What is the market's earnings forecast for The Eastern next quarter?

What factors drove the changes in The Eastern's revenue and profit?

What were the key takeaways from The Eastern's earnings call?

What does The Eastern do and what are its main business segments?

What guidance did The Eastern's management provide for the next earnings period?

What were the key takeaways from The Eastern’s earnings call?

What is the revenue and EPS growth rate for The Eastern year over year?

What is The Eastern's gross profit margin?

- **Revenue decline**: Q3 revenue down 22% YoY to $55.3M, driven by truck and automotive market pullbacks.
- **Cost-saving measures**: $1.8M savings from restructuring, 2% share repurchases, and $7M debt reduction.
- **Gross margin challenges**: 22.3% (vs. 25.5%) due to volume and raw material costs.
- **USPS program success**: Oshkosh becomes major customer, offsetting truck market softness.
- **Cautious outlook**: Truck market recovery expected in 2026, with cautious near-term guidance.

**【Management Opening Remarks】**
Marianne Barr provided an overview of the earnings call, noting the company's issuance of a press release and cautioning about forward-looking statements. She emphasized the use of non-GAAP financial measures and the risks associated with future projections.

**【CEO Commentary】**
Ryan Schroeder highlighted a disappointing Q3 with revenue down 22% YoY to $55.3M, driven by a 36% decline in Class 8 truck production and a 34% drop in automotive projects due to EV model reductions. The company implemented cost-saving measures, including workforce reduction and plant closures, resulting in $1.8M savings. They repurchased 2% of shares and reduced debt by $7M, entering a new $100M credit facility. Schroeder expressed confidence in navigating the downturn.

**【CFO Commentary】**
Nicholas Vlahos detailed financials: net sales $55.3M (-22%), EBITDA $3.5M, EPS $0.10. Gross margin fell to 22.3% (from 25.5%) due to raw material costs and reduced volumes. SG&A expenses decreased 6.5% to $10.7M. Adjusted net income was $0.8M, with a leverage ratio of 1.64x. Inventory rose slightly, and share repurchases continued.

**【Q&A Highlights】**
Analysts inquired about gross margins, expecting recovery with volume. The USPS program with Oshkosh was highlighted as a bright spot. Model refresh cycles are expected to increase next year, improving backlog. The truck market outlook remains cautious, with softness forecasted for 2026.


The Eastern Company (EML) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

- **Revenue decline**: Q2 2025 revenue $70.2M (-3% YoY), driven by automotive and trucking market softness
- **Cost savings**: $4M annual savings from 60 job reductions and facility consolidation
- **Key win**: Eberhard secures $100M+ USPS delivery vehicle contract with Oshkosh
- **Financial performance**: Adjusted net income $3.5M (-10% YoY), despite 210bps gross margin decline
- **Market trends**: 
  - Automotive model changes down 50% in 2025, expected to double in 2026
  - Truck fleet age at record 8.5 years, signaling replacement cycle
- **Strategic focus**: Margin protection, supply chain resilience, and opportunistic M&A

**【CEO Opening Remarks】**
- Q2 2025 revenue: $70.2 million (-3% YoY), adjusted EPS: $0.56 (flat YoY). 
- Cost reduction initiatives: 
  - 60 job reductions ($4M annual savings)
  - Facility consolidation (Dearborn, MI closure; new Sterling Heights, MI facility)
  - Eberhard wins $100M+ USPS delivery vehicle contract with Oshkosh
- Share buyback: 82,000 shares ($2.1M) repurchased YTD
- Tariff mitigation: Velvac/Eberhard neutralized tariff impact; Big 3 benefits from "Made in America" positioning

**【CFO Financial Commentary】**
- Net sales: $70.2M (-3% YoY), driven by -19% backlog ($87.1M vs $107.3M)
- Gross margin: 23.3% (-210bps YoY) due to mirror project in-house sourcing costs
- Expenses: 
  - SG&A +9.4% ($1.8M restructuring charges)
  - R&D -16% ($1.5M vs $1.8M)
- Net income: $2M (-51% YoY), adjusted net income: $3.5M (-10% YoY)
- Balance sheet: 
  - $54.1M inventory (-$2.8M YoY)
  - 1.32x senior leverage ratio
  - $4M debt reduction Q2

**【CEO Market Update】**
- Automotive: 
  - 2025 model changes down 50%, expected to +100% in 2026
  - Returnable dunnage demand tied to model changes
- Trucking: 
  - Class 8 fleet age at record 8.5 years (vs 5-year average)
  - Velvac poised to benefit from replacement cycle
- Strategy: 
  - Focus on margin protection
  - Resilient supply chain
  - Active M&A pipeline with disciplined approach


The Eastern Company (EML)-6 Aug 25-2025 Q2 Earnings call transcript

- **Revenue resilience amid challenges**: Q1 2025 revenue of $63.3M (-2% YoY) reflects strategic adjustments, including ISBM sale and Dearborn closure.\n- **Gross margin pressure**: 22.4% (vs. 23.9% YoY) due to raw material costs, but price increases and higher-margin product mix expected to improve.\n- **Cost control success**: SG&A down 8% YoY, share buyback expanded to 400K shares.\n- **Business momentum**: Velvac after-market growth, Eberhard diversification, Big 3 operational turnaround.\n- **2025 priorities**: M&A, tariff mitigation, reshored production tailwinds for returnable packaging.

**【CEO Opening Remarks】**
- Q1 2025 revenue: $63.3 million (down 2% YoY), EBITDA: $4.8 million, EPS: $0.31 (in line with expectations).\n- Key structural changes: sale of ISBM Blow Mold business, closure of Dearborn facility, 200,000 share buyback completed, 400,000 new buyback authorized.\n- Leadership updates: Chan Galbato appointed to Board; Zachary Gorny (Eberhard), Dan McGrew (Velvac), Emilio (Big 3) leading portfolio businesses.\n- 2025 priorities: strategic growth, cost discipline, nimble supply chains, M&A opportunities.\n\n**【CFO Financial Highlights】**\n- Net sales: $63.2M (down 2% YoY), driven by lower truck mirror/accessory sales, offset by returnable packaging growth.\n- Gross margin: 22.4% (vs. 23.9% YoY), impacted by raw material costs.\n- SG&A: $9.8M (-8% YoY), driven by payroll cost reductions.\n- Backlog: $85.9M (down 9% YoY), due to lower orders across key products.\n- Net income: $1.9M ($0.31 EPS) vs. $2.1M ($0.34 EPS) YoY.\n- Senior leverage ratio: 1.45x (vs. 1.23x YoY).\n\n**【Business Unit Updates】**\n- **Eberhard**:\n  - Tariff mitigation strategies (price pass-through, supply chain agility).\n  - Diversified end markets support growth outlook.\n  - Initiatives: commercial reorg, new product development, supply chain optimization.\n- **Velvac**:\n  - Class 8 truck market share expansion despite ACT volume softness.\n  - Aftermarket business growth despite tariffs.\n  - Strategic focus: vertical integration, aftermarket expansion.\n- **Big 3**:\n  - ISBM business sold; Dearborn facility closed, relocated to Sterling Heights.\n  - Input cost improvements in racking business.\n  - Go-forward plan: operational efficiency, commercial growth.\n\n**【Q&A Key Takeaways】**\n- **Returnable Packaging Outlook**:\n  - Automotive segment softness, but "Made in USA" positioning insulates from tariffs.\n  - Potential tailwind from reshored production; "pent-up demand" expected.\n- **Gross Margin Trends**:\n  - Higher raw material costs weigh on margins, but price increases partially offset.\n  - Expect higher-margin product velocity to improve margins in coming quarters.\n  - Cost control initiatives ongoing.\n\n**【Closing Remarks】**\n- 2025 focus: top decile performance, strategic growth, operational efficiency.\n- Tariff management: aggressive, hour-by-hour approach neutralizing impacts.\n- M&A: disciplined but active, with deals expected in H2 2025/2026.\n- Balance sheet strength supports growth initiatives.

The Eastern Company (EML)-7 May 25-2025 Q1 Earnings call transcript

- **Revenue Growth**: Q4 2024 sales up 4.5% to $66.7M, full-year $272.8M (+5%), driven by truck packaging demand.
- **Gross Margin Strain**: Q4 margin at 23% (vs. 26.8% in 2023) due to material costs.
- **Leadership Refresh**: New presidents for Eberhard and Big 3 to drive innovation, with Velvac leading aftermarket expansion.
- **Market Opportunity**: Class 8 truck aftermarket growth independent of OE, Eberhard poised for recovery, and potential 2027 emissions pre-buy.

**【CEO Summary Section】**
- **New Leadership Vision**: CEO Ryan Schroeder emphasizes accelerating growth through a decentralized approach, empowering each business to drive its agenda with strong leadership. New presidents appointed for Eberhard and Big 3, while Velvac maintains its stellar track record.
- **Strategic Focus**: Enhancing product development to offer complete solutions, such as expanding Velvac's aftermarket offerings and modernizing Eberhard's product line with electrification.
- **Market Resilience**: Each business maintains nimble supply chains with U.S., Mexico, and China manufacturing, capable of adapting to tariffs and cost fluctuations.

**【CFO Financial Commentary】**
- **Revenue Growth**: Q4 2024 net sales rose 4.5% to $66.7M, driven by truck packaging demand, with full-year sales up 5% to $272.8M.
- **Gross Margin Challenges**: Q4 gross margin dropped to 23% (vs. 26.8% in 2023) due to higher material costs and absence of prior-year LIFO adjustments.
- **Cost Management**: Selling/admin expenses increased 11% QoQ, driven by payroll and legal costs, yet full-year adjusted net income rose 12% to $13.2M.
- **Balance Sheet Health**: Senior net leverage improved to 1.23x, with $9.7M in capex and $2.7M in dividends paid.

**【Q&A Key Questions】**
- **Cost Pass-Through**: CFO notes ability to pass costs to customers while maintaining partnerships, balancing sensitivity to customer needs.
- **Class 8 Market Outlook**: CEO highlights Velvac's new mirror platform gaining share, aftermarket growth independent of OE production, and Eberhard's sleeper cab products poised for recovery post-industry compression. Anticipates potential pre-buy activity ahead of 2027 emissions regulations.

The Eastern Company (EML)-12 Mar 25-2024 Q4 Earnings call transcript

The Eastern Company (EML)-6 Nov 24-2024 Q3 Earnings call transcript

Eastern (EML)-7 Aug 24-2024 Q2 Earnings call transcript

- **Gross Margin Expansion**: Q3 gross margin reached 25% (vs. 22% Q2), driven by price-cost alignment and operational improvements.
- **Debt Reduction Momentum**: $15 million debt paid down YTD, with senior leverage at 1.85x, down 5% QoQ.
- **Backlog Growth**: +4% YoY backlog, with $14 million Q3 sequential increase tied to delayed automotive orders.
- **Strategic Focus**: Emphasis on disciplined operations, capital allocation, and value-added acquisitions to achieve 30%+ gross margin over time.
- **Cash Flow Strength**: $19.6 million YTD cash flow from operations, supporting debt reduction and capital spending.


**【CEO Summary Section】**
- **Revenue Performance**: Net sales from continuing operations declined 8% YoY to $65.6 million, driven by lower demand for truck accessories and returnable packaging. However, gross margin improved to 25% (Q3 2023) from 22% (Q2 2023), reflecting price-cost alignment and operational efficiency gains.
- **Debt Management**: Reduced debt by $15 million YTD (including $5 million in Q3), achieving a senior net leverage ratio of 1.85x, down from 1.95x in Q2.
- **Strategic Pillars**: Emphasized 4 core strategies—disciplined operations, capital allocation, commercial focus, and value-added acquisitions. Notable actions include leadership changes in Big 3 Precision and the Sureflex acquisition to vertically integrate trailer hose production.
- **Backlog Growth**: Year-over-year backlog increased 4%, with Q3 sequential growth of $14 million, driven by delayed orders from automotive program launches.

**【CFO Financial Commentary】**
- **Profitability**: GAAP net income of $3.1 million ($0.49 EPS) vs. $4.5 million ($0.72 EPS) YoY, with adjusted EBITDA of $7 million (down 9% YoY). Non-GAAP metrics showed strong cash flow from operations ($19.6 million YTD) and inventory turnover improvement to 3.5x.
- **Expense Control**: SG&A decreased 4% YoY to $9.7 million, driven by cost reductions in legal, professional, and payroll expenses.
- **Liquidity**: Ended Q3 with $5.7 million in operating cash flow, up from $2.2 million YoY, supporting debt reduction and capital expenditures.

**【Q&A Highlights】**
- **Gross Margin Sustainability**: 90% of Q3 margin improvement attributed to commercial relationship resets; 10% from supply chain normalization. CEO targets 30%+ gross margin over time.
- **Debt Paydown Rate**: Anticipates continued debt reduction at current pace or higher, contingent on consistent operational performance.
- **Market Outlook**: Truck market expected to remain stable (Class 8 softness offset by medium-duty growth), while automotive program launches in 2024 could drive backlog conversion.
- **Acquisition Strategy**: Future M&A focused on vertical integration and cost reduction, with 2024 acquisitions seen as stepping stones for larger deals.


Eastern (EML)-8 Nov 23-2023 Q3 Earnings call transcript

- **Cash Flow Strength**: $16 million YoY improvement in cash flow, $5 million debt reduction, and 1.95x leverage ratio.
- **Gross Margin Recovery**: Sequential rise to 22%, with 80% backlog priced under new strategy.
- **Strategic Wins**: Sureflex acquisition and advanced manufacturing investments driving vertical integration.
- **Challenges**: 2% sales decline in returnable packaging, but 5-10% growth expected in commercial vehicles.
- **Sustainability**: 95% pricing renegotiations complete, with one-time SG&A costs resolved.

**【CEO Summary Section】**
- **Revenue and Cash Flow**: Despite a 2% decline in net sales to $68.3 million, cash flow from operations improved by $16 million year-over-year, enabling $5 million debt reduction.
- **Gross Margin Improvement**: Sequential rise to 22% (Q2 2023) from 21% (Q1 2023), driven by margin focus in commercial segments.
- **Strategic Actions**: Acquired Sureflex assets for vertical integration, invested in advanced manufacturing tools (e.g., 5-axis CNC), and secured a $90 million credit facility.
- **Backlog Management**: Reduced backlog to $75.3 million, aligning with current business levels, with 80% reflecting new pricing strategies.
- **EV Impact**: Steady progress in commercial EVs, with demand driven by total cost of ownership benefits, though infrastructure challenges persist.
- **Investor Engagement**: Updated investor presentation and planned conference participation to enhance communication.

**【CFO Financial Commentary】**
- **Financial Highlights**: GAAP net income of $1.4 million ($0.22 EPS) vs. $3.4 million ($0.59 EPS) last year; adjusted EBITDA of $5.9 million vs. $7.2 million.
- **Cost Management**: Operating expenses up 11% due to legal and sales investments, but inventory turnover improved to 3.8 from 3.2.
- **Leverage Reduction**: Senior net leverage ratio down to 1.95x from 2.05x, with $2 million capex and $1.4 million dividends paid year-to-date.
- **One-Time Costs**: $1.1 million closure expenses for Associated Toolmakers, partially offset by $1.6 million swap settlement gain.

**【Q&A Key Highlights】**
- **Pricing Execution**: 95% of customers agreed to new pricing, with 80% of backlog reflecting these terms.
- **Returnable Packaging**: Decline due to delayed OEM orders, but demand stabilizing as recession fears ease.
- **Commercial Vehicle Growth**: 5-10% replacement demand growth expected, driven by aging fleets.
- **SG&A Costs**: One-time legal and renegotiation expenses, with future reductions as revenue scales.
- **EV Outlook**: Slow but steady adoption, with focus on segments benefiting from lower total ownership costs.

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