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EASTERN CO - Quarter Report: 2014 March (Form 10-Q)

form10q1st.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 29, 2014
 

 
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 April 23, 2014
Common Stock, No par value
6,222,625


 
 

 

PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION




ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



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



ASSETS
 
March 29, 2014
 
December 28, 2013
 
Current Assets
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
18,518,336
 
$
19,988,361
 
Accounts receivable, less allowances: $436,000 - 2014; $410,000 - 2013
   
18,176,174
   
16,284,603
 
Inventories
   
30,266,053
   
30,657,612
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
3,422,748
   
3,244,686
 
Deferred income taxes
   
818,662
   
818,662
 
Total Current Assets
   
71,201,973
   
70,993,924
 
               
               
Property, Plant and Equipment
   
62,136,945
   
61,849,854
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(34,957,178
)
 
(34,458,096
)
     
27,179,767
   
27,391,758
 
               
               
Goodwill
   
13,801,676
   
13,842,047
 
Trademarks
   
174,662
   
173,177
 
Patents, technology, and other intangibles net of accumulated amortization
   
1,431,749
   
1,457,503
 
     
15,408,087
   
15,472,727
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
113,789,827
 
$
113,858,409
 





2



 
 

 






LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
March 29, 2014
 
December 28, 2013
 
Current Liabilities
             
Accounts payable
 
$
8,303,333
 
$
7,302,368
 
Accrued compensation
   
1,564,979
   
3,007,169
 
Other accrued expenses
   
1,199,330
   
1,519,338
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
1,785,714
   
1,785,714
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
12,853,356
   
13,614,589
 
               
Deferred income taxes
   
1,212,105
   
1,111,755
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
248,417
   
248,417
 
Long-term debt, less current portion
   
3,928,572
   
4,285,714
 
Accrued postretirement benefits
   
2,289,405
   
2,232,872
 
Accrued pension cost
   
11,109,383
   
10,860,211
 
               
               
               
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: 8,917,354 shares in 2014 and 8,916,897 shares in 2013
   
28,629,073
   
28,621,582
 
Treasury Stock: 2,694,729 shares in 2014 and 2013
   
(19,105,723
)
 
(19,105,723
)
Retained earnings
   
83,825,117
   
83,006,671
 
               
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
             
Foreign currency translation
   
1,616,977
   
1,983,506
 
Unrecognized net pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax
   
(12,816,855
)
 
(13,001,185
)
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(11,199,878
)
 
(11,017,679
)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
   
82,148,589
   
81,504,851
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
113,789,827
 
$
113,858,409
 

See accompanying notes.
 
3

 
 

 



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

     
Three Months Ended
 
     
March 29, 2014
   
March 30, 2013
   
Net sales
 
$
35,849,126
 
$
34,692,174
   
Cost of products sold
   
(28,335,720
)
 
(28,425,594
)
 
Gross margin
   
7,513,406
   
6,266,580
   
                 
Selling and administrative expenses
   
(5,216,289
)
 
(4,681,296
)
 
Operating profit
   
2,297,117
   
1,585,284
   
                 
Interest expense
   
(68,569
)
 
(86,076
)
 
Other income
   
7,283
   
8,588
   
Income before income taxes
   
2,235,831
   
1,507,796
   
                 
Income taxes
   
732,946
   
502,548
   
Net income
 
$
1,502,885
 
$
1,005,248
   
                 
Earnings per share:
               
Basic
 
$
.24
 
$
.16
   
                 
Diluted
 
$
.24
 
$
.16
   
                 
Cash dividends per share:
 
$
.11
 
$
.10
   
 
See accompanying notes.




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

 
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 29, 2014
   
March 30, 2013
 
Net income
$
1,502,885
 
$
1,005,248
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
           
Change in foreign currency translation
 
(366,529
)
 
(101,083
)
Change in pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of taxes of:
2014 – $100,350
2013 – $146,916
 
184,330
   
269,042
 
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(182,199
)
 
167,959
 
Comprehensive income
$
1,320,686
 
$
1,173,207
 
 
See accompanying notes.
 
4

 
 

 


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


   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 29, 2014
 
March 30, 2013
 
Operating Activities
             
Net income
 
$
1,502,885
 
$
1,005,248
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used)  by operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
823,320
   
949,554
 
Loss on sale of equipment and other assets
   
85,623
   
3,815
 
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
27,374
   
24,158
 
Issuance of Common Stock for directors’ fees
   
7,490
   
4,614
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
             
Accounts receivable
   
(1,993,182
)
 
(77,541
)
Inventories
   
299,770
   
(370,921
)
Prepaid expenses and other
   
(176,412
)
 
(307,029
)
Prepaid pension cost
   
539,852
   
664,775
 
Recoverable taxes receivable
   
-
   
750,000
 
Other assets
   
(48,591
)
 
(47,063
)
Accounts payable
   
1,048,202
   
7,411
 
Accrued compensation
   
(1,640,177
)
 
(2,037,828
)
Other accrued expenses
   
(62,850
)
 
136,841
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
413,304
   
706,034
 
               
Investing Activities
             
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(690,041
)
 
(1,256,623
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(690,041
)
 
(1,256,623
)
               
Financing Activities
             
Principal payments on long-term debt
   
(357,142
)
 
(357,143
)
Dividends paid
   
(684,438
)
 
(621,975
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(1,041,580
)
 
(979,118
)
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
(151,708
)
 
(60,494
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
(1,470,025
)
 
(1,590,201
)
               
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
19,988,361
   
18,482,144
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
18,518,336
 
$
16,891,943
 

See accompanying notes.


5


 
 

 

THE EASTERN COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
March 29, 2014


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 28, 2013 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 28, 2013 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 29, 2014
 
March 30, 2013
Basic:
     
Weighted average shares outstanding
6,222,213
 
6,219,775
       
Diluted:
     
Weighted average shares outstanding
6,222,213
 
6,219,775
Dilutive stock options
16,936
 
17,067
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
6,239,149
 
6,236,842


Note C – Inventories

The components of inventories follow:

 
March 29, 2014
 
December 28, 2013
       
Raw material and component parts
$   8,141,568
 
$    8,256,977
Work in process
4,872,835
 
4,925,001
Finished goods
17,251,650
 
17,475,634
 
$ 30,266,053
 
$  30,657,612


 
6
 
 

 


Note D – Segment Information

Segment financial information follows:

     
Three Months Ended
 
     
March 29, 2014
     
March 30, 2013
 
Revenues:
                   
Sales to unaffiliated customers:
                   
Industrial Hardware
   
$
14,130,751
     
$
15,216,089
 
Security Products
     
12,547,036
       
10,980,151
 
Metal Products
     
9,171,339
       
8,495,934
 
     
$
35,849,126
     
$
34,692,174
 
                     
Income before income taxes:
                   
Industrial Hardware
   
$
1,095,834
     
$
603,987
 
Security Products
     
555,287
       
248,702
 
Metal Products
     
645,996
       
732,595
 
Operating Profit
     
2,297,117
       
1,585,284
 
Interest expense
     
(68,569
)
     
(86,076
)
Other income
     
7,283
       
8,588
 
      Income before income taxes
   
$
2,235,831
     
$
1,507,796
 


Note E – Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that could impact its consolidated financial statements and does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued, but are not yet effective, that might have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.


Note F – Debt

On January 29, 2010, the Company signed a secure Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with People’s United Bank which included a $5,000,000 term portion (the “Original Term Loan”) and a $10,000,000 revolving credit portion.  On January 25, 2012, the Company amended the loan agreement by taking an additional $5,000,000 term loan (the “2012 Term Loan”).  Interest on the Original Term Loan portion of the Loan Agreement is fixed at 4.98%.  Interest on the 2012 Term Loan is fixed at 3.90%.  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 3.25% and a maturity date of January 31, 2014.  On January 23, 2014, the Company signed an amendment to its secured Loan Agreement with People’s United Bank (“People’s”) which extended the maturity date of the $10,000,000 revolver portion of the Loan Agreement to July 1, 2016 and changed the interest rate to LIBOR plus 2.25%, eliminating the floor previously in place.

The Company has loan covenants under the Loan Agreement which required 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.  As part of the amendment signed on January 23, 2014, the leverage ratio was eliminated and the minimum tangible net worth covenant was modified to a fixed $55 million, effective as of March 29, 2014.  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 2013 and for the three month period ended March 29, 2014.

7

 
 

 


Note G – Goodwill

The following is a roll-forward of goodwill from year-end 2013 to the end of the first quarter 2014:

   
Industrial
Hardware
Segment
 
Security
Products
Segment
 
Metal
Products
Segment
 
 
 
Total
 
                           
Beginning balance
 
$
2,008,231
 
$
11,833,816
 
$
 
$
13,842,047
 
Foreign exchange
   
 (40,371
)
 
 —
   
   
 (40,371
)
Ending balance
 
$
1,967,860
 
$
11,833,816
 
$
 
$
13,801,676
 


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.  Trademarks are not amortized as their lives are deemed to be indefinite.

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

   
 
Industrial
Hardware
Segment
 
 
Security
Products
Segment
 
 
Metal
Products
Segment
 
 
 
 
Total
 
Weighted-Average
Amortization Period (Years)
 
2014 Patents and developed
technology
                             
Gross Amount:
 
$
2,569,067
 
$
1,044,345
 
$
--
 
$
3,613,412
 
15.9
 
Accumulated Amortization:
   
1,662,516
   
519,147
   
--
   
2,181,663
     
Net March 29, 2014 per Balance Sheet
 
$
906,551
 
$
525,198
 
$
--
 
$
1,431,749
     


2013 Patents and developed
technology
                             
   Gross Amount:
 
$
2,595,931
 
$
1,041,250
 
$
--
 
$
3,637,181
 
16.0
 
   Accumulated Amortization:
   
1,676,440
   
503,238
   
--
   
2,179,678
     
Net December 28, 2013 per Balance Sheet
 
$
919,491
 
$
538,012
 
$
--
 
$
1,457,503
     


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.
 
8

 
 

 


Significant disclosures relating to these benefit plans for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and 2013 follow:

   
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
 
Service cost
 
$
698,424
 
$
752,032
 
$
42,000
 
$
50,642
 
Interest cost
   
829,299
   
710,059
   
40,250
   
35,522
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(1,202,632
)
 
(1,100,912
)
 
(22,250
)
 
(24,347
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
54,647
   
61,356
   
(6,000
)
 
(5,972
)
Amortization of the net loss
   
236,033
   
355,859
   
--
   
4,715
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
615,771
 
$
778,394
 
$
54,000
 
$
60,560
 


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 2014, the Company expects to contribute $2.5 million into its pension plans and $63,000 into its postretirement plan. As of March 29, 2014, the Company has made contributions totaling approximately $0 into its pension plans and $4,000 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 $52,491 and $51,351 in the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, 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 29, 2014 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 2014 or 2013.

As of March 29, 2014, 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 29, 2014, there were 520,000 shares of common stock reserved under all option plans for future issuance.

   
Three Months Ended
March 29, 2014
 
Year Ended
December 28, 2013
   
Shares
 
Weighted - Average Exercise Price
 
Shares
 
Weighted - Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period
 
20,000
 
$
13.580
 
21,000
 
$
13.580
Exercised
 
   
 
(1,000
)
 
13.580
Outstanding at end of period
 
20,000
   
13.580
 
20,000
   
13.580

 
9
 
 

 


Options Outstanding and Exercisable
 
 
 
Range of Exercise Prices
 
 
 
Outstanding as of March 29, 2014
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life
 
 
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$13.58
 
20,000
0.7
 13.580

At March 29, 2014, outstanding and exercisable options had an intrinsic value of $47,800.


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 2008.  During the third quarter of 2013, the Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of the tax returns for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011. There were no changes to the Company’s financial statements as a result of this audit.

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 29, 2014.  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 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk. No one customer represented more than 10% of the Company’s net trade receivables at March 29, 2014 or at December 28, 2013.  The maximum exposure to credit risk is primarily represented by the carrying amount of the Company’s accounts receivable.

Interest Rate Risk
 
On March 29, 2014, 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 29, 2014 or December 28, 2013.
 
10
 
 

 


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 29, 2014. 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 28, 2013 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 28, 2013.

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 2014 decreased in the Industrial Hardware segment by 7% when compared to the first quarter of 2013 and sales increased compared to the prior year period in both the Security Products segment and the Metal Products segment by 14% and 8%, respectively, resulting in a 3% consolidated increase compared to the 2013 quarter.  Sales volume of existing products decreased in 2014 by less than 1% compared to the first quarter of 2013. The first quarter of 2014 was favorably effected by selective price increases to customers of less than 1% and the introduction of new products which increased sales by 3%.

For the three months ended March 29, 2014, gross margin as a percentage of sales was 21% compared to 18% in the comparable period of 2013.  This increase was primarily the result of increased sales volume causing higher utilization of the Company’s production capacity in the 2014 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.
 
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Cash flow from operations in the first quarter of 2014 decreased compared to the same period in 2013. This decrease is primarily due to the 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.

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 29, 2014
 
 
Industrial
Security
Metal
 
 
Hardware
Products
Products
Total
Net sales
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Cost of products sold
74.8%
78.8%
85.8%
79.0%
Gross margin
25.2%
21.2%
14.2%
21.0%
         
Selling and administrative expense
17.4%
16.8%
7.1%
14.6%
Operating profit
7.8%
4.4%
7.1%
6.4%
         
 
 
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%

 
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The following table shows the amount of change for the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013 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
         $ (1,085)
       $  1,567
          $  675
        $ 1,157
         
         Volume
-11.8%
12.6%
3.1%
-0.4%
         Prices
0.1%
0.4%
0.0%
0.2%
         New products
   4.6%
   1.3%
   4.8%
   3.5%
 
-7.1%
14.3%
7.9%
3.3%
         
Cost of products sold
        $ (1,820)
       $  1,064
  $  665
        $ (91)
 
-14.7%
12.1%
9.2%
-0.3%
         
Gross margin
      $       735
    $     503
       $    10
      $ 1,248
 
26.0%
23.4%
0.8%
19.9%
         
Selling and administrative expenses
      $       243
    $     196
        $    97
      $    536
 
10.9%
10.3%
17.5%
11.5%
         
Operating profit
      $       492
     $    307
       $ (87)
      $    712
 
81.4%
123.3%
-11.8%
44.9%


Industrial Hardware Segment

Net sales in the Industrial Hardware segment were down 7% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the prior year quarter. The lower sales in the first quarter of 2014 reflected a decrease in sales of existing products, primarily lightweight composite panels which were used in the fracking industry, as well as lower sales to our distributers and military markets in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the prior year quarter.  The decrease in sales of the lightweight composite panels for the fracking tank was the result of a customer exiting the fracking business.  The overall decrease in sales was offset by an increase in sales to several of the markets we sell into, including: the Class 8 truck, truck accessory, off-highway, bus, and trailer markets in 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, 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 cab handle and paddle, a rotary and lever arm, a lever assembly, a striker pin and luggage latch for the Class 8 truck market; a rotary, a mini rotary and a gate lock for the off-highway market; a trigger latch for the bus market; a 3 point compression latch, a stainless steel catch, a trigger latch and a paddle assembly for the distribution market; a striker and rotary and a paddle rotary for the industrial 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 $1.8 million or 15% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013.  The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the 2014 quarter compared to the 2013 quarter included:

§ a decrease of $0.9 million or 12% in raw materials;
§ a decrease of $0.4 million or 12% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges;
§ an increase of $0.3 million or 384% in miscellaneous income;
§ a decrease of $0.1 million or 38% in costs for equipment rental;
§ a decrease of $0.1 million or 27% for depreciation.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales for the Industrial Hardware segment increased from 19% in the first quarter 2013 to 25% in the first quarter of 2014.  The increase in gross margin for the 2014 period reflects the mix of products produced and the changes in cost of products sold discussed above.
 
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Selling and administrative expenses in the Industrial Hardware segment increased $0.2 million or 11% from 2013 to 2014.  The most significant factors resulting in changes in selling and administrative expenses in the Industrial Hardware segment in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the 2013 quarter was:

§ an increase of $0.1 million or 7% in payroll and payroll related charges;
§ and an increase of $0.1 million or 311% in advertising expenses.


Security Products Segment

Net sales in the Security Products segment increased 14% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013.  The increase in sales in the first quarter of 2014 in the Security Products segment is primarily the result of increased sales volume of existing products across many of the markets we serve.  Selective price increases and the introduction of new products added to the sales increase.  Sales of new products included a flush mount handle for tonneau covers, a locking T-handle for truck caps and cable and stud locks for bicycle racks for the vehicular market and a custom brass padlock and a rekeyable padlock for the locksmith market.

Cost of products sold for the Security Products segment increased $1.1 million or 12% in 2014 as compared to the first quarter of 2013.  The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 2013 quarter included:

§ an increase of $0.3 million or 5% in raw materials;
§ an increase of $0.3 million or 17% in payroll and payroll related charges;
§ an increase of $0.2 million or 126% in costs for supplies and tools;
§ and an increase of $0.2 million or 617% in freight and shipping costs.

Gross margin as a percentage of sales for the Security Products segment increased from 20% to 21% primarily due to the higher sales volume in 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.

Selling and administrative expenses in the Security Products segment increased $0.2 million or 10% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The most significant factor resulting in changes in selling and administrative expenses in the Security Products segment in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the 2013 quarter was:

§ an increase of $0.2 million or 13% in payroll and payroll related charges.


Metal Products Segment

Net sales in the Metal Products segment increased 8% in the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the prior year period. The higher sales in the first quarter of 2014 reflected an increase in sales of existing products and the introduction of new products.  Sales of mining products were up 5% in 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013 and sales of contract castings increased 29% from the prior year levels. The increase in sales of mining products was driven by stronger demand in the first quarter of 2014 in the U.S. mining market compared to the prior year first quarter.  Mining sales benefited from the introduction of new mining products including a cable head, a shell and a small hole flange nut. The increase in sales of contract casting was primarily the result of sales of a new rail clamp product for a solar panel application.
 
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Cost of products sold for the Metal Products segment increased $0.7 million or 9% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.  The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the 2013 first quarter included:

§  
an increase of $0.2 million or 15% in raw materials;
§  
an increase of $0.2 million or 41% related to costs for maintenance and repairs;
§  
an increase of $0.2 million or 22% in costs for supplies and tools;
§  
and an increase of $0.1 million or 16% for utility costs.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased from 15% in the first quarter of 2013 to 14% for the 2014 quarter. The decrease is due to the mix of products produced and the cost increases noted above.

Selling and administrative expenses in the Metal Products segment increased $0.1 million or 18% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The most significant factor resulting in changes in selling and administrative expenses in the Metal Products segment in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the 2013 quarter was:

§  
an increase of $0.1 million or 16% in payroll and payroll related charges.


Other Items

Interest expense decreased 20% in the first quarter of 2014 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 2014 was 32.8% and was comparable to the 2013 effective rate which was 33.3%.


Liquidity and Sources of Capital

The Company generated $413,000 of cash from its operations during the first three months of 2014 compared to $706,000 during the same period in 2013.  The decrease in cash flows in the quarter was primarily the result of 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 $700,000 for the first three months of 2014 compared to $1.3 million for the same period in 2013.  Total capital expenditures for 2014 are expected to be approximately $5 million.  As of March 29, 2014, there is approximately $500,000 of outstanding commitments for these capital expenditures.

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

   
First
Quarter
2014
First
Quarter
2013
Year
End
2013
Current ratio
 
5.5
 
5.6
 
5.2
 
Average days’ sales in accounts receivable
 
47
 
49
 
47
 
Inventory turnover
 
3.7
 
3.8
 
3.7
 
Total debt to shareholders’ equity
 
7.0
%
9.9
%
7.4
%

 
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The following table shows important liquidity measures as of the balance sheet date for each period below (in millions):
   
First
Quarter
2014
 
First
Quarter
2013
 
Year
End
2013
 
Cash and cash equivalents
     
 
     
    - Held in the United States
$
9.4
$
9.2
$
10.2
 
- Held by a foreign subsidiary
 
9.1
 
7.7
 
9.8
 
   
18.5
 
16.9
 
20.0
 
Working capital
 
 58.3
 
 57.3
 
 57.4
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
 0.4
 
 0.7
 
 11.3
 
Change in working capital impact on net cash
    (used)/provided by operating activities
 
 
(2.0
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(0.2
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(0.7
)
(1.3
)
(5.5
)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
 
(1.0
)
(1.0
)
(4.0
)

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 remained fairly constant at $30.3 million on March 29, 2014 compared to $30.7 million at year end 2013 and $29.8 million at the end of the first quarter of 2013.  Accounts receivable was $18.2 million compared to $16.3 million at year end 2013 and $18.4 million at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2013.  The increase from year end is related to higher 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.


ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in market risk from what was reported in the 2013 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 29, 2014, 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 29, 2014 evaluation date.
 
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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.

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.


ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in risk factors from what was reported in the 2013 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
 
17

 
 

 


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 28, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(2)) Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2014 setting forth the press release reporting the Company’s earnings for the quarter ended March 29, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(3)) Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2014 setting forth the results of the vote at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company which was held on April 23, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference.




SIGNATURES

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

 
THE EASTERN COMPANY
 
(Registrant)
 
DATE:  April 25, 2014
/s/Leonard F. Leganza
 
Leonard F. Leganza
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
   
DATE:  April 25, 2014
/s/John L. Sullivan III
 
John L. Sullivan III
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
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