EML
The Eastern Company
Manufacturing - Tools & Accessories
Market Cap$131M
5Y Perf.+21.7%
Build Your Comparison
Side-by-side financial analysisEML
ASTE
Try popular comparisons:
Stock Comparison
EML vs ASTE
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
ASTE
Astec Industries, Inc.
Agricultural - Machinery
Market Cap$1.18B
5Y Perf.+10.9%
EML vs ASTE — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot |  EML |  ASTE |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing - Tools & Accessories | Agricultural - Machinery |
| Market Cap | $131M | $1.18B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $243M | $1.48B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $4M | $26M |
| Gross Margin | 21.7% | 26.1% |
| Operating Margin | 3.0% | 3.7% |
| Forward P/E | 11.0x | 14.3x |
| Total Debt | $54M | $320M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $7M | $72M |
EML vs ASTE — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
EML
ASTE
| Stock | Jun 20 | Jun 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Eastern Company (EML) | 100 | 121.7 | +21.7% |
| Astec Industries, I… (ASTE) | 100 | 110.9 | +10.9% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: EML vs ASTE
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: ASTE leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. The Eastern Company is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency and capital preservation and lower volatility. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
🥇ASTE emerged as the overall leader. Track its performance:
EML
The Eastern Company
The Income Pick
EML is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and long-term compounding.
- Dividend streak 0 yrs, beta 0.66, yield 2.0%
- 61.1% 10Y total return vs ASTE's 3.4%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.66, Low D/E 43.2%, current ratio 3.59x
Best for: income & stability and long-term compounding
ASTE
Astec Industries, Inc.
The Growth Play
ASTE carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure.
- Rev growth 8.1%, EPS growth 7.8%, 3Y rev CAGR 3.4%
- 8.1% revenue growth vs EML's -8.7%
- 1.7% margin vs EML's 1.6%
Best for: growth exposure
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth |  ASTE | 8.1% revenue growth vs EML's -8.7% |
| Value |  EML | Lower P/E (11.0x vs 14.3x) |
| Quality / Margins | ASTE | 1.7% margin vs EML's 1.6% |
| Stability / Safety | EML | Beta 0.66 vs ASTE's 1.55, lower leverage |
| Dividends | EML | 2.0% yield, vs ASTE's 1.0% |
| Momentum (1Y) | ASTE | +26.1% vs EML's -6.1% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | ASTE | 2.0% ROA vs EML's 1.7%, ROIC 6.2% vs 4.5% |
EML vs ASTE — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2019
FY 2025
EML vs ASTE — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLEMLLAGGINGASTE
ASTEAstec Industries, Inc.
2leads
EMLThe Eastern Company
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs ASTEMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
ASTE4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
EML6/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
ASTE5/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
Tied
—
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
EML2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
EML1/1
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
ASTE leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
ASTE is the larger business by revenue, generating $1.5B annually — 6.1x EML's $243M. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 1.7% (ASTE) to 1.6% (EML). On growth, ASTE holds the edge at +20.3% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | EMLThe Eastern Compa… | ASTEAstec Industries,… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $243M | $1.5B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $12M | $84M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $4M | $26M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $10M | $37M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +21.7% | +26.1% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +3.0% | +3.7% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +1.6% | +1.7% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +4.0% | +2.5% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -5.7% | +20.3% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -65.6% | -90.3% |
ASTE leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
EML leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 25.9x trailing earnings, EML trades at a 15% valuation discount to ASTE's 30.6x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, EML's 12.9x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than ASTE's 14.0x.
| Metric | EMLThe Eastern Compa… | ASTEAstec Industries,… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $131M | $1.2B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $178M | $1.4B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 25.89x | 30.58x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 10.98x | 14.27x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 12.88x | 14.03x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.53x | 0.84x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.06x | 1.75x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 26.79x | 54.94x |
EML leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
ASTE leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
ASTE delivers a 3.8% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $4 in annual profit, vs $3 for EML. EML carries lower financial leverage with a 0.43x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to ASTE's 0.47x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), EML scores 6/9 vs ASTE's 5/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | EMLThe Eastern Compa… | ASTEAstec Industries,… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +3.1% | +3.8% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +1.7% | +2.0% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +4.5% | +6.2% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +5.3% | +7.2% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 6 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.43x | 0.47x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $46M | $248M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $7M | $72M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $54M | $320M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 2.90x | 5.48x |
ASTE leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
Evenly matched — EML and ASTE each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in ASTE five years ago would be worth $8,430 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $7,258 for EML. Over the past 12 months, ASTE leads with a +26.1% total return vs EML's -6.1%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors EML at 10.7% vs ASTE's 5.8% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | EMLThe Eastern Compa… | ASTEAstec Industries,… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +11.9% | +15.7% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -6.1% | +26.1% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +35.5% | +18.4% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -27.4% | -15.7% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +61.1% | +3.4% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +10.7% | +5.8% |
Evenly matched — EML and ASTE each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
EML leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
EML is the less volatile stock with a 0.66 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than ASTE's 1.55 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500.
| Metric | EMLThe Eastern Compa… | ASTEAstec Industries,… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.66x | 1.55x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $26.77 | $65.65 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $17.61 | $36.43 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +81.2% | +78.2% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 43.9 | 45.2 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 16K | 197K |
EML leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
EML leads this category, winning 1 of 1 comparable metric.
Analyst Outlook
For income investors, EML offers the higher dividend yield at 2.03% vs ASTE's 1.00%.
| Metric | EMLThe Eastern Compa… | ASTEAstec Industries,… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | — | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $36.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | — | 12 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +2.0% | +1.0% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 0 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.44 | $0.51 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +2.8% | 0.0% |
EML leads this category, winning 1 of 1 comparable metric.
Key Takeaway
EML leads in 3 of 6 categories (Valuation Metrics, Risk & Volatility). ASTE leads in 2 (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). 1 tied.
Best OverallThe Eastern Company (EML)Leads 3 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
EML vs ASTE: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is EML or ASTE a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Astec Industries, Inc.
(ASTE) is the stronger pick with 8. 1% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -8. 7% for The Eastern Company (EML). The Eastern Company (EML) offers the better valuation at 25. 9x trailing P/E (11. 0x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE) a "Buy" — based on 12 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — EML or ASTE?
On trailing P/E, The Eastern Company (EML) is the cheapest at 25.
9x versus Astec Industries, Inc. at 30. 6x. On forward P/E, The Eastern Company is actually cheaper at 11. 0x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — EML or ASTE?
Over the past 5 years, Astec Industries, Inc.
(ASTE) delivered a total return of -15. 7%, compared to -27. 4% for The Eastern Company (EML). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: EML returned +61. 1% versus ASTE's +3. 4%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — EML or ASTE?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), The Eastern Company (EML) is the lower-risk stock at 0.
66β versus Astec Industries, Inc. 's 1. 55β — meaning ASTE is approximately 136% more volatile than EML relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, The Eastern Company (EML) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 43% versus 47% for Astec Industries, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — EML or ASTE?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Astec Industries, Inc.
(ASTE) is pulling ahead at 8. 1% versus -8. 7% for The Eastern Company (EML). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Astec Industries, Inc. grew EPS 784. 2% year-over-year, compared to 161. 3% for The Eastern Company. Over a 3-year CAGR, ASTE leads at 3. 4% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — EML or ASTE?
Astec Industries, Inc.
(ASTE) is the more profitable company, earning 2. 8% net margin versus 2. 1% for The Eastern Company — meaning it keeps 2. 8% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: ASTE leads at 4. 6% versus 4. 1% for EML. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — ASTE leads at 26. 5%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is EML or ASTE more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, The Eastern Company (EML) trades at 11.
0x forward P/E versus 14. 3x for Astec Industries, Inc. — 3. 3x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis.
08Which pays a better dividend — EML or ASTE?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
The Eastern Company (EML) offers the highest yield at 2. 0%, versus 1. 0% for Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE).
09Is EML or ASTE better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, The Eastern Company (EML) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0.
66), 2. 0% yield). Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE) carries a higher beta of 1. 55 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (EML: +61. 1%, ASTE: +3. 4%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between EML and ASTE?
Both stocks operate in the Industrials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
You Might Also Compare
Based on how these companies actually compete and overlap — not just which sector they're filed under.