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8-K - 8-K - ACME UNITED CORPacme_8k042012.htm
Exhibit 99.1

 
ACME UNITED CORPORATION              NEWS RELEASE

 CONTACT: Paul G. Driscoll Acme United Corporation 60 Round Hill Road  Fairfield, CT  06824
    Phone: (203) 254-6060 FAX: (203) 254-6521  
 
                                                                                                     
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   April 20, 2012           


ACME UNITED CORPORATION REPORTS RECORD FIRST QUARTER SALES, EARNINGS PER SHARE DOUBLE

FAIRFIELD, CONN. – April 20, 2012 – Acme United Corporation (NYSE AMEX:ACU) today announced that net sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 were $16.9 million, compared to $14.4 million in the first quarter of 2011, an increase of 17%. Excluding the acquisition on February 28, 2011 of the Pac Kit Company, comparable sales increased by 9%.

Net sales for the first quarter of 2012 in the U.S. segment increased 19% compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to increased sales of the Company’s iPoint pencil sharpeners, Clauss professional cutting tools, and branded first aid products. Net sales in Canada in the first quarter of 2012 decreased 11% in U.S. dollars and 9% in local currency compared to the same period in 2011.  The decrease in Canada was primarily the result of the initial order of a new product line in the first quarter of 2011. European sales in the first quarter of 2012 increased 32% in U.S. dollars and 39% in local currency compared to the first quarter in 2011 due to increased sales in the mass market.

Gross margins were 35.2% in the first quarter of 2012 compared to 36.9% in the first quarter of 2011.  The lower gross margin in the first quarter of 2012 was mainly due to customer and product mix.

Net income was $260,000 or $.08 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 compared to $120,000 or $.04 per diluted share for the comparable period last year.
 
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Walter C. Johnsen, Chairman and CEO said, “Acme United continued to build its sales and earnings growth in the first quarter. We are now introducing new Westcott cutting tools, Camillus knives, and first aid products which we believe will provide additional platforms for growth.”  Mr. Johnsen added “with our recently established banking relationship at HSBC we are better positioned for acquisitions and other expansion opportunities.”
 
The Company’s bank debt less cash on March 31, 2012 was $12.8 million compared to $13.2 million on March 31, 2011. During the 12 month period ended March 31, 2012, Acme paid approximately $800,000 in dividends on its common stock and generated $2.2 million in cash flow from operations.
 
 
ACME UNITED CORPORATION is a leading worldwide supplier of innovative cutting, measuring and first aid products to the school, home, office, hardware and industrial markets.  Its leading brands include Westcott®, Clauss®, Camillus® PhysiciansCare ® and Pac-Kit ®.

Forward-looking statements in this report, including without limitation, statements related to the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the following:  (i) the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Company; (ii) the impact of current uncertainties in global economic conditions and the ongoing financial crisis affecting the domestic and foreign banking system and financial markets, including the impact on the Company’s suppliers and customers (iii) the Company’s plans and results of operations will be affected by the Company’s ability to manage its growth, and (iv) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 

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ACME UNITED CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
FIRST QUARTER REPORT 2012
 
(unaudited)
 
             
   
Quarter Ended
   
Quarter Ended
 
Amounts in 000's except per share data
 
March 31, 2012
   
March 31, 2011
 
             
             
Net sales
  $ 16,878     $ 14,401  
Cost of goods sold
    10,934       9,093  
Gross profit
    5,944       5,308  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
    5,486       5,125  
Income from operations
    458       183  
Interest expense, net
    56       47  
Other expense (income), net
    42       (24 )
Pre-tax income
    360       161  
Income tax expense
    100       41  
Net income
  $ 260     $ 120  
                 
Shares outstanding - Basic
    3,129       3,075  
Shares outstanding - Diluted
    3,131       3,105  
                 
Earnings per share - basic
  $ 0.08     $ 0.04  
Earnings per share - diluted
    0.08       0.04  
 
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ACME UNITED CORPORATION
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
FIRST QUARTER REPORT 2012
 
(Unaudited)
 
             
Amounts in $000's
           
             
   
March 31, 2012
   
March 31, 2011
 
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash
  $ 4,078     $ 5,102  
Accounts receivable, net
    14,689       12,711  
Inventories
    23,634       23,354  
Prepaid and other current assets
    1,926       1,614  
Total current assets
    44,327       42,780  
                 
Property and equipment, net
    2,400       2,376  
Long term receivable
    1,750       1,825  
Intangible assets, less amortization
    3,264       3,354  
Other assets
    1,142       1,032  
Total assets
  $ 52,885     $ 51,367  
                 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 3,541     $ 3,379  
Other current liabilities
    3,437       2,406  
Total current liabilities
    6,978       5,785  
                 
Long-term debt
    16,920       18,345  
Other non-current liabilities
    1,207       1,523  
Total liabilities
    25,105       25,653  
Total stockholders' equity
    27,780       25,714  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 52,885     $ 51,367  
 
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