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 Fiscal Quarter ended March 31, 2018

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 001-35383


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


Connecticut
06-0330020
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

112 Bridge Street, Naugatuck, Connecticut
06770
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)


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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  Common Stock No Par Value      The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
                                                                                                          (Title of each class)                             (Name of each exchange
                                                                                                                                                                            on which registered)


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 Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 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, 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.


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


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 March 31, 2018, 6,265,000 shares of the registrant's common stock, no par value per share, were issued and outstanding.

1


The Eastern Company
Form 10-Q

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
Page
     
     
     
     
PART I
   
Item 1.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
  3.
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
13.
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
18.
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
18.
     
 
PART II
   
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
19.
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
19.
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
20.
     
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
20.
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
20.
 
Item 5.
Other Information
20.
 
Item 6
Exhibits and Signatures
20
     

2

PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION




ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



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

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2018
   
April 1, 2017
 
Net sales
 
$
59,444,997
   
$
36,043,295
 
Cost of products sold
   
(44,723,521
)
   
(27,359,246
)
Gross margin
   
14,721,476
     
8,684,049
 
                 
Engineering expenses
   
(1,389,229
)
   
(630,411
)
Selling and administrative expenses
   
(9,160,360
)
   
(5,877,967
)
Operating profit
   
4,171,887
     
2,175,671
 
                 
Interest expense
   
(296,330
)
   
(21,024
)
Other income
   
218,731
     
80,183
 
Income before income taxes
   
4,094,288
     
2,234,830
 
                 
Income taxes
   
994,093
     
717,689
 
Net income
 
$
3,100,195
   
$
1,517,141
 
                 
Earnings per share:
               
Basic
 
$
.49
   
$
.24
 
                 
Diluted
 
$
.49
   
$
.24
 
                 
Cash dividends per share:
 
$
.11
   
$
.11
 

See accompanying notes.


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

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2018
   
April 1, 2017
 
Net income
 
$
3,100,195
   
$
1,517,141
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
               
Change in foreign currency translation
   
608,928
     
471,971
 
Change in marketable securities, net of tax benefit of: 2018 – 0 and 2017 – ($792)
   
     
(1,451
)
Change in pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax expense of:
2018 – $65,842 and 2017 - $112,864
   
222,725
     
206,683
 
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax benefit of: 2018 – ($65,557)
   
165,840
     
 
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
   
997,463
     
677,203
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
4,097,688
   
$
2,194,344
 

See accompanying notes.
3


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


ASSETS
 
March 31, 2018
   
December 30, 2017
 
Current Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
16,361,816
   
$
22,275,477
 
Accounts receivable, less allowances: $477,000 - 2018; $389,000 - 2017
   
30,304,665
     
27,119,910
 
Inventories
   
48,976,948
     
47,268,757
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
3,615,307
     
3,401,456
 
Total Current Assets
   
99,258,736
     
100,065,600
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
   
70,875,801
     
70,109,077
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(42,007,439
)
   
(41,075,121
)
     
28,868,362
     
29,033,956
 
Goodwill
   
32,200,916
     
32,228,891
 
Trademarks
   
3,686,063
     
3,686,063
 
Patents and other intangibles net of accumulated amortization
   
9,847,216
     
9,433,596
 
Deferred income taxes
   
1,904,485
     
2,010,291
 
     
47,638,680
     
47,358,841
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
175,765,778
   
$
176,458,397
 



LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
           
Current Liabilities
           
Accounts payable
 
$
16,943,359
   
$
14,712,414
 
Accrued compensation
   
2,390,909
     
4,376,211
 
Other accrued expenses
   
3,658,147
     
3,606,057
 
Contingent liability
   
2,070,000
     
2,070,000
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
2,550,000
     
6,550,000
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
27,612,415
     
31,314,682
 
                 
Deferred income taxes
   
1,723,543
     
1,723,543
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
358,982
     
358,982
 
Long-term debt, less current portion
   
28,287,500
     
28,675,000
 
Accrued postretirement benefits
   
1,015,290
     
1,032,171
 
Accrued pension cost
   
26,343,088
     
26,423,429
 
                 
Shareholders' Equity
               
 Preferred Stock, no par value:
               
        Authorized and unissued: 2,000,000 shares
               
Common Stock, no par value, Authorized: 50,000,000 shares
   
29,608,222
     
29,501,123
 
Issued: 8,959,729 shares in 2018 and 8,957,974 shares in 2017
               
Treasury Stock: 2,694,729 shares in 2018 and 2017
   
(19,105,723
)
   
(19,105,723
)
Retained earnings
   
100,311,681
     
97,921,903
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Foreign currency translation
   
(334,265
)
   
(943,193
)
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap, net of tax
   
207,597
     
41,757
 
Unrecognized net pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax
   
(20,262,552
)
   
(20,485,277
)
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(20,389,220
)
   
(21,386,713
)
Total Shareholders' Equity
   
90,424,960
     
86,930,590
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
$
175,765,778
   
$
176,458,397
 

See accompanying notes.
4



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


   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2018
   
April 1, 2017
 
Operating Activities
           
Net income
 
$
3,100,195
   
$
1,517,141
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
1,150,204
     
955,614
 
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefits
   
191,344
     
127,926
 
(Gain)/loss on sale of equipment and other assets
   
21,024
     
33,098
 
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
9,136
     
6,381
 
Issuance of Common Stock for directors' fees
   
107,099
     
41,509
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
   
(3,514,532
)
   
(1,719,513
)
Inventories
   
(1,540,703
)
   
1,689,822
 
Prepaid expenses and other
   
(144,757
)
   
(84,755
)
Other assets
   
(90,073
)
   
(35,208
)
Accounts payable
   
2,256,432
     
901,500
 
Accrued compensation
   
(2,012,189
)
   
(1,321,648
)
Other accrued expenses
   
  562,695
     
279,730
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
95,875
     
2,391,597
 
                 
Investing Activities
               
Marketable securities
   
     
(215,923
)
Capitalized software
   
(733,842
)
   
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(605,655
)
   
(487,169
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(1,339,497
)
   
(703,092
)
                 
Financing Activities
               
Principal payments on long-term debt
   
(4,387,500
)
   
(357,142
)
Dividends paid
   
(689,133
)
   
(688,340
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(5,076,633
)
   
(1,045,482
)
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
406,594
     
212,902
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
(5,913,661
)
   
855,925
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
22,275,477
     
22,725,376
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
16,361,816
   
$
23,581,301
 

See accompanying notes.




5

THE EASTERN COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
March 31, 2018


Note A – Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for complete financial statements. Refer to the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017 for additional information.

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

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2017 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet at that date.

Commencing with Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2017, engineering expenses have been separately identified for all periods presented. These expenses have been reclassified from cost of products sold and selling and administrative expenses. Engineering expense is not necessarily a cost of product sold. Rather, these expenses are related to product development. This reclass of April 1, 2017 amounts does not change the overall results.

Commencing with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in accordance with ASC 715 – Compensation – Retirement Benefits, net periodic pension costs have been separately identified for all periods presented. These expenses have been reclassified from cost of products sold to other income.


Note B – Earnings Per Share

The denominators used in the earnings per share computations follow:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2018
   
April 1, 2017
 
Basic:
           
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
6,263,553
     
6,256,496
 
                 
Diluted:
               
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
6,263,553
     
6,256,496
 
Dilutive stock units
   
28,173
     
-
 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
   
6,291,726
     
6,256,496
 


6

Note C – Inventories

The components of inventories follow:

   
March 31, 2018
   
December 30, 2017
 
             
Raw material and component parts
 
$
14,849,839
   
$
14,331,915
 
Work in process
   
7,997,305
     
7,718,379
 
Finished goods
   
26,129,804
     
25,218,463
 
   
$
48,976,948
   
$
47,268,757
 

 
Note D – Segment Information

Segment financial information follows:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2018
   
April 1, 2017
 
Revenues:
           
Sales to unaffiliated customers:
           
Industrial Hardware
 
$
36,557,043
   
$
15,442,825
 
Security Products
   
15,119,328
     
13,917,489
 
Metal Products
   
7,768,626
     
6,682,981
 
   
$
59,444,997
   
$
36,043,295
 
                 
Income before income taxes:
               
Industrial Hardware
 
$
2,766,444
   
$
540,571
 
Security Products
   
985,138
     
969,125
 
Metal Products
   
420,305
     
665,975
 
Operating Profit
   
4,171,887
     
2,175,671
 
Interest expense
   
(296,330
)
   
(21,024
)
Other income
   
218,731
     
80,183
 
      Income before income taxes
 
$
4,094,288
   
$
2,234,830
 


Note E – Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires leases to present right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. The guidance is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach at the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements and is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the new guidance.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-06, Plan Accounting: Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Topic 960); Defined Contribution Pension Plans (Topic 962); Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Topic 965): Employee Benefit Plan Master Trust Reporting. ASU 2017-06 provides guidance for reporting by an employee benefit plan for its interest in a master trust. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendment should be applied retrospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period after December 15, 2018.  The Company is in the process of determining the effect that the adoption of ASU 2017-06 will have on the accompanying financial statements.

 
7

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


Note F – Debt

On April 3, 2017, the Company signed an amended and restated loan agreement (the "Restated Loan Agreement") with People's United Bank that included a $31 million term portion and a $10 million revolving credit portion.  Proceeds of the loan were used to repay the remaining outstanding term loan of the Company (approximately $1,429,000) and to acquire 100% of the common stock of Velvac Holdings, Inc.  The term portion of the loan requires quarterly principal payments of $387,500 for a two-year period beginning July 3, 2017.  The repayment amount then increases to $775,000 per quarter beginning July 1, 2019.  The term loan is a five-year loan with the remaining balance due on March 1, 2022.  The revolving credit portion has a quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.2% to 0.375% based on operating results.  The revolving credit portion has a maturity date of April 1, 2022.  On April 3, 2017, the Company borrowed approximately $6.6 million on the revolving credit facility.  The Company subsequently paid off $1.6 million during 2017 and an additional $4 million during the first 3 months of 2018 on the revolving credit facility leaving a balance on the credit of $1 million as of March 31, 2018

The interest rates on the term and revolving credit portion of the Restated Loan Agreement vary.  The interest rates may vary based on the LIBOR rate plus a margin spread of 1.75% to 2.50%.  The margin spread is based on operating results calculated on a rolling-four-quarter basis.  The Company may also borrow funds at the lender's prime rate.  On March 31, 2018, the interest rate for one half ($14.9 million) of the term portion was 3.44%, using a 1 month LIBOR rate and 3.41% on the remaining balance ($14.9 million) of the term loan based on a 3 month LIBOR rate. The interest rate on the $1 million of the revolving credit portion was 4.0%, the bank's prime rate.

The Company's loan covenants under the Restated Loan Agreement require the Company to maintain a consolidated minimum debt service coverage ratio of at least 1.1 to 1 for periods through December 31, 2018 and 1.2 to 1 thereafter to be tested quarterly on a twelve-month trailing basis.  In addition, the Company will be required to show a maximum total leverage ratio of 4.0x for periods through December 31, 2018, 3.5x for the period January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019, 3.25x for the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 and 3.0x thereafter.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants in 2017 and 2018.

On April 4, 2017, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract with the lender with an original notational amount of $15,500,000, which is equal to 50% of the outstanding balance of the term loan on that date.  The notational amount will decrease on a quarterly basis beginning July 3, 2017 following the principal repayment schedule of the term loan.  The Company has a fixed interest rate of 1.92% on the swap contract and will pay the difference between the fixed rate and LIBOR when LIBOR is below 1.92% and will receive interest when the LIBOR rate exceeds 1.92%.


Note G – 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.

In addition, the Company provides health care and life insurance for retired salaried employees in the U.S.who meet specific eligibility requirements.
 
8


Significant disclosures relating to these benefit plans for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 and 2017 follow:

   
Pension Benefits
   
Postretirement Benefits
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
2018
   
April 1,
2017
   
March 31,
2018
   
April 1,
2017
 
Service cost
 
$
329,960
   
$
317,360
   
$
9,256
   
$
6,847
 
Interest cost
   
776,792
     
791,057
     
19,290
     
20,207
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(1,304,880
)
   
(1,195,895
)
   
(13,913
)
   
(12,874
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
32,691
     
36,438
     
(1,268
)
   
(5,361
)
Amortization of the net loss
   
277,528
     
307,870
     
(16,398
)
   
(19,400
)
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
112,091
   
$
256,830
   
$
(3,033
)
 
$
(10,581
)


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 the year 2018, the Company expects to contribute $510,000 into its pension plans and $105,000 into its postretirement plan. As of March 31, 2018, the Company has not made contributions into its pension plans and has contributed $36,000 to its postretirement plan and will make the remaining contributions as required during the remainder of the year.

The Company has a contributory savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering substantially all U.S. non-union employees. The plan allows participants to make voluntary contributions 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 to the plan as follows:

   
For the Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2018
   
April 1, 2017
 
Regular matching contribution
 
$
166,015
   
$
116,475
 
Transitional credit contribution
   
124,108
     
135,370
 
Non-discretionary contribution
   
524,373
     
307,568
 
Total contributions made for the period
 
$
814,496
   
$
559,413
 

The non-discretionary contribution of $502,617 made in the period of March 31, 2018 was expensed in the prior fiscal year.


Note H – 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 stock options granted using the Black-Scholes valuation model. This model requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions including, among other things, estimates regarding the length of time an employee will retain vested stock options before exercising them, the estimated volatility of our 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.
 

 
9

As of March 31, 2018, the Company had one stock option plan, the 2010 Executive Stock Incentive Plan (the "2010 Plan"), for officers, other key employees, and non-employee directors.  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 (the "Compensation Committee").  Under the 2010 Plan, non-qualified stock options granted to participants will have exercise prices determined by the Compensation Committee.   No options or restricted stock were granted in the first quarters of fiscal years 2018 or 2017.

The 2010 Plan also permits the issuance of stock appreciation rights ("SARs").  The SARs are in the form of an option with a cashless exercise price equal to the fair value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant.  During the first quarter of 2018, the Company issued 51,000 SARs at an exercise price of $24.90.  The SARs will vest on February 1, 2021 and are subject to meeting performance measurements.  When exercised, the Company will issue shares of the Company' common stock with a value equal to the difference between the closing stock price on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the SARs.

Stock-based compensation expense in connection with SARs granted to employees and directors in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 was approximately $56,000 and $7,000, respectively.
 
As of March 31, 2018, there were 275,000 units reserved and available for future grant under the above noted 2010 plan.

   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
   
Year Ended
December 30, 2017
 
   
Units
   
Weighted - Average Exercise Price
   
Units
   
Weighted - Average Exercise Price
 
Outstanding at beginning of period
   
141,500
   
$
20.36
     
--
   
$
--
 
Issued
   
51,000
     
24.90
     
149,500
     
20.39
 
Forfeited
   
(2,000
)
   
19.10
     
(8,000
)
   
21.10
 
Outstanding at end of period
   
190,500
     
21.44
     
141,500
     
20.36
 

SARs Outstanding and Exercisable
 
Range of Exercise Prices
   
Outstanding as of
December 30, 2017
   
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life
   
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
   
Exercisable as of
March 31, 2018
   
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life
   
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
 
$
19.10-24.90
     
190,500
     
4.2
   
$
21.44
     
20,670
     
4.0
     
19.10
 



The following tables set forth the outstanding stock grants for the period specified:
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
   
Year Ended
December 30, 2017
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted - Average Exercise Price
   
Shares
   
Weighted - Average Exercise Price
 
Outstanding at beginning of period
   
25,000
   
$
     
   
$
 
Issued
   
     
     
25,000
     
 
Forfeited
   
     
     
     
 
Outstanding at end of period
   
25,000
     
     
25,000
     
 
                                 
 
 

 
10

Stock Grants Outstanding and Exercisable
 
Range of Exercise Prices
   
Outstanding as of
March 31, 2018
   
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life
   
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
   
Exercisable as of
December 30, 2017
   
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life
   
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
 
$
0.00
     
25,000
     
4.0
     
     
     
     
 

At March 31, 2018, outstanding SARs and options had an intrinsic value of $2,040,450.


Note I – Income Taxes

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and in various states and foreign jurisdictions.  With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013 and is no longer subject to non-U.S. income tax examinations by foreign tax authorities for years prior to 2011.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "2017 Tax Act") was enacted into law on December 22, 2017. The 2017 Tax Act, significantly changes U.S. corporate income tax laws by, among other provisions, reducing the maximum U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% starting in 2018, and creating a territorial tax system with a one-time mandatory tax on previously deferred foreign earnings of U.S. subsidiaries.

The final impact on the Company resulting from the 2017 Tax Act's transition tax legislation may differ from the aforementioned reasonable estimate due to the complexity of calculating and supporting with primary evidence U.S. tax attributes, such as accumulated foreign earnings and profits, foreign tax paid, and other tax components involved in foreign tax credit calculations for prior years back to 1986. Such differences could be material, due to, among other things, changes in interpretations of the 2017 Tax Act, future legislative action to address questions that arise because of the 2017 Tax Act, changes in accounting standards for income taxes or related interpretations in response to the 2017 Tax Act, or any updates or changes to estimates the Company has utilized to calculate the reasonable estimate of the transition tax.

Pursuant to the SAB118, the company is allowed a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of the 2017 Tax Act to finalize the recording of the related tax impacts.  During the three months ending March 31, 2018, no measurement period adjustments were recorded.

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could increase or decrease within the next 12 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 ASC Topic 740, "Income Taxes."  There have been no significant changes to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits during the three months ended March 31, 2018.  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 J – Revenue Recognition

The Company's revenues result from the sale of goods and services and reflect the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled.  The Company records revenues based on a five-step model in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers."  The Company has defined purchase orders as contracts in accordance with ASC Topic 606. For its customer contracts, the Company identifies it's performance obligations, which is delivering goods or services, determines the transaction price, allocates the contract transaction price to the performance obligations (when applicable), and recognizes the revenue when (or as) the performance obligation is transferred to the customer.  A good or service is transferred when the customer obtains control of that good or service.  The Company's revenues are recorded at a point in time from the sale of tangible products.  Revenues are recognized when products are shipped.
11


The Company has elected the Modified Retrospective Method (the "Cumulate Effect Method") to comply with ASC Topic 606. The Cumulative Effect Method does not affect the amounts for the prior periods, but requires that the current period be reported in accordance with as if ASC Topic 606. ASC Topic 606 was adopted on December 31, 2017 which was the first day of the Company's 2018 fiscal year. The financial effect of ASC Topic 606 on the March 31, 2018 financial statements was not significant.

Customer volume rebates, product returns, discount and allowance are variable consideration and are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the same period that the related sales is recorded.  The Company has reviewed the overall sales transactions for variable consideration and has determined that these costs are not significant.

Refer to Note D for revenues reported by segment.  The Company has not experienced any impairment losses, has no future performance obligations and does not capitalize costs to obtain or fulfill contracts.
 
 
Note K - Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies

The Company is exposed primarily to credit, interest rate and currency exchange rate risks which arise in the normal course of business.
 
Credit Risk
 
Credit risk is the potential financial loss resulting from the failure of a customer or counterparty to settle its financial and contractual obligations to the Company, as and when they become due. The primary credit risk for the Company is its receivable accounts with customers. The Company has established credit limits for customers and monitors their balances to mitigate the risk of loss. At March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk. No one customer represented more than 10% of the Company's net trade receivables at March 31, 2018 or at December 30, 2017.  The maximum exposure to credit risk is primarily represented by the carrying amount of the Company's accounts receivable.

Interest Rate Risk
 
The Company's exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the Company's debt, which bears interest at variable rates based on the LIBOR rate plus a margin spread of 1.75% to 2.50%. The Company has an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $14,918,750 on March 31, 2018 to convert a portion of its 2017 Term Loan from variable to fixed rates. The valuation of this swap is determined using the three month LIBOR rate index and mitigates the Company's exposure to interest rate risk.

Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The Company's currency exposure is concentrated in the Canadian dollar, Mexican peso, New Taiwan dollar, Chinese RMB and the Hong Kong dollar.  Because of the Company's limited exposure to any single foreign market, any exchange gains or losses have not been material and are not expected to be material in the future.  As a result, the Company does not attempt to mitigate its foreign currency exposure through the acquisition of any speculative or leveraged financial instruments.

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. The assets or liabilities requiring fair value measurements on March 31, 2018 are as follows:


   
Fair Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Financial Receivable
      Interest rate swap
 
$
273,154
   
$
   
$
273,154
   
$
 
Total assets
 
$
273,154
   
$
   
$
273,154
   
$
 

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 assets.


12


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 quarter ended March 31, 2018. The interim financial statements and this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 and the related Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both of which are contained in the Company's 2017 Form 10-K.

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 and the rules, regulation and releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").  Any statement that are not historical fact, including statements containing such words as "may," "will," "could," "expects," "intends," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "estimated," or similar expressions, should be considered forward=looking statements. Readers should not place undue influence on these statements which, reflect management's current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and are made only as of the date of this Report. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual future results and trends might differ materially from those discussed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements.

The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements depend 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, legislation and the impact of the acquisition and integration of Velvac and its subsidiaries. In addition, terrorist threats and the possible responses by the U.S. and foreign governments, 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.

There are important, additional factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including the factors described in the Company's 2017 For 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018.  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.

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.

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

Overview

Sales in the first quarter of 2018 increased $23.4 million or 65%, as compared to the first quarter of 2017.  In the first quarter of 2018, organic sales growth for the total Company was 15%, as compared to the first quarter of 2017.  The increase in sales is primarily the result of a $21.1 million or 137% increase in sales in the Industrial Hardware segment.  Velvac's sales in the first quarter of 2018 accounted for 86% of the increase in Industrial Hardware segment increase sales.  The Industrial Hardware segment sales in the first quarter of 2018 had organic growth of 19%.  Sales increased 16% in the Metal Products segment and increased 9% in the Security Products segment, when compared to the first quarter of 2017.  Consolidated sales volume of existing products increased by 58% for
 
13

the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017.  Companywide, the first quarter of 2018 was favorably affected by the introduction of new products which increased sales by 6%.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, gross margin as a percentage of sales was 25% compared to 24% in the comparable period of 2017.

Engineering expense increased $0.8 million or 120% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the prior year period. The increase is primarily the result of the Velvac acquisition in the second quarter of 2017.

Selling and administration costs increased $3.2 million or 55% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the prior year period.  The most significant contributing to this increase in cost was the Velvac acquisition which increased payroll related costs incurred in the first quarter of 2018.

Interest expense increased $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 due to the increased level of debt incurred in connection with the acquisition of Velvac in the second quarter of 2017.

Other income increased in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 due to the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost."

A more detailed analysis of the Company's results of operations and financial condition is provided below:
14

 
Results of Operations

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

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
   
Industrial
   
Security
   
Metal
       
   
Hardware
   
Products
   
Products
   
Total
 
Net sales
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
Cost of products sold
   
74.8
%
   
70.9
%
   
85.6
%
   
75.2
%
Gross margin
   
25.2
%
   
29.1
%
   
14.4
%
   
24.8
%
                                 
Engineering expense
   
2.4
%
   
3.3
%
   
     
2.4
%
Selling and administrative expense
   
15.2
%
   
19.3
%
   
9.0
%
   
15.4
%
Operating profit
   
7.6
%
   
6.5
%
   
5.4
%
   
7.0
%
                                 
 
 
   
Three Months Ended April 1, 2017
 
   
Industrial
   
Security
   
Metal
       
   
Hardware
   
Products
   
Products
   
Total
 
Net sales
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
Cost of products sold
   
78.1
%
   
70.0
%
   
82.2
%
   
75.9
%
Gross margin
   
21.9
%
   
30.0
%
   
17.8
%
   
24.1
%
                                 
Engineering expense
   
1.1
%
   
3.3
%
           
1.7
%
Selling and administrative expense
   
17.1
%
   
19.6
%
   
7.7
%
   
16.4
%
Operating profit
   
3.7
%
   
7.1
%
   
10.1
%
   
6.0
%
 
 

 
15

The following table shows the amount of change for the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 in sales and operating profit by segment (dollars in thousands):

   
Industrial
   
Security
   
Metal
       
   
Hardware
   
Products
   
Products
   
Total
 
Net sales
 
$
21,114
   
$
1,202
   
$
1,086
   
$
23,402
 
                                 
         Volume
   
134.5
%
   
3.4
%
   
-4.6
%
   
58.1
%
         Prices
   
0.4
%
   
0.7
%
   
2.3
%
   
0.9
%
         New products
   
1.8
%
   
4.6
%
   
18.6
%
   
6.0
%
     
136.7
%
   
8.7
%
   
16.3
%
   
65.0
%
                                 
Operating profit
 
$
2,200
   
$
(9
)
 
$
(255
)
 
$
1,936
 
     
388.1
%
   
-0.9
%
   
-37.7
%
   
86.6
%


Industrial Hardware Segment

Net sales in the Industrial Hardware segment were up 137% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the prior year period.  The increase in sales in the first quarter of 2018 were primarily the result of the Velvac acquisition in April 2017.  Velvac's net sales for the first quarter of 2018 represent 88% of the increase in net sales in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the prior year period. Sales in the first quarter of 2018 had organic growth of 19% primarily in Class 8 trucks, specialty vehicles and military end markets, as compared to sales in the prior year period.  In addition, composite panels sales increased 15% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017.

Cost of products sold increased 127% in the first quarter of 2018, as compared to the first quarter of 2017, due to the increased sales volume and raw material prices.  Velvac's cost of products sold for the first quarter of 2018 represent 92% of the increase in the cost of products sold in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the prior year quarter.  Raw material prices for steel and zinc increased in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the first quarter of 2017.  These materials are important in the products produced.  Hot rolled steel prices increased 16%, cold rolled steel prices increased 5% and zinc prices increased 39%.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales was 25% in the first quarter 2018 compared to 22% in the same period in 2017.  The change in gross margin for the first quarter of 2018 reflects the mix of products produced offset by the increase in raw material costs.

Engineering expense as a percentage of net sales was 2% in the first quarter 2018 compared to 1% in 2017.  The increase for the 2018 period reflects Velvac's engineering expenses of $0.8 million.

Selling and administrative expenses increased 111% for the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in from 2017.  The increase is the result of the Velvac acquisition in the second quarter of 2017.


Security Products Segment

Net sales in the Security Products segment increased 9% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017.  The increase in sales resulted from an increase of sales volume of 32% of existing products to the commercial laundry market and new product sales of 5% to the commercial lock market.  New product sales included a zinc branded puck lock, a spring return lock, a push button lock and a mini cam lock.
 
Cost of products sold increased 10% in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the first quarter of 2017, as the result of increased sales volume and raw material prices.  The most significant factor resulting in changes in cost of products sold in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 quarter was in the cost of raw materials of 12%.  These materials are important in the products produced.  Raw material prices for cold rolled steel, zinc and brass increased in the first quarter of 2018 when compared to the first quarter of 2017.  Zinc prices
16

increased 39% and brass prices increased 12%.  In addition, payroll and payroll related expenses increased 14% in 2018 as compared to the first quarter of 2017 which was the result of hiring additional personnel at several divisions.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales was 29% in the first quarter of 2018, as compared to 30% in the first quarter of 2017.  The decrease in gross margin for the 2018 period reflects the mix of products produced offset by the increase in raw materials costs.

Engineering expense as a percentage of net sales was 3% for each of the first quarters of 2018 and 2017.

Selling and administrative expenses increased 7% in the first quarter of 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017. The most significant factor resulting in the increase were payroll and payroll related costs.


Metal Products Segment

Net sales in the Metal Products segment increased 16% in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the prior year period. Increased sales volume of industrial castings products represented the entire increase from the first quarter of 2017 levels as the Company continues efforts to diversify away from traditional mining products.  New product sales were to the mining, oil, water, gas, and rail industries.

Cost of products sold increased 21% in the first quarter of 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017 as the result of increased sales volume and raw material prices.  The cost increase is the result of an increase of 33% in payroll and payroll related costs due to hiring additional personnel, and an increase of 48% in supplies and tools costs as a result of increased production.  Raw material costs for scrap iron increased in the first quarter of 2018 when compared to the first quarter of 2017 by 17%.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales was 14% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 18% in 2017.

Selling and administrative expenses increased 35% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017.  The increase was primarily due to the hiring of key management positions that were previously vacant in the 2017 period.


Liquidity and Sources of Capital
 
The Company generated approximately $96,000 of cash from its operations during the first three months of 2018 compared to approximately $2,392,000 during the same period in 2017.  The decrease in cash flows in the 2018 period compared to the 2017 period was primarily the result of increased inventories and accounts receivable on increased organic sales and the Velvac acquisition during the 2018 period.  Cash flow from operations coupled with cash at the beginning of the 2018 fiscal year was sufficient to fund capital expenditures, debt service, and dividend payments.

Additions to property, plant and equipment were approximately $606,000 for the first three months of 2018 and $487,000 for the same period in 2017.  As of March 31, 2018, there was approximately $125,000 of outstanding commitments for capital expenditures.

17

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

   
First
Quarter
2018
   
First
Quarter
2017
   
Year
End
2017
 
Current ratio
   
3.6
     
6.2
     
3.2
 
Average days' sales in accounts receivable
   
47
     
51
     
46
 
Inventory turnover
   
3.7
     
3.4
     
3.4
 
Total debt to shareholders' equity
   
34.2
%
   
1.7
%
   
40.5
%

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

   
First
   
First
   
Year
 
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
End
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2017
 
Cash and cash equivalents
                 
  - Held in the United States
 
$
2.3
   
$
11.4
   
$
7.9
 
  - Held by a foreign subsidiary
   
14.1
     
12.2
     
14.4
 
     
16.4
     
23.6
     
22.3
 
Working capital
   
71.4
     
65.6
     
68.8
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
.1
     
2.4
     
11.2
 
Change in working capital impact on net cash
    (used) in operating activities
   
(4.5
)
   
(0.3
)
   
2.4
 
Net cash (used) in investing activities
   
(1.3
)
   
(0.7
)
   
(44.7
)
Net cash (used) in financing activities
   
(5.1
)
   
(1.0
)
   
30.7
 


Total inventories of $49.0 million increased 4% in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to $47.3 million at the fiscal year end of 2017.  Inventories increased 51% in the first quarter of 2018, as compared to $32.5 million in the same period in 2017.  Accounts receivable were $30.3 million for the first quarter of 2018, as compared to $27.1 million at the 2017 fiscal year-2017 and $20.0 million for the quarter of 2017 as the result of the Velvac acquisition.

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

ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in market risk from what was reported in the 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

As of the end of the quarter ended March 31, 2018, 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
18

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 disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2018.

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 as of March 31, 2018.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:

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

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is party to various legal proceedings and claims related to its normal business operations.  In the opinion of management, the Company has substantial and meritorious defenses for these claims and proceedings in which it is a defendant, and believes these matters will ultimately be resolved without a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.  The aggregate provision for losses related to contingencies arising in the ordinary course of business was not material to operating results for any year presented.

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 has engaged an environmental clean-up company to perform testing and develop a remediation plan. Since 2010, the environmental company has completed a number of tests and the design of a final remediation system has verbally been agreed upon and is expected to be signed in the second quarter of 2018. The total estimated cost for the proposed remediation system is anticipated to be approximately $50,000.

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 presented to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (the "DEC") for approval in the first quarter of 2018. The Company is in final negotiations with the DEC, and, based on estimates provided by the Company's environmental engineers, the anticipated cost to remediate and monitor the landfill is $411,000. The Company has accrued for and expensed the entire $411,000 of which $31,000 of the estimated cost was accrued for and expensed in the first quarter of 2018.

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 of which any property of the Company or any subsidiary is the subject.


ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

The Company's business is subject to a number of risks, some of which are beyond its control. In addition to the other information set forth in this report, the Company's stockholders should carefully consider the factors discussed in Item 1A. - "Risk Factors" of the Company's 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018, that could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity and that could cause its operating results to vary significantly from period to period. As of March 31, 2018, there have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company may also disclose changes to such factors or disclose additional factors from time to time in its future filings with the SEC.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that it currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect its business, financial condition, or operating results.


19

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.

101) The following materials from Eastern Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language); (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and April 1, 2017; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statement Balance Sheet at March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017; and (iv) Notes to the (Unaudited) Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements**.

** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.
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SIGNATURES

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

 
THE EASTERN COMPANY
 
(Registrant)
 
DATE:  May 4, 2018
/s/August M. Vlak
 
August M. Vlak
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
DATE:  May 4, 2018
/s/John L. Sullivan III
 
John L. Sullivan III
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   



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