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

 
FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)

 
 
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AprilJuly 4, 2015
 

 
OR
 

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

Commission File Number:    0599

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

Connecticut06-0330020
(State or other jurisdiction of(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)Identification No.)


112 Bridge Street, Naugatuck, Connecticut06770
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)


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

Not applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes   [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes   [X] No [  ]

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

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

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

Yes   [  ] No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
ClassOutstanding as of April 28,July 29, 2015
Common Stock, No par value6,244,3916,245,038

-1-

 
 

 


PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION




ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



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



ASSETS April 4, 2015 January 3, 2015  July 4, 2015 January 3, 2015 
Current Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents $14,135,291 $15,834,444  $13,320,316 $15,834,444 
Accounts receivable, less allowances: $416,000 - 2015; $414,000 - 2014 19,261,425  17,064,245 
Accounts receivable, less allowances: $429,000 - 2015; $414,000 - 2014 19,945,228  17,064,245 
Inventories 34,161,532  34,402,197  34,903,196  34,402,197 
Prepaid expenses and other assets 2,791,034  2,659,737  2,131,757  2,659,737 
Recoverable income taxes receivable -  380,000  -  380,000 
Deferred income taxes  950,024  950,024   950,024  950,024 
Total Current Assets 71,299,306  71,290,647  71,250,521  71,290,647 
            
            
Property, Plant and Equipment 63,506,975  62,970,497  64,210,404  62,970,497 
Accumulated depreciation  (35,568,640) (34,919,067)  (36,325,780) (34,919,067)
 27,938,335  28,051,430  27,884,624  28,051,430 
            
            
Goodwill 14,796,385  14,960,354  14,797,557  14,960,354 
Trademarks 174,662  174,662  168,688  174,662 
Patents, technology, and other intangibles net of accumulated amortization 2,398,441  2,498,570  2,314,239  2,498,570 
Deferred income taxes  4,108,379  4,294,893   3,921,865  4,294,893 
  21,477,867  21,928,479   21,202,349  21,928,479 
TOTAL ASSETS $120,715,508 $121,270,556  $120,337,494 $121,270,556 







-2-








2
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY July 4, 2015 January 3, 2015 
Current Liabilities       
Accounts payable $9,327,877 $8,256,600 
Accrued compensation  1,870,323  2,916,832 
Other accrued expenses  691,356  1,201,114 
Current portion of long-term debt  1,071,429  1,071,429 
Total Current Liabilities  12,960,985  13,445,975 
        
Other long-term liabilities  564,669  564,669 
Long-term debt, less current portion  2,500,000  3,214,285 
Accrued postretirement benefits  2,992,026  2,905,908 
Accrued pension cost  26,182,873  26,164,812 
        
        
        
Shareholders’ Equity       
 Voting Preferred Stock, no par value:       
        Authorized and unissued: 1,000,000 shares       
 Nonvoting Preferred Stock, no par value:       
        Authorized and unissued: 1,000,000 shares       
Common Stock, no par value:       
        Authorized: 50,000,000 shares       
Issued: 8,939,767 shares in 2015 and 8,938,742 shares in 2014  28,952,017  28,932,058 
Treasury Stock: 2,694,729 shares in 2015 and 2014  (19,105,723) (19,105,723)
Retained earnings  87,765,487  87,680,667 
        
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):       
Foreign currency translation  233,256  855,179 
Unrecognized net pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax  (22,708,096) (23,387,274)
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (22,474,840) (22,532,095)
Total Shareholders’ Equity  75,136,941  74,974,907 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $120,337,494 $121,270,556 

See accompanying notes.
-3-
 
 

 






LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY April 4, 2015 January 3, 2015 
Current Liabilities       
Accounts payable $8,206,809 $8,256,600 
Accrued compensation  1,555,950  2,916,832 
Other accrued expenses  2,151,947  1,201,114 
Current portion of long-term debt  1,071,429  1,071,429 
Total Current Liabilities  12,986,135  13,445,975 
        
Other long-term liabilities  564,669  564,669 
Long-term debt, less current portion  2,857,143  3,214,285 
Accrued postretirement benefits  2,947,514  2,905,908 
Accrued pension cost  26,445,275  26,164,812 
        
        
        
Shareholders’ Equity       
 Voting Preferred Stock, no par value:       
        Authorized and unissued: 1,000,000 shares       
 Nonvoting Preferred Stock, no par value:       
        Authorized and unissued: 1,000,000 shares       
Common Stock, no par value:       
        Authorized: 50,000,000 shares       
Issued: 8,939,120 shares in 2015 and 8,938,742 shares in 2014  28,939,556  28,932,058 
Treasury Stock: 2,694,729 shares in 2015 and 2014  (19,105,723) (19,105,723)
Retained earnings  87,867,776  87,680,667 
        
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):       
Foreign currency translation  260,847  855,179 
Unrecognized net pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax  (23,047,684) (23,387,274)
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (22,786,837) (22,532,095)
Total Shareholders’ Equity  74,914,772  74,974,907 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $120,715,508 $121,270,556 

See accompanying notes.
3




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

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended Three Months Ended 
  April 4, 2015  March 29, 2014    July 4, 2015  June 28, 2014  July 4, 2015  June 28, 2014 
Net sales $36,876,842 $35,849,126   $73,914,539 $70,628,899 $37,037,697 $34,779,773 
Cost of products sold  (29,541,664) (28,335,720)   (58,667,200) (55,339,189) (29,125,536) (27,003,469)
Gross margin  7,335,178 7,513,406   15,247,339  15,289,710  7,912,161  7,776,304 
                   
Selling and administrative expenses  (5,963,695) (5,216,289)   (13,019,834) (10,204,653) (7,056,139) (4,988,364)
Operating profit  1,371,483 2,297,117   2,227,505  5,085,057  856,022  2,787,940 
                   
Interest expense  (52,825) (68,569)  (100,570) (133,195) (47,745) (64,626)
Other income  7,007  7,283    26,967  23,966  19,960  16,683 
Income before income taxes  1,325,665 2,235,831   2,153,902  4,975,828  828,237  2,739,997 
                   
Income taxes  451,714  732,946    695,357  1,779,440  243,643  1,046,494 
Net income $873,951 $1,502,885   $1,458,545 $3,196,388 $584,594 $1,693,503 
                   
Earnings per share:       
Earnings per Share:            
Basic $.14 $.24   $.23 $.51 $.09 $.27 
                   
Diluted $.14 $.24   $.23 $.51 $.09 $.27 
                   
Cash dividends per share: $.11 $.11   $.22 $.22 $.11 $.11 

See accompanying notes.




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

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 April 4, 2015  March 29, 2014  July 4, 2015  June 28, 2014  July 4, 2015  June 28, 2014 
Net income$873,951 $1,502,885 $1,458,545 $3,196,388 $584,594 $1,693,503 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:     
Other comprehensive income/(loss):            
Change in foreign currency translation (594,332) (366,529) (621,923) (52,772) (27,591) 313,757 
Change in pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of taxes of:
2015 – $186,514
2014 – $100,350
 339,590  184,330 
Total other comprehensive (loss) income (254,742) (182,199)
Change in pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of taxes of:
2015 – $373,028 and $186,514, respectively
2014 – $200,718 and $100,368, respectively
 679,178  368,695  339,588  184,365 
Total other comprehensive income 57,255  315,923  311,997  498,122 
Comprehensive income$619,209 $1,320,686 $1,515,800 $3,512,311 $896,591 $2,191,625 

See accompanying notes.
 
4-4-
 
 

 



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


 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 April 4, 2015 March 29, 2014  July 4, 2015 June 28, 2014 
Operating Activities            
Net income $873,951 $1,502,885  $1,458,545 $3,196,388 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:      
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 959,857  823,320  1,902,386  1,666,843 
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefits 1,156,385  674,219 
Loss on sale of equipment and other assets -  85,623  17,734  84,785 
Provision for doubtful accounts -  27,374  26,626  51,330 
Issuance of Common Stock for directors’ fees 7,498  7,490  19,960  14,994 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:            
Accounts receivable (2,317,994) (1,993,182) (3,038,008) (2,096,292)
Inventories 33,403  299,770  (724,353) (120,992)
Prepaid expenses and other (140,975) (176,412) 513,110  378,211 
Prepaid pension cost 807,838  539,852 
Recoverable taxes receivable 380,000  -  380,000  - 
Other assets 57,208  (48,591) 21,384  (96,529)
Accounts payable (14,302) 1,048,202  1,099,021  1,137,942 
Accrued compensation (1,349,334) (1,640,177) (1,039,252) (1,356,886)
Other accrued expenses  1,029,720  (62,850)  (440,315) (391,757)
Net cash provided by operating activities 326,870  413,304  1,353,223  3,142,256 
            
Investing Activities            
Purchases of property, plant and equipment  (820,161) (690,041)  (1,609,471) (1,608,421)
Net cash used in investing activities (820,161) (690,041) (1,609,471) (1,608,421)
            
Financing Activities            
Principal payments on long-term debt (357,142) (357,142) (714,285) (714,285)
Dividends paid  (686,841) (684,438)  (1,373,724) (1,368,927)
Net cash used in financing activities  (1,043,983) (1,041,580) (2,088,009) (2,083,212)
            
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  (161,879) (151,708)  (169,871) (61,671)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (1,699,153) (1,470,025) (2,514,128) (611,048)
            
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  15,834,444  19,988,361   15,834,444  19,988,361 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $14,135,291 $18,518,336  $13,320,316 $19,377,313 

See accompanying notes.



5-5-

 
 

 


THE EASTERN COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
AprilJuly 4, 2015


Note A – Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for complete financial statements. Refer to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in its Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2015 for additional information.

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

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 3, 2015 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet at that date.


Note B – Earnings Per Share

The denominators used in the earnings per share computations follow:

Three Months EndedSix Months Ended Three Months Ended
April 4, 2015 March 29, 2014July 4, 2015 June 28, 2014 July 4, 2015 June 28, 2014
Basic:          
Weighted average shares outstanding6,244,088 6,222,2136,244,250 6,222,444 6,244,451 6,222,676
          
Diluted:          
Weighted average shares outstanding6,244,088 6,222,2136,244,250 6,222,444 6,244,451 6,222,676
Dilutive stock options- 16,936- 17,063 - 17,190
Denominator for diluted earnings per share6,244,088 6,239,1496,244,250 6,239,507 6,244,451 6,239,866



Note C – Inventories

The components of inventories follow:

April 4, 2015 January 3, 2015July 4, 2015 January 3, 2015
      
Raw material and component parts$   9,155,290 $    9,219,341$    9,354,057 $    9,219,341
Work in process7,037,276 7,074,950      7,190,058       7,074,950
Finished goods17,968,966 18,107,906    18,359,081     18,107,906
$ 34,161,532 $  34,402,197$  34,903,196 $  34,402,197


-6-
6
 
 

 




Note D – Segment Information

Segment financial information follows:

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
  April 4, 2015   March 29, 2014  July 4, 2015  June 28, 2014   July 4, 2015   June 28, 2014 
Revenues:                           
Sales to unaffiliated customers:                           
Industrial Hardware  $14,786,666   $14,130,751  $29,906,612  $29,195,398   $15,119,946   $15,064,647 
Security Products   14,100,916    12,547,036  29,536,240   24,967,882    15,435,324    12,420,846 
Metal Products   7,989,260    9,171,339   14,471,687   16,465,619    6,482,427��   7,294,280 
  $36,876,842   $35,849,126  $73,914,539  $70,628,899   $37,037,697   $34,779,773 
                           
Income before income taxes:                           
Industrial Hardware  $731,545   $1,095,834  $1,369,091  $2,566,403   $637,546   $1,470,569 
Security Products   786,291    555,287  1,436,293   1,445,451    650,002    890,165 
Metal Products   (146,353)   645,996   (577,879)   1,073,203    (431,526)   427,206 
Operating Profit   1,371,483    2,297,117  2,227,505   5,085,057    856,022    2,787,940 
Interest expense   (52,825)   (68,569) (100,570)   (133,195)   (47,745)   (64,626)
Other income   7,007    7,283   26,967   23,966    19,960    16,683 
Income before income taxes  $1,325,665   $2,235,831 
 $2,153,902  $4,975,828   $828,237   $2,739,997 



Note E – Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In AprilJanuary 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which simplifiesthat modifies reporting of extraordinary items in the presentation of debt issuance costs.income statement.  The amendments in this accounting standard update require debt issuance costs be presented on the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability.  The amendments in this accounting standard update are to be applied retrospectively and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015.  The adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In February 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which amends certain requirements for determining whether a variable interest entity must be consolidated.  The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015.  The adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In JanuaryApril 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that modifies reportingwhich simplifies the presentation of extraordinary items in the income statement.debt issuance costs. The amendments in this accounting standard update require debt issuance costs be presented on the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability.  The amendments in this accounting standard update are to be applied retrospectively and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015.  The adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

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


7

-7-


 
 

 




Note F – Debt

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

The Company has loan covenants under the Loan Agreement which required the Company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.1 to 1, a leverage ratio of no more than 1.75 to 1, and minimum tangible net worth of $43 million as of the end of Fiscal 2010 increasing each year by 50% of consolidated net income.  As part of the amendment signed on January 23, 2014, the leverage ratio was eliminated and the minimum tangible net worth covenant was modified to a fixed $55 million, effective as of March 29, 2014.  In addition, the Company has restrictions on, among other things, new capital leases, purchases or redemptions of its capital stock, mergers and divestitures, and new borrowing.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants in 2014 and for the threesix month period ended AprilJuly 4, 2015.


Note G – Goodwill

The following is a roll-forward of goodwill from year-end 2014 to the end of the firstsecond quarter 2015:

 
Industrial
Hardware
Segment
 
Security
Products
Segment
 
Metal
Products
Segment
 
 
 
Total
  
Industrial
Hardware
Segment
 
Security
Products
Segment
 
Metal
Products
Segment
 
 
 
Total
 
                      
Beginning balance $1,901,312 $13,059,042 $ $14,960,354  $1,901,312 $13,059,042 $ $14,960,354 
Foreign exchange   (163,969)  —     (163,969)   (162,797)  —     (162,797)
Ending balance $1,737,343 $13,059,042 $ $14,796,385  $1,738,515 $13,059,042 $ $14,797,557 


Note H – Intangibles
8
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. Customer relationships, non-compete agreements and intellectual property are being amortized using the straight-line method over a period of 5 years. Trademarks are not amortized as their lives are deemed to be indefinite.








-8-


 
 

 


Note H – Intangibles

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

 Industrial Hardware Segment Security Products Segment Metal Products Segment Total Weighted-Average Amortization Period (Years)  Industrial Hardware Segment Security Products Segment Metal Products Segment Total Weighted-Average Amortization Period (Years) 
2015 Gross Amount                      
Patents and developed technology $2,431,010 $1,029,423 $-- $3,460,433 15.7  $2,429,839 $1,042,307 $-- $3,472,146 15.6 
Customer relationships -- 449,706 -- 449,706 5.0  -- 449,706 -- 449,706 5.0 
Non-compete agreements -- 407,000 -- 407,000 5.0  -- 407,000 -- 407,000 5.0 
Intellectual property  --  307,370  --  307,370 5.0   --  307,370  --  307,370 5.0 
Total Gross Intangibles $2,431,010 $2,193,499 $-- $4,624,509 12.7  $2,429,839 $2,206,383 $-- $4,636,222 12.6 
                      
2015 Accumulated Amortization                      
Patents and developed technology $1,617,196 $550,668 $-- $2,167,864    $1,639,193 $566,382 $-- $2,205,575   
Customer relationships -- 22,485 -- 22,485    -- 44,971 -- 44,971   
Non-compete agreements -- 20,350 -- 20,350    -- 40,700 -- 40,700   
Intellectual property  --  15,369  --  15,369     --  30,737  --  30,737   
Accumulated Amortization $1,617,196 $608,872 $-- $2,226,068    $1,639,193 $682,790 $-- $2,321,983   
                      
Net April 4, 2015 per Balance Sheet $813,814 $1,584,627 $-- $2,398,441   
Net July 4, 2015 per Balance Sheet $790,646 $1,523,593 $-- $2,314,239   

2014 Gross Amount                      
Patents and developed technology $2,494,261 $1,025,303 $-- $3,519,564 15.7  $2,494,261 $1,025,303 $-- $3,519,564 15.7 
Customer relationships -- 449,706 -- 449,706 5.0  -- 449,706 -- 449,706 5.0 
Non-compete agreements -- 407,000 -- 407,000 5.0  -- 407,000 -- 407,000 5.0 
Intellectual property  --  307,370  --  307,370 5.0   --  307,370  --  307,370 5.0 
Total Gross Intangibles $2,294,261 $2,189,379 $-- $4,683,640 12.7  $2,494,261 $2,189,379 $-- $4,683,640 12.7 
                      
2014 Accumulated Amortization                      
Patents and developed technology $1,649,655 $535,415 $-- $2,185,070    $1,649,655 $535,415 $-- $2,185,070   
Customer relationships -- -- -- --    -- -- -- --   
Non-compete agreements -- -- -- --    -- -- -- --   
Intellectual property  --  --  --  --     --  --  --  --   
Accumulated Amortization $1,649,655 $535,415 $-- $2,185,070    $1,649,655 $535,415 $-- $2,185,070   
                      
Net January 3, 2015 per Balance Sheet $844,606 $1,653,964 $-- $2,498,570    $844,606 $1,653,964 $-- $2,498,570   

 
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9
 
 

 


Note I – Retirement Benefit Plans

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

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

Significant disclosures relating to these benefit plans for the second quarter and first quartersix months of fiscal 2015 and 2014 follow:
  Pension Benefits 
  Six Months Ended Three Months Ended 
  
July 4,
2015
 
June 28,
 2014
 
July 4,
2015
 
June 28,
 2014
 
Service cost $1,929,975 $1,396,848 $964,988 $698,424 
Interest cost  1,718,476  1,658,557  859,217  829,258 
Expected return on plan assets  (2,575,828) (2,405,262) (1,287,914) (1,202,630)
Amortization of prior service cost  109,293  109,293  54,646  54,646 
Amortization of the net loss  945,456  472,065  472,728  236,032 
Net periodic benefit cost $2,127,372 $1,231,501 $1,063,665 $615,730 

 Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits  Postretirement Benefits 
 Three Months Ended Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 
April 4,
2015
 
March 29,
2014
 
April 4,
2015
 
March 29,
2014
  
July 4,
2015
 
June 28,
 2014
 
July 4,
2015
 
June 28,
 2014
 
Service cost $964,987 $698,424 $54,393 $42,000  $108,785 $86,951 $54,393 $44,951 
Interest cost  859,259  829,299  38,729  40,250   77,458  78,741  38,729  38,491 
Expected return on plan assets  (1,287,914) (1,202,632) (22,984) (22,250)  (45,968) (47,406) (22,984) (25,156)
Amortization of prior service cost  54,647  54,647  (5,972) (6,000)  (11,944) (11,945) (5,972) (5,945)
Amortization of the net loss  472,728  236,033  4,701  --   9,402  --  4,701  -- 
Net periodic benefit cost $1,063,707 $615,771 $68,867 $54,000  $137,733 $106,341 $68,867 $52,341 

The Company’s funding policy with respect to its qualified plans is to contribute at least the minimum amount required by applicable laws and regulations.  In 2015, the Company expects to contribute $3.0 million into its pension plans and $150,000 into its postretirement plan. As of AprilJuly 4, 2015, the Company has made contributions totaling approximately $0$1.2 million into its pension plans and $32,000$57,000 to its postretirement plan and will make the remaining contributions as required during the remaindersecond half of the year.

The Company has a contributory savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering substantially all U.S. non-union employees. The plan allows participants to make voluntary contributions of up to 100% of their annual compensation on a pretax basis, subject to IRS limitations. The plan provides for contributions by the Company at its discretion. The Company made contributions of $52,266$55,660 and $52,491$107,926 in the second quarter and first quartersix months of 2015, respectively and $50,964 and $103,455 in the second quarter and first six months of 2014, respectively.

-10-


Note J – Stock Based Compensation and Stock Options

The Company has a stock option plan for officers, other key employees, and non-employee directors.  As of AprilJuly 4, 2015 the 2010 plan had 500,000 shares reserved for future grant and issuance.  Incentive stock options granted under the 2010 plan must have exercise prices that are not less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the dates the options are granted.  Restricted stock awards may also be granted to participants under the 2010 plan with restrictions determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.  Under the 2010 plan, nonqualified stock options granted to participants will have exercise prices determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.  No options or restricted stock were granted in the first quartersix months of 2015 or 2014.

At AprilJuly 4, 2015, there were no outstanding or exercisable options.
10



Note K – Income Taxes

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011 and non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities prior to 2009.

The Company repatriated approximately $1.2 million and $1.1$2.8 million in cash from its foreign subsidiaries in the first threesix months of 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The impact on the effective tax rate was less than 1% in either period.2015 and approximately 2.4% in 2014.

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could increase or decrease within the next twelve months for a number of reasons, including the closure of federal, state and foreign tax years by expiration of the statute of limitations and the recognition and measurement considerations under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740.  There have been no significant changes to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits during the threesix months ended AprilJuly 4, 2015.  The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will not increase or decrease significantly over the next twelve months.


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

The Company is exposed primarily to credit, interest rate and currency exchange rate risks which arise in the normal course of business.
 
Credit Risk
 
Credit risk is the potential financial loss resulting from the failure of a customer or counterparty to settle its financial and contractual obligations to the Company, as and when they become due. The primary credit risk for the Company is its receivable accounts with customers. The Company has established credit limits for customers and monitors their balances to mitigate the risk of loss. At AprilJuly 4, 2015 and January 3, 2015, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk. No one customer represented more than 10% of the Company’s net trade receivables at AprilJuly 4, 2015 or at January 3, 2015.  The maximum exposure to credit risk is primarily represented by the carrying amount of the Company’s accounts receivable.

Interest Rate Risk
 
On AprilJuly 4, 2015, the Company has no exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates as the interest rate on the outstanding debt is fixed at 4.98% and 3.90%.

Fair Value Measurements

Assets and liabilities that require fair value measurement are recorded at fair value using market and income valuation approaches and considering the Company’s and counterparty’s credit risk. The Company uses the market approach and the income approach to value assets and liabilities as appropriate. There are no assets or liabilities requiring fair value measurements on AprilJuly 4, 2015 or January 3, 2015.
 
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11
 
 

 


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

The following discussion is intended to highlight significant changes in the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the thirteentwenty-six weeks ended AprilJuly 4, 2015. The interim financial statements and this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015 and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both of which are contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015.

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

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


Overview

Sales in the firstsecond quarter of 2015 decreased in the Metal Products segment by 13% whenincreased 7% compared to the firstsecond quarter of 2014, and was primarily the result of a sales increase of 9% in new products to the many diverse markets we serve.  The increase was offset in part by a decrease of 2% in sales of existing products.  In the second quarter of 2015 Industrial Hardware sales increased less than 1%, Security Products sales increased 24% and Metal Products sales decreased 11% compared to the prior year period.

Sales in the first six months of 2015 increased 5% compared to the prior year period, and was primarily the result of a sales increase of 9% in bothnew products to the many diverse markets we serve.  The increase was offset in part by a decrease of 4% in sales of existing products.  Compared to the prior year period, sales increased in the first six months of 2015 by 2% in the Industrial Hardware segment and by 18% in the Security Products segment, while sales decreased by 5% and 12%, respectively, in the Metal Products segment resulting in a 3% consolidated increase compared to the 2014 quarter.  The increase in sales in the first quarter of 2015 is primarily the result of the acquisition of Argo Transdata Corporation that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2014, and is included in the Security Products segment.  Consolidated sales volume of existing products decreased in 2015 by 5% compared to the first quarter of 2014. The first quarter of 2015 was favorably effected by the introduction of new products which increased sales by 8% including the effect of the Argo acquisition.increase.

For the three months ended April 4, 2015, grossGross margin as a percentage of sales for both the three months and first six months ended July 4, 2015 was 20%21% compared to 21%the 22% in the comparable period of 2014.prior year period. This decrease was primarily the negative result of decreased sales volume of mining products in the Metal Products segment causing lower utilization of the Company’s production capacity in the 2015 period.period, the favorable impact of the Argo acquisition which is included in 2015 but not in 2014, and the mix of products produced and sold.

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Selling and administration costs increased $0.7$2.1 million or 14%42% in the second quarter and $2.8 million or 28% in the first quarterhalf of 2015 compared to the prior year period. The increase is primarily the result of costlegal and administrative costs totaling approximately $0.6$1.4 million in the second quarter and $2.0 million in the first six months of 2015 related to the proxy contest initiated by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. and certain of its affiliates (“Barington”). Additional, reimbursement of Barington Companies Management, LLC costs related tofor winning the proxy contest, are being incurred and will havethe legal and settlement costs associated with the settlement of a negative impact on the second quarter of 2015.lawsuit initiated by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P.
 
12


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

Cash flow from operations in the first quartersix months of 2015 decreased compared to the same period in 2014. This decrease iswas abnormally primarily impacted due to the Company’s legal and administrative expenses associated with the proxy contest initiated by Barington, reimbursement of proxy contest costs to Barington Companies Management, LLC for winning the proxy contest, and the legal and settlement costs associated with the settlement of the lawsuit initiated by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P.  The decrease was also impacted by timing differences in the collectionscollection of accounts receivable, payments of liabilities, and changes in inventories.  Cash on hand and cash flow from operations, along with the result of controlling discretionary expenditures, should be sufficient to enable the Company to meet all its existing obligations and continue its quarterly dividend payments.

-13-


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

Results of Operations

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

 
Three Months Ended April 4, 2015
 
Three Months Ended July 4, 2015
IndustrialSecurityMetal IndustrialSecurityMetal 
HardwareProductsProductsTotalHardwareProductsProductsTotal
Net sales100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%
Cost of products sold76.6%76.4%93.1%80.1%74.6%75.9%94.7%78.6%
Gross margin23.4%23.6%6.9%19.9%25.4%24.1%5.3%21.4%
        
Selling and administrative expense18.5%18.0%8.7%16.2%21.2%19.9%12.0%19.1%
Operating profit4.9%5.6%-1.8%3.7%4.2%4.2%-6.7%2.3%
        
 
Three Months Ended March 29, 2014
 
    
IndustrialSecurityMetal Three Months Ended June 28, 2014
HardwareProductsProductsTotalIndustrialSecurityMetal 
HardwareProductsProductsTotal
Net sales100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%
Cost of products sold74.8%78.8%85.8%79.0%74.4%76.3%86.7%77.7%
Gross margin25.2%21.2%14.2%21.0%25.6%23.7%13.3%22.3%
        
Selling and administrative expense17.4%16.8%7.1%14.6%15.9%16.5%7.5%14.3%
Operating profit7.8%4.4%7.1%6.4%9.7%7.2%5.8%8.0%

13



The following table shows the amount of change for the firstsecond quarter of 2015 compared to the firstsecond quarter of 2014 in sales, cost of products sold, gross margin, selling and administrative expenses and operating results,profit, by segment (dollars in thousands):

IndustrialSecurityMetal IndustrialSecurityMetal 
HardwareProductsProductsTotalHardwareProductsProductsTotal
Net sales         $     656       $  1,554          $(1,182)        $ 1,028         $       55       $  3,015          $   (812)        $ 2,258
        
Volume0.1%-3.6%-15.7%-5.2%-9.2%12.2%-12.3%-2.2%
Prices0.1%-0.2%0.0%0.0%0.3%-0.3%0.0%0.0%
New products   4.4%  16.2%   2.8%   8.1%    9.3%   12.4%   1.2%     8.7%
4.6%12.4%-12.9%2.9%0.4%24.3%-11.1%6.5%
        
Cost of products sold        $      750       $     886  $  (429)        $ 1,207        $       80       $   2,227  $   (185)        $ 2,122
7.1%9.0%-5.5%4.3%0.7%23.5%-2.9%7.9%
        
Gross margin      $     (94)    $     668       $  (753)      $ (179)      $     (25)    $      788        $   (627)      $     136
-2.6%25.2%-57.9%-2.4%-0.6%26.8%-64.4%1.7%
        
Selling and administrative expenses      $      270    $     437        $    40      $    747      $      808    $   1,028         $     232      $  2,068
11.0%20.8%6.0%14.3%33.8%50.2%42.4%41.5%
        
Operating profit      $    (364)     $    231       $ (793)      $ (926)      $   (833)     $   (240)        $  (859)      $(1,932)
-33.2%41.6%-122.7%-40.3%-56.6%-27.0%-201.0%-69.3%
-14-



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

 Six Months Ended July 4, 2015
 IndustrialSecurityMetal 
 HardwareProductsProductsTotal
Net sales100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%
Cost of products sold75.6%76.1%93.8%79.4%
Gross margin24.4%23.9%6.2%20.6%
     
Selling and administrative expense19.8%19.0%10.2%17.6%
Operating profit4.6%4.9%-4.0%3.0%
     
     
 Six Months Ended June 28, 2014
 IndustrialSecurityMetal 
 HardwareProductsProductsTotal
Net sales100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%
Cost of products sold74.6%77.6%86.2%78.4%
Gross margin25.4%22.4%13.8%21.6%
     
Selling and administrative expense16.6%16.6%7.3%14.4%
Operating profit8.8%5.8%6.5%7.2%



The following table shows the amount of change for the first six months of 2015 compared to the first six months of 2014 in sales, cost of products sold, gross margin, selling and administrative expenses and operating profit, by segment (dollars in thousands):

 IndustrialSecurityMetal 
 HardwareProductsProductsTotal
Net sales         $     711       $  4,569         $ (1,994)      $   3,286
     
         Volume-4.8%4.2%-14.2%-3.7%
         Prices0.2%-0.2%0.0%0.0%
         New products    7.0%     14.3%    2.1%    8.4%
 2.4%18.3%-12.1%4.7%
     
Cost of products sold        $     829       $  3,113  $    (614)        $   3,328
 3.8%16.1%-4.3%6.0%
     
Gross margin      $  (118)     $  1,456     $ (1,380)      $     (42)
 -1.6%26.0%-60.7%-0.3%
     
Selling and administrative expenses      $  1,080     $ 1,465       $       271      $  2,816
 22.2%35.3%22.6%27.6%
     
Operating profit      $(1,198)    $     (9)      $ (1,651)      $(2,858)
 -46.7%-0.6%-153.8%-56.2%



-15-





Industrial Hardware Segment

Net sales in the Industrial Hardware segment were up 5%less than 1% in the second quarter and 2% in the first quarterhalf of 2015 compared to the prior year quarter.periods.  The higher sales in the first quarter of 2015 reflected an increase in sales in both the second quarter and first half of existing latching and hardware products as well as2015 primarily reflect sales from the introduction of new products in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the prior year quarter.  This increasewhich was reduced by lower sales of our lightweight composite panels to the Class 8 truck market and the Mexican market compared to the prior year periods.

Sales of existing products increased in both the second quarter and first half of 2015 to the distribution, trailer, service body, military, Class 8 truck and fire and rescue markets.  This increase was reduced by lower sales to the bus and off-highway markets as well as lower sales of our lightweight composite panels to the Class 8 truck market and the Mexican market in 2015 compared to the prior year period.  periods, both of which are the result of scheduling changes by customers.  Our new lightweight composite panel facility in North Carolina made its initial shipments of sleeper cabs in March 2015 and continues to increase its daily build rate for the new lightweight composite sleeper cabs for the Class 8 truck market to meet customer demand.  We expect the North Carolina facility to be accretive to earnings for fiscal year 2015 and to open new opportunities for its products now that Eastern has four panel making facilities in North America.

All of the new products were developed internally and included a lever arm latch,cab door handle, a paddle assembly, a trigger latch, a rod assembly and thea new sleeper, manufactured from our lightweight composite panel material in our new North Carolina facility, for the Class 8 truck market; a two-stage rotary, a handle latch and a gate latch for the off-highway market; a trigger latch, a rear door lock and a hinge assembly for the bus market; a locking handle assembly, a key locking compressionan adjustable draw latch and a heavy duty t-handle for the distribution market; a latch and an adjustable draw latch, a rotary lock, an adjustable trigger and triangle key toolergonomic t handle for the industrialservice body market; as well as a variety of locking and latching products for the many markets we serve.  Our new lightweight composite panel facility in North Carolina made its initial shipments of sleeper bodies in March 2015 and is ready to begin full scale shipments effective in the second quarter of 2015.  We have also recently introduced our lightweight composite panels into the China marketplace to evaluate establishing a lightweight composite panel production line in China.

Cost of products sold for the Industrial Hardware segment increased $0.1 million or 1% in the second quarter and $0.8 million or 7%4% in the first quarterhalf of 2015 compared to the first quarter ofsame periods in 2014.

The most significant factors resulting in changes into the cost of products sold in the second quarter of 2015 quarter compared to the 2014 second quarter included:

·  an increase of $0.2 million or 7% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges;
·  an increase of $0.1 million or 100% in rental equipment;
·  an increase of $0.1 million or 151% in foreign exchange;
·  an increase of $0.1 million or 48% from the sale of scrap;
·  a decrease of $0.3 million or 4% in raw materials;
·  and a decrease of $0.1 million or 94% in fire and liability insurance.

The most significant factors resulting in changes to the cost of products sold in the first half of 2015 compared to the 2014 first half included:

·  an increase of $0.5 million or 8% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges;
·  an increase of $0.1 million or 1% in raw materials;
·  an increase of $0.1 million or 37% from the sale of scrap;
·  an increase of $0.1 million or 66% for property taxes;
·  an increase of $0.1 million or 19% in freight and shipping expenses;
·  an increase of $0.1 million or 47% in rent expense;
·  a decrease of $0.1 million or 61% in engineering expenses;
·  and a decrease of $0.1 million or 1,656% in foreign exchange.

§Gross margin an increaseas a percentage of $0.4 million or 6%sales for the Industrial Hardware segment decreased in raw materials;
§an increase of $0.3 million or 10%the second quarter to 25% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges;
§an increase of $0.1 million or 76% in costs for fire and liability insurance;
§an increase of $0.1 million or 57% in building rent expense;
§an increase of $0.1 million or2015 from 26% in other miscellaneous expenses;
§a decreasethe prior year period and in the first half to 24% from 25% in the prior year period.  The decreases in both the second quarter and first half of $0.1 million or 240% in foreign currency exchange;
§a decrease2015 reflect the mix of $0.1 million or 81% in costs for equipment rental.products produced and the changes to cost of products sold discussed above.
 
-16-
14
 
 

 

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales for the Industrial Hardware segment decreased from 25% in the first quarter 2014 to 23% in the first quarter of 2015.  The decrease in gross margin for the 2015 period reflects the mix of products produced and the changes in cost of products sold discussed above.

Selling and administrative expenses in the Industrial Hardware segment increased $0.3$0.8 million or 11% from34% in the second quarter of 2015 and $1.1 million or 22% in the first half of 2015 as compared to the 2014 to 2015.  periods.

The most significant factor resulting in changes in selling and administrative expenses in the Industrial Hardware segment in the firstsecond quarter of 2015 compared to the 2014 second quarter was:included:

§·  an increase of $0.3$0.6 million or 100% in allocated charges related toresulting from the proxy contest initiated by Barington.Barington in the first quarter of 2015;
·  and an increase of $0.2 million or 9% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges.

The most significant factors resulting in changes in selling and administrative expenses in the Industrial Hardware segment in the first half of 2015 compared to the 2014 first half included:

·  an increase of $0.8 million in allocated charges resulting from the proxy contest initiated by Barington in the first quarter of 2015;
·  an increase of $0.2 million or 6% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges
·  and an increase of $0.1 million or 31% in other administrative expenses.


Security Products Segment

Net sales in the Security Products segment increased 12%24% in the second quarter and increased 18% in the first quarterhalf of 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014.2014 periods.  The increase in sales in both the second quarter and first quarterhalf of 2015 in the Security Products segment is primarilywas the result of the Argo acquisition.  Anacquisition which was not in the 2014 results; an increase in sales resulting fromof existing products including money boxes and card systems to the commercial laundry market, and lock products to the travel, OEM, vehicle, furniture and cash management markets; as well as the introduction of new lock products, sold primarily to the vehicular and storage markets was offset by a decrease in sales volume of existing products to the commercial laundry market.  products.

Sales of new products included printed circuit board assemblies resulting from the Argo acquisition; a detach latch and a large format interchangeable core padlockmini tubular cam lock for the computer market;vehicular markets; a passive keyless entry system for truck saddle boxes, and a short length cam lock with stainless steel tumblers for the storage market; and a mini tubular self-retaining lock for the computer market.

Cost of products sold for the Security Products segment increased $0.9$2.2 million or 9%24% in the second quarter and $3.1 million or 16% in the first half of 2015 as compared to the firstsame periods in 2014. The changes in dollars and percentages identified below primarily reflect the acquisition of Argo which was included in the 2015 periods but was not included in the comparable periods for 2014.

The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the second quarter of 2014.  2015 compared to the 2014 second quarter included:

·  an increase of $1.4 million or 23% in raw materials
·  an increase of $0.5 million or 28% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges;
·  an increase of  $0.2 million or 103% in freight and shipping expenses;
·  an increase of $0.1 million or 21% in engineering expense;
·  and a decrease of $0.1 million or 38% in costs for supplies and tools.

The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the first quarterhalf of 2015 compared to the 2014 quarterfirst half included:

§an increase of $0.5 million or 28% in payroll and payroll related charges;
·  an increase of $1.8 million or 14% in raw materials;
§an increase of $0.4 million or 6% in raw materials;
·  an increase of $1.1 million or 28% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges;
§an increase of $0.1 million or 40% in depreciation expense;
·  an increase of $0.2 million or 35% in freight and shipping expenses;
§an increase of $0.1 million or 45% in miscellaneous expenses;
·  an increase of $0.1 million or 38% in depreciation expense;
§a decrease of $0.1 million or 455% in foreign currency exchange;
·  an increase of $0.1 million or 13% in engineering expense;
§and a decrease of $0.1 million or 32% in costs for supplies and tools.
·  an increase of $0.1 million or 55% in rental equipment;
·  an increase of $0.1 million or 91% in maintenance and repair costs;
·  a decrease of $0.2 million or 35% in costs for supplies and tools;
·  a decrease of $0.1 million or 58% in miscellaneous taxes;
·  and a decrease of $0.1 million or 38% in fire and liability insurance.
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Gross margin as a percentage of sales for the Security Products segment in the second quarter was 24% in 2015 and was comparable to the 2014 period, and increased from 21%in the first half to 24% from 22% in the prior year period.  The increase in the first half of 2015 was primarily due to the gross margin contribution from the Argo acquisition which is included in the 2015 period when compared to the same period in 2014 which was prior to the acquisition.

Selling and administrative expenses in the Security Products segment increased $0.4$1.0 million or 21%50% in the second quarter and $1.5 million or 35% in the first half of 2015 as compared to the 2014 periods.

The most significant factors resulting in changes in selling and administrative expenses in the Security Products segment in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. 2014 second quarter included:

·  an increase of $0.6 million in allocated charges resulting from the proxy contest initiated by Barington in the first quarter of 2015;
·  an increase of $0.3 million or 24% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges;
·  and an increase of $0.1 million or 210% for in amortization costs primarily resulting from the acquisition of Argo in 2014.

The most significant factors resulting in changes in selling and administrative expenses in the Security Products segment in the first quarterhalf of 2015 compared to the 2014 quarter was:first half included:


§·  an increase of $0.2$0.8 million or 100% in allocated charges related toresulting from the proxy contest initiated by Barington;Barington in the first quarter of 2015;
§·  an increase of $0.4 million or 16% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges;
·  an increase of $0.1 million or 8%271% for in payroll and payroll related chargesamortization costs primarily resulting from the acquisition of Argo acquisition;in 2014;
§·  an increase of $0.1 million or 86% in insurance costs;
·  and an increase of $0.1 million or 362%11% in amortization expense related to the Argo acquisition.other administrative expenses.

15



Metal Products Segment

Net sales in the Metal Products segment decreased 13%11% in the second quarter and 12% in the first quarterhalf of 2015 as compared to the prior year period.periods.  Sales of mining products were down 15%13% in the second quarter and 14% in the first half of 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014 and sales of contract castings increased 1% from the prior year levels.  The lower sales in both the second quarter and first quarterhalf of 2015 primarily reflect a decrease insignificant sales reductions of existing products33% during the first half of 2015 to our largest customer in the U.S. mining market who serves asells significant portion ofvolumes into the Eastern (Appalachian) region thermal and metallurgical coal mining market. This region has been hit hardest due to the higher costs to mine which have made it difficult to compete with natural gas and even coal mined in other areasThe remainder of the U.S. mining market is experiencing reductions of 10-15%, a trend we expect to continue into 2016. The other U.S. mining regions have seen respectable growth along withwhich is being partially offset by the Canadian mining market which has seen substantial growth to partially off-set the reductions incurred in the eastern region in comparison to the first quarter of 2014.  realized significant growth.

While the mining industry continues to be impacted by lower natural gas prices, excess coal inventories and stricter EPA regulations, it still represents approximately 35%30-35% of the U.S. energy consumption and has historically fluctuated dependantdepending on natural gas prices.

The introduction of new products, including a shell and a small hole flange nut, helped offset some of the decrease in sales of mining products.  In addition, sales of contract castings slightly increased 8% in the second quarter and 4% in the first half of 2015 from the prior year levels.  The increase in sales of contract castings was primarily due to new products, including nuts produced for gas fittings used in the utility industry, which was partiallyindustry.  Sales of existing products used in the Class 8 truck market increased but were offset by timing issues in sales of existingother products, especiallyprincipally in relation to a solar panel producer who sells through contract on major solar installations.  We are working with several new customers in the contract casting marketmarkets, which we expect to favorablyshould have a positive impact on the remaindersecond half of the 2015 fiscal year.and future.
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Cost of products sold for the Metal Products segment decreased $0.4$0.2 million or 6%3% in the second quarter and $0.6 million or 4% in the first half of 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014.

The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.  2014 second quarter included:

·  an increase of $0.8 million or 87% in raw materials;
·  a decrease of $0.6 million or 20% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges;
·  a decrease of $0.2 million or 33% in costs for maintenance and repairs;
·  a decrease of $0.1 million or 96% for pattern costs;
·  and a decrease of $0.1 million or 13% in costs for supplies and tools.

The most significant factors resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the first quarterhalf of 2015 compared to the 2014 first quarterhalf included:

§·    a decreasean increase of $0.1$0.7 million or 4%27% in raw materials;
§·    a decreasean increase of $0.1 million or 16%63% from the sale of scrap;
·  a decrease of $0.7 million or 12% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges;
·  a decrease of $0.3 million or 25% related to costs for maintenance and repairs;
§·  a decrease of $0.1$0.2 million or 10%12% in costs for supplies and tools;
§·  a decrease of $0.1 million or 5% in utility costs;
·  and a decrease of $0.1 million or 4% in payroll and payroll related charges.93% for pattern costs.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales for the Metal Products segment decreased from 13% to 5% in the second quarter and decreased from 14% to 6% in the first half of 2015 as compared to the 2014 periods. The decreases in both the second quarter and first half of 2014 to 7% for the 2015 quarter.  The decrease isare primarily due to lower utilization of the facility due to the lower sales volume causing lower utilization of the Company’s production capacity in 2015 as well as,compared to the mix of products produced and the cost changes noted above.2014 periods.

Selling and administrative expenses in the Metal Products segment increased less than $0.1$0.2 million or 6%42% in the second quarter and $0.3 million or 23% in the first half of 2015 as compared to the 2014 periods.

The most significant factor resulting in changes in selling and administrative expenses in the Metal Products segment in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. 2014 second quarter included:

·  an increase of $0.2 million in allocated charges resulting from the proxy contest initiated by Barington in the first quarter of 2015.

The most significant factors resulting in changes in selling and administrative expenses in the Metal Products segment in the first quarterhalf of 2015 compared to the 2014 quarter was:first half included:

§·  an increase of slightly more than $0.1$0.4 million or 100% in allocated charges related toresulting from the proxy contest initiated by Barington;Barington in the first quarter of 2015;
§·  and a decrease of less than $0.1 million or 19%11% in costs for payroll and payroll related charges.


Other Items

Interest expense decreased 23%26% in the second quarter and 25% in the first quartersix months of 2015 compared to the prior year period due to the decreased level of debt.debt in 2015.

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

Income taxesreflected the change in the operating results. The effective tax raterates in the second quarter and first quartersix months of 2015 was 34.1%were 29% and was comparable32%, respectively, compared to 38% and 36%, respectively in the 2014 periods. The lower than expected effective rates are the result of decreased earnings estimates from our US sources (primarily related to the costs of the proxy contest during the first half of the year) compared to earnings estimates from foreign sources that have lower overall tax rates. The higher rates in 2014 effective rate which was 32.8%.also reflect taxes paid on the repatriation of approximately $2.8 million of cash from foreign subsidiaries.

 
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Liquidity and Sources of Capital

The Company generated $327,000$1.4 million of cash from its operations during the first threesix months of 2015 compared to $413,000$3.1 million during the same period in 2014.  The decrease in cash flows in the 2015 quarter compared to the prior year period was primarily the result of lower earnings during the period related to the cash expended for the proxy contest as well as the associated timing differences in the collections of accounts receivable, payments of liabilities, and changes in inventories.  Cash flow from operations coupled with cash on hand at the beginning of the year was sufficient to fund capital expenditures, debt service, and dividend payments.

Additions to property, plant and equipment were $800,000$1.6 million for the first threesix months of 2014 compared to $700,0002015 and for the same period in 2014.  Total capital expenditures for 2015 are expected to be approximately $6$3.2 million.  As of AprilJuly 4, 2015, there is approximately $400,000$200,000 of outstanding commitments for these capital expenditures.

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

 
First
Quarter
2015
First
Quarter
2014
Year
End
2014
 
Second
Quarter
2015
Second
Quarter
2014
Year
End
2014
Current ratio 5.5 5.5 5.3  5.5 5.5 5.3 
Average days’ sales in accounts receivable 48 47 49  49 49 49 
Inventory turnover 3.5 3.7 3.1  3.4 3.6 3.1 
Total debt to shareholders’ equity 5.2%7.0%5.7% 4.8%6.4%5.7%

The following table shows important liquidity measures as of the balance sheet date for each period below (in millions):
 
First
Quarter
2015
 
First
Quarter
2014
 
Year
End
2014
  
Second
Quarter
2015
 
Second
Quarter
2014
 
Year
End
2014
 
Cash and cash equivalents              
- Held in the United States$4.6$9.4$5.6 $3.6$11.3$5.6 
- Held by a foreign subsidiary 9.5 9.1 10.2  9.7 8.1 10.2 
 14.1 18.5 15.8  13.3 19.4 15.8 
Working capital  58.3  58.3  57.8   58.3  59.2  57.8 
Net cash provided by operating activities  0.3  0.4  9.3   1.4  3.1  9.3 
Change in working capital impact on net cash
used in operating activities
 
 
(1.5
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(2.2
) 
 
(3.2
)
 
(2.5
)
 
(2.2
)
Net cash used in investing activities (0.8)(0.7)(8.6) (1.6)(1.6)(8.6)
Net cash used in financing activities (1.0)(1.0)(4.5) (2.1)(2.1)(4.5)

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

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

Total inventories remained fairly constant at $34.2$34.9 million on AprilJuly 4, 2015 compared to $34.4 million at year end 2014 and increased approximately 13% from $30.3$30.8 million at the end of the firstsecond quarter of 2014.  Management has made inventory control a priority in 2015, and has been able to hold inventory fairly evenlevel in the first threesix months of the year.  Accounts receivable was $19.3were $19.9 million compared to $17.1 million at year end 2014 and $18.2$18.3 million at the end of the firstsecond quarter of 2014.  The increase from year end is related to higher revenues in the first threesix months of the current year and to a slightly slower collection rate.   The Company expects to improve on the collection rate as we move through the remainder of this year.

Cash on hand, cash flow from operating activities and funds available under the revolving credit portion of the Company’s Loan Agreement are expected to be sufficient to cover future foreseeable working capital requirements.

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17
 
 

 


ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in market risk from what was reported in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

As of the end of the quarter ended AprilJuly 4, 2015, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 240.13a-15.  As defined in Exchange Act Rules 240.13a-15(e) and 240.15d-15(e), “the term disclosure controls and procedures means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.”  Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s current disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the AprilJuly 4, 2015 evaluation date.

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

Changes in Internal Controls:

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


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On April 17, 2015, Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. (“Barington”) filed a purported class action lawsuit against the Company and its board of directors (the “Board”) in the Superior Court of Waterbury, Connecticut (the “Action”).  The Action alleges,alleged, among other things, that the Eastern Board breached its fiduciary duties by amending the Company’s bylaws to allow the boardBoard to fill vacancies resulting from an expansion of the number of boardBoard seats.  The Action also challengeschallenged the Board’s announced intention to increase the size of the Board and appoint a new director after the May 20, 2015 Annual Meeting, and seeks,sought, among other things, injunctive relief preventing the Board from nominating a new director to fill a vacancy that is the result of an expansion of the number of board seats.Board seats without Shareholders voting on the appointment.  On April 17, 2015, Barington filed a motion for expedited proceedings and discovery prior to the May 20, 2015 Annual Meeting.  On April 29, 2015, the Court issued an Order holding that the Action is derivative, and staying the case until July 11, 2015 pursuant to Connecticut law.  No estimate forOn July 13, 2015, the costCourt approved a Stipulation and Order of defending this suit was available when this Form 10-Q was filedDismissal (the “Stipulation”) entered into by the parties in connection with the SEC.

Action.  The Stipulation provides for, among other things, the dismissal of the Action after the requisite notice period to shareholders has expired.  The Company expensed $320,500 in legal fees and settlement costs during the second quarter of 2015 resulting from this lawsuit.  All costs and fees related to this matter in excess of this amount have been paid by the Company’s insurance carrier.
 
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During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company was contacted by the State of Illinois regarding potential ground contamination at our plant in Wheeling, Illinois. The Company enlisted into a voluntary remediation program in Illinois and has engaged an environmental clean-up company to perform testing and develop a remediation plan, if needed. NoBased on discussions to date with the environmental clean-up company, the Company does not expect any remediation cost to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. However, no estimate for the cost of any potential remediation was available when this Form 10-Q was filed with the SEC.

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


ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in risk factors from what was reported in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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

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


ITEM 3 – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None


ITEM 4 – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


ITEM 5 – OTHER INFORMATION

None


ITEM 6 – EXHIBITS

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

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

99(1)) The Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(2)) Form 8-K filed on March 20, 2015 setting forth an amendment to the Company’s bylaws and the press release reporting the Company’s (i) director nominees for election at the Company’s 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, (ii) intention to expand the size of the Board by one and appoint a new director to the resulting vacancy and (iii) filing of its preliminary proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.

99(3)) Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2015 setting forth the press release reporting the engagement of Wells Fargo Securities as the Company’s financial advisor is incorporated herein by reference.
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99(4)) Form 8-K filed on April 13, 2015 setting forth the press release reporting the release of the President’s Letter from the Annual Report to Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

19



99(5)) Form 8-K filed on April 29, 2015 setting forth the press release reporting the Company’s earnings for the quarter ended April 4, 2015 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(6)) Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2015 setting forth the promotion of Angelo Labbadia as the Company’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer is incorporated herein by referencereference.

99(7)) Form 8-K filed on May 26, 2015 setting forth the results of the vote at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company which was held on May 20, 2015 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(8)) Form 8-K filed on May 29, 2015 setting forth the press release reporting the Company’s intention to not appoint a sixth director to its Board of Directors without shareholder approval.

99(9)) Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2015 setting forth the Court approved Stipulation and Order of Dismissal (the “Stipulation”) entered into by the parties in connection with a purported class action lawsuit filed on April 17, 2015 by the Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. The Stipulation required that notice of its terms be given to shareholders of the Company in the form of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

99(10)) Form 8-K filed on July 29, 2015 setting forth the press release reporting the Company’s earnings for the quarter ended July 4, 2015 is incorporated herein by reference.

99(11)) Form 8-K filed on July 30, 2015 setting forth a letter issued from the Company’s Chairman, President & CEO terminating the engagement of Wells Fargo Securities as the Company’s financial advisor.


SIGNATURES

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

 THE EASTERN COMPANY
 
(Registrant)
 
DATE:  May 1,July 31, 2015
/s/Leonard F. Leganza
 
Leonard F. Leganza
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
  
DATE:  May 1,July 31, 2015
/s/John L. Sullivan III
 
John L. Sullivan III
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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20