Posted: 04/26/2025 07:26 am
The Eastern Company (NASDAQ: EML), a stalwart in the cutlery, handtools, and general hardware industry, showcases a dynamic approach to leadership compensation reflective of broader industry trends and internal strategic recalibrations. Over recent years, executive compensation at The Eastern Company has witnessed notable fluctuations, underscoring strategic pivots within the firm.
In 2024, Ryan Schroeder assumed the role of President and CEO, leading The Eastern Company with a modest total compensation of $88,862. His remuneration package predominantly comprised a base salary of $69,423 along with incentive plan compensation amounting to $16,126, indicative of a frugal compensation strategy^1. This contrasts sharply with the 2023 compensation framework when Nicholas Vlahos, then leading the company, received a total of $588,186. Vlahos' package included a substantial $339,327 base salary and $140,000 in stock awards, reflecting the company's past focus on aligning executive performance with shareholder value^2.
Previously, in 2021, August M. Vlak, then President and CEO, earned total compensation of $1,159,982. Vlak's compensation package was heavily performance-based, with incentive plan compensation of $429,723 and option awards valuing $235,470, showcasing a strategy focused on rewarding long-term performance amidst a challenging economic environment^4. This contrasts with Vlak's earlier compensation in 2019, which was slightly lower at $902,146, although the company continued its emphasis on performance incentives^5.
The timing of these compensation changes parallels significant strategic events at The Eastern Company, including recent announcements about fiscal results and future outlooks, as evidenced by their forthcoming earnings release^7. While managing compensations judiciously, The Eastern Company continues to engage in strategic initiatives such as the scheduled virtual annual meeting of shareholders, illustrating an ongoing commitment to transparency and shareholder engagement amid evolving market conditions^9. Additionally, The Eastern Company's stock currently trades at $19.61, amidst fluctuating market conditions with highs earlier this year reaching $35.03, showcasing continued investor interest and market volatility^11.
These compensation trends at The Eastern Company reflect an adaptive management approach aiming to balance executive incentives with broader operational strategies, aligning leadership performance with market demands and shareholder expectations.
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1. SEC filing on Ryan Schroeder's compensation for 2024: [EDGAR Archive](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/31107/000165495425002632/0001654954-25-002632-index.htm).
2. SEC filing on Nicholas Vlahos' compensation for 2023: [EDGAR Archive](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/31107/000165495424003008/0001654954-24-003008-index.htm).
3. SEC filing on Peter O’Hara’s compensation for 2022: [EDGAR Archive](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/31107/000165495423002850/0001654954-23-002850-index.htm).
4. SEC filing on August M. Vlak's compensation for 2021: [EDGAR Archive](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/31107/000165495422003377/0001654954-22-003377-index.htm).
5. SEC filing on August M. Vlak's compensation for 2019: [EDGAR Archive](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/31107/000165495421002838/0001654954-21-002838-index.htm).
6. Press release on The Eastern Company’s future earnings announcement: [Access Newswire](https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/the-eastern-company-announces-timing-of-virtual-annual-meeting-of-shar-1012629).
7. Press release timing for The Eastern Company’s earnings release and conference call: [Access Newswire](https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/the-eastern-company-announces-timing-of-virtual-annual-meeting-of-shar-1012629).
8. Recent stock data on The Eastern Company: [Market Indicators](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/04/07/3057196/12825/en/Astec-Industries-Inc-Announces-the-Company-s-First-Quarter-2025-Conference-Call-on-April-29-2025-at-8-30-A-M-Eastern-Time.html).
9. Recent business news on The Eastern Company: [Access Newswire](https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/electric-metals-announces-business-consulting-services-agreement-with-terrella-ca-1015360).
10. News about virtual annual meeting of shareholders by The Eastern Company: [Access Newswire](https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/the-eastern-company-announces-timing-of-virtual-annual-meeting-of-shar-1012629).
11. Current stock price details: [Market Indicators](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/04/07/3057196/12825/en/Astec-Industries-Inc-Announces-the-Company-s-First-Quarter-2025-Conference-Call-on-April-29-2025-at-8-30-A-M-Eastern-Time.html).
