Barington boosts The Eastern Company (EML) ownership to 11.36% in latest 13D/A

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Barington has updated its Schedule 13D/A for The Eastern Company, reporting beneficial ownership of 686,853 shares of common stock, or about 11.36% of the 6,041,767 shares outstanding as of February 15, 2026. Most reporting entities, including Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. and related affiliates, each report 642,342 shares, while James A. Mitarotonda also individually owns 44,511 shares granted under Eastern’s Directors Fee Program.

Since the last amendment, the group purchased 41,151 Eastern shares through open market transactions and under the fee program, with about $1,578,352.18 in purchases by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P., funded from working capital that may include margin loans. The filing states the position is held for portfolio management purposes and notes no specific current plans regarding Eastern, while leaving open the possibility of future additional purchases or sales depending on market and company conditions.

Insights

Activist & ownership structure analyst

Barington modestly increases its Eastern stake to an 11.36% holding.

Barington and affiliated entities now report beneficial ownership of 686,853 Eastern shares, or about 11.36% of the 6,041,767 shares outstanding as of February 15, 2026. This reflects a concentrated position by an investment-focused group.

The amendment discloses purchases of 41,151 shares since the prior filing, with roughly $1,578,352.18 spent by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P., funded from working capital that can include margin loans. The filing characterizes the stake as held for portfolio management, without new specific plans for strategic actions.

The group nonetheless reserves flexibility to buy more or sell shares depending on Eastern’s business, market conditions, and alternative opportunities. Future company filings or additional ownership updates may clarify whether this remains a passive holding or precedes any governance or strategic initiatives.

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 13D

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. 10)

EASTERN CO

(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock, no par value

(Title of Class of Securities)

(CUSIP Number)

James A. Mitarotonda
Barington Companies Management, LLC, 888 Seventh Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY, 10019
(212) 974-5700

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

03/16/2026

(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of This Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§ 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

schemaVersion:

SCHEDULE 13D

CUSIP No.

1

Name of reporting person

Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P.

2

Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)
(b)

3

SEC use only

4

Source of funds (See Instructions)

WC

5

Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

6

Citizenship or place of organization

DELAWARE

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With:

7	Sole Voting Power 642,342.00
8	Shared Voting Power 0.00
9	Sole Dispositive Power 642,342.00
10	Shared Dispositive Power 0.00

11

Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each reporting person

642,342.00

12

Check if the aggregate amount in Row (11) excludes certain shares (See Instructions)

13

Percent of class represented by amount in Row (11)

10.6 %

14

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

PN

SCHEDULE 13D

CUSIP No.

1

Name of reporting person

Barington Companies Investors, LLC

2

Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)
(b)

3

SEC use only

4

Source of funds (See Instructions)

OO

5

Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

6

Citizenship or place of organization

DELAWARE

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With:

7	Sole Voting Power 642,342.00
8	Shared Voting Power 0.00
9	Sole Dispositive Power 642,342.00
10	Shared Dispositive Power 0.00

11

Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each reporting person

642,342.00

12

Check if the aggregate amount in Row (11) excludes certain shares (See Instructions)

13

Percent of class represented by amount in Row (11)

10.6 %

14

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

OO

SCHEDULE 13D

CUSIP No.

1

Name of reporting person

Barington Companies Management, LLC

2

Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)
(b)

3

SEC use only

4

Source of funds (See Instructions)

OO

5

Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

6

Citizenship or place of organization

DELAWARE

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With:

7	Sole Voting Power 642,342.00
8	Shared Voting Power 0.00
9	Sole Dispositive Power 642,342.00
10	Shared Dispositive Power 0.00

11

Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each reporting person

642,342.00

12

Check if the aggregate amount in Row (11) excludes certain shares (See Instructions)

13

Percent of class represented by amount in Row (11)

10.6 %

14

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

IA

SCHEDULE 13D

CUSIP No.

1

Name of reporting person

Barington Capital Group, L.P.

2

Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)
(b)

3

SEC use only

4

Source of funds (See Instructions)

OO

5

Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

6

Citizenship or place of organization

NEW YORK

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With:

7	Sole Voting Power 642,342.00
8	Shared Voting Power 0.00
9	Sole Dispositive Power 642,342.00
10	Shared Dispositive Power 0.00

11

Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each reporting person

642,342.00

12

Check if the aggregate amount in Row (11) excludes certain shares (See Instructions)

13

Percent of class represented by amount in Row (11)

10.6 %

14

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

PN

SCHEDULE 13D

CUSIP No.

1

Name of reporting person

LNA Capital Corp.

2

Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)
(b)

3

SEC use only

4

Source of funds (See Instructions)

OO

5

Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

6

Citizenship or place of organization

DELAWARE

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With:

7	Sole Voting Power 642,342.00
8	Shared Voting Power 0.00
9	Sole Dispositive Power 642,342.00
10	Shared Dispositive Power 0.00

11

Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each reporting person

642,342.00

12

Check if the aggregate amount in Row (11) excludes certain shares (See Instructions)

13

Percent of class represented by amount in Row (11)

10.6 %

14

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

CO

SCHEDULE 13D

CUSIP No.

1

Name of reporting person

James A. Mitarotonda

2

Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)
(b)

3

SEC use only

4

Source of funds (See Instructions)

OO

5

Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

6

Citizenship or place of organization

UNITED STATES

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With:

7	Sole Voting Power 686,853.00
8	Shared Voting Power 0.00
9	Sole Dispositive Power 686,853.00
10	Shared Dispositive Power 0.00

11

Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each reporting person

686,853.00

12

Check if the aggregate amount in Row (11) excludes certain shares (See Instructions)

13

Percent of class represented by amount in Row (11)

11.4 %

14

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

IN

SCHEDULE 13D

Item 1.	Security and Issuer
(a)	Title of Class of Securities: Common Stock, no par value
(b)	Name of Issuer: EASTERN CO
(c)	Address of Issuer's Principal Executive Offices: 112 Bridge Street, Naugatuck, CONNECTICUT , 06770.
Item 1 Comment: This Amendment No. 10 amends and supplements the Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on September 30, 2014, as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 filed on February 6, 2015, Amendment No. 2 filed on February 23, 2015, Amendment No. 3 filed on March 9, 2015, Amendment No. 4 filed on March 27, 2015, Amendment No. 5 filed on April 13, 2015, Amendment No. 6 filed on August 5, 2015, Amendment No. 7 filed on September 14, 2015, Amendment No. 8 filed on May 23, 2017 and Amendment No. 9 filed on November 24, 2021 (collectively, the "Statement"), by and on behalf of Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. ("Barington") and others with respect to the common stock, no par value (the "Common Stock"), of The Eastern Company, a Connecticut corporation (the "Company" or "Eastern"). The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 112 Bridge Street, Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770.
Item 2.	Identity and Background
(a)	Item 2(a)-(c) of the Statement is hereby amended and restated as follows: This Statement is being filed by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P., Barington Companies Investors, LLC, Barington Companies Management, LLC, Barington Capital Group, L.P., LNA Capital Corp., and James A. Mitarotonda (each, a "Reporting Entity" and, collectively, the "Reporting Entities"). As of the close of business on March 16, 2026, the Reporting Entities are the beneficial owners of, in the aggregate, 686,853 shares of Common Stock, representing approximately 11.36% of the 6,041,767 shares of Common Stock reported by the Company to be issued and outstanding as of February 15, 2026 in its Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2026 (the "Issued and Outstanding Shares"). Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership. The principal business of Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. is acquiring, holding and disposing of investments in various companies. The address of the principal business and principal office of Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. is 888 Seventh Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10019. The general partner of Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. is Barington Companies Investors, LLC. Barington Companies Investors, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company. The principal business of Barington Companies Investors, LLC, is serving as the general partner of Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. The address of the principal business and principal office of Barington Companies Investors, LLC is 888 Seventh Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10019. James A. Mitarotonda is the Managing Member of Barington Companies Investors, LLC. Barington Companies Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, is the investment adviser of Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. The principal business of Barington Companies Management, LLC is to provide investment advisory services to Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. The address of the principal business and principal office of Barington Companies Management, LLC is 888 Seventh Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10019. James A. Mitarotonda is the Managing Member of Barington Companies Management, LLC. Barington Companies Investors, LLC and Barington Companies Management, LLC are majority-owned subsidiaries of Barington Capital Group, L.P. Barington Capital Group, L.P. is a New York limited partnership. The principal business of Barington Capital Group, L.P. is acquiring, holding and disposing of investments in various companies. The address of the principal business and principal office of Barington Capital Group, L.P. is 888 Seventh Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10019. The general partner of Barington Capital Group, L.P. is LNA Capital Corp. LNA Capital Corp. is a Delaware corporation. The principal business of LNA Capital Corp. is serving as the general partner of Barington Capital Group, L.P. The address of the principal business and principal office of LNA Capital Corp. is c/o Barington Capital Group, L.P., 888 Seventh Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10019. James A. Mitarotonda, a United States citizen, is the sole stockholder and director of LNA Capital Corp. The executive officers of LNA Capital Corp. and their principal occupations and business addresses are set forth on the signature page and incorporated herein by reference in this Item 2. The principal occupation of Mr. Mitarotonda is serving as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Barington Capital Group, L.P. The business address of Mr. Mitarotonda is c/o Barington Capital Group, L.P., 888 Seventh Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10019.
Item 3.	Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration
	The information contained in Item 3 of the Statement is hereby amended and supplemented as follows: Since the filing of the last Statement, the Reporting Entities purchased an aggregate of 41,151 shares of Common Stock through open market transactions and pursuant to the Eastern Company's Directors Fee Program. The amount of funds expended for purchases of Common Stock was approximately $1,578,352.18 by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. All transactions effected during the past sixty days are described in the Schedule attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. All such purchases were funded by working capital, which may, at any given time, include margin loans made by brokerage firms in the ordinary course of business.
Item 4.	Purpose of Transaction
	The information contained in Item 4 of the Statement is hereby amended and supplemented as follows: Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. acquired the shares of Common Stock over which they exercise beneficial ownership for portfolio management purposes. Mr. Mitartonda is also individually the beneficial owner of 44,511 shares of Common Stock granted to him under The Eastern Company's Directors Fee Program. Except as stated in response to this Item 4, the Reporting Persons have no current plans or proposals with respect to the Issuer or its securities enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (j) of this Item 4 to the form Schedule 13D promulgated under the Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Reporting Persons may determine, from time to time in the future, based on market and general economic conditions, the business affairs and financial conditions of the Issuer, the capital requirements of the Reporting Persons, the availability of securities at favorable prices and other alternative investment opportunities available to the Reporting Persons, and other factors that the Reporting Persons may deem relevant, to acquire additional securities of the Issuer in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise, or to sell some or all of the securities it now holds or hereafter acquires as set forth above or otherwise.
Item 5.	Interest in Securities of the Issuer
(a)	Items 5(a) and 5(c) of the Statement are hereby amended and restated as follows: As of the close of business on March 16, 2026, Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. beneficially owns an aggregate of 642,342 shares of Common Stock, representing approximately 10.63% of the Issued and Outstanding Shares. As the general partner of Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P., Barington Companies Investors, LLC may be deemed to beneficially own the 642,342 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. As the investment adviser of Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P., Barington Companies Management, LLC may be deemed to beneficially own the 642,342 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. As the majority member of Barington Companies Investors, LLC and Barington Companies Management, LLC, Barington Capital Group, L.P. may be deemed to beneficially own the 642,342 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. As the general partner of Barington Capital Group, L.P., LNA Capital Corp. may be deemed to beneficially own the 642,342 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. As the sole stockholder and director of LNA Capital Corp., James A. Mitarotonda may be deemed to beneficially own the 642,342 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. Mr. Mitarotonda has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the 642,342 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. Mr. Mitarotonda disclaims beneficial ownership of any such shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. Mr. Mitartonda is also individually the beneficial owner of 44,511 shares of Common Stock granted to him under The Eastern Company's Directors Fee Program, which, together with the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P., represents approximately 11.36% of the Issued and Outstanding Shares. Mr. Mitarotonda has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the 642,342 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. and the 44,511 shares of Common Stock granted to him under The Eastern Company's Directors Fee Program.
(b)	Information concerning all transactions in shares of Common Stock effected during the past sixty days by Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P., Barington Companies Investors, LLC, Barington Companies Management, LLC, Barington Capital Group, L.P., LNA Capital Corp., and James A. Mitarotonda is set forth in the Schedule I attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 6.	Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer
	The information contained in Item 6 of the Statement is hereby amended and supplemented as follows: The Reporting Persons have no knowledge of any contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships (legal or otherwise) among the persons named in response to Item 2 or between such persons and any person with respect to any securities of the Issuer.
Item 7.	Material to be Filed as Exhibits.
	Schedule I annexed hereto lists all transactions in securities of the Issuer by the Reporting Persons since the past sixty days of this filing.

SIGNATURE

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P.

Signature:	Barington Companies Investors, LLC, its general partner /s/ James A. Mitarotonda
Name/Title:	James A. Mitarotonda Managing Member
Date:	03/18/2026

Barington Companies Investors, LLC

Signature:	/s/ James A. Mitarotonda
Name/Title:	James A. Mitarotonda Managing Member
Date:	03/18/2026

Barington Companies Management, LLC

Signature:	/s/ James A. Mitarotonda
Name/Title:	James A. Mitarotonda Managing Member
Date:	03/18/2026

Barington Capital Group, L.P.

Signature:	LNA Capital Corp., its general partner /s/ James A. Mitarotonda
Name/Title:	James A. Mitarotonda President and CEO
Date:	03/18/2026

LNA Capital Corp.

Signature:	/s/ James A. Mitarotonda
Name/Title:	James A. Mitarotonda President and CEO
Date:	03/18/2026

James A. Mitarotonda

Signature:	/s/ James A. Mitarotonda
Name/Title:	James A. Mitarotonda
Date:	03/18/2026

FAQ

How much of The Eastern Company (EML) does Barington now own?

Barington and its affiliated entities report beneficial ownership of 686,853 shares of Eastern common stock, representing about 11.36% of the 6,041,767 shares outstanding as of February 15, 2026, according to the company’s latest Form 10-K referenced in the filing.

How many Eastern (EML) shares did Barington recently buy and for how much?

Since the prior amendment, the reporting entities purchased 41,151 Eastern common shares through open market trades and the Directors Fee Program. Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. spent approximately $1,578,352.18 on these purchases, using working capital that may include ordinary-course margin loans from brokerage firms.

What is James A. Mitarotonda’s individual stake in The Eastern Company (EML)?

James A. Mitarotonda is individually the beneficial owner of 44,511 Eastern common shares granted under the company’s Directors Fee Program. Together with shares beneficially owned through Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P., he may be deemed to beneficially own 686,853 shares, or about 11.36% of shares outstanding.

Does Barington state any plans for influencing The Eastern Company (EML)?

The filing says the shares were acquired for portfolio management purposes and that the reporting persons currently have no specific plans under the standard Schedule 13D items. However, they reserve the right to buy more or sell shares based on market conditions and Eastern’s business situation.

How is control over Eastern (EML) shares structured within the Barington group?

Barington Companies Equity Partners, L.P. directly holds 642,342 Eastern shares. Various affiliated entities, including Barington Companies Investors, LLC and Barington Companies Management, LLC, may be deemed beneficial owners through their roles, while James A. Mitarotonda ultimately has sole voting and dispositive power over these shares, subject to his pecuniary interest.