Is EML a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, EASTERN CO (EML) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 43.7/100. It is ranked #888 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 68/100, Momentum 30/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for EML?

EASTERN CO (EML) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 43.7 ranks it #888 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is EML in?

EASTERN CO operates in the Materials sector (Construction Materials industry) with a market cap of $123 million. It is classified as a micro-cap stock.

Does EML pay a dividend?

Yes, EML pays a dividend with a current yield of 1.79%. The Materials sector average yield is 0.49%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $17.90 in annual dividend income.

What is EML's P/E ratio?

EML has a trailing P/E ratio of 15.91x. The Materials sector average is 26.5x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is EML?

EML's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 22.8%. ROE: 6.5% vs sector average 3.3%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is EML valued compared to peers?

EML's value factor score is 68/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 15.9x, EV/EBITDA 11.1x. The stock appears attractively valued versus peers.

What is EML's debt level?

EML's debt-to-equity ratio is 27%. Sector average: 41%. Low leverage suggests conservative financial management.

EML has a beta of 0.61, meaning it is less volatile than the market. Stability score: 66/100.

Does EML have high short interest?

EML's short interest factor score is 7/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

EML Stock Analysis: Top Micro-Cap Hold (Score 43.7/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
EML	+0.14%	+5.13%	+13.47%	+10.36%	-4.27%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLB	+0.56%	+3.07%	+4.17%	+14.58%	-33.54%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	+0.20%	+1.53%	+13.14%	+10.72%	-33.80%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-0.42%	+2.05%	+9.30%	-4.21%	+29.26%	-	-	-

Metric	EML	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	15.9x	-40%
EV/EBITDA	11.1x	+84%
Price / Book	1.0x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
CF CF Industries Holdings, Inc.	57	50	72	66	11.8x	21.1%	36.2%	24.9%	5.5%	41.0x	$19.7B	VS
NTR Nutrien Ltd.	57	37	70	64	54.2x	11.5%	29.0%	2.7%	-	52.0x	$35.9B	VS
UAN CVR PARTNERS, LP	56	50	71	67	12.0x	42.4%	28.5%	17.8%	23.1%	265.0x	$1.3B	VS
LXU LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.	54	50	54	73	41.2x	-3.3%	8.6%	-4.5%	11.0%	85.0x	$1.1B	VS
AA Alcoa Corp	54	50	61	71	18.7x	16.6%	10.0%	8.0%	3.1%	40.0x	$19.0B	VS
MEOH METHANEX CORP	53	34	76	72	24.6x	47.8%	19.1%	6.7%	-	149.0x	$4.6B	VS
NGVT Ingevity Corp	53	50	68	66	53.4x	-638.7%	38.1%	-12.1%	-14.7%	5,459.0x	$2.5B	VS
SEE SEALED AIR CORP/DE	52	50	67	59	11.2x	44.7%	30.2%	10.4%	0.5%	318.0x	$6.2B	VS
ACU ACME UNITED CORP	51	50	71	51	16.4x	9.0%	39.4%	5.2%	-11.5%	45.0x	$171M	VS
APD Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.	51	50	49	50	179.2x	2.4%	31.6%	2.2%	3.9%	114.0x	$64.4B	VS
EML EASTERN CO	44	50	68	30	15.9x	6.5%	22.8%	3.0%	-12.6%	27.0x	$123M

Key Ratio	TTM	2026	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
Gross Margin %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%	0.2%
Operating Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	-0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
Net Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	-0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	-0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%
FCF Margin %	42.9%	-	-	-	-	-	-	11.3%	7.0%	3.2%	4.1%
ROE %	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	-0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	-0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
ROA %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	-0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	-0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.0%
ROIC %	0.0%	5.3%	2.1%	9.8%	6.8%	5.9%	7.4%	-1.0%	7.4%	12.4%	9.4%

Key Ratio

TTM

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Gross Margin %

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

Operating Margin %

0.0%

0.1%

-0.0%

0.1%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

Net Margin %

0.0%

-0.0%

0.0%

-0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

FCF Margin %

42.9%

11.3%

7.0%

3.2%

4.1%

ROE %

0.1%

0.0%

-0.1%

0.1%

-0.0%

0.1%

ROA %

0.0%

-0.0%

0.0%

-0.0%

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

ROIC %

0.0%

5.3%

2.1%

9.8%

6.8%

5.9%

7.4%

-1.0%

7.4%

12.4%

9.4%

Line Item	TTM	2026	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2019	2018	2017	2016
	$251M	$249M	$63M	$273M	$273M	$279M	$247M	$252M	$234M	$204M	$138M
	—	$192M	$49M	$205M	$209M	$221M	$190M	—	—	—	—
	$57M	$57M	$14M	$67M	$65M	$59M	$57M	$62M	$59M	$50M	$34M
Gross Margin	22.8%	22.9%	22.4%	24.7%	23.8%	21.0%	23.0%	24.6%	25.1%	24.4%	26.4%
	—	$42M	$10M	$42M	$44M	$40M	$35M	—	—	—	—
Research & Development	—	$4M	$1M	$5M	$6M	$4M	$4M	$6M	$7M	$6M	—
Depreciation	—	$7M	$2M	$6M	—	—	—	$6M	$5M	$5M	$4M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$46M	$11M	$47M	$50M	$44M	$39M	—	—	—	—
	$10M	$11M	$3M	$20M	$15M	$14M	$17M	$17M	$18M	$12M	$11M
EBIT	$10M	$11M	$3M	$20M	$15M	$14M	$17M	$17M	$18M	$12M	$11M
EBITDA	$15M	$17M	$5M	$26M	$15M	$14M	$17M	$25M	$24M	$17M	$15M
Operating Margin	3.8%	4.3%	5.1%	7.4%	5.5%	5.1%	7.1%	6.9%	7.6%	5.9%	8.1%
EBITDA Margin	5.8%	6.9%	7.5%	9.5%	5.6%	5.1%	7.1%	9.7%	10.3%	8.4%	11.0%
	—	$3M	$617K	$3M	$4M	$2M	$2M	$2M	$1M	$977K	$122K
	—	$7M	$2M	$17M	$11M	$14M	$19M	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$2M	$507K	$4M	-$2M	$415K	$2M	$3M	$3M	$6M	$3M
	$8M	$7M	$2M	-$9M	$9M	$12M	$9M	$13M	$15M	$5M	$8M
Net Margin	3.0%	2.9%	3.1%	-3.1%	3.1%	4.4%	3.8%	5.3%	6.2%	2.5%	5.7%
	$1.17	$1.17	$0.32	$-1.37	$1.38	$1.98	$2.58	$2.13	$2.32	$0.81	$1.25
Diluted EPS	$1.17	$1.17	$0.32	$-1.37	$1.37	$1.97	$2.58	$2.13	$2.32	$0.81	$1.25
Weighted Avg Basic	—	6M	6M	6M	6M	6M	6M	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	6M	6M	6M	6M	6M	6M	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2019

2018

2017

2016

$251M

$249M

$63M

$273M

$279M

$247M

$252M

$234M

$204M

$138M

—

$192M

$49M

$205M

$209M

$221M

$190M

—

$57M

$14M

$67M

$65M

$59M

$57M

$62M

$59M

$50M

$34M

Gross Margin

22.8%

22.9%

22.4%

24.7%

23.8%

21.0%

23.0%

24.6%

25.1%

24.4%

26.4%

—

$42M

$10M

$42M

$44M

$40M

$35M

—

Research & Development

—

$4M

$1M

$5M

$6M

$4M

$6M

$7M

$6M

—

Depreciation

—

$7M

$2M

$6M

—

$6M

$5M

$4M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$46M

$11M

$47M

$50M

$44M

$39M

—

$10M

$11M

$3M

$20M

$15M

$14M

$17M

$18M

$12M

$11M

EBIT

$10M

$11M

$3M

$20M

$15M

$14M

$17M

$18M

$12M

$11M

EBITDA

$15M

$17M

$5M

$26M

$15M

$14M

$17M

$25M

$24M

$17M

$15M

Operating Margin

3.8%

4.3%

5.1%

7.4%

5.5%

5.1%

7.1%

6.9%

7.6%

5.9%

8.1%

EBITDA Margin

5.8%

6.9%

7.5%

9.5%

5.6%

5.1%

7.1%

9.7%

10.3%

8.4%

11.0%

—

$3M

$617K

$3M

$4M

$2M

$1M

$977K

$122K

—

$7M

$2M

$17M

$11M

$14M

$19M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$2M

$507K

$4M

-$2M

$415K

$2M

$3M

$6M

$3M

$8M

$7M

$2M

-$9M

$9M

$12M

$9M

$13M

$15M

$5M

$8M

Net Margin

3.0%

2.9%

3.1%

-3.1%

3.1%

4.4%

3.8%

5.3%

6.2%

2.5%

5.7%

$1.17

$0.32

$-1.37

$1.38

$1.98

$2.58

$2.13

$2.32

$0.81

$1.25

Diluted EPS

$1.17

$0.32

$-1.37

$1.37

$1.97

$2.58

$2.13

$2.32

$0.81

$1.25

Weighted Avg Basic

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

EASTERN CO (EML) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does EASTERN CO Do?

The Eastern Company designs, manufactures, and sells engineered solutions to industrial markets in the United States and internationally. It offers turnkey returnable packaging solutions that are used in the assembly process of vehicles, aircraft, and durable goods, as well as in the production process of plastic packaging products, packaged consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals; designs and manufactures blow mold tools and injection blow mold tooling products, and 2-step stretch blow molds and related components; and supplies blow molds and change parts to the food, beverage, healthcare, and chemical industry. It also offers rotary latches, compression latches, draw latches, hinges, camlocks, key switches, padlocks, and handles, as well as development and program management services for custom electromechanical and mechanical systems; designs and manufactures proprietary vision technology for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket applications; and provides aftermarket components to the heavy-duty truck market. The Eastern Company was founded in 1858 and is based in Naugatuck, Connecticut. EASTERN CO (EML) is classified as a micro-cap stock in the Materials sector, specifically within the Construction Materials industry. The company is led by CEO August M. Vlak and employs approximately 1,190 people, headquartered in NAUGATUCK, Connecticut. With a market capitalization of $123M, EML is one of the notable companies in the Materials sector.

EASTERN CO (EML) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, EASTERN CO receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 43.7/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.EML ranks #888 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Materials sector, EASTERN CO ranks #53 of 284 stocks, placing it in the top quartile of its Materials peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

EML Stock Price and 52-Week Range

EASTERN CO (EML) currently trades at $21.73. The stock gained $0.03 (0.1%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for EML is $26.77, which means the stock is currently trading -18.8% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $17.61, putting the stock 23.4% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 12K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is EML Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

EASTERN CO (EML) carries a value factor score of 68/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 15.91x, compared to the Materials sector average of 26.50x — a discount of 40%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 1.03x, versus the sector average of 2.83x. The price-to-sales ratio is 0.51x, compared to 0.74x for the average Materials stock. On an enterprise value basis, EML trades at 11.05x EV/EBITDA, versus 6.01x for the sector.

Overall, EML's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

EASTERN CO Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

EASTERN CO (EML) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 6.5%, compared to the Materials sector average of 3.3%, which is below typical expectations for high-quality companies. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 3.7% versus the sector average of 0.6%.

On a margin basis, EASTERN CO reports gross margins of 22.8%, compared to 29.8% for the sector. The operating margin is 3.8% (sector: 6.0%). Net profit margin stands at 3.0%, versus 3.0% for the average Materials stock. Revenue growth is running at -12.6% on a trailing basis, compared to 1.8% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

EML Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

EASTERN CO has a debt-to-equity ratio of 27.0%, compared to the Materials sector average of 41.0%. The low leverage indicates a conservative balance sheet with significant financial flexibility. The current ratio is 3.59x, indicating strong short-term liquidity. Total debt on the balance sheet is $34M. Cash and equivalents stand at $9M.

EML has a beta of 0.61, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for EASTERN CO is 66/100, reflecting average volatility within the normal range for its sector.

EASTERN CO Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, EASTERN CO reported revenue of $251M and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.17. Net income for the quarter was $8M. Gross margin was 22.8%. Operating income came in at $10M.

In FY 2026, EASTERN CO reported revenue of $249M and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.17. Net income for the quarter was $7M. Gross margin was 22.9%. Operating income came in at $11M.

In Q3 2025, EASTERN CO reported revenue of $55M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.10. Net income for the quarter was $578,936. Gross margin was 22.4%. Operating income came in at $2M.

In Q3 2026, EASTERN CO reported revenue of $55M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.10. Net income for the quarter was $578,936. Gross margin was 22.4%. Revenue grew 0.0% year-over-year compared to Q3 2025. Operating income came in at $2M.

Over the past 8 quarters, EASTERN CO has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $63M to $251M. Investors analyzing EML stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

EML Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

EASTERN CO (EML) currently pays a dividend yield of 1.8%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in EML stock would generate approximately $$179.00 in annual dividend income. This compares to the Materials sector average dividend yield of 0.5%, meaning EML offers above-average income for its sector.

EML Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

EASTERN CO (EML) has a momentum factor score of 30/100, signaling weak relative price performance. Stocks with low momentum scores have historically tended to continue underperforming in the near term. The investment factor score is 37/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 7/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

EML vs Competitors — Materials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Materials sector, EASTERN CO (EML) ranks #53 out of 284 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places EML in the top quartile of all Materials stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) with a score of 56.6/100, Nutrien Ltd. (NTR) with a score of 56.6/100, CVR PARTNERS, LP (UAN) with a score of 55.6/100, LSB INDUSTRIES, INC. (LXU) with a score of 53.6/100, and ACME UNITED CORP (ACU) with a score of 51.2/100.

Comparing EML against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full EML vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how EASTERN CO stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

EML Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for EASTERN CO (EML) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy EML? — Investment Thesis Summary

EASTERN CO presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. The value score of 68/100 suggests attractive pricing relative to fundamentals. Momentum is weak at 30/100, a headwind for near-term performance. Low volatility (stability score 66/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, EASTERN CO (EML) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 43.7/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on EML stock.

Related Resources for EML Investors

Explore more research and tools: EML vs S&P 500 comparison, top Materials stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare EML head-to-head with peers: EML vs CF, EML vs NTR, EML vs UAN.

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EASTERN CO (EML) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does EASTERN CO Do?

EASTERN CO (EML) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

EML Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is EML Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

EASTERN CO Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

EML Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

EASTERN CO Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

EML Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

EML Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

EML vs Competitors — Materials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

EML Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy EML? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for EML Investors

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