EASTERN CO - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

 UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

  For the Fiscal Year ended December 28, 2019

OR

For the transition period from ________________ to _______________

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
                                                                                                                                                                      Yes [  ]  No [ X ]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
                                                                                                                                                                      Yes [  ]  No [X]

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes [X ]    No [  ]

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).     Yes [  ]  No [X]

As of June 29, 2019, the last day of registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $143,544,835 (based on the closing sales price of the registrant’s common stock on the last trading date prior to that date). Shares of the registrant’s common stock held by each officer and director and shares held in trust by the pension plans of the Company have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

As of February 15, 2020, 6,240,705 shares of the registrant’s common stock, no par value per share, were issued and outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain information required for Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to the proxy statement for the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after December 28, 2019.

The Eastern Company

Form 10-K

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES

LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

 

Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not based on historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “should,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “continue,” or similar terms or variations of those terms or the negative of those terms. There are many factors that affect the Company’s business and the results of its operations and that may cause the actual results of operations in future periods to differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks associated with doing business overseas, including fluctuations in exchange rates and the inability to repatriate foreign cash, the impact on cost structure and on economic conditions as a result of actual and threatened increases in trade tariffs and the impact of political, economic and social instability and epidemics; restrictions on operating flexibility imposed by the agreement governing our credit facility; the inability to achieve the savings expected from global sourcing of materials; the impact of higher raw material and component costs, particularly steel, plastics, scrap iron, zinc, copper and electronic components; lower-cost competition; our ability to design, introduce and sell new products and related components; market acceptance of our products;  the inability to attain expected benefits from acquisitions or the inability to effectively integrate such acquisitions and achieve expected synergies; domestic and international economic conditions, including the impact, length and degree of economic downturns on the customers and markets we serve and more specifically conditions in the automotive, construction, aerospace, energy, oil and gas, transportation, electronic, commercial laundry, mining and general industrial markets; costs and liabilities associated with environmental compliance; the impact of climate change or terrorist threats and the possible responses by the U.S. and foreign governments; failure to protect our intellectual property; cyberattacks; and materially adverse or unanticipated legal judgments, fines, penalties or settlements.; [the relative mix of products which impact margins and operating efficiencies in certain of our businesses; an inability to realize the expected cost savings from restructuring activities including effective completion of plant consolidations, cost reduction efforts including procurement savings and productivity enhancements, capital equipment improvements, and the implementation of lean manufacturing techniques the impact of delays initiated by our customers; our ability to increase manufacturing production to meet demand; potential changes to future pension funding requirements] 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. Also, the Company makes estimates and assumptions that may materially affect reported amounts and disclosures. These relate to valuation allowances for accounts receivable and 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

The Eastern Company (the “Company,” “Eastern,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Connecticut in October, 1912, succeeding a co-partnership established in October, 1858. The businesses of the Company are the design, manufacture and sale of unique engineered solutions for niche industrial markets.

Today, the Company maintains 23 physical locations across North America, Europe, and Asia.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

On August 30, 2019, the Company and its newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary, Eastern Engineered Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“EES”) entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) with Big 3 Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Seller”), Big 3 Precision Mold Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Seller

(“Big 3 Mold”), Big 3 Precision Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Seller (“Big 3 Products”), Industrial Design Innovations, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Big 3 Products (“Design Innovations”), Sur-Form, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Big 3 Products (“Sur-Form”), Associated Toolmakers Limited, a limited company formed under the laws of England and Wales and wholly-owned subsidiary of Big 3 Mold (“Associated” and together with Big 3 Mold, Big 3 Products, Design Innovations and Sur-Form, collectively “Big 3 Precision”), TVV Capital Partners III, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, TVV Capital Partners III-A, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Alan Scheidt, Todd Riley, Clinton Hyde, and Big 3 Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as the initial Seller Representative (the “Seller Representative”).  On August 30, 2019, pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company, through EES, acquired all of the outstanding equity interests of Big 3 Precision Products and Big 3 Mold Services, and indirectly through them, all of the outstanding equity interests in Design Innovations, Sur-Form and Associated, for an adjusted purchase cash price of $81.2 million.  The Big 3 acquisition was financed with a combination of $2.1 million of cash on hand, a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Santander Bank, N.A., for itself and, People’s United Bank, National Association and TD Bank, N.A. as lenders, providing for a $100.0 million term loan   and a $20.0 million revolving credit line.  In connection with the Credit Agreement, the Company also used its cash to repay the remaining balance (approximately $19.1 million) of its then outstanding term loan with People’s United Bank National Association.  Through its two divisions, Big 3 Products and Big 3 Mold, Big 3 Precision serves diverse markets including truck, automotive, plastic packaging products, consumer packaged goods and pharmaceuticals. In particular, Big 3 Precision Products works with leading manufacturers to design and produce custom returnable packaging to integrate with their assembly processes.  Big 3 Mold is a global leader in the design and manufacture of blow mold tools.

Effective June 1, 2018 the Company acquired certain assets of Load N Lock Systems, Inc. (“Load N Lock”), including accounts receivable, inventories, furniture, fixtures and equipment, intellectual property rights, and assumed certain liabilities and rights existing under all sales and purchase agreements.  The transaction price was $5 million.  The Load N Lock acquisition was financed with a draw down on the Company’s $10 million revolving credit facility.  Load N Lock operates as a part of Eastern's Illinois Lock Company ("ILC"), a part of Eastern's Security Products Segment. 

On April 3, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition (the “Velvac Acquisition”) of all of the outstanding stock of Velvac Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Velvac”) for $39.5 million and an earnout consideration contingent upon Velvac achieving minimum earnings performance levels and based on sales of Velvac’s new proprietary Road-iQ product line. The Velvac Acquisition was financed with a $31 million term loan from People’s United Bank, National Association, a $5 million draw down on the Company's $10 million revolving credit facility with People’s United Bank, National Association and $3.5 million in cash. In addition, the Company paid a working capital adjustment of $0.6 million by which working capital exceeded a pre-determined target amount.

The Eastern Company manages industrial businesses that design, manufacture and sell unique engineered solutions to niche markets. We believe Eastern’s businesses operate in industries with long-term macroeconomic growth opportunities.  We look to acquire businesses that produce stable and growing earnings and cash flows. Eastern may pursue acquisitions in industries other than those in which its businesses currently operate if an acquisition presents an attractive opportunity.

Eastern focuses on proactive financial, operational, and strategic management of its businesses in order to increase cash generation, operating earnings and long-term shareholder value. Among other things, Eastern monitors financial and operational performance of each of its businesses and instills consistent financial discipline. Eastern’s management analyzes and pursues prudent organic growth strategies and works to execute attractive external growth and acquisition opportunities.

In addition, Eastern recruits and retains talented managers to operate its businesses.  We look for leaders who are accountable, maintain cost discipline, act quickly, and build strong followership.

The Company reports in three business segments: Industrial Hardware, Security Products and Metal Products.

Industrial Hardware

The Industrial Hardware segment consists of Big 3 Precision, including Big 3 Products and Big 3 Mold; Eberhard Manufacturing Company, Eberhard Hardware Manufacturing Ltd., and Eastern Industrial Ltd; Velvac Holdings; Canadian Commercial Vehicles Corporation; and Sesamee Mexicana, S.A. de C.V.

These businesses design, manufacture and market a diverse product line of custom and standard vehicular and industrial hardware, including turnkey returnable packaging solutions; passenger restraint and vehicular locks, latches, hinges; mirrors, mirror-

cameras; light-weight sleeper boxes; and truck bodies.  The segment also designs and manufactures a wide selection of fasteners and other closure devices used to secure access doors on various type of industrial equipment such as metal cabinets, machinery housings and electronic instruments.  Also we invest in the continued introduction of new or improved product designs and we expand into synergistic product lines in order to maintain and increase market share.  Big 3 Products and Big 3 Mold’s turnkey returnable packaging solution s are used in the assembly process of vehicles, aircraft and durable goods and in the production process of plastic packaging products, packaged consumer goods and pharmaceuticals.  Big 3 Products works with leading manufacturers to design and produce custom returnable packaging to integrate with their assembly processes.  Big 3 Mold is a global leader in the design and manufacture of blow mold tools.  Other products are found on tractor-trailer trucks, specialty commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, fire and rescue vehicles, school buses, military vehicles and other vehicles.  In addition, through Big 3 Products and Big 3 Mold, Big 3 Precision serves diverse markets including truck, automotive, plastic packaging products, packaged consumer goods and pharmaceuticals.  The segment sells directly to original equipment manufacturers (“OEM’s”) and to distributors.  Sales, customer engineering and customer service are primarily provided through in-house sales personnel and engineering staff. We believe that our businesses offer competitive engineering design, service, quality and price to service these markets.

Security Products

The Security Products segment consists of Illinois Lock Company/CCL Security Products, World Lock Company Ltd., Dongguan Reeworld Security Products Ltd., and World Security Industries Ltd.; Greenwald Industries (“Greenwald”); and Argo EMS (formerly Argo Transdata).  Illinois Lock Company/CCL Security Products, known in the market as ILC, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of engineered security and access solutions in the form of mechanical, electronic and wireless products.  ILC focuses on the industrial, vehicle accessory, outdoor recreational equipment, medical, and point of sale and vending segments.  These products and solutions are specified and sold to OEM’s contract equipment manufacturers, and industrial distributors globally.  ILC employs an 80/20 business philosophy to drive focus and efficiency in its end-markets, customers, products and manufacturing processes.  Greenwald designs, manufactures and markets payment systems and coin security products used primarily in the commercial laundry market. Greenwald’s products include timers, drop meters, coin chutes, money boxes, meter cases, mobile payment apps, smart cards, value transfer stations, smart card readers, card management software, and access control units.  Argo EMS supplies printed circuit boards and other electronic assemblies to OEMs in various industries, including measurement systems, semiconductor equipment manufacturing, and industrial controls, medical and military products. The Security Products segment continuously evaluates markets, technology and customer requests to develop growth strategies for the future.

Metal Products

The Metal Products Segment consists of Frazer & Jones.  The Frazer & Jones Company designs and manufactures high quality ductile and malleable iron castings.  Products include valves, torque screws, bean clamps and concrete anchors.  These products are sold to a wide range of industrial markets, including the oil, water and gas; truck/automotive rail, and military/aerospace.  The Company believes that its Metal Products segment is the largest and most efficient producer of expansion shells for use in supporting the roofs of underground mines in North America.

General

The Company obtains materials from nonaffiliated domestic, Asian affiliated and Asian nonaffiliated sources. Raw materials and outside services were readily available for all of the Company’s segments during 2019 and are expected to be readily available in 2020 and the foreseeable future.

Patent and trademark protection for the various product lines within the Company is limited, but believed by the Company to be sufficient to protect the Company’s competitive positions.  Patent durations are from 4 to 20 years.  No business segment is dependent on any patent nor would the loss of any patent have any material adverse effect on the Company’s business.

None of the Company’s segments are seasonal.

Customers for all segments are broad-based geographically and by markets, and sales are generally not highly concentrated by customer.  Foreign sales were not significant.

The Company encounters competition in all of its business segments. Imports from Asia and Latin America with favorable currency exchange rates and low cost labor have created additional pricing pressure. The Company competes successfully by

offering high quality custom engineered products on a timely basis. To compete, the Company deploys internal engineering resources, maintains cost effective manufacturing capabilities through its wholly-owned Asian subsidiaries, expands its product lines through product development and acquisitions, and maintains sufficient inventory for fast turnaround of customer orders.

The Company does not anticipate that compliance with federal, state or local environmental laws or regulations are likely to have a material effect on the Company’s capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

As of February 1, 2020, the Company’s total number of employees is 1,399, all of which are full time employees.

The Company’s ratio of working capital to sales improved to 28.1% in 2019 from 30.3% in 2018.  The improvement in working capital was the result of increased sales activity and our continued commitment to reducing our working capital.  Working capital includes cash held in various foreign subsidiaries.  With the passage of recent tax legislation cash previously held in foreign countries can be repatriated back to the United States and used for other business needs thus reducing working capital further.  Other factors affecting working capital include our average days’ sales in accounts receivable, inventory turnover ratio and payment of vendor accounts payable.  In some cases, the company must hold extra inventory due to extended lead time in receiving products ordered from our foreign subsidiaries to ensure product is available for our customers.  The Company continues to monitor working capital needs with the goal of reducing our ratio of working capital to sales.

The Company makes available, free of charge through its Internet website at http://www.easterncompany.com, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  The Company’s reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

In addition to the other information contained in this Form 10-K and the Company’s other filings with the SEC, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating the Company’s business. The Company’s business, financial condition or results of operation could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks or additional risks not presently known to the Company, or by risks the Company currently deems immaterial, which may also adversely affect its business, financial condition or results of operations.  Additionally, there can be no assurance that the Company has correctly identified and appropriately assessed all factors affecting its business or that information publicly available with respect to these matters is complete and correct.

The Company’s business is subject to risks associated with conducting business overseas.

International operations could be adversely affected by changes in political and economic conditions, trade protection measures, restrictions on repatriation of earnings, differing intellectual property rights and changes in regulatory requirements that restrict the sales of products or increase costs. Changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies could result in increases or decreases in earnings and may adversely affect the value of the Company’s assets outside the United States. The Company’s operations are also subject to the effects of international trade agreements and regulations. These trade agreements could impose requirements that adversely affect the Company’s business, such as, but not limited to, setting quotas on products that may be imported from a particular country into the Company’s key markets in North America.

The Company’s ability to import products in a timely and cost-effective manner may also be affected by conditions at ports or issues that otherwise affect transportation and warehousing providers, such as port and shipping capacity, labor disputes, severe weather or increased homeland security requirements in the United States or other countries. These issues could delay importation of products or require the Company to locate alternative ports or warehousing providers to avoid disruption to customers. These alternatives may not be available on short notice or could result in higher transit costs, which could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial conditions or results of operations.

The Company is also subject to the impacts of political, economic and social instability. For example, the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” was completed on January 31, 2020, commencing a

standstill transition period that is currently set to last until December 31, 2020.  During this transition period, the United Kingdom’s trading relationship with the European Union will remain unchanged while the parties negotiate to agree on and implement a new trading relationship.  There remains significant uncertainty about how and when such final agreement will be reached, and the withdrawal could significantly disrupt the free movement of goods, services, and people between the United Kingdom and the European Union, and result in increased legal and regulatory complexities, as well as potential higher costs of conducting business in Europe. Brexit has also contributed to significant volatility and uncertainty in global stock markets and currency exchange rates, and such volatility could continue to occur. The uncertainty surrounding the terms of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal and its consequences, as well as market volatility and any deterioration in economic conditions due to the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, could adversely impact consumer and investor confidence, and the level of consumer purchases of discretionary items and retail products, including our products. Any of these effects, among others, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Additionally, Brexit has resulted in the immediate strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies in which the Company conducts business. Because the Company translates revenue denominated in foreign currency into U.S. dollars for its financial statements, during periods of a strengthening U.S. dollar, the Company’s reported earnings from foreign operations are reduced. As a result of Brexit, there may be further periods of volatility in the currencies in which the Company conducts business.

Our financial and operating performance may be adversely affected by epidemics and other health related issues.

Our business and financial and operating performance could be materially and adversely affected by the outbreak of epidemics including but not limited to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and other health related issues. As a result of the ongoing novel coronavirus, the Company’s operations in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are expected to experience a slowdown or temporary suspension in production. Our business could be materially and adversely affected in the event that the slowdown or suspension continues for a long period of time. During such epidemic outbreak, China, Hong Kong or Taiwan may adopt certain hygiene measures, including quarantining visitors from places where any of the contagious diseases were rampant. Those restrictive measures may adversely affect and slow down economic development during that period. Any prolonged restrictive measures in order to control the contagious disease or other adverse public health developments in China, Hong Kong or Taiwan may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Indebtedness may affect our business and may restrict our operating flexibility.

As of December, 28, 2019, the Company had $98,765,000 in total consolidated indebtedness. Subject to restrictions contained in our credit facility, the Company may incur additional indebtedness in the future, including indebtedness incurred to finance acquisitions. The level of indebtedness and servicing costs associated with that indebtedness could have important effects on our operation and business strategy. For example, the indebtedness could:

•	Place the Company at a competitive disadvantage relative to the Company’s competitors, some of which have lower debt service obligations and greater financial resources;

•	Limit our ability to borrow additional funds;

•	Limit our ability to complete future acquisitions;

•	Limit our ability to pay dividends;

•	Limit our ability to make capital expenditures; and

•	Increase the Company’s vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions.

The Company’s ability to make scheduled principal payments, to pay interest on, or to refinance our indebtedness and to satisfy other debt obligations will depend upon future operating performance, which may be affected by factors beyond the Company’s control. In addition, there can be no assurance that future borrowings or the issuance of equity would be available to the Company on favorable terms for the payment or refinancing of the Company’s debt. If the Company is unable to service its indebtedness, the business, financial condition and results of operation would be materially adversely affected.

The Company’s credit facility contains covenants requiring the Company to achieve certain financial and operations results and maintain compliance with specified financial ratios. The Company’s ability to meet the financial covenants or requirements in its credit facility may be affected by events beyond our control, and the Company may not be able to satisfy such covenants and requirements. A breach of these covenants or the Company’s inability to comply with the financial ratios, tests or other restrictions contained in our credit facility could result in an event of default under such credit facility. Upon the occurrence of an event of

default under our credit facility and/or the expiration of any grace periods, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under our credit facility, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. If this were to occur, the Company’s assets may not be sufficient to fully repay the amounts due under our credit facility or the Company’s other indebtedness.

In addition, the Company’s growth strategy involves expanding sales of its products into foreign markets. There is no guarantee that the Company’s products will be accepted by foreign customers or how long it may take to develop sales of the Company’s products in these foreign markets.

The phaseout of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), or the replacement of LIBOR with a different reference rate, may adversely affect interest rates.

On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the authority that regulates LIBOR) announced that it would phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is unclear whether new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021, or if alternative rates or benchmarks will be adopted. Changes in the method of calculating LIBOR, or the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative rate or benchmark, may adversely affect interest rates and result in higher borrowing costs. This could materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. We cannot predict the effect of the potential changes to LIBOR or the establishment and use of alternative rates or benchmarks. We may need to renegotiate our revolving credit facility or incur other indebtedness, and changes in the method of calculating LIBOR, or the use of an alternative rate or benchmark, may negatively impact the terms of such indebtedness. If changes are made to the method of calculating LIBOR or LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to amend certain contracts, including our revolving credit facility, and cannot predict what alternative rate or benchmark would be negotiated. This may result in an increase to our interest expense.

Increases in the price or reduced availability of raw materials could increase the cost of raw materials, decrease profit margins or impair the Company’s ability to meet production requirements on time or at all.

Raw materials needed to manufacture products are obtained from numerous suppliers. Under normal market conditions, these raw materials are readily available on the open market from a variety of producers. However, from time to time, the prices and availability of these raw materials fluctuate, which could impair the Company’s ability to procure the required raw materials for its operations or increase the cost of manufacturing its products. If the price of raw materials increases, the Company may be unable to pass these increases on to its customers and could experience reductions to its profit margins. Also, any decrease in the availability of raw materials could impair the Company’s ability to meet production requirements in a timely manner or at all.

The Company faces active global competition and if it does not compete effectively, its business may suffer.

The Company encounters competition in all of its business segments, and imports from Asia and Latin America with favorable currency exchange rates and low-cost labor have resulted in pricing pressure.  The Company competes with other companies that offer similar products or that produce different products appropriate for the same uses.  To remain profitable and defend market share, the Company must continue to offer high quality custom engineered products on a timely basis, deploy internal engineering resources, maintain cost-effective manufacturing capabilities through its wholly owned Asian subsidiaries, expand its product lines through product development and acquisitions, and maintain sufficient inventory for fast turnaround of customer orders. The Company may not be able to compete effectively on all of these fronts and with all of its competitors, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on its sales and profit margins.

In addition, the Company may have to reduce prices on its products and services, or make other concessions, to stay competitive and retain market share. Price reductions taken by the Company in response to customer and competitive pressures, as well as price reductions and promotional actions taken to drive demand that may not result in anticipated sales levels, could also negatively impact the Company’s business.

If tariffs on imported Chinese products are further expanded to include additional products and the tariff is reinstated to 25%, our cost of raw materials may increase, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company obtains raw materials used in the production of its products from domestic, Asian affiliated and nonaffiliated sources.  On January 15, 2020, the U.S. and China signed the U.S.-China Phase One trade deal which, among other things, rolls back tariffs on $120 billion of Chinese products from 15% to 7.5% effective February 14, 2020. The U.S. agreed not to proceed with the 15% tariffs on $160 billion of consumer goods which were scheduled to take effect December 15, 2019.  However, the 25% tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports will remain in effect subject to further reductions depending on the progress of future negotiations.  If China does not follow through its agreed upon commitments and tariffs are reinstated on $550 billion of Chinese products at the 25% rate, it could result in a loss of business and possible reduced margins for the Company, if the tariffs cannot be recovered in higher selling prices.

The inability to develop new products could limit growth.

Demand for new products and the inability to develop and introduce new competitive products at favorable profit margins could adversely affect the Company’s performance and prospects for future growth, and the Company would not be positioned to maintain current levels of revenues and earnings. The uncertainties associated with developing and introducing new products, such as the market demands and the costs of development and production, may impede the successful development and introduction of new products. Acceptance of the new products may not meet sales expectations due to several factors, such as the Company’s potential inability to accurately predict market demand or to resolve technical issues in a timely and cost effective manner. Additionally, the inability to develop new products on a timely basis could result in the loss of business to competitors.

The inability to identify or complete acquisitions could limit growth.

The Company’s future growth may partly depend on its ability to acquire and successfully integrate new businesses. The Company intends to seek additional acquisition opportunities, both to expand into new markets and to enhance the Company’s position in existing markets. However, there can be no assurances that the Company will be able to successfully identify suitable candidates, negotiate appropriate terms, obtain financing on acceptable terms, complete proposed acquisitions, successfully integrate acquired businesses or expand into new markets. Once acquired, operations may not achieve anticipated levels of revenues or profitability.

Acquisitions involve risk, including difficulties in the integration of the operations, technologies, services and products of the acquired companies and the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns. Although the Company’s management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in any particular transaction, there can be no assurances that the Company’s management will properly ascertain all such risks. In addition, prior acquisitions have resulted, and future acquisitions could result in the incurrence of substantial debt and other expenses. Future acquisitions may also result in potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities. Difficulties encountered with acquisitions may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may be unable to successfully execute or effectively integrate acquisitions, including the Big 3 Precision acquistion and any businesses we may acquire in the future.

We regularly review our portfolio of businesses and pursue growth through acquisitions. We may not be able to complete transactions on favorable terms, on a timely basis, or at all, and the success of any such acquisitions depends on our ability to combine the acquired business with our existing business in a manner that does not disrupt our and the acquired business’s ongoing relationships with customers, suppliers and employees. Our results of operations and cash flows may be adversely impacted by (i) the failure of acquired businesses to meet or exceed expected returns, including risk of impairment; (ii) the failure to integrate multiple acquired businesses into the Company simultaneously and on schedule or to achieve expected synergies and (iii) the discovery of unanticipated liabilities, cybersecurity and compliance issues, labor relations difficulties or other problems in acquired businesses for which we lack contractual protections, or insurance or indemnities.

In particular, the Company may also be adversely impacted if it is unable to successfully combine its businesses with that of Big 3 Precision in a manner that does not materially disrupt the existing relationships of either the Company or Big 3 Precision or adversely affect current revenues and investments in future growth.  Additionally, the Company may not be able to successfully achieve the level of cost savings, revenue enhancements and synergies that it expects in connection with the acquisition.  If the Company is not able to successfully achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of its acquisition of Big 3 Precision may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected.

Changes in competition in the markets that the Company services could impact revenues and earnings.

Any change in competition may result in lost market share or reduced prices, which could result in reduced profits and margins. This may impair the ability to grow or even maintain current levels of revenues and earnings.  While the Company has an extensive customer base, loss of certain customers could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations until such business is replaced, and no assurances can be made that the Company would be able to regain or replace any lost customers.

The Company is required to evaluate its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

The Company is an “accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act and is thus required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Section 404 requires the Company to include in its report management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the fiscal period for which the Company is filing its Annual Report on Form 10-K. This report must also include disclosure of any material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting that the Company has identified. Additionally, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is required to issue a report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and their evaluation

of the operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s assessment requires it to make subjective judgments, and the independent registered public accounting firm may not agree with the Company’s assessment. If the Company or its independent registered public accounting firm were unable to complete the assessments within the period prescribed by Section 404 and thus be unable to conclude that the internal control over financial reporting is effective, investors could lose confidence in the Company’s reported financial information, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of the Company’s common stock or impact the Company’s borrowing ability. In addition, changes in operating conditions and changes in compliance with policies and procedures currently in place may result in inadequate internal control over financial reporting in the future.

Environmental compliance costs and liabilities could increase the Company’s expenses and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition.

The Company’s operations and properties are subject to laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, including air emissions, water discharges, waste management and workplace safety. These laws and regulations can result in the imposition of substantial fines and sanctions for violations and could require the installation of pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit pollution emissions and/or decrease the likelihood of accidental hazardous substance releases. The Company must conform its operations and properties to these laws and adapt to regulatory requirements in the countries in which the Company’s businesses operate as these requirements change.

The Company uses and generates hazardous substances and wastes in its operations and, as a result, could be subject to potentially material liabilities relating to the investigation and clean-up of contaminated properties and to claims alleging personal injury. The Company has experienced, and expects to continue to experience, costs relating to compliance with environmental laws and regulations. In connection with the Company’s acquisitions, the Company may assume significant environmental liabilities, some of which it may not be aware of at the time of acquisition. In addition, new laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new clean-up requirements could require the Company to incur costs or become the basis for new or increased liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in climate may increase the frequency and intensity of adverse weather patterns and may negatively impact our business.

Natural disasters, changes in climate, and geo-political events could materially adversely affect our financial performance. The occurrence of one or more natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, typhoons, weather conditions such as major or extended winter storms, droughts and tornadoes, whether as a result of climate change or otherwise, severe changes in climate and geo-political events, such as war, civil unrest or terrorist attacks in a country in which we operate or in which our suppliers are located could adversely affect our operations and financial performance.

Our technology is important to the Company’s success and the failure to protect this technology could put the Company at a competitive disadvantage.

Some of the Company’s products rely on proprietary technology; therefore, the Company believes that the development and protection of intellectual property rights through patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks, confidentiality agreements and other contractual provisions are important to the future success of its business. Despite the Company’s efforts to protect proprietary rights, unauthorized parties or competitors may copy or otherwise obtain and use the Company’s products or technology. Actions to enforce these rights may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and the Company makes no assurances that any such actions will be successful.

In addition to the United States, we have applied for intellectual property protection in other jurisdictions with respect to certain innovations and new products, product features, and processes. The laws of certain foreign countries in which we do business, or contemplate doing business in the future, do not recognize intellectual property rights or protect them to the same extent as U.S. law. As a result, these factors could weaken our competitive advantage with respect to our products, services, and brands in foreign jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our financial performance.  We may also encounter significant problems in protecting and defending our licensed and owned intellectual property in foreign jurisdictions. For example, China currently affords less protection to a company’s intellectual property than some other jurisdictions. As such, the lack of strong patent and other intellectual property protection in China may significantly increase our vulnerability regarding unauthorized disclosure or use of our intellectual property and undermine our competitive position. Proceedings to enforce our intellectual property rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial cost and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business.

The Company relies on information and technology for many of its business operations, which could fail and cause disruption to the Company’s business operations.

The Company’s business operations are dependent upon information technology networks and systems to securely transmit, process and store electronic information and to communicate among its locations around the world and with clients and vendors. A shut-down of, or inability to access, one or more of the Company’s facilities, a power outage or a failure of one or more of the Company’s information technology, telecommunications or other systems could significantly impair the Company’s ability to perform such functions on a timely basis. Computer viruses, cyberattacks, other external hazards and human error could result in the misappropriation of assets or sensitive information, corruption of data or operational disruption. If sustained or repeated, such a business interruption, system failure, service denial or data loss and damage could result in a deterioration of the Company’s ability to write and process orders, provide customer service or perform other necessary business functions.

A breach in the security of the Company’s software could harm its reputation, result in a loss of current and potential customers and subject the Company to material claims, which could materially harm our operating results and financial condition.

If the Company’s security measures are breached, an unauthorized party may obtain access to the Company’s data or users’ or customers’ data. In addition, cyber-attacks and similar acts could lead to interruptions and delays in customer processing or a loss or breach of a customer’s data. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, the Company may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. The risk that these types of events could seriously harm the Company’s business is likely to increase as the Company expands the number of web-based products we offer, the services we provide, and our global operations.

Regulatory authorities around the world are considering a number of legislative and regulatory proposals concerning data protection. In addition, the interpretation and application of consumer and data protection laws in the United States and elsewhere are often uncertain and in flux. It is possible that these laws may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with the Company’s data practices. If so, in addition to the possibility of fines, this could result in an order requiring that the Company change its data practices, which could have an adverse effect on its business and results of operations.

Any security breaches for which the Company is, or is perceived to be, responsible, in whole or in part, could subject us to legal claims or legal proceedings, including regulatory investigations, which could harm the Company’s reputation and result in significant litigation costs and damage awards or settlement amounts. Any imposition of liability, particularly liability that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of insurance coverage, could materially harm our operating results and financial condition. Security breaches also could cause the Company to lose current and potential customers, which could have an adverse effect on

our business. Moreover, the Company might be required to expend significant financial and other resources to further protect against security breaches or to rectify problems caused by any security breach.

The Company could be subject to litigation, which could have a material impact on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

From time to time, the Company’s operations are parties to or targets of lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including product liability, personal injury, patent and intellectual property, commercial, contract, and environmental and employment matters, which are defended and settled in the ordinary course of business.  Any litigation to which the Company may be subject could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations. See “ITEM 3 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS” in this Form 10-K for a discussion of current litigation.

The Company could be subject to additional tax liabilities.

The Company is subject to income tax laws of the United States, its states and municipalities and those of other foreign jurisdictions in which the Company has business operations.  These laws are complex and subject to interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment and interpretation is required in determining the Company’s worldwide provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of business, transactions arise where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Although the Company believes that our tax estimates are reasonable, the final outcome of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different from that which is reflected in historical income tax provisions and accruals. Based on the status of a given tax audit or related litigation, a material effect on the Company’s income tax provision or net income may result during the period or periods from the initial recognition of a particular matter in the Company’s reported financial results to the final closure of that tax audit or settlement of related litigation when the ultimate tax and related cash flow is known with certainty.

The Company’s goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets may become impaired, which could require a significant charge to earnings to be recognized.

Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are reviewed for impairment at least annually. Future operating results used in the assumptions, such as sales or profit forecasts, may not materialize, and the Company could be required to record a significant charge to earnings in the financial statements during the period in which any impairment is determined, resulting in an unfavorable impact on our results of operations. Numerous assumptions are used in the evaluation of impairment, and there is no guarantee that the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm would reach the same conclusion as the Company or an independent valuation firm, which could result in a disagreement between management and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

The Company may need additional capital in the future, which may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all.

From time-to-time, the Company has historically relied on outside financing to fund expanded operations, capital expenditure programs and acquisitions. The Company may require additional capital in the future to fund operations or strategic opportunities. The Company cannot be assured that additional financing will be available on favorable terms, or at all. In addition, the terms of available financing may place limits on the Company’s financial and operating flexibility. If the Company is unable to obtain sufficient capital in the future, the Company may not be able to expand or acquire complementary businesses and may not be able to continue to develop new products or otherwise respond to changing business conditions or competitive pressures.

The Company’s stock price may become highly volatile.

The Company’s stock price may change dramatically when buyers seeking to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock exceed the shares available on the market, or when there are no buyers to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock when shareholders are trying to sell their shares.

The Company depends on key management and technical personnel, the loss of whom could harm its businesses.

The Company depends on key management and technical personnel. The loss of one or more key employees could materially and adversely affect the Company.

The Company’s success also depends on its ability to attract and retain highly qualified technical, sales and marketing and management personnel necessary for the maintenance and expansion of its activities. The Company faces strong competition for such personnel and may not be able to attract or retain such personnel. In addition, when the Company experiences periods with little or no profits, a decrease in compensation based on profits may make it difficult to attract and retain highly qualified personnel.

In order to attract and retain executives and other key employees, the Company must provide a competitive compensation package, if the Company’s profits decrease, or if the Company’s total compensation package is not viewed as competitive, the Company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate executives and key employees could be weakened. The failure to successfully hire and retain executives and key employees or the loss of any executives and key employees could have a significant impact on our operations.

The Company may not be able to reach acceptable terms for contracts negotiated with its labor unions and be subject to work stoppages or disruption of production.

During 2020, union contracts covering approximately 1% of the Company’s total workforce will expire.  The Company has been successful in negotiating new contracts over the years, but cannot guarantee that will continue. Failure to negotiate new union contracts could result in the disruption of production, inability to deliver product or a number of unforeseen circumstances, any of which could have an unfavorable material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Deterioration in the creditworthiness of several major customers could have a material impact on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Included as a significant asset on the Company’s balance sheet are accounts receivable from our customers.  If several large customers become insolvent or are otherwise unable to pay for products, or become unwilling or unable to make payments in a timely manner, it could have an unfavorable material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Although the Company is not dependent on any one customer, deterioration in several large customers at the same time could have an unfavorable material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.  One customer exceeded 10% of total accounts receivable for 2019.  No customer exceeded 10% of total accounts receivable for 2018.

The Company’s operating results may fluctuate, which makes the results of operations difficult to predict and could cause the results to fall short of expectations.

The Company’s operating results may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control.  As a result, comparing the Company’s operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful, and past results should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.  Quarterly, year to date and annual costs and expenses as a percentage of revenues may differ significantly from historical or projected levels.  Future operating results may fall below expectations.  These types of events could cause the price of the Company’s stock to fall.

New or existing U.S. or foreign laws could subject the Company to claims or otherwise impact the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

The Company is subject to a variety of laws in both the U.S. and foreign countries that are costly to comply with, can result in negative publicity and diversion of management time and effort and can subject the Company to claims or other remedies.

None.

The corporate office of the Company is located in Naugatuck, Connecticut in a two-story, 8,000 square foot administrative building on 2.1 acres of land.

All of the Company’s properties are owned or leased and are adequate to satisfy current requirements. All of the Company’s properties have the necessary flexibility to cover any long-term expansion requirements.

The Industrial Hardware Group includes the following:

Big 3 Products in Centralia, Illinois owns 156,160 square feet of administrative and manufacturing space located in an industrial park.  The single story building is steel frame with steel siding and roof.

Big 3 Products in Dearborn, Michigan leases 86,250 square feet of building space.  The building is made from industrial block. Approximately 6,000 square feet of office space is used for design engineers.  The current lease expires on February 4, 2025.

Big 3 Products in Chesterfield, Michigan leases 45,000 square feet for a design and manufacturing facility.  This building is industrial block and metal frame.  The current lease expires on February 28, 2021.

Big 3 Mold in Holliston, Massachusetts leases 13,800 square feet of building space.  The building is industrial block.  The current lease expires on December 31, 2020.

Big 3 Mold in Millville, New Jersey owns 54,450 square feet of building space.  The building is industrial block.

Big 3 Precision in Pleasant Hill, Missouri leases 1,000 square feet of office space. The building is metal frame.  The current lease expires on April 1, 2022.

Big 3 Precision in Kimball, Michigan leases 3,500 square feet of building space.  The current lease expires on April 30, 2022 with an option to renew for an additional twelve months.

Associated Tool a wholly-owned subsidiary in Wrexham, Wales leases 5,000 square feet of building space.  The building is industrial block and metal frame.  The current lease expires on August 10, 2020.

The Eberhard Manufacturing Division in Strongsville, Ohio owns 9.6 acres of land and a building containing 157,580 square feet, located in an industrial park. The building is steel frame, is one-story and has curtain walls of brick, glass and insulated steel panels. The building has two high bays, one of which houses two units of automated warehousing.

Eberhard Hardware Manufacturing, Ltd., a wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary in Tillsonburg, Ontario, owns 4.4 acres of land and a building containing 31,000 square feet in an industrial park. The building is steel frame, is one-story, and has curtain walls of brick, glass and insulated steel panels. It is particularly suited for light fabrication, assembly and warehousing and is adequate for long-term expansion requirements.

Eastern Industrial Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary in Shanghai, China, leases brick and concrete buildings containing approximately 47,500 square feet of space that are located in both industrial and commercial areas. In 2016, Eastern Industrial, Ltd. entered into a six-year lease, which expires on March 31, 2022 and is renewable.

Velvac, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary in New Berlin, Wisconsin, leases a 98,000 square foot building.  The building includes 17,000 square feet of office space and 81,000 square feet of warehousing and distribution operations.  The current lease expires on May 31, 2021.

Velvac de Reynosa, S. De R.L De C.V., a maquiladora wholly-owned in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, leases 90,000 square feet of building space located in an industrial park identified as Buildings 19, 20 and 21 and on a tract of land with an area of 165,507 square feet.  The building is one level and is made from brick and concrete.  The building is protected by a 24 hour security system and onsite security.  The current lease expires on August 31, 2021.

Velvac, Inc. also leases a 9,300 square foot building in Bellingham, Washington. The premises are used solely for software development and research and development. The lease was terminated in January 2020.

Canadian Commercial Vehicles Corporation (“CCV”), a wholly-owned subsidiary in Kelowna, British Columbia, leases 46,385 square feet of building space located in an industrial park. The building is made from brick and concrete, contains approximately 5,400 square feet of office space on two levels and houses a modern paint booth for finishing our products. The building is protected by a F1 rated fire suppression system and alarmed for fire and security. CCV’s lease expires on December 31, 2018 and is renewable.

The Sesamee Mexicana subsidiary leases 42,588 square feet in a facility located in an industrial park in Lerma, Mexico.  The current lease expires on November 30, 2020 and is renewable.  The building is steel frame with concrete block and glass curtain walls.

The Security Products Group includes the following:

The Illinois Lock Company/CCL Security Products Division owns 2.5 acres of land and a building containing 44,000 square feet in Wheeling, Illinois. The building is brick and is located in an industrial park.

The World Lock Co. Ltd. subsidiary leases 5,285 square feet of space in a building located in Taipei, Taiwan. The building is made from brick and concrete and is protected by a fire alarm and sprinklers.  The current lease expires on June 30, 2020 and is renewable for a six-month period.

The Dongguan Reeworld Security Products Company Ltd. subsidiary was established in July 2013 to manufacture locks and hardware and leases 103,800 square feet of space in concrete buildings that are located in an industrial park in Dongguan, China.  The current lease expires on May 31, 2022 and is renewable for a three year period.

The Greenwald Industries Division in Chester, Connecticut owns 26 acres of land and a building containing 120,000 square feet. The building is steel frame, is one-story, and has brick over concrete blocks.

The Argo EMS Division leases approximately 17,000 square feet of space in a building located in an industrial park in Clinton, Connecticut.  The building is a two-story steel frame structure and is situated on 2.9 acres of land.  The current lease expires on March 31, 2022.

The Metal Products Group consists of:

The Frazer & Jones Division in Solvay, New York owns 17.9 acres of land and buildings containing 205,000 square feet constructed for foundry use. These facilities are well adapted to handle the division’s current and future casting requirements.

All owned properties are free and clear of any encumbrances.

The Company is party to various legal proceedings from time to time related to its normal business operations.  Currently, the Company is not involved in any material pending legal proceedings.

In 2010, the Company was contacted by the State of Illinois regarding potential ground contamination at its plant in Wheeling, Illinois.  The Company entered into a voluntary remediation program in Illinois and engaged an environmental clean-up company to perform testing and develop a remediation plan.  Since 2010, the environmental company completed a number of tests and the design of a final remediation system was approved in the second quarter of 2018.  As of the end of the of 2019, the remediation plan was completed.  The State of Illinois has received the documentation related to the remediation and is in the process of approving the final documentation.  The total estimated cost for the remediation system is anticipated to be approximately $50,000, which the Company previously accrued for and expensed in prior years.  The Company no longer considers this proceeding to be material.

In 2016, the Company created a plan to remediate a landfill of spent foundry sand maintained at the Company’s metal casting facility in New York.  This plan was agreed to by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (the “DEC”) on March 27, 2018.  Based on estimates provided by the Company’s environmental engineers, the anticipated cost to remediate and monitor the landfill was $430,000.  The Company accrued for and expensed the entire $430,000 in the first quarter of 2018 and fiscal 2017.  In the Fall of 2018, detailed construction drawings were prepared by an outside consultant in conjunction with

informal progress reviews by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (the “NYSDEC”).  Long-term groundwater monitoring commenced in April of 2019.  Verbal approval for the closure plan was received from the NYSDEC in May of 2019.  Written approval is anticipated in the first quarter of 2020.  Construction of the closure remedies, including improved drainage system, regrading, and installation of a low permeability cap, is anticipated in the spring of 2020.  In the summer of 2020, following the completion of construction work, a closure report and maintenance plan will be prepared for the NYSDEC.  This closure report and maintenance plan will document the work done and request acknowledgment of satisfactory completion of the Order on Consent between Frazer and Jones, and the NYSDEC.

Not applicable.

The Company’s common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “EML”. The approximate number of record holders of the Company common stock on December 28, 2019 was 333.

The Company expects to continue its policy of paying regular cash dividends, although there can be no assurance as to future dividends because they are dependent on future earnings, capital requirements and financial condition.

The following table sets forth information regarding securities authorized for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 28, 2019, consisting of the Company’s 2010 Executive Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”).

Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights		Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights		Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
	(a)		(b)		(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders	96,728		22.30		178,5001
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders	-		-		-
Total	96,728		22.30		178,500

¹ Includes shares available for future issuance under the 2010 Plan.  No new grants may be made under the 2010 Plan, which expired by its terms on February 9, 2020 but continues to govern awards outstanding under the 2010 Plan.

During fiscal years 2019 and 2018, there were no sales by the Company of its securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

On May 2, 2018, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a new program to repurchase up to 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.  The Company’s share repurchase program does not obligate it to acquire the Company’s common stock at any specific cost per share.  Under this program, shares may be repurchased in privately negotiated and/or open market transactions, including under plans complying with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act.

The Company did not repurchase any shares during fiscal year 2019

As a result of the Company’s status as a smaller reporting company pursuant to Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, the Company is no longer required to provide the information under this Item 6, of Form 10-K pursuant to Item 301(c) of Reg. S-K.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31.  Fiscal Years, 2019 and 2018 were each 52 weeks in length. References in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to results for “2019” or “fiscal year 2019” mean the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019, and references to results for “2018” or “fiscal year 2018” mean the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018.

Summary

Sales for 2019 were $251.7 million compared to $234.3 million for 2018.  Net income for 2019 was $13.3 million, or $2.12 per diluted share, compared to $14.5 million, or $2.31 per diluted share, for 2018.  Sales for the fourth quarter of 2019 were $68.7 million compared to $56.6 million for the same period in 2018.  Net income for the fourth quarter of 2019 was $5.0 million, or $0.79 per diluted share compared to $4.4 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, for the comparable 2018 period.  The fourth quarter 2019 operating results include three months of Big 3 Precision sales and earnings while the full fiscal year includes four months of sales and earnings.  Big 3 Precision was acquired on August 30, 2019.

The dollar amount of the backlog of orders received by the Company increased as of the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019. Such backlogs were $71,200,000 at December 28, 2019, as compared to $46,888,000 at December 29, 2018.  The primary reasons for the change from 2018 to 2019 were significant backlog increases as the result of the acquisition of Big 3 Precision, stronger sales and a delay of year-end orders at Eberhard Manufacturing, and the timing of orders received from customers.  The Company anticipates continued growth in sales and earnings in fiscal 2020 primarily as a result of the acquisition of Big 3 Precision, new mirror program for Class 8 trucks being awarded to our Velvac subsidiary, and new products launches at the Eberhard Manufacturing and Illinois Lock businesses. The Company believes that as new programs and products launch, these will offset the impact from a forecasted 25-30% decline in Class 8 truck production and continued softening in the recreational vehicle market in 2020.

During 2019 and the last half of 2018, the Company experienced price decreases for many of the raw materials used in producing its products, including: scrap iron, stainless steel, hot and cold rolled steel, zinc, copper and aluminum while nickel prices increased.  Raw material prices were beginning to increase in the latter half of the fourth quarter.  These increases could negatively impact the Company’s gross margin if raw material prices increase too rapidly for the Company to recover those cost increases through either price increases to our customers or cost reductions in other areas of the business.

On January 15, 2020 the United States and China signed the U.S.-China Phase One trade deal which among other things rolls back tariffs on $120 billion worth of Chinese products from 15% to 7.5% effective February 14, 2020 and the U.S. agreed to not to proceed with the 15% tariffs on $160 billion worth of consumer goods which was scheduled to take effect December 15, 2019.  However, the 25% tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports will remain in effect subject to further reductions depending on the progress of future negotiations.  If China does not follow through their agreed upon commitments and tariffs are reinstated on $550 billion of Chinese products at the 25% rate, it could result in a loss of business and possible reduced margins if the tariffs cannot be recovered in higher selling prices.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions regarding uncertainties that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Areas of uncertainty that require judgments, estimates and assumptions include items such as the accounting for derivatives; environmental matters; the testing of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment; proceeds on assets to be sold; pensions and other postretirement benefits; leases; and tax matters. Management uses historical experience and all available information to make its estimates and assumptions, but actual results will inevitably differ from the estimates and assumptions that are used to prepare the Company’s financial statements at any given time. Despite these inherent limitations, management believes that Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the financial statements and related footnotes provide a meaningful and fair presentation of the Company.

Management believes that the application of these estimates and assumptions on a consistent basis enables the Company to provide the users of the financial statements with useful and reliable information about the Company’s operating results and financial condition.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company reviews the collectability of its receivables on an ongoing basis, taking into account a combination of factors. The Company reviews potential problems, such as past due accounts, a bankruptcy filing or deterioration in the customer’s financial condition, to ensure that the Company has adequately accrued for potential loss. Accounts are considered past due based on when payment was originally due. If a customer’s situation changes, such as a bankruptcy or its creditworthiness, or there is a change in the current economic climate, the Company may modify its estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts.  The Company will write off accounts receivable after reasonable collection efforts have been made and the accounts are deemed uncollectible.

Inventory

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method at the Company’s U.S. facilities. Accordingly, a LIFO valuation reserve is calculated using the dollar value link chain method.

We review the net realizable value of inventory in detail on an ongoing basis, giving consideration to deterioration, obsolescence and other factors. Based on these assessments, we provide for an inventory reserve in the period in which an impairment is identified. The reserve fluctuates with market conditions, design cycles and other economic factors.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Intangible assets with finite useful lives are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the periods benefited. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized. The Company performed its most recent qualitative assessment as of the end of fiscal 2019 and determined that it is more likely than not that no impairment of goodwill existed at the end of 2019.  The Company will perform annual qualitative assessments in subsequent years as of the end of each fiscal year.  Additionally, the Company will perform interim analysis whenever conditions warrant.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

The amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements related to pension and other postretirement benefits are determined from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are assumptions about such factors as expected return on plan assets, discount rates at which liabilities could be settled, rate of increase in future compensation levels, mortality rates, and trends in health insurance costs. These assumptions are reviewed annually and updated as required. In accordance with GAAP, actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, affect the expense recognized and obligations recorded in future periods.

The discount rate used is based on a single equivalent discount rate derived with the assistance of our actuaries by matching expected future benefit payments in each year to the corresponding spot rates from the FTSE Pension Liability Yield Curve, comprised of high quality (rated AA or better) corporate bonds.  Effective January 1, 2017, the Company elected to refine its approach for calculating its service and interest costs in future years by applying the specific spot rates along the selected yield curve to the relevant projected cash flows.  The Company believes this method more precisely measures its obligations.

The expected long-term rate of return on assets is also developed with input from the Company’s actuarial firms. We consider the Company’s historical experience with pension fund asset performance, the current and expected allocation of our plan assets and expected long-term rates of return. The long-term rate-of-return assumption used for determining net periodic pension expense was 7.5% for 2019 and 2018. The Company reviews the long-term rate of return each year.

Future actual pension income and expense will depend on future investment performance, changes in future discount rates and various other factors related to the population of participants in the Company’s pension plans.

The Company expects to make cash contributions of approximately $2,700,000 and $50,000 to our pension plans and other postretirement plan, respectively, in 2020.

In connection with our pension and other postretirement benefits, the Company reported an expense of $2.7 million and $0.2 million expense (net of tax) on its Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for Fiscal Years 2019 and 2018, respectively.  The main factor driving this expense was the change in the discount rate during the applicable period.

Assumptions used to determine net periodic pension benefit cost for the fiscal years indicated were as follows:

Assumptions used to determine net periodic other postretirement benefit cost are the same as those assumptions used for the pension benefit cost, except that the rate of compensation is not applicable for other postretirement benefit cost.

The changes in assumptions had the following effect on the net periodic pension and other postretirement costs recorded in Other Comprehensive Income as follows:

The Plan has been investing a portion of the assets in long-term bonds in an effort to better match the impact of changes in interest rates on its assets and liabilities and thus reduce some of the volatility in Other Comprehensive Income.  Please refer to Note 11 – Retirement Benefit Plans in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional disclosures concerning the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans.

Software Development Costs

Software development costs, including costs to develop software sold, leased, or otherwise marketed, that are incurred subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility are capitalized if significant. Costs incurred during the application development stage for internal-use software are capitalized if significant. Capitalized software development costs are amortized using the straight-line amortization method over the estimated useful life of the applicable software. Such software development costs required to be capitalized have not been material to date.

Fourth Quarter 2019 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2018

The following table shows, for the fourth quarter of 2019 and 2018, selected line items from the consolidated statements of income as a percentage of net sales, by segment.

Net sales in the fourth quarter of 2019 increased 21% to $68.7 million from $56.6 million a year earlier.  Sales growth reflects the Big 3 Precision acquisition which the Company acquired on August 30, 2019.  Sales increased in the Industrial Hardware segment by 46% to $49.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 from $33.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2018.  Excluding Big 3 Precision, sales decreased 3% in the fourth quarter of 2019 as compared to sales in the fourth quarter of 2018 due to lower sales to Class 8 trucks and specialty vehicles partly offset by the impact of new program launches and stronger sales to military customers.  Sales in the Security Products segment decreased 13% in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the fourth quarter of 2018 as late year product launches were insufficient to offset lower demand for commercial laundry payment products and point of sale security products, as well the loss of supply contracts for mechatronic padlock systems and recreational vehicles door latches.  Sales in the Metal Products segment decreased 18% in the fourth quarter of 2019 from sales in the fourth quarter of 2018.  Sales of mining products decreased 11% while sales of industrial casting products decreased 30% in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the fourth quarter of 2018.  Mining sales in the fourth quarter were affected by a business combination between two customers and the filing for bankruptcy protection from one of the largest coal mines in the U.S.  Industrial castings in the fourth quarter were negatively affected by the loss of a customer who suffered a foundry fire in 2018 and temporarily sourced its products from our facility.

Sales of new products contributed 5% to sales growth in the fourth quarter compared to 4% of sales growth from new products in the fourth quarter of 2018.  New products in the fourth quarter included a new hood mount truck mirror, line haul truck mirror a modular toolbox latching system, and electronic activated latching system.

Cost of products sold in the fourth quarter of 2019 increased by $8.8 million or 21% from the corresponding period in 2018.  The increase in cost of products sold is attributable to the Big 3 Precision acquisition. Without Big 3 Precision cost of products sold would have decreased by 10% reflecting the decrease in core business sales volume.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales for the fourth quarter of 2019 remained comparable to 26% for the fourth quarter of 2018 at 26%.

Product development expenses as a percentage of sales in the fourth quarter of 2019 decreased by 58% as compared to the fourth quarter in 2018.  The decrease relates to the closure of the Velvac Road-iQ development operations in Bellingham, Washington in the second quarter of 2019 as the Company adopted a leaner approach to the development of new vision products.

Selling and administrative expenses in the fourth quarter of 2019 increased 31% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2018. The increase is primarily due to the acquisition Big 3 Precision acquisition.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Fiscal Year 2019 Compared to Fiscal Year 2018

The following table shows, for fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018, selected line items from the consolidated statements of income as a percentage of net sales, by segment.

Summary

Net sales for 2019 increased 8% to $251.7 million from $234.3 million in 2018.  Sales growth in 2019 reflects four months of sales from the Big 3 Precision acquisition, which the Company closed on August 30, 2019.  Excluding the effects of Big 3 Precision, sales would have been comparable to 2018.  Sales volume of existing products grew by 10% in 2019 primarily as the result of the Big 3 acquisition and increased sales to our existing Class 8 truck and distribution customers.  Net sales in the Security Products segment decreased approximately 10% in 2019 due to lower demand for commercial laundry payment products and point of sale security products, as well the loss of supply contract for mechatronic padlock systems and recreational vehicle door latches.  The Metal Products segment’s net sales decreased 1% in 2019 as compared to 2018 primary due to a slowdown in the coal mining industry and the loss of a customer, whose foundry was down due to a fire in 2018 but has since recovered.  The last shipment to that customer was in July of 2019.

Net income for 2019 decreased 9% to $13.3 million, or $2.12 per diluted share, from $14.5 million, or $2.31 per diluted share, in 2018.  In 2019, net income was adversely affected by non-recurring restructuring cost of $3.9 million net of tax, associated with the discontinuation of Road-iQ, a subsidiary of Velvac, and the consolidation of our Composite Panel Technologies facility, as well as an increase in M&A related expense incurred in the twelve months of 2019.

Industrial Hardware Segment

Net sales in the Industrial Hardware segment increased 17% in 2019 from net sales for 2018.  Without Big 3 Precision sales increased $2.9 million or 2% from 2018 level.  Sales volume of products increased 10% due to the acquisition of Big 3 Precision.  Without Big 3 Precision sales volume of legacy products decreased by 5% as we are replacing these products with new products, which contributed 7% to the sales increase.  New product sales include a new hood mount truck mirror, line haul truck mirror, modular toolbox latching system, an electronic activated latching system and various composite panels.

Cost of products sold in the Industrial Hardware segment increased $18.8 million or 18% from cost of products sold for 2018.  The increase in the cost of products sold primarily reflects the Big 3 acquisition in August of 2019.  Without the effects of Big 3 acquisition, material cost increased $3.0 million or 3.9% reflecting a higher percentage of material consumed relative to sale from producing a new Class 8 truck mirror that was awarded in 2018.  This mirror required the resourcing of components to lower cost suppliers which took longer than was originally anticipated due to the requirement that the components must go through a Production Parts Approval Process (PPAP) which requires customer approval prior to implementation. This product PPAP has been completed and components resourced to our lower cost vendors during the fourth quarter.  Freight cost increased $1.0 million or 16% over 2018 level due to expedited shipment resulting from a slowdown, earlier in the year, at the Port of Long Beach, California.  Tariffs incurred during the year were $2.0 million from China-sourced products.  A majority of the tariffs were recovered through price increases.  The cost increases were partially offset through cost reduction initiatives of $2.0 million in labor reductions, supplies and tools, manufacturing and engineering salaries, consulting and other administrative expenses.  During 2019, metal prices decreased, hot rolled steel was down 30%, cold rolled steel was down 18%, aluminum down 12% and zinc down 14% which had a favorable effect on our overall material cost.  However, during the fourth quarter of 2019 metal prices have started to increase which could have a negative impact on our margins in 2020 if they continue to rise.

Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased from 25% in 2018 to 24% in 2019.  The decrease reflects the combination of product mix and the startup cost incurred in the launch of the aforementioned truck mirror program in 2019.

Product development expenses as a percentage of sales decreased to 2% in 2019 from 4% in 2018.  The decrease relates to the closure of the Velvac Road-iQ development operations in Bellingham Washington in the second quarter of 2019 as the Company adopted a leaner approach to the development of new vision products.

Selling and administrative expenses in the Industrial Hardware segment increased $3.7 million or 18% in 2019 from the 2018 level.  The increase in selling and administrative expenses in 2019 reflect the Big 3 Precision acquisition in August 2019.

Security Products Segment

Net sales in the Security Products segment decreased 10% in 2019 from the 2018 level.  Sales volume of existing products decreased 13% while price and new products contributed 3%.  Sales growth from the Load N Lock business which was acquired in June 2018 partially offset the impact of lower demand for commercial laundry payment products and point of sale security products, as well the loss of supply contracts for mechatronic padlock systems and recreational vehicles market door latches. New product sales include a vehicular power lock module, an electronic switch lock for the mass transit industry, a key lock for the storage industry, a canopy lock assembly for the vehicle industry and a mobile payment app for the commercial laundry industry.

Cost of products sold in the Security Products Segment decreased by $4.7 million or 11% in 2019 from 2018.  The decrease in cost of products sold was primarily attributable to the decrease in sales volume which resulted in lower material cost of $2.9 million and lower factory payroll cost of $1.3 million.  The cost of zinc decreased by 14% and the cost of copper decreased by 1% year over year.  The Company experienced tariff costs on China-sourced products of $0.9 million in 2019, which were not incurred in the comparable periods of 2018.  The majority of the tariffs have been recovered through price increases.

Gross margin as a percentage of sales in the Security Products segment increased to 32% compared to the 2018 level of 31%.

Product development expenses increased $0.5 million or 27% to $2.6 million from the 2018 level of $2.0 million.  The Company continues to invest in the development of new products for our customers to replace legacy product being phased out.

Selling and administrative expenses in the Security Products segment decreased by $1.7 million or 15% in 2019 from 2018.  The most significant factors resulting in changes in selling and administrative expenses were decrease in bad debt expense of $0.2

million, decrease of $0.7 million in payroll and payroll related expenses and a decrease in other administrative expenses of $0.2 million

Metal Products Segment

Net sales in the Metal Products segment decreased 0.6% or $0.2 million in 2019 compared to the prior year period.  In 2019, sales volume decreased 9% while price and new products were up 2% and 6% respectively.  Sales of mining and industrial casting products each declined 1% year over year from 2018 level.  The mix of mining related products and industrial casting products remained comparable in 2019 and 2018 at 66% and 34% respectively.  In 2019 and 2018 the Company received orders from a foundry that experienced a fire in its operations and utilized our open capacity at our foundry to fulfill their industrial casting needs which ended in July 2019.  Sales from that business in 2019 and 2018 were $1 million and $0.8 million respectively.

Cost of products sold for the Metal Products segment increased by $0.2 million or 1% from 2018 level.  Material prices for scrap iron decreased by 30% but higher production cost and lower productive capacity being consumed more than offset the favorable metal market.

Gross margin as a percentage of sales in the Metal Products segment decreased to 11% in 2019 from 12% in 2018.  The lower metal cost could not offset the higher production cost in 2019.

Selling and administrative expenses in the Metal Products segment decreased $0.2 million or 9% from 2018.  The most significant factors, resulting in the decrease in selling and administrative expenses was a reduction in payroll and payroll related charges.

Other Items

The following table shows the amount of change from the year ended December 29,2018 as compared to the year ended December 28, 2019 in other items (dollars in thousands):

Interest expense increased in 2019 from 2018 due to the increased level of debt in 2019 that was incurred in connection with the Big 3 Precision acquisition.

Other income in 2019 decreased from the 2018 level. Other income in 2019 included a gain of $597,000 on the sale of land at the Company’s headquarters location.  Other income in 2018 included a $887,000 gain on pension assets due to the implementation of ASU 2017-07, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, and a gain on marketable securities of $44,000.

The effective tax rate for 2019 was 18% compared to the 2018 effective tax rate, which was 18%.  Total income taxes paid were $3,197,984 in 2019 and $3,741,021 in 2018.

Liquidity and Sources of Capital

The Company’s financial position strengthened in 2019.  The primary source of the Company’s cash is earnings from operating activities adjusted for cash generated from or used for net working capital and the new credit agreement with Santander Bank, N.A.  The most significant recurring non-cash items included in net income are depreciation and amortization expense.  Changes in working capital fluctuate with the changes in operating activities.  As sales increase, there generally is an increased need for working capital.  Since increases in working capital reduce the Company’s cash, management attempts to keep the Company’s investment in net working capital at a reasonable level by closely monitoring inventory levels and matching production to expected market demand, keeping tight control over the collection of receivables and optimizing payment terms on its trade and other payables.

The Company is dependent on continued demand for our products and subsequent collection of accounts receivable from our customers. The Company serves a broad base of customers and industries with a variety of products. As a result, any fluctuations in demand or payment from a particular industry or customer should not have a material impact on the Company’s sales and collection of receivables. Management expects that the Company’s foreseeable cash needs for operations, capital expenditures, debt service and dividend payments will continue to be met by the Company’s operating cash flows and available credit facility.

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

The following table shows important liquidity measures as of the fiscal year-end balance sheet date for each of the preceding two years (in millions):

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

Net cash provided by operating activities was $23.0 million in 2019 compared to $12.9 million in 2018.  In 2018 the Company contributed an excess contribution of $2.0 million into its defined benefit retirement plan.

In 2019 cash used in the net change in working capital was $0.3 million.  In 2018 cash used in the net change in working capital was $6.0 million, which was primarily due to increased sales activities that drove up the associated inventory and accounts receivable balances in order to manage the sales activities

The Company used $85.8 million and $10.4 million for investing activities in 2019 and 2018, respectively.  Included in the 2019 amount is approximately $81.2 million for the Big 3 acquisition.  Included in the 2018 amount is approximately $5 million for the acquisition of Load N Lock.  These transactions are more fully discussed in Note 2 to the 2018 Consolidated Financial Statements located in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.  The balance of $5.4 million and $3.6 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively, was used to purchase fixed assets.  Capital expenditures in fiscal year 2020 are expected to be in the range of $4 million.

In 2019, the Company received approximately $67.0 million from financing activities.  The Company refinanced an existing note for $19.1 million, used approximately $10.8 million for debt repayments and $2.8 million for payment of dividends.  The Company entered into a new credit agreement for $120.0 million, of which the company received $100.0 million for the term loan portion.  The Company did not draw down on the $20.0 million revolving credit portion.

In 2018, the Company paid approximately $10.4 million in cash for financing activities.  The Company paid $1.1 million for repurchasing its common stock and used approximately $6.6 million for debt repayments and $2.8 million for the payment of dividends.  See Note 6 – Debt to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statement for additional details on the debt that was issued.

The Company leases certain equipment and buildings under cancelable and non-cancelable operating leases that expire at various dates up to five years. Rent expense amounted to approximately $2.2 million in 2019 and $2.6 million in 2018.

On August 30, 2019, the Company entered into the Credit Agreement with Santander Bank, N.A., for itself, People’s United Bank, National Association. and TD Bank, N.A. as lenders, that included a $100 million term portion and a $20 million revolving commitment portion. Proceeds of the term loan were used to repay the Company’s remaining outstanding term loan (and to terminate its existing credit facility) with People’s United Bank, N.A. (approximately $19 million) and to acquire Big 3 Precision. The term portion of the loan requires quarterly principal payments of $1,250,000 for an 18-month period beginning December 31, 2019. The repayment amount then increases to $1,875,000 per quarter beginning September 30, 2021 and continues through June 30, 2023. The repayment amount then increases to $2,500,000 per quarter beginning September 30, 2023 and continues through June 30, 2024. The term loan is a 5-year loan with the remaining balance due on August 30, 2024. The revolving commitment portion has an annual commitment fee of 0.25% based on the unused portion of the revolver. The revolving commitment portion has a maturity date of August 30, 2024.  During 2019, the Company did not borrow any funds on the revolving commitment portion of the facility. The interest rates on the term and revolving credit portion of the Credit Agreement vary.  The interest rates may vary based on the LIBOR rate plus a margin spread of 1.25% to 2.25%.  The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a lien on certain of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ assets pursuant to a Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2019 with Santander Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.

The Company’s loan covenants under the Credit Agreement require the Company to maintain a senior net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.25 to 1.  In addition, the Company will be required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio to be not less than 1.25 to 1.

On August 30, 2019, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract with Santander Bank, N.A., with an original notational amount of $50,000,000, which was equal to 50% of the outstanding balance of the term loan on that date.  The Company has a fixed interest rate of 1.44% on the swap contract and will pay the difference between the fixed rate and LIBOR when LIBOR is below 1.44% and will receive interest when the LIBOR rate exceeds 1.44%.  On December 28, 2019, the interest rate for half ($50 million) of the term portion was 3.44%, using a one month LIBOR rate, and 3.19% on the remaining balance ($50 million) of the term loan based on a one month LIBOR rate.

The interest rates on the Credit Agreement, and interest rate swap contract are susceptible to changes to the method that LIBOR rates are determined and to the potential phasing out of LIBOR after 2021.  Information regarding the potential phasing out of LIBOR is provided below.

On July 27, 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. In the United States, efforts to identify a set of alternative U.S. Dollar reference interest rates have been initiated by the Alternative Reference Rates Committee of the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. At this time, it is not possible to predict whether any such changes will occur, whether LIBOR will be phased out or any such alternative reference rates or other reforms to LIBOR will be enacted in the United Kingdom, the United States or elsewhere or the effect that any such changes, phase-out, alternative reference rates or other reforms, if they occur, would have on the amount of interest paid on the Company’s LIBOR-based borrowings. Uncertainty as to the nature of such potential changes, phase-out, alternative reference rates or other reforms may materially adversely affect interest rates paid by the Company on its borrowings. Reform of, or the replacement or phasing out of, LIBOR and proposed regulation of LIBOR and other “benchmarks” may materially adversely affect the amount of interest paid on the Company’s LIBOR-based borrowings and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of the end of the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019, the Company does not have any material transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations), or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons, as described by Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K, that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources or significant components of revenues or expenses.

As a result of the Company’s status as a smaller reporting company pursuant to Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, the Company is no longer required to provide information under this Item 7A.

ITEM 8              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Eastern Company

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets

See accompanying notes.

Consolidated Statements of Income

See accompanying notes.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

See accompanying notes.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

See accompanying notes.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

See accompanying notes.

The Eastern Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business

The Eastern Company (the “Company”) includes nine separate operating businesses located within the United States, two wholly-owned Canadian subsidiaries (one located in Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada, and one in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada), a wholly-owned Taiwanese subsidiary located in Taipei, Taiwan, a wholly-owned subsidiary in Hong Kong, two wholly-owned Chinese subsidiaries (one located in Shanghai, China, and one located in Dongguan, China), two wholly-owned subsidiaries in Mexico (one located in Lerma, Mexico and one located in Reynosa, Mexico) and a wholly owned subsidiary in Wrexham, United Kingdom.

The operations of the Company consist of three business segments: industrial hardware, security products, and metal products.

Industrial Hardware

The Industrial Hardware segment consists of Big 3 Precision, including Big 3 Products and Big 3 Mold; Eberhard Manufacturing Company, Eberhard Hardware Manufacturing Ltd., and Eastern Industrial Ltd; Velvac Holdings; Canadian Commercial Vehicles Corporation; and Sesamee Mexicana, S.A. de C.V.

These businesses design, manufacture and market a diverse product line of custom and standard vehicular and industrial hardware, including turnkey returnable packaging solutions; passenger restraint and vehicular locks, latches, hinges; mirrors, mirror-cameras; and light-weight sleeper boxes and truck bodies.  The segment also designs and manufactures a wide selection of fasteners and other closure devices used to secure access doors on various types of industrial equipment such as metal cabinets, machinery housings and electronic instruments.  Big 3 Products and Big 3 Mold’s turnkey returnable packaging solutions are used in the assembly process for vehicles, aircraft, and durable goods and in the production process of plastic packaging products, packaged consumer goods and pharmaceuticals.  Big 3 Products works with leading manufacturers to design and produce custom returnable packaging to integrate with their assembly processes.  Other products are found on tractor-trailer trucks, specialty commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, fire and rescue vehicles, school buses, military vehicles and other vehicles. In addition, through Big 3 Precision Products and Big 3 Precision Mold Services, Big 3 Precision serves diverse markets including truck, automotive, plastic packaging products, consumer packaged goods and pharmaceuticals.  The segment sells directly to “OEM’s” and to distributors through in-house sales personnel and outside sales representatives. Sales, customer engineering and customer service are primarily provided through in-house sales personnel and engineering staff.

Security Products

The Security Products segment consists of Illinois Lock Company/CCL Security Products, World Lock Company Ltd., Dongguan Reeworld Security Products Ltd., and World Security Industries Ltd.; Greenwald Industries (“Greenwald”); and Argo EMS (formerly Argo Transdata).  Illinois Lock Company/CCL Security Products, known in the market as ILC, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of engineered security and access solutions in the form of mechanical, electronic and wireless products.  ILC focuses on the industrial, vehicle accessory, outdoor recreational equipment, medical, and point of sale and vending segments.  These products and solutions are specified and sold to OEM’s, contract equipment manufacturers, and industrial distributors globally.  Greenwald designs, manufactures and markets payment systems and coin security products used primarily in the commercial laundry market. Greenwald’s products include timers, drop meters, coin chutes, money boxes, meter cases, mobile payment apps, smart cards, value transfer stations, smart card readers, card management software, and access control units.  Argo EMS supplies printed circuit boards and other electronic assemblies to original equipment manufacturers in various industries, including measurement systems, semiconductor equipment manufacturing, and industrial controls, medical and military products.

The Eastern Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Metal Products

The Metal Products segment consists of Frazer & Jones, The Frazer & Jones Company, designs and manufactures high quality ductile and malleable iron castings.  Products include valves, rings, torque screws, bean clamps, and concrete anchors.  These products are sold to a wide range of industrial markets, including oil, water, gas; truck/automotive rail, and military/aerospace.  In addition, the Company believes that its Metal Products segment, is the largest and most efficient producer of expansion shells for use in supporting the roofs of underground mines in North America.

Sales are made to customers primarily in North America.

2. Business Acquisitions

Effective June 1, 2018 the Company acquired certain assets of Load N Lock Systems, Inc. (“Load N Lock”), including accounts receivable, inventories, furniture, fixtures and equipment, intellectual property rights, and assumed certain liabilities and rights existing under all sales and purchase agreements.  Load N Lock provides innovative truck cap and tonneau cover locks that keep truck contents safe and secure.  Load N Lock developed and patented the first integrated power lock for the automotive industry and has developed numerous truck cap and tonneau cover lock related products.  Load N Lock provides its innovative products and solutions to the automotive industry’s leading manufacturers of truck and automotive accessories in the United States and Asia.

The above acquisition was accounted for under ASC 805 – Business Combinations.  Load N Lock has been included in the Security Products segment of the Company from the date of the acquisition.  The cost of the acquisition of Load N Lock was approximately $4,995,000.  The excess of the cost of Load N Lock over the fair market value of the net definitive tangible and intangible assets acquired was $2,694,700, which has been recorded as goodwill.

In connection with the above acquisition, the Company recorded the following intangible assets:

On August 30, 2019, the Company and its newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary, Eastern Engineered Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“EES”) entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) with Big 3 Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Seller”), Big 3 Precision Mold Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Seller (“Big 3 Mold”), Big 3 Precision Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Seller (“Big 3 Products”), Industrial Design Innovations, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Big 3 Products (“Design Innovations”), Sur-Form, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Big 3 Products (“Sur-Form”), Associated Toolmakers Limited, a limited company formed under the laws of England and Wales and wholly-owned subsidiary of Big 3 Mold (“Associated” and together with Big 3 Mold, Big 3 Products, Design Innovations and Sur-Form, collectively “Big 3 Precision”), TVV Capital Partners III, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, TVV Capital Partners III-A, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Alan Scheidt, Todd Riley, Clinton Hyde, and Big 3 Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as the initial Seller Representative (the “Seller Representative”).  On August 30, 2019, pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company, through EES, acquired all of the outstanding equity interests of Big 3.

Eastern Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

2. Business Acquisitions (continued)

Precision Products and Big 3 Mold Services, and indirectly through them, all of the outstanding equity interests in Design The Innovations, Sur-Form and Associated, for an adjusted purchase cash price of $81.2 million.  The Big 3 acquisition was financed with a combination of $2.1 million of cash on hand, a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Santander Bank, N.A., for itself and, People’s United Bank, National Association and TD Bank, N.A. as lenders, providing for a $100.0 million term loan   and a $20.0 million revolving credit line.  In connection with the Credit Agreement, the Company also used its cash to repay the remaining balance (approximately $19.1 million) of its then outstanding term loan with People’s United Bank National Association.  Through its two divisions, Big 3 Products and Big 3 Mold, Big 3 Precision serves diverse markets including truck, automotive, plastic packaging products, packaged consumer goods and pharmaceuticals. In particular, Big 3 Precision Products works with leading manufacturers to design and produce custom returnable packaging to integrate with their assembly processes.  Big 3 Mold is a global leader in the design and manufacture of blow mold tools.

The following table summarizes the consideration paid for Big 3 Precision and the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition date, as well as the fair value at the acquisition date.

Accounts Receivable

Acquired receivables are amounts due from customers, and are stated at net realizable value.

Inventories

The estimated fair value of inventories acquired, which is at net realizable value based upon third party valuation specialist.

The Eastern Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

2. Business Acquisitions (continued)

Property, Plant and Equipment

The property plant and equipment are estimated at net realizable value at the time of the acquisition based upon third party valuation specialist.

Intangible Assets

The estimated fair value of identifiable intangible assets is determined primarily using the Income Approach method which is a valuation technique that provides an estimate of the fair value of an asset based on the market participant’s expectations of the cash flows that an asset would generate over its remaining useful life. Some of the more significant assumption inherent in the development of the identifiable intangible assets valuation, from the perspective of a market participant, include the estimate net cash flows for each year for each project or product, the appropriate discount rate to select in order to measure the risk inherent in each future cash flow stream, the assessment of each asset’s life cycle, competitive trends impacting the asset and each cash flow stream as well as other factors.

Goodwill Allocation

Goodwill of $44,096,980 arising from the acquisition consists of the difference between the consideration paid and the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Current Liabilities

Acquired current liabilities are amounts owed to vendors or accrued expenses.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue is the amount of customers deposits at the time of the acquisition.

Income taxes

Income taxes are the estimated amount of state and federal taxes to settle certain tax positions prior to the acquisition.

Deferred Tax Liability

The deferred tax liability is stated at estimated tax liability due to the difference in the book basis of assets compared to the tax basis of those assets at the time of acquisition.

Acquisition Related Expenses

Included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and twelve month periods ended December 28, 2019 were $765,000 and $1,184,000, respectively, for acquisition expenses.

3. Accounting Policies

Fiscal Year

The Company’s year ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31.  Fiscal years, 2019 and 2018, were 52 weeks each.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.

The Eastern Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Reclassification

Commencing with the first quarter of 2018, pension service costs have been broken out and reclassified from the gains and losses associated with the pension assets.  The reclassification of these expenses does not affect the net income reported.

Product development expense is not necessarily a cost of product sold. Rather, these expenses are related to product development.  The reclassification of these expenses does not affect the net income reported.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  On an ongoing basis the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to product returns, bad debts, carrying value of inventories, intangible and other long-lived assets, income taxes, pensions and other postretirement benefits.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Foreign Currency

For foreign operations asset and liability accounts are translated with an exchange rate at the respective balance sheet dates; income statement accounts are translated at the average exchange rate for the years.  Resulting translation adjustments are made directly to a separate component of shareholders’ equity – “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) – Foreign currency translation”.  Foreign currency exchange transaction gains and losses are not material in any year.

Cash Equivalents

Highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.  The Company has deposits that exceed amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000, but the Company does not consider this a significant concentration of credit risk based on the strength of the financial institution. Approximately 50% of available cash is located outside of the United States in our foreign subsidiaries.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated at their net realizable value.  The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments.  The Company reviews the collectability of its receivables on an ongoing basis taking into account a combination of factors.  The Company reviews potential problems, such as past due accounts, a bankruptcy filing or deterioration in the customer’s financial condition, to ensure the Company is adequately accrued for potential loss.  Accounts are considered past due based on when payment was originally due.  If a customer’s situation changes, such as a bankruptcy or creditworthiness, or there is a change in the current economic climate, the Company may modify its estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts.  The Company will write off accounts receivable after reasonable collection efforts have been made and the accounts are deemed uncollectible.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method in the U.S. ($31,011,130 for U.S. inventories at December 28, 2019, excluding Big 3 and Velvac) and by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for inventories outside the U.S. ($7,295,793 for inventories outside the U.S. at December 28, 2019). Cost exceeds the LIFO carrying value by approximately $6,712,162 at December 28, 2019 and $6,957,972 at December 29, 2018. There was no material LIFO quantity liquidation in 2019 or 2018. In addition, as of the balance sheet dates, the Company has recorded reserves for excess/obsolete inventory.

The Eastern Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Property, Plant and Equipment and Related Depreciation

Property, plant and equipment (including equipment under capital lease) are stated at cost.  Depreciation ($4,722,758 in 2019, $4,329,136 in 2018) is computed generally using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives of the assets: Buildings 10 to 39.5 years; Machinery and equipment 3 to 10 years.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with ASC 360-10, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets, the Company reviews it long lived assets and certain intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the that carrying amount may not be recoverable.  In such an event, the carrying value of long lived assets is reviewed by management to determine if the value may be impaired.  If this review indicates that the carrying amount will not be recoverable, as determined based on the estimated expected future cash flows attributable to the asset over the remaining amortization period, management will reduce the carrying amount to recognize the impairment and recognize an impairment loss.  The measurement of the impairment loss to be recognized is to be based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount of the asset.  Fair value is defined as the amount of which the asset could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties.  Where quoted market prices in active markets are not available, management would estimate fair value based on the best information available in the circumstances such as the price of similar assets, a discounted cash flow analysis or other techniques.  No impairment losses were recognized for the period ended December 28, 2019 and for the period December 29, 2018.

Goodwill

The Company performed qualitative assessments of goodwill as of the end of fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 and determined it is more likely than not that no impairment of goodwill existed at the end of 2019 or 2018.  The Company will perform annual qualitative assessments in subsequent years as of the end of each fiscal year.  Additionally, the Company will perform interim analysis whenever conditions warrant.

Goodwill would be considered impaired whenever the historical carrying amount exceeds the fair value.  Pursuant to the qualitative assessment performed, goodwill was not impaired in 2019 or 2018.  Should we reach a different conclusion in the future, additional work would be performed to determine the amount of the non-cash impairment charge to be recognized.  The maximum future impairment of goodwill that could occur is the amount recognized on our balance sheet.

Intangible Assets

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.  Generally, non-compete agreements and customer relationships are being amortized using the straight-line method over a period of 5 years. Amortization expense in 2019 and 2018 was $1,726,539 and $1,452,084, respectively.  In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the intangible assets, including definite life intangible assets, may be impaired, an evaluation is performed to determine if a write-down is required.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  The company utilizes a fair value hierarchy, which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  The fair value hierarchy has three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

The Eastern Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

The Company’s financial instruments are primarily investments in pension assets, see footnote 11, and consists of an interest rate swap.

The Company’s interest rate swap is not an exchange-traded instrument. However, it is valued based on observable inputs for similar liabilities and accordingly is classified as Level 2. The amount of the interest rate swap is included in other accrued liabilities.

The carrying amounts of other financial instruments (cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt) as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, approximate fair value based on the expected future cash flows of the related instruments.

Right of Use Assets

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“Topic 842”). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to present right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months.  See Note 13 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements.

In calculating the effect of ASU 2016-02, the Company elected the transition method thereby not restating comparable periods.  The Company elected to account for non-lease components as part of the lease component to which they relate.  Lease accounting involves significant judgments, including making estimates related to the lease term, lease payments, and discount rate.  In accordance with the guidance, the Company recognized ROU assets and lease liabilities for all leases with a term greater than 12 months.

The Company has operating leases for buildings, warehouses and office equipment.  Currently, the Company has 45 operating leases with a ROU asset and lease liability totaling $12,342,000 as of December 28, 2019.  The basis, terms and conditions of the leases are determined by the individual agreements.  The Company’s option to extend certain leases ranges from 12 – 140 months.  All options to extend have been included in the calculation of the ROU asset and lease liability.  The leases do not contain residual value guarantees, restrictions, or covenants that could incur additional financial obligations to the Company.  There are no subleases, sale-leaseback, or related party transactions.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 606 when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

The Company generates wholesale revenues primarily from the sale of products to original equipment manufacturers and distributers in the United States.  The Company recognizes revenue upon shipment or transfer of title to the customer as that is when the customer obtains control of the promised goods.  The Company typically extends credit terms to its customers based on their creditworthiness and generally does not receive advance payments.  As such, the Company records accounts receivable at the time of shipment, when the Company’s right to the consideration becomes unconditional.  Accounts receivable from the Company’s customers are typically due within 30 days of invoicing.  An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based on a periodic analysis of individual account balances, including an evaluation of days outstanding, payment history, recent payment

The Eastern Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

trends and the Company’s assessment of the customer’s credit worthiness.  As of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts total was $556,000 and $680,000, respectively.  As of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, the Company’s bad debt expense was $64,000 and $220,000, respectively.

The Company considers several factors in determining that control transfers to the customer upon shipment of products.  These factors include that legal title transfers to the customer, the Company has a present right to payment, and the customer has assumed the risk and rewards of ownership at the time of shipment.

Big 3 Mold division may employ the efforts expended method for the percentage of completion for revenue recognition for certain transactions. The efforts expended method calculates the proportion of effort expended to date in comparison to the total effort expected to be expended for the contract.  The amount of revenue recognized employing the percentage of completion method was $576,000 for the year ended December 28, 2019. No revenue was recognized employing the percentage of completion method for the year ended December 29, 2018.

Based on historical experience, the Company does not accrue a reserve for product returns.  For the years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, the Company recorded sales returns of $613,000 and $725,000, respectively, as a reduction of revenue.

Greenwald Industries generates subscription services revenue from access provided to customers to the division’s specific online databases.  For the years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, Greenwald Industries subscription services revenue was $567,000 and $448,000, respectively.

Sales and similar taxes that are imposed on the Company’s sales and collected from the customer are excluded from revenues.

Costs for shipping and handling activities, including those activities that occur subsequent to transfer of control to the customer, are recorded as cost of sales and are expensed as incurred.

For the years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, the Company recorded no revenues related to performance obligations satisfied in prior periods.  As part of the Company’s adoption of the new revenue standard, the Company has elected to use the practical expedient to exclude disclosure of transaction prices allocated to remaining performance obligations, and when the Company expects to recognize such revenue, for all periods prior to the date of initial application of the standard.

There was no subscription services revenue from remaining performance obligations as of December 28, 2019.

See footnote 12 regarding the Company’s revenue disaggregated by reporting segment, intersegment sales by reporting segment and geography.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold reflects the cost of purchasing, manufacturing and preparing a product for sale.  These costs generally represent the expenses to acquire or manufacture products for sale (including an allocation of depreciation and amortization) and are primarily comprised of direct materials, direct labor, and overhead, which includes indirect labor, facility and equipment costs, inbound freight, receiving, inspection, purchasing, warehousing and any other costs related to the purchasing, manufacturing or preparation of a product for sale.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold.

Product Development Costs

Product development costs, charged to expense as incurred, were $6,024,567 in 2019, $6,950,969 in 2018.

The Eastern Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses include all operating costs of the Company that are not directly related to the cost of purchasing, manufacturing and preparing a product for sale.  These expenses generally represent administrative expenses for support functions and related overhead.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.  Advertising costs were $462,911 in 2019, $501,615 in 2018.

Software Development Costs

Software development costs, are primarily costs to develop software sold, leased, or otherwise marketed, that are incurred subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility are capitalized if significant.  Capitalized software development costs are amortized using the straight-line amortization method over the estimated useful life of the applicable software.  There were

no capitalized software development costs in the 2019.  For the year ended December 29, 2018 capitalized software development costs were $1,813,973.

Stock Based Compensation

The Company accounts for its stock based awards in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification subtopic 718-10, Compensation (“ASC 718-10”), which requires a fair value measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to its employees and Directors, including employee stock options and restricted stock awards. The Company estimates the fair value of granted stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. This model requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions including, without limitation, estimates regarding the length of time an employee

will retain vested stock options before exercising them, the estimated volatility of the Company’s common stock price and the number of options that will be forfeited prior to vesting. The fair value is then amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period. Changes in these estimates and assumptions can materially affect the determination of the fair value of stock-based compensation and consequently, the related amount recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

For the year ended December 28, 2019, there were 96,000 SARs granted under the 2010 Plan.

Under the terms of the Director’s Fee Program, the directors can elect to receive their Director’s fees in cash or in common shares of the Company.  This election is made at the beginning of each fiscal year and remains in effect for the entire year.

Income Taxes

The Company and its U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

On December, 22, 2017, SAB 118 was issued due to the complexities involved in accounting for the enacted Tax Act. SAB 118 requires the company to include in its financial statements a reasonable estimate of the impact of the Tax Act on earnings to the extent such estimate has been determined. Accordingly, the U.S. provision for income tax for 2017 was based on the reasonable estimate guidance provided by SAB 118. The company has assessed the impact from the Tax Act and recorded the impact in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions pursuant to the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740 which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements. These provisions detail how companies should recognize, measure, present and disclose uncertain tax positions that have or are expected

The Eastern Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

to be taken.  As such, the financial statements will reflect expected future tax consequences of uncertain tax positions presuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. See Note 7 Income Taxes.

4. Goodwill

The following is a roll-forward of goodwill for 2019 and 2018:

The Eastern Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

5. Intangibles

Trademarks are not amortized as their lives are deemed to be indefinite.  Total amortization expense for each of the next five years is estimated to be as follows: 2020 - $4,082,000; 2021 - $4,062,000; 2022 - $4,055,000; 2023 - $4,055,000 and 2024 - $3,372,000.