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Eastern Company (EML) Q1 2026 sales dip as profit and EBITDA decline

Filing Impact
(Very High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

The Eastern Company reported first-quarter 2026 net sales of $59.7 million, down 5.7% from a year earlier, as softer demand for returnable transport packaging offset higher truck mirror sales. Gross margin fell to 20.0% from 22.4% on lower volume, pricing pressure, and labor inefficiencies.

Net income from continuing operations declined to $0.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, compared with $1.9 million, or $0.31 per share, in 2025. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $3.0 million versus $4.6 million, a decrease of about 35%, with management citing unfavorably priced racks contracts that are expected to be largely resolved by the end of the second quarter.

Backlog was $82.2 million as of April 4, 2026, up from $81.1 million at the start of the year, reflecting stronger order conversion. The company reduced total debt by $1.0 million, repurchased 21,120 shares, and generated $3.5 million of operating cash flow, supporting its focus on deleveraging and selective capital returns.

Positive

  • None.

Negative

  • Profitability deteriorated meaningfully: net income from continuing operations fell from $1.9 million to $0.6 million and adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations declined about 35% year over year, reflecting margin pressure and below-plan performance in the racks business.

Insights

Q1 2026 shows weaker profitability but healthier backlog and cash generation.

The Eastern Company delivered lower first-quarter 2026 results, with net sales of $59.7 million down 5.7% year over year and gross margin compressing to 20.0%. Net income from continuing operations fell to $0.6 million and adjusted EBITDA declined to $3.0 million, about 35% below the prior-year level.

Management attributes much of the earnings pressure to unfavorably priced contracts in the racks business, and states these issues are expected to be largely behind them by the end of Q2 2026. Backlog of $82.2 million at April 4, 2026 modestly exceeds the level at the beginning of the year, suggesting improving order conversion despite softer packaging demand.

Cash flow and balance sheet trends are more constructive: operating activities generated $3.5 million, inventories declined, and total debt was reduced by $1.0 million while still funding dividends and $422,355 of share repurchases. Subsequent filings may provide additional clarity on whether margin recovery follows as the problematic racks contracts roll off.

Net sales $59.7 million Three months ended April 4, 2026; down 5.7% YoY
Net income from continuing operations $0.6 million Q1 2026, or $0.11 diluted EPS
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $3.0 million Q1 2026; about 35% below prior-year $4.6 million
Backlog $82.2 million As of April 4, 2026; slightly above January 3, 2026 level
Debt reduction $1.0 million Total debt reduced during Q1 2026
Share repurchases 21,120 shares; $422,355 Repurchased under April 2025 program in Q1 2026
Operating cash flow $3.5 million Net cash provided by operating activities, Q1 2026
Total assets $217.1 million Balance sheet as of April 4, 2026
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations financial
"Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations (a non-GAAP measure) for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 was $3.0 million"
discontinued operations financial
"The following analysis excludes discontinued operations."
Discontinued operations are parts of a company that it has decided to sell or shut down, and no longer plans to run in the future. This matters to investors because it helps them understand which parts of the business are ongoing and which are being phased out, providing a clearer picture of the company’s current performance and future prospects. Think of it like a store closing a department—it no longer contributes to sales or profits.
non-GAAP financial measures financial
"The non-GAAP financial measures we provide in this press release should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP."
Non-GAAP financial measures are numbers companies use to show their financial performance that exclude certain expenses or income. They help investors see how the company might perform without one-time costs or other unusual items, giving a different perspective from official reports. However, since they can be adjusted, they don’t always tell the full story and should be looked at alongside standard financial figures.
Right of use assets financial
"Right of use assets | | | 16,730,406"
A right-of-use asset is the value recorded on a company’s balance sheet that represents its contracted right to use a rented item—like office space, equipment, or vehicles—for a set period. Investors care because recognizing these assets (and the matching lease obligations) changes reported assets, debt levels, profitability metrics and cash-flow presentation, similar to how switching from short-term renting to showing a long-term commitment would alter a household’s financial snapshot.
share repurchase program financial
"the Company repurchased 21,120 shares of common stock under its share repurchase program authorized in April 2025."
A share repurchase program is when a company buys back its own shares from the marketplace. This reduces the total number of shares available, which can increase the value of each remaining share and signal confidence in the company's prospects. For investors, it often suggests that the company believes its stock is undervalued or that it has extra cash to return to shareholders.
forward-looking statements regulatory
"Statements contained in this press release that are not based on historical facts are “forward-looking statements”"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
Net sales $59.7 million -5.7% year over year
Net income from continuing operations $0.6 million
Diluted EPS from continuing operations $0.11
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $3.0 million approximately -35% year over year
Guidance

Management stated that the impact of unfavorably priced racks contracts is expected to be largely behind the company by the end of the second quarter of 2026 and described the demand environment for the remainder of 2026 as considerably more favorable than in the second half of 2025.

EXHIBIT 99.1

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

THE EASTERN COMPANY REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2026 RESULTS

 

 

·

Net Sales of $59.7 Million; Net Income of $0.6 Million, or $0.11 per Diluted Share; Adjusted EBITDA of $3.0 Million

 

 

 

 

·

Improved Order Execution Drives Sequential Revenue Growth; Strengthening Order Conversion Drives Backlog Growth

 

 

 

 

·

Net Income Impacted by Below-Plan Operating Performance in our racks business; Financial Impact Expected to be Contained to the First Half of 2026

 

 

 

 

·

Balance Sheet Strengthened Through Ongoing, Disciplined Capital Allocation: $1.0 million of Debt Reduction; $422,355 of Share Repurchases; Approximately $67 Million of Revolver Availability at the end of the First Quarter

 

SHELTON, CT – May 12, 2026 - The Eastern Company (“Eastern” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:EML), an industrial manufacturer of engineered solutions serving commercial transportation, logistics, and other industrial markets, today announced its results of operations for the first fiscal quarter of 2026 ended April 4, 2026.

 

Ryan Schroeder, President and CEO, stated, “Net sales improved sequentially from the fourth quarter of 2025 despite ongoing softness in returnable packaging volume, as the recovery in demand we identified in Q4 remains intact. Order activity has increased across our business segments, with customers showing a greater willingness to commit to spending. Net income reflected the impact of unfavorably priced contracts within our racks business, the effects of which have been addressed and are expected to be largely behind us by the end of the second quarter.

 

“Our operational priorities during the quarter were focused on strengthening our foundation from which to win more business and fulfill it profitably, including through lead time reduction, expanded throughput capacity, and more efficient capital deployment, all in support of a pipeline of new programs currently in tooling and scheduled to launch in the second and third quarters," continued Mr. Schroeder. "The demand environment for the remainder of 2026 appears considerably more favorable than it was in the second half of 2025. Our balance sheet continues to strengthen as we reduce leverage and build financial flexibility, enabling us to sustain investment in organic growth and, where the right opportunity presents itself, to pursue selective M&A opportunities. We remain focused on execution and are confident in our ability to deliver improving financial performance as we progress through 2026.”

 

First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

 

The following analysis excludes discontinued operations.

 

Net sales in the first quarter of 2026 decreased 5.7% to $59.7 million from $63.3 million in the first quarter of 2025. The decrease in sales was primarily due to lower shipments resulting from reduced order volume for returnable transport packaging products, offset in part by increased sales of truck mirror assemblies. Backlog as of April 4, 2026, increased to $82.2 million from $81.1 million as of January 3, 2026, and decreased from $85.9 million as of March 29, 2025.

 

 
1

 

 

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales was 20.0% for the first quarter of 2026 compared to 22.4% for the first quarter of 2025. The decrease reflects lower sales volume, pricing pressures on said volume, and labor inefficiencies.

 

Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.3 million, or 2.8%, for the first quarter of 2026 compared to the first quarter of 2025, driven by $0.2 million of lower compensation and related charges and $0.3 million of lower commission charges, partially offset by $0.1 million of higher legal and professional expenses. As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses were 16. 0% for the first quarter of 2026 compared to 15.6% for the first quarter of 2025, reflecting the impact of lower net sales on the fixed cost base.

 

Net income for the first quarter of 2026 was $0.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1.9 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2025.

 

Adjusted net income from continuing operations (a non-GAAP measure) for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 was $0.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income from continuing operations of $2.0 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2025.

 

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations (a non-GAAP measure) for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 was $3.0 million compared to $4.6 million for the comparable period in 2025, a decrease of $1.6 million or approximately 35%. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below and the reconciliation table accompanying this release.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2026, the Company reduced total debt by $1.0 million, reflecting continued progress on its ongoing efforts to reduce leverage and strengthen its balance sheet. In addition, the Company repurchased 21,120 shares of common stock under its share repurchase program authorized in April 2025. As of April 4, 2026, 275,804 shares remained available for repurchase under the program.

 

Conference Call and Webcast

 

The Eastern Company will host a conference call to discuss its results for the first quarter of 2026 and related matters on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 9:00AM Eastern Time. Participants can access the conference call by phone at 888-506-0062 (toll-free in the US and Canada) or 973-528-0011 (international), using access code: 399095. Participants can also join via the web at https://www.webcaster5.com/Webcast/Page/1757/53943.

 

About The Eastern Company

 

The Eastern Company manages businesses that design, manufacture and sell engineered solutions for industrial markets. Eastern’s businesses operate in industries that offer long-term macroeconomic growth opportunities. The Company operates from locations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and China. More information on the Company can be found at www.easterncompany.com.

 

 
2

 

 

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

 

Statements contained in this press release that are not based on historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “continue,” “plan,” “potential,” “opportunities,” or similar terms or variations of those terms or the negative of those terms. There are many factors that affect the Company’s business and the results of its operations and that may cause the actual results of operations in future periods to differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. These factors include:

 

 

·

risks associated with doing business overseas, including fluctuations in exchange rates and the inability to repatriate foreign cash, the impact on our cost structure and on economic conditions as a result of actual and threatened increases in trade tariffs and the impact of political, economic, and social instability;

 

·

the impact of tariffs, trade sanctions or political instability on the availability or cost of raw materials;

 

·

the impact of higher raw material and component costs and cost inflation, supply chain disruptions and shortages, particularly with respect to steel, plastics, scrap iron, zinc, copper, and electronic components;

 

·

delays in delivery of our products to our customers;

 

·

the impact of global economic conditions and interest rates, and more specifically conditions in the automotive, construction, aerospace, energy, oil and gas, transportation, electronic, and general industrial markets, including the impact, length and degree of economic downturns on the customers and markets we serve and demand for our products, reductions in production levels, the availability, terms and cost of financing, including borrowings under credit arrangements or agreements, and the impact of market conditions on pension plan funded status;

 

·

restrictions on operating flexibility imposed by the agreement governing our credit facility;

 

·

the inability to achieve the savings expected from global sourcing of materials;

 

·

lower-cost competition;

 

·

our ability to design, introduce and sell new or updated products and related components;

 

·

market acceptance of our products;

 

·

the inability to attain expected benefits from acquisitions or dispositions or the inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses and achieve expected synergies;

 

·

costs and liabilities associated with environmental compliance;

 

·

the impact of climate change, natural disasters, geopolitical events, and public health crises, including pandemics and epidemics, and any related Company or government policies or actions, including any potential adverse economic impacts resulting from a U.S. federal government shutdown;

 

·

military conflict (including the Russia/Ukraine conflict, the conflict in the Middle East, the possible expansion of such conflicts and geopolitical consequences) or terrorist threats and the possible responses by the U.S. and foreign governments;

 

·

failure to protect our intellectual property;

 

·

cyberattacks, data breaches or interruptions or failures of our information technology systems; and

 

·

materially adverse or unanticipated legal judgments, fines, penalties, or settlements.

 

The Company is also subject to other risks identified and discussed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, and in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of the Form 10-K/A for the year ended January 3, 2026, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 19, 2026, and that may be identified from time to time in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other filings we make with the SEC. 

 

 
3

 

 

Although the Company believes it has an appropriate business strategy and the resources necessary for its operations, future revenue and margin trends cannot be reliably predicted, and the Company may alter its business strategies to address changing conditions. Also, the Company makes estimates and assumptions that may materially affect reported amounts and disclosures. These relate to valuation allowances for accounts receivable and excess and obsolete inventories, accruals for pensions and other postretirement benefits (including forecasted future cost increases and returns on plan assets), provisions for depreciation (estimating useful lives), uncertain tax positions, and, on occasion, accruals for contingent losses. The Company undertakes no obligation to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

The non-GAAP financial measures we provide in this press release should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

To supplement the condensed consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we have presented Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations, Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations, and Adjusted EBITDA, which are considered non-GAAP financial measures. The non-GAAP financial measures presented may differ from similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures presented by other companies, and other companies may not define these non-GAAP financial measures in the same way. These measures are not substitutes for their comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, such as net sales, net income, diluted earnings per share, or other measures prescribed by U.S. GAAP, and there are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures.

 

Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations is defined as net income from continuing operations excluding, when incurred, gains or losses that we do not believe reflect our ongoing operations, including, for example, the impacts of impairment losses, gains/losses on the sale of subsidiaries, property and facilities, transaction expenses primarily relating to acquisitions and divestitures, factory start-up costs, factory relocation expenses, executive severance, and restructuring costs. This measure also excludes credit agreement refinancing expenses because we do not believe these expenses are reflective of our ongoing operations. Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations is a tool that can assist management and investors in comparing our performance on a consistent basis across periods by removing the impact of certain items that management believes do not directly reflect our underlying operating performance.

 

Adjusted Net Income is defined as net income excluding, when incurred, gains or losses that we do not believe reflect our ongoing operations, including, for example, the impacts of impairment losses, gains/losses on the sale of subsidiaries, property and facilities, transaction expenses primarily relating to acquisitions and divestitures, factory start-up costs, factory relocation expenses, executive severance, and restructuring costs. This measure also excludes credit agreement refinancing expenses because we do not believe these expenses are reflective of our ongoing operations. Adjusted Net Income is a tool that can assist management and investors in comparing our performance on a consistent basis across periods by removing the impact of certain items that management believes do not directly reflect our underlying operating performance.

 

Adjusted Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations is defined as earnings per share from continuing operations excluding, when incurred, certain per share gains or losses that we do not believe reflect our ongoing operations, including, for example, the impacts of impairment losses, gains/losses on the sale of subsidiaries, property and facilities, transaction expenses primarily relating to acquisitions and divestitures, factory start-up costs, factory relocation expenses, executive severance, and restructuring costs. This measure also excludes credit agreement refinancing expenses because we do not believe these expenses are reflective of our ongoing operations. We believe that Adjusted Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations provides important comparability of underlying operational results, allowing investors and management to access operating performance on a consistent basis from period to period.

 

 
4

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations is defined as net income from continuing operations before interest expense, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization and excluding, when incurred, the impacts of certain losses or gains that we do not believe reflect our ongoing operations, including, for example, impairment losses, gains/losses on sale of subsidiaries, property and facilities, transaction expenses primarily relating to acquisitions and divestitures, factory start-up costs, factory relocation expenses, executive severance, and restructuring expenses. This measure also excludes credit agreement refinancing expenses because we do not believe these expenses are reflective of our ongoing operations. Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations is a tool that can assist management and investors in comparing our performance on a consistent basis by removing the impact of certain items that management believes do not directly reflect our underlying operations.

 

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization and excluding, when incurred, the impacts of certain losses or gains that we do not believe reflect our ongoing operations, including, for example, impairment losses, gains/losses on sale of subsidiaries, property and facilities, transaction expenses primarily relating to acquisitions and divestitures, factory start-up costs, factory relocation expenses, executive severance, and restructuring expenses. This measure also excludes credit agreement refinancing expenses because we do not believe these expenses are reflective of our ongoing operations. Adjusted EBITDA is a tool that can assist management and investors in comparing our performance on a consistent basis by removing the impact of certain items that management believes do not directly reflect our underlying operations.

 

Management uses such measures to evaluate performance period over period, to analyze the underlying trends in our business, to assess our performance relative to our competitors, and to establish operational goals and forecasts that are used in allocating resources. These financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a replacement for, U.S. GAAP financial measures.

 

We believe that presenting non-GAAP financial measures in addition to U.S. GAAP financial measures provides investors greater transparency to the information used by our management for its financial and operational decision-making. We further believe that providing this information better enables our investors to understand our operating performance and to evaluate the methodology used by management to evaluate and measure such performance.

 

Investor Relations Contacts

 

The Eastern Company

Ryan Schroeder or Nicholas Vlahos

203-729-2255

 

 
5

 

 

THE EASTERN COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

April 4,

2026

 

 

March 29,

2025

 

Net sales

 

$ 59,676,538

 

 

$ 63,312,774

 

Cost of products sold

 

 

(47,746,857 )

 

 

(49,125,302 )

Gross margin

 

 

11,929,681

 

 

 

14,187,472

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product development expense

 

 

(1,035,312 )

 

 

(1,109,186 )

Selling and administrative expenses

 

 

(9,569,647 )

 

 

(9,847,121 )

Operating profit

 

 

1,324,722

 

 

 

3,231,165

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(527,513 )

 

 

(617,470 )

Other income (expense)

 

 

13,185

 

 

 

(199,705 )

Income before income taxes from continuing operations

 

 

810,394

 

 

 

2,413,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

(170,264 )

 

 

(507,179 )

Net income from continuing operations

 

$ 640,130

 

 

$ 1,906,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations (see note B)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations of discontinued unit

 

$ -

 

 

$ 46,687

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

-

 

 

 

(9,809 )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

$ -

 

 

$ 36,878

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$ 640,130

 

 

$ 1,943,689

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share from continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$ 0.11

 

 

$ 0.31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$ 0.11

 

 

$ 0.31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share from discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$ -

 

 

$ 0.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$ -

 

 

$ 0.01

 

Total earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$ 0.11

 

 

$ 0.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$ 0.11

 

 

$ 0.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends per share:

 

$ 0.11

 

 

$ 0.11

 

 

 
6

 

 

THE EASTERN COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

April 4,

2026

 

 

January 3, 

2026

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$ 7,616,721

 

 

$ 7,412,019

 

Accounts receivable, less allowances: 2026 - $654,901; 2025 - $633,391

 

 

32,552,064

 

 

 

30,128,669

 

Inventories

 

 

53,070,606

 

 

 

56,343,756

 

Current portion of notes receivable

 

 

28,844

 

 

 

33,844

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

6,327,063

 

 

 

5,349,486

 

Total Current Assets

 

 

99,595,298

 

 

 

99,267,774

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

 

61,946,747

 

 

 

60,163,556

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(35,168,354 )

 

 

(33,246,213 )

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

 

 

26,778,393

 

 

 

26,917,343

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

58,595,819

 

 

 

58,631,336

 

Trademarks

 

 

5,082,717

 

 

 

5,082,767

 

Patents and other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization

 

 

4,662,779

 

 

 

5,269,204

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

5,528,496

 

 

 

5,528,496

 

Right of use assets

 

 

16,730,406

 

 

 

15,979,696

 

Other Long-term assets

 

 

119,206

 

 

 

-

 

Total Other Assets

 

 

90,719,423

 

 

 

90,491,499

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$ 217,093,114

 

 

$ 216,676,616

 

 

 
7

 

 

THE EASTERN COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

April 4,

2026

 

 

January 3,

2026

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$ 17,515,661

 

 

$ 16,426,259

 

Accrued compensation

 

 

4,522,283

 

 

 

4,203,720

 

Other accrued expenses

 

 

2,510,018

 

 

 

2,349,400

 

Current portion of operating lease liability

 

 

3,055,121

 

 

 

3,729,769

 

Current portion of finance lease liability

 

 

710,099

 

 

 

908,332

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

 

28,313,182

 

 

 

27,617,480

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

464,902

 

 

 

464,902

 

Operating lease liability, less current portion

 

 

13,675,376

 

 

 

12,235,188

 

Finance lease liability, less current portion

 

 

3,124,561

 

 

 

3,080,446

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

 

32,892,335

 

 

 

33,902,353

 

Accrued postretirement benefits

 

 

329,608

 

 

 

332,165

 

Accrued pension cost

 

 

13,765,021

 

 

 

14,398,753

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

92,564,985

 

 

 

92,031,287

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

36,195,242

 

 

 

36,337,100

 

Issued: 9,189,555 shares as of April 4, 2026 and 9,179,288 shares as of January 3, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding: 6,030,914 shares as of April 4, 2026 and 6,041,767 shares as of January 3, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury Stock: 3,158,641 shares as of April 4, 2026 and 3,137,521 shares as of January 3, 2026

 

 

(30,490,132 )

 

 

(30,067,777 )

Retained earnings

 

 

137,972,757

 

 

 

137,997,382

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

(1,276,177 )

 

 

(1,437,363 )

Unrealized gain on foreign currency swap, net of tax

 

 

669,248

 

 

 

570,097

 

Unrecognized net pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax

 

 

(18,542,809 )

 

 

(18,754,110 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(19,149,738 )

 

 

(19,621,376 )

Total Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

124,528,129

 

 

 

124,645,329

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$ 217,093,114

 

 

$ 216,676,616

 

 

 
8

 

 

THE EASTERN COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

April 4,

2026

 

 

March 29,

2025

 

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$ 640,130

 

 

$ 1,943,689

 

Less: Income from discontinued operations

 

 

-

 

 

 

36,878

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$ 640,130

 

 

$ 1,906,811

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

1,651,228

 

 

 

1,513,054

 

Acquisition related expenses

 

 

-

 

 

 

21,039

 

Reduction in carrying amount of ROU assets

 

 

728,742

 

 

 

718,693

 

Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit

 

 

(362,852 )

 

 

(13,898 )

Loss on sale of equipment and other assets

 

 

14,145

 

 

 

-

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

 

20,228

 

 

 

11,000

 

Stock compensation benefit

 

 

(141,858 )

 

 

(23,078 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

(2,422,752 )

 

 

2,015,269

 

Inventories

 

 

3,333,609

 

 

 

(137,403 )

Prepaid expenses and other

 

 

(993,363 )

 

 

(695,563 )

Other assets

 

 

(8,524 )

 

 

171,271

 

Accounts payable

 

 

1,040,932

 

 

 

560,951

 

Accrued compensation

 

 

310,638

 

 

 

(1,256,224 )

Change in operating lease liability

 

 

(728,742 )

 

 

(718,693 )

Other accrued expenses

 

 

397,772

 

 

 

(5,921,413 )

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

 

3,479,333

 

 

 

(1,848,184 )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketable securities

 

 

-

 

 

 

(309,385 )

Acquisition

 

 

-

 

 

 

(421,039 )

Payments received from notes receivable

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

14,545

 

Proceeds from sale of equipment

 

 

3,500

 

 

 

-

 

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

 

 

(867,330 )

 

 

(849,396 )

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(858,830 )

 

 

(1,565,275 )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments on short term borrowings (revolver)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

 

(1,015,894 )

 

 

(750,000 )

Financing leases, net

 

 

(236,277 )

 

 

(126,990 )

Purchase common stock for treasury

 

 

(422,355 )

 

 

(1,400,804 )

Dividends paid

 

 

(664,755 )

 

 

(675,053 )

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(2,339,281 )

 

 

(2,952,847 )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

 

-

 

 

 

389,947

 

Cash used in financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,347 )

Cash provided by discontinued operations

 

 

-

 

 

 

383,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

(76,520 )

 

 

218,620

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

204,702

 

 

 

(5,764,086 )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

7,412,019

 

 

 

14,843,530

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 1

 

$ 7,616,721

 

 

$ 9,079,444

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$ 511,863

 

 

$ 671,762

 

Income taxes

 

 

184,573

 

 

 

427,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right of use asset

 

 

765,544

 

 

 

3,784,982

 

Lease liability

 

 

581,034

 

 

 

3,650,676

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Includes cash from assets held for sale of $1.2 million as of March 29, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
9

 

 

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations and Adjusted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Calculation

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

($000's)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

April 4,

2026

 

 

March 29,

2025

 

Net income from continuing operations as reported per generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)

 

$ 640

 

 

$ 1,907

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share from continuing operations as reported under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$ 0.11

 

 

$ 0.31

 

Diluted

 

$ 0.11

 

 

$ 0.31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP tax impact of adjustments (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(14 )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total adjustments (Non-GAAP)

 

 

-

 

 

 

51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted net income from continuing operations (Non-GAAP)

 

$ 640

 

 

$ 1,958

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations (Non-GAAP):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$ 0.11

 

 

$ 0.32

 

Diluted

 

$ 0.11

 

 

$ 0.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) We estimate the tax effect of the items identified to determine a non-GAAP annual effective tax rate applied to the pre-tax amount in order to calculate the non-GAAP provision for income taxes

 

(a) consists of personnel related and facility costs

 

 
10

 

  

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA Calculation

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

($000's, except for per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

April 4,

2026

 

 

March 29,

2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations as reported per generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)

 

$ 640

 

 

$ 1,907

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

528

 

 

 

618

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

170

 

 

 

507

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

1,651

 

 

 

1,519

 

Restructuring (a)

 

 

-

 

 

 

65

 

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations (non-GAAP)

 

$ 2,989

 

 

$ 4,616

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from discontinued operations as reported per generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)

 

$ -

 

 

$ 37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

-

 

 

 

154

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

-

 

 

 

10

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

Adjusted EBITDA from discontinued operations (non-GAAP)

 

$ -

 

 

$ 201

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income as reported per generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)

 

$ 640

 

 

$ 1,944

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

528

 

 

 

772

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

170

 

 

 

517

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

1,651

 

 

 

1,519

 

Restructuring (a)

 

 

-

 

 

 

65

 

Total Adjusted EBITDA

 

$ 2,989

 

 

$ 4,817

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) consists of personnel related and facility costs

 

 
11

 

FAQ

How did The Eastern Company (EML) perform financially in Q1 2026?

The Eastern Company reported Q1 2026 net sales of $59.7 million, down 5.7% year over year. Net income from continuing operations was $0.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, reflecting lower volumes, pricing pressure, and labor inefficiencies compared with the prior-year quarter.

What happened to The Eastern Company’s margins and EBITDA in Q1 2026?

Gross margin declined to 20.0% in Q1 2026 from 22.4% a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $3.0 million versus $4.6 million, a decrease of about 35%, driven by lower sales, pricing pressure, labor inefficiencies, and unfavorably priced racks contracts.

What balance sheet and cash flow actions did The Eastern Company take in Q1 2026?

The company generated $3.5 million of cash from operating activities in Q1 2026, reduced total debt by $1.0 million, and repurchased 21,120 shares for $422,355. It also paid $0.11 per share in dividends, while maintaining approximately $67 million of revolver availability.

What are The Eastern Company’s key non-GAAP metrics for Q1 2026?

Adjusted net income from continuing operations for Q1 2026 was $0.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations totaled $3.0 million, compared with $4.6 million in the prior-year quarter, excluding items management does not view as reflecting ongoing operations.

How is The Eastern Company addressing issues in its racks business?

Management indicated Q1 2026 net income was impacted by unfavorably priced contracts in the racks business. The company stated these issues have been addressed and expects the associated financial impact to be largely behind it by the end of the second quarter of 2026.

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