Segment
 
Metal
Products
Segment
 
 
 
Total
 
                           
Beginning balance
 
$
2,099,783
 
$
11,833,816
 
$
 
$
13,933,599
 
Foreign exchange
   
 (44,539
)
 
 —
   
   
 (44,539
)
Ending balance
 
$
2,055,244
 
$
11,833,816
 
$
 
$
13,889,060
 


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.
 
 
 
 
-8-
 
 

 

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)
 
2013 Patents and developed
technology
                             
Gross Amount:
 
$
2,669,756
 
$
1,036,742
 
$
5,839
 
$
3,712,337
 
16.1
 
Accumulated Amortization:
   
1,689,150
   
498,248
   
5,839
   
2,193,237
     
Net September 28, 2013 per Balance Sheet
 
$
980,606
 
$
538,494
 
$
        -
 
$
1,519,100
     


2012 Patents and developed
technology
                             
   Gross Amount:
 
$
2,732,307
 
$
1,021,409
 
$
5,839
 
$
3,759,555
 
15.8
 
   Accumulated Amortization:
   
1,652,199
   
447,732
   
5,667
   
2,105,598
     
Net December 29, 2012 per Balance Sheet
 
$
1,080,108
 
$
573,677
 
$
172
 
$
1,653,957
     


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 2013 and 2012 follow:

   
Pension Benefits
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
 2012
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
 2012
 
Service cost
 
$
2,259,723
 
$
2,034,985
 
$
755,661
 
$
687,789
 
Interest cost
   
2,130,467
   
2,151,392
   
710,350
   
723,432
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(3,302,736
)
 
(2,948,242
)
 
(1,100,912
)
 
(982,747
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
192,345
   
165,787
   
69,630
   
82,968
 
Amortization of the net loss
   
1,065,295
   
726,863
   
353,579
   
241,171
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
2,345,094
 
$
2,130,785
 
$
788,308
 
$
752,613
 


   
Postretirement Benefits
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
 2012
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
 2012
 
Service cost
 
$
151,926
 
$
130,210
 
$
50,642
 
$
43,403
 
Interest cost
   
106,565
   
107,541
   
35,522
   
35,847
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(73,041
)
 
(72,779
)
 
(24,347
)
 
(24,259
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
(17,916
)
 
(17,917
)
 
(5,972
)
 
(5,972
)
Amortization of the net loss
   
14,145
   
-
   
4,715
   
-
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
181,679
 
$
147,055
 
$
60,560
 
$
49,019
 

 
 
-9-
 
 

 

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 2013, the Company expects to contribute $3,237,000 into its pension plans and $55,000 into its postretirement plan. As of September 28, 2013, the Company has made contributions totaling $491,000 into its pension plans and $28,000 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 $48,062 and $148,797 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, respectively and $47,463 and $144,191 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, 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 28, 2013 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 2013 or 2012.

As of September 28, 2013, 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 28, 2013, there were 520,000 shares of common stock reserved under all option plans for future issuance.



   
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2013
 
Year Ended
December 29, 2012
   
Shares
 
Weighted - Average Exercise Price
 
Shares
 
Weighted - Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period
 
21,000
 
$
13.580
 
25,500
 
$
13.580
Exercised
 
(1,000
)
 
13.580
 
(4,500
)
 
13.580
Outstanding at end of period
 
20,000
   
13.580
 
21,000
   
13.580



Options Outstanding and Exercisable
 
 
 
Range of Exercise Prices
 
 
Outstanding as of September 28, 2013
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life
 
 
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$13.58
20,000
1.2
  $13.580

At September 28, 2013, outstanding and exercisable options had an intrinsic value of $41,600.  The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised in the first nine months of 2013 was $1,590.


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 2010 and non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities prior to 2007.  During the first quarter of 2013, the Company was notified by the Internal Revenue Service that they will be examining the tax returns for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011.  On September 18, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service completed its audit with no changes.
 
-10-
 
 

 

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 month period ended September 28, 2013.  As a result of the completed IRS audit, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $25,480 due to the release of accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits resulting from timing differences.  This net tax benefit does not impact the effective tax rate, since the uncertainty that generated the tax benefit relates only to the period in which the items are deductible on a tax return.  Further, as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $82,863.  This net tax benefit resulted from the release of unrecognized tax benefits related to deferred foreign income and state income tax nexus issues, and the associated accrued interest. 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 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk. No one customer represented more than 10% of the Company’s net trade receivables at September 28, 2013 or at December 29, 2012.  The maximum exposure to credit risk is primarily represented by the carrying amount of the Company’s accounts receivable.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
On September 28, 2013, 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 28, 2013 or December 29, 2012.

-11-

 
 

 


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 28, 2013. 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 29, 2012 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 29, 2012.

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.

Recent Developments

On July 24, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company voted to increase the quarterly dividend by 10% effective in the third quarter of 2013.  The third quarter 2013 dividend payment at the increased rate of $0.11 per share represented the 292nd regular consecutive quarterly dividend.


Overview

Sales in the third quarter of 2013 decreased 14% compared to the third quarter of 2012, which was primarily the result of a decrease of 16% in sales of existing products in many of the markets we serve. The decrease was offset in part by the introduction of new products which increased sales by 2%.  In the third quarter of 2013 Industrial Hardware sales decreased 19%, Metal Products sales decreased 23% and Security Products sales increased 1% compared to the prior year period.

Gross margin as a percentage of sales for the three months ended September 28, 2013 was 21% and was comparable to the prior year period.
 
 
Sales in the first nine months of 2013 decreased 11% compared to the prior year period, which was primarily the result of a decrease of 15% in sales of existing products in many of the markets we serve. The decrease was offset in part by selective price increases to customers of 1% and the introduction of new products which increased sales by 3%.  Sales decreased in the first nine months of 2013 by 16% in the Industrial Hardware segment, by 5% in the Security Products segment, and by 9% in the Metal Products segment compared to the prior year period.
 
-12-
 
 

 



Gross margin as a percentage of sales for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 was 20% compared to 21% in the comparable period a year ago.  This decrease was primarily the result of lower sales volume causing lower utilization of the Company’s production capacity in the 2013 period.
 
 
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 2013 decreased compared to the same period in 2012. This decrease is primarily due to the lower level of earnings in the 2013 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 28, 2013
 
Industrial
Security
Metal
 
 
Hardware
Products
Products
Total
Net sales
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Cost of products sold
74.9%
81.0%
84.0%
78.9%
Gross margin
25.1%
19.0%
16.0%
21.1%
         
Selling and administrative expense
15.5%
15.0%
8.1%
13.9%
Operating profit
9.6%
4.0%
7.9%
7.2%
         
         
 
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%

 
-13-
 
 

 

The following table shows the amount of change for the third quarter of 2013 compared to the third quarter of 2012 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
         $ (3,589)
       $       97
          $(1,896)
        $ (5,388)
         
         Volume
-21.8%
-1.8%
-25.6%
-16.2%
         Prices
0.2%
0.6%
1.1%
0.5%
         New products
    2.4%
     2.0%
   1.9%
     2.1%
 
-19.2%
0.8%
-22.6%
-13.6%
         
Cost of products sold
        $ (2,894)
       $     700
  $(2,253)
        $ (4,447)
 
-20.4%
7.3%
-29.2%
-14.1%
         
Gross margin
      $     (695)
    $   (603)
        $     357
      $    (941)
 
-15.5%
-20.0%
52.3%
-11.5%
         
Selling and administrative expenses
      $       (91)
    $        43
       $     (15)
      $      (63)
 
-3.7%
2.3%
-2.8%
-1.3%
         
Operating profit
      $    (604)
     $   (646)
        $     372
      $   (878)
 
-29.5%
-56.4%
265.8%
-26.3%


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 28, 2013
 
Industrial
Security
Metal
 
 
Hardware
Products
Products
Total
Net sales
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Cost of products sold
77.2%
79.5%
84.6%
79.6%
Gross margin
22.8%
20.5%
15.4%
20.4%
         
Selling and administrative expense
15.3%
15.8%
7.0%
13.6%
Operating profit
7.5%
4.7%
8.4%
6.8%
         
         
 
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%
 
 
-14-

 
 

 


The following table shows the amount of change for the first nine months of 2013 compared to the first nine months of 2012 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
         $ (8,928)
       $ (2,042)
         $ (2,533)
      $(13,503)
         
         Volume
-20.3%
-7.6%
-12.5%
-14.5%
         Prices
0.1%
0.8%
1.5%
0.6%
         New products
    4.1%
     1.5%
    1.8%
    2.8%
 
-16.1%
-5.3%
-9.2%
-11.1%
         
Cost of products sold
        $ (6,054)
       $    (261)
  $ (3,615)
        $ (9,930)
 
-14.4%
-0.9%
-14.7%
-10.3%
         
Gross margin
      $ (2,874)
     $ (1,781)
     $    1,082
      $ (3,573)
 
-21.2%
-19.1%
39.2%
-14.0%
         
Selling and administrative expenses
      $    (244)
     $      (29)
       $        (2)
      $    (275)
 
-3.3%
-0.5%
-0.2%
-1.8%
         
Operating profit
      $ (2,630)
    $ (1,752)
      $    1,084
      $ (3,298)
 
-42.9%
-50.2%
106.2%
-31.0%


Industrial Hardware Segment

Net sales in the Industrial Hardware segment were down 19% in the third quarter of 2013 and 16% in the first nine months compared to the prior year periods.  The decrease in sales in the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 reflected a decrease in sales of existing products, resulting from lower sales to the distribution, trailer, truck accessory, service body and military markets as well as lightweight composite panels used in an interactive electronic board product in 2013 compared to the prior year periods.  The decrease was reduced by an increase in sales to the Class 8 truck and fire and rescue markets in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 compared to the same periods in 2012, selective price increases to customers and the introduction of new products.  All of the new products were developed internally and included rotary latches, an adjustable rod assembly, a striker pin, a lever latch, a cab door handle and a venting line of products for the Class 8 truck market; a dual latch rotary and a handle for the fire and rescue market; a trigger latch for the bus market; a platform and small panels made from lightweight composite material; 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 decreased $2.9 million or 20% in the third quarter and $6.1 million or 14% in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the same periods in 2012.

The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the 2012 third quarter included:

§  
an increase of $0.1 million or 48% in foreign currency exchange;
§  
an increase of $0.1 million or 30% in depreciation expense;
§  
a decrease of $2.2 million or 25% in raw materials;
§  
a decrease of $0.1 million or 30% in other shipping expenses;
§  
a decrease of $0.1 million or 31% in costs for supplies and tools;
§  
a decrease of $0.4 million or 249% in miscellaneous income;
§  
and a decrease of $0.3 million or 8% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges.
 
-15-
 
 

 


The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the 2012 period included:

§  
an increase of $0.2 million or 74% in foreign currency exchange;
§  
an increase of $0.3 million or 28% in depreciation expense;
§  
a decrease of $4.3 million or 17% in raw materials;
§  
a decrease of $1.0 million or 9% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges;
§  
a decrease of $0.3 million or 32% in costs for supplies and tools;
§  
a decrease of $0.1 million or 18% in other shipping expenses;
§  
a decrease of $0.6 million or 245% in miscellaneous income;
§  
a decrease of $0.1 million or 24% in rent expense;
§  
a decrease of $0.1 million or 13% in utility costs;
§  
and a decrease of $0.1 million or 15% related to costs for maintenance and repair.

Gross margin as a percentage of sales in the third quarter increased to 25% in 2013 from 24% in the prior year period and decreased in the first nine months to 23% from 24% in the prior year period.  The changes in gross margin for both the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 reflect the lower volume of sales in 2013, the mix of products produced and the changes in cost of products sold discussed above.

Selling and administrative expenses in the Industrial Hardware segment decreased $0.1 million or 4% in the third quarter and decreased $0.2 million or 3% in the first nine months of 2013 as compared to the 2012 periods.

The most significant factor resulting in changes in selling and administrative expenses in the Industrial Hardware segment in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the 2012 third quarter included:

§  
a decrease of $0.1 million or 13% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges.

The most significant factor resulting in changes in selling and administrative expenses in the Industrial Hardware segment in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the 2012 period included:

§  
a decrease of $0.2 million or 4% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges.


Security Products Segment

Net sales in the Security Products segment increased 1% in the third quarter and decreased 5% in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the 2012 periods.  The increase in sales in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the 2012 period was primarily the result of new lock products to the many markets we serve.  The decrease in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the prior year period was the result of lower sales volume of existing products across many of the markets we serve.  Selective price increases and the introduction of new products offset a portion of the sales decreases.  Sales of new products included clamps, a tubular slam lock, locking t-handles for truck caps and a locking flush mount tonneau cover handle for the vehicular market, a puck lock for the OEM market, luggage locks for the travel market, a round body steel padlock for the retail hardware market and mini “D” ring handle assembly for the storage market.

Cost of products sold for the Security Products segment increased $0.7 million or 7% in the third quarter and decreased $0.3 million or 1% in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the same periods in 2012.

The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the 2012 third quarter included:

§  
an increase of $0.6 million or 100% in severance costs for relocation of a facility in China;
§  
and a increase of $0.1 million or 2% in raw materials.
 
-16-
 
 

 

The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the 2012 period included:

§  
an increase of $0.6 million or 100% in severance costs for relocation of a facility in China;
§  
a decrease of $0.1 million or 209% in foreign exchange;
§  
and a decrease of $0.8 million or 4% in raw materials.

Gross margin as a percentage of sales in the third quarter decreased to 19% in 2013 from 24% in the prior year period and in the first nine months to 21% from 24% in the prior year period.  The decreases in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 reflect the mix of products produced and the changes in cost of products sold discussed above as well as the lower sales volume in the first nine months compared to the 2012 period.

Selling and administrative expenses in the Security Products segment were comparable for both the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 as compared to the 2012 periods.


Metal Products Segment

Net sales in the Metal Products segment were down 23% in the third quarter and 9% in the first nine months of 2013 as compared to the prior year periods.  The decrease in sales in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the prior year period was the result of lower sales of existing products to both the contract casting and mining markets. The decrease in sales in the first nine months of 2013 was primarily the result of lower sales of existing products to the contract casting market. The decreases in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 were reduced by selective price increases to customers and the introduction of new products.  Sales of mining products were down 8% in the third quarter and less than one-half percent in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the prior year periods.  New mining products included a rope thread and a cable head.  While the Company experienced a slow down in sales of products for the coal mining industry during the third quarter of 2013, it is too early to determine if this is the result of the new clean air rules enacted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that went into effect in 2012, general economic uncertainty or other temporary factors.   Sales of contract castings decreased 64% in the third quarter and 48% in the first nine months of 2013 from the prior year levels.  The decrease in sales of contract casting was primarily the result of a reduction in sales of a tie plate for the railroad industry.  Contract casting sales benefited from the sales of new products including rail clamps for a solar panel application and new beam clamps.  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 for the Metal Products segment decreased $2.3 million or 29% in the third quarter and $3.6 million or 15% in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the same periods in 2012.

The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the 2012 third quarter included:

§  
an increase of $0.2 million or 44% related to costs for maintenance and repairs;
§  
a decrease of $1.8 million or 83% in raw materials;
§  
a decrease of $0.4 million or 29% in costs for supplies and tools;
§  
and a decrease of $0.2 million or 9% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges.

The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the 2012 period included:

§  
a decrease of $1.8 million or 30% in raw materials;
§  
a decrease of $1.0 million or 27% in costs for supplies and tools;
§  
a decrease of $0.5 million or 6% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges;
§  
and a decrease of $0.1 million or 4% related to costs for maintenance and repairs.
 
-17-
 
 

 

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased to 16% in the third quarter of 2013 from 8% in the prior year period and to 15% in the first nine months of 2013 from 10% in the 2012 period. The increases in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 are due to the mix of products produced, elimination of products with unacceptable profit margins, selective price increases to customers, and cost reductions related to improved production efficiency resulting from the capital investment made in the operation over the last several years, as well as the changes in cost of products sold discussed above.

Selling and administrative expenses in the Metal Products segment were comparable for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 and 2012.


Other Items

Interest expense decreased 16% in the third quarter and 11% in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the prior year period due to the decreased level of debt in 2013.

Other income was not material to the financial statements.

Income taxes reflected the change in the operating results.  The effective tax rate in the third quarter was 25% compared to the prior year period of 32% and in first nine months of 2013 was 30% compared to 33% in the 2012 period.  The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2013 was lower than the prior year period due to the ratio of earnings in countries with lower tax rates and a change in unrecognized tax benefits, while the lower rate in the third quarter of 2013 reflected the impact of those changes for the full nine months of 2013.
 
-18-
 
 

 


Liquidity and Sources of Capital

The Company provided $7.9 and $10.8 million from its operations during the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The reduction in cash flows in the quarter was primarily the result of the decreased 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 $4.2 million for the first nine months of 2013 compared to $3.5 million for the same period in 2012.  Total capital expenditures for 2013 are expected to be approximately $5 to $6 million.  As of September 28, 2013, there is approximately $1.3 million of outstanding commitments for these capital expenditures.

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

   
Third
Quarter
2013
Third
Quarter
2012
Year
End
2012
Current ratio
 
5.5
 
4.8
 
4.8
 
Average days’ sales in accounts receivable
 
50
 
46
 
47
 
Inventory turnover
 
3.8
 
4.4
 
4.2
 
Total debt to shareholders’ equity
 
8.6
%
10.4
%
10.5
%

The following table shows important liquidity measures as of the balance sheet date for each period below (in millions):
   
Third
Quarter
2013
 
Third
Quarter
2012
 
Year
End
2012
 
Cash and cash equivalents
     
 
     
  - Held in the United States
$
8.5
 $
9.5
$
10.4
 
  - Held by a foreign subsidiary
 
10.6
 
  8.3
 
 8.1
 
   
19.1
 
17.8
 
18.5
 
Working capital
 
59.4
 
 56.1
 
 56.9
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
 7.9
 
 10.8
 
 13.6
 
Change in working capital impact on net cash
    used in operating activities
 
 
(0.1
)
 
1.2
 
 
0.3
 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(4.2
)
(3.5
)
(4.2
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(3.0
)
(0.7
)
(2.3
)

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 28, 2013 were $30.4 million, compared to $29.4 million at year end 2012 and $29.0 million at the end of the third quarter of 2012.  Accounts receivable increased slightly to $18.7 million from $18.4 million at year end 2012 but declined slightly compared to the $19.7 million at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012.

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 2012 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 28, 2013, 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 28, 2013 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.
 
-20-
 
 

 

ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in risk factors from what was reported in the 2012 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 29, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(2)) Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2013 setting forth the press release reporting the Company’s earnings for the quarter ended March 30, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(3)) Form 8-K filed on April 25, 2013 setting forth the results of the vote at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company which was held on April 24, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(4)) Form 8-K filed on July 24, 2013 setting forth the press release reporting the Company’s earnings for the quarter ended June 29, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(5)) Form 8-K filed on October 23, 2013 setting forth the press release reporting the Company’s earnings for the quarter ended September 28, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference.






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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:  October 25, 2013
/s/Leonard F. Leganza
 
Leonard F. Leganza
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
   
DATE:  October 25, 2013
/s/John L. Sullivan III
 
John L. Sullivan III
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
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