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

fm10q1st13.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 March 30, 2013

[ ] 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 April 24, 2013
Common Stock, No par value	6,220,009

PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE EASTERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

ASSETS	March 30, 2013			December 29, 2012
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	16,891,943		$	18,482,144
Accounts receivable, less allowances: $522,000 - 2013; $487,000 - 2012		18,374,908			18,368,774
Inventories		29,791,380			29,384,780
Prepaid expenses and other assets		3,139,371			3,365,904
Recoverable income taxes receivable		408,632			1,158,632
Deferred income taxes		1,064,202			1,064,202
Total Current Assets		69,670,436			71,824,436


Property, Plant and Equipment		59,300,102			58,130,024
Accumulated depreciation		(33,314,571	)		(32,469,281	)
		25,985,531			25,660,743


Goodwill		13,906,902			13,933,599
Trademarks		171,312			170,512
Patents, technology, and other intangibles net of accumulated amortization		1,636,778			1,653,957
Deferred income taxes		2,463,987			2,610,903
		18,178,979			18,368,971
TOTAL ASSETS	$	113,834,946		$	115,854,150

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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	March 30, 2013			December 29, 2012
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	7,591,618		$	7,607,658
Accrued compensation		1,401,937			3,453,709
Other accrued expenses		1,955,865			2,414,135
Current portion of long-term debt		1,428,571			1,428,571
Total Current Liabilities		12,377,991			14,904,073


Other long-term liabilities		607,463			607,463
Long-term debt, less current portion		5,714,286			6,071,428
Accrued postretirement benefits		2,568,340			2,507,726
Accrued pension cost		20,428,922			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: 8,914,738 shares in 2013 and 8,914,478 shares in 2012		28,590,111			28,585,498
Treasury Stock: 2,694,729 shares in 2013 and 2012		(19,105,723	)		(19,105,723	)
Retained earnings		79,100,862			78,717,589

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation		2,539,395			2,640,478
Unrecognized net pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax		(18,986,701	)		(19,255,743	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(16,447,306	)		(16,615,265	)
Total Shareholders’ Equity		72,137,944			71,582,099
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	113,834,946		$	115,854,150

See accompanying notes.

-3-

THE EASTERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

		Three Months Ended
		March 30, 2013			March 31, 2012
Net sales	$	34,692,174		$	40,495,894
Cost of products sold		(28,425,594	)		(32,311,428	)
Gross margin		6,266,580			8,184,466

Selling and administrative expenses		(4,681,296	)		(5,015,052	)
Operating profit		1,585,284			3,169,414

Interest expense		(86,076	)		(89,237	)
Other income		8,588			6,136
Income before income taxes		1,507,796			3,086,313

Income taxes		502,548			1,040,705
Net income	$	1,005,248		$	2,045,608

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	.16		$	.33

Diluted	$	.16		$	.33

Cash dividends per share:	$	.10		$	.10

See accompanying notes.

THE EASTERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended
		March 30, 2013			March 31, 2012
Net income	$	1,005,248		$	2,045,608
Other comprehensive income:
Change in foreign currency translation		(101,083	)		462,885
Change in pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of taxes of: 2013 – $146,916 2012 – $98,085		269,042			180,171
Total other comprehensive income		167,959			643,056
Comprehensive income	$	1,173,207		$	2,688,664

See accompanying notes.

-4-

THE EASTERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended
	March 30, 2013			March 31, 2012
Operating Activities
Net income	$	1,005,248		$	2,045,608
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		949,554			817,557
Loss on sale of equipment and other assets		3,815			14,055
Provision for doubtful accounts		24,158			37,862
Issuance of Common Stock for directors’ fees		4,614			6,154
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(77,541	)		(1,982,498	)
Inventories		(370,921	)		(161,271	)
Prepaid expenses and other		(307,029	)		(374,207	)
Prepaid pension cost		664,775			186,606
Recoverable taxes receivable		750,000			647,949
Other assets		(47,063	)		(21,003	)
Accounts payable		7,411			300,851
Accrued compensation		(2,037,828	)		(1,102,499	)
Other accrued expenses		136,841			1,638,442
Net cash provided by operating activities		706,034			2,053,606

Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(1,256,623	)		(1,537,971	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(1,256,623	)		(1,537,971	)

Financing Activities
Principal payments on long-term debt		(357,143	)		(178,571	)
Principal payments on revolving credit loan		-			(3,000,000	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		-			5,000,000
Dividends paid		(621,975	)		(621,387	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(979,118	)		1,200,042

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		(60,494	)		95,927
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(1,590,201	)		1,811,604

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		18,482,144			11,147,297
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	16,891,943		$	12,958,901

See accompanying notes.

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THE EASTERN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

March 30, 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:

	Three Months Ended
	March 30, 2013	March 31, 2012
Basic:
Weighted average shares outstanding	6,219,775	6,213,913

Diluted:
Weighted average shares outstanding	6,219,775	6,213,913
Dilutive stock options	17,067	17,826
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	6,236,842	6,231,739

Note C – Inventories

The components of inventories follow:

	March 30, 2013	December 29, 2012

Raw material and component parts	$ 8,579,917	$ 8,473,007
Work in process	6,256,190	6,160,578
Finished goods	14,955,273	14,751,195
	$ 29,791,380	$ 29,384,780

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Note D – Segment Information

Segment financial information follows:

	Three Months Ended
	March 30, 2013			March 31, 2012
Revenues:
Sales to unaffiliated customers:
Industrial Hardware	$	15,216,089		$	19,207,700
Security Products		10,980,151			12,114,823
Metal Products		8,495,934			9,173,371
	$	34,692,174		$	40,495,894

Income before income taxes:
Industrial Hardware	$	603,987		$	1,964,557
Security Products		248,702			795,568
Metal Products		732,595			409,289
Operating Profit		1,585,284			3,169,414
Interest expense		(86,076	)		(89,237	)
Other income		8,588			6,136
Income before income taxes	$	1,507,796		$	3,086,313

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.

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 line of 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 portion of the loan during the quarter ended March 30, 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 month period ended March 30, 2013.

Note G – Goodwill

The following is a roll-forward of goodwill from year-end 2012 to the end of the first 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		(26,697	)		—		—		(26,697	)
Ending balance	$	2,073,086		$	11,833,816	$	—	$	13,906,902

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. Prior to 2013, non-compete agreements and customer relationships were being amortized using the straight-line method over a period of 5 years, all of which were fully amortized in 2012. 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:	$	2,721,179	$	1,037,020	$	5,839	$	3,764,038	15.7
Accumulated Amortization:		1,656,781		464,726		5,753		2,127,260
Net March 30, 2013 per Balance Sheet	$	1,064,398	$	572,294	$	86	$	1,636,778

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 first quarter of fiscal 2013 and 2012 follow:

	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended							Three Months Ended
	March 30, 2013			March 31, 2012				March 30, 2013			March 31, 2012
Service cost	$	752,032		$	672,647			$	50,642		$	37,500
Interest cost		710,059			713,980				35,522			34,000
Expected return on plan assets		(1,100,912	)		(982,747	)			(24,347	)		(24,250	)
Amortization of prior service cost		61,356			41,409				(5,972	)		(6,000	)
Amortization of the net loss		355,859			242,847				4,715			-
Net periodic benefit cost	$	778,394		$	688,136			$	60,560		$	41,250

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 is required to contribute $1,121,000 into its pension plans and $155,000 into its postretirement plan. As of March 30, 2013, the Company has made contributions totaling $0 into its pension plans and $12,000 to its postretirement plan and will make the remaining contributions as required during the remainder of the year.

-9-

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 $51,351 and $49,456 in the first quarter of 2013 and 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 March 30, 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 quarter of 2013 or 2012.

As of March 30, 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 March 30, 2013, there were 521,000 shares of common stock reserved under all option plans for future issuance.

	Three Months Ended March 30, 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	—		—	(4,500	)		13.580
Outstanding at end of period	21,000		13.580	21,000			13.580

Options Outstanding and Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Outstanding as of March 30, 2013	Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$13.58	21,000	1.7	13.580

At March 30, 2013, outstanding and exercisable options had an intrinsic value of $83,160.

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. 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 2010 and 2011. The Company does not expect any material change to its financial statements as a result of this audit.

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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 months ended March 30, 2013. 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 March 30, 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 March 30, 2013 or at December 30, 2012. The maximum exposure to credit risk is primarily represented by the carrying amount of the Company’s accounts receivable.

Interest Rate Risk

On March 30, 2013, the Company has no exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates as the interest rate on the outstanding debt is 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 March 30, 2013 or December 29, 2012.

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 thirteen weeks ended March 30, 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.

-11-

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 first quarter of 2013 decreased 14% compared to the prior year, which was primarily the result of a decrease of 20% 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 5%. Sales in the first quarter of 2013 decreased in each of the Company’s business segments when compared to the first quarter of 2012: the Industrial Hardware segment sales decreased approximately 21%, the Security Products segment sales decreased approximately 9% and the Metal Products segment sales decreased approximately 7%. The decreases in sales of existing products in all three business segments were due to uncertain worldwide general economic conditions.

For the three months ended March 30, 2013, gross margin as a percentage of sales was 18% compared to 20% in the comparable period of 2012. 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 from the prior year period. The Company, through price increases, is recovering these additional costs from our customers, wherever possible. The Company expects raw material prices to continue to increase as worldwide economic conditions improve, which may have a negative impact on future operating margins. 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 quarter 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 and cash flow from operations, along with the result of controlling discretionary expenditures, should be sufficient to enable the Company to meet all its existing obligations and continue its quarterly dividend payments.

-12-

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 March 30, 2013
	Industrial	Security	Metal
	Hardware	Products	Products	Total
Net sales	100.0%	100.0%	100.0%	100.0%
Cost of products sold	81.4%	80.4%	84.8%	81.9%
Gross margin	18.6%	19.6%	15.2%	18.1%

Selling and administrative expense	14.6%	17.3%	6.6%	13.5%
Operating profit	4.0%	2.3%	8.6%	4.6%

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Industrial	Security	Metal
	Hardware	Products	Products	Total
Net sales	100.0%	100.0%	100.0%	100.0%
Cost of products sold	76.8%	77.6%	89.1%	79.8%
Gross margin	23.2%	22.4%	10.9%	20.2%

Selling and administrative expense	13.0%	15.8%	6.4%	12.4%
Operating profit	10.2%	6.6%	4.5%	7.8%

The following table shows the amount of change for the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012 in sales, cost of products sold, gross margin, selling and administrative expenses and operating results, by segment (dollars in thousands):

	Industrial	Security	Metal
	Hardware	Products	Products	Total
Net sales	$ (3,992)	$ (1,135)	$ (677)	$ (5,804)

Volume	-28.5%	-11.9%	-10.7%	-19.5%
Prices	0.1%	0.6%	1.7%	0.6%
New products	7.6%	1.9%	1.6%	4.6%
	-20.8%	-9.4%	-7.4%	-14.3%

Cost of products sold	$ (2,354)	$ (569)	$ (963)	$ (3,886)
	-16.0%	-6.1%	-11.8%	-12.0%

Gross margin	$ (1,638)	$ (566)	$ 286	$ (1,918)
	-36.7%	-20.8%	28.5%	-23.4%

Selling and administrative expenses	$ (278)	$ (19)	$ (37)	$ (334)
	-11.1%	-1.0%	-6.2%	-6.7%

Operating profit	$ (1,360)	$ (547)	$ 323	$ (1,584)
	-69.3%	-68.7%	79.0%	-50.0%

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Industrial Hardware Segment

Net sales in the Industrial Hardware segment were down 21% in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the prior year quarter. The lower sales in the first quarter of 2013 reflected a decrease in sales of existing products, primarily lightweight composite panels used in an interactive electronic board product, as well as lower sales to the distribution and military markets in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the prior year quarter. The decrease in sales of the lightweight composite panels for the electronic board product was the result of bad raw material received from a vendor, which has been replaced, and we expect to make-up production and sales of this product during the second quarter of 2013. The decrease was reduced by an increase in sales to the Class 8 truck market in 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, selective price increases to customers and the introduction of new products. All of the new products were developed internally and included a rotary lock, a paddle handle, an adjustable rod assembly, a striker pin and a venting line of products for the Class 8 truck market; an escape hatch for the military market; and a trigger latch for the bus market; a frack tank made from lightweight composite panels for the oil and gas 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 decreased $2.4 million or 16% in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012. The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the 2013 quarter compared to the 2012 quarter included:

§ a decrease of $1.9 million or 21% in raw materials;

§ a decrease of $0.2 million or 5% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges;

§ a decrease of $0.1 million or 40% in costs for supplies and tools;

§ and a decrease of $0.1 million or 36% from the sale of scrap.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales for the Industrial Hardware segment decreased from 23% in the first quarter 2012 to 19% in the first quarter of 2013. The decrease in gross margin for the 2013 period reflects 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 $0.3 million or 11% from 2012 to 2013. The most significant factor resulting in changes in selling and administrative expenses in the Industrial Hardware segment in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the 2012 quarter was:

§ a decrease of $0.2 million or 12% in payroll and payroll related charges.

Security Products Segment

Net sales in the Security Products segment decreased 9% in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012. The decrease in sales in the first quarter of 2013 in the Security Products segment is primarily 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 decrease. Sales of new products included a clamp and a tubular slam lock 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 decreased $0.6 million or 6% in 2013 as compared to the first quarter of 2012. The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the first quarter of 2013 compared to 2012 quarter included:

§ a decrease of $0.4 million or 5% in raw materials;

§ a decrease of $0.1 million or 123% in foreign exchange;

§ and a decrease of $0.1 million or 36% in costs for supplies and tools.

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Gross margin as a percentage of sales for the Security Products segment decreased from 22% to 20% primarily due to the lower sales volume in 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.

Selling and administrative expenses in the Security Products segment were comparable for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012.

Metal Products Segment

Net sales in the Metal Products segment decreased 7% in the first quarter of 2013 as compared to the prior year period. The lower sales in the first quarter of 2013 reflected a decrease in sales of existing products. The decrease was partially offset by selective price increases to customers and the introduction of new products. Sales of mining products were down 8% in 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012 and sales of contract castings increased 3% from the prior year levels. The decrease in sales of mining products was driven by weaker demand in the first quarter of 2013 in both the U.S. and Canadian mining markets compared to the prior year first quarter. It is too early to determine if this is a temporary reduction in mining business or the result of the new clean air rules enacted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that went into effect in 2012. Mining sales benefited from the introduction of new mining products including a spherical head, a rope thread and a spherical three-hole block. The increase in sales of contract casting was primarily the result of sales of a new rail clamp product for a solar panel application.

Cost of products sold for the Metal Products segment decreased $1.0 million or 12% in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the 2012 first quarter included:

§	a decrease of $0.5 million or 24% in raw materials;

§	a decrease of $0.3 million or 43% related to costs for maintenance and repairs;

§	and a decrease of $0.1 million or 12% in costs for supplies and tools.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales improved from 11% in the first quarter of 2012 to 15% for the 2013 quarter. The increase is 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 resulting from the capital investment made in the operation over the last several years.

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

Other Items

Interest expense decreased 4% in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the prior year period due to the decreased level of debt.

Other income for both periods presented was not material to the financial statements.

Income taxes reflected the change in the operating results. The effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2013 was 33.3% and was comparable to the 2012 effective rate which was 33.7%.

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Liquidity and Sources of Capital

The Company provided $706,000 from its operations during the first three months of 2013 compared to $2.1 million during the same period in 2012. The decrease in cash flows in the quarter was primarily the result of the lower earnings in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the 2012 first quarter, as well as 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.

Additions to property, plant and equipment were $1.3 million for the first three months of 2013 compared to $1.5 million for the same period in 2012. Total capital expenditures for 2013 are expected to be approximately $7 million. As of March 30, 2013, there is approximately $1.6 million of outstanding commitments for these capital expenditures.

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

	First Quarter 2013		First Quarter 2012		Year End 2012
Current ratio	5.6		4.8		4.8
Average days’ sales in accounts receivable	49		47		47
Inventory turnover	3.8		4.3		4.2
Total debt to shareholders’ equity	9.9	%	12.0	%	10.5	%

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

	First Quarter 2013		First Quarter 2012		Year End 2012
Cash and cash equivalents
- Held in the United States	$ 9.2		$ 6.2		$ 10.4
- Held by a foreign subsidiary	7.7		6.8		8.1
	16.9		13.0		18.5
Working capital	57.3		54.6		56.9
Net cash provided by operating activities	0.7		2.1		13.6
Change in working capital impact on net cash (used)/provided by operating activities	(1.3	)	(0.8	)	0.3
Net cash used in investing activities	(1.3	)	(1.5	)	(4.2	)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	(1.0	)	1.2		(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 March 30, 2013 were $29.8 million, compared to $29.4 million at year end 2012 and $30.2 million at the end of the first quarter of 2012. Inventory turns declined in the first quarter of 2013 related to the lower revenue for the period. Accounts receivable remained fairly consistent at $18.4 million compared to $18.4 million at year end 2012 and slightly lower than the $20.7 million at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The decrease from the first quarter of 2012 is related to lower revenues in the first three months of the current year.

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 March 30, 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 March 30, 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 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 any potential 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 for 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 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.

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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: April 26, 2013	/s/Leonard F. Leganza
	Leonard F. Leganza Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

DATE: April 26, 2013	/s/John L. Sullivan III
	John L. Sullivan III Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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