FAIRFIELD, Conn., Jul 21, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Acme United Corporation (NYSE AMEX:ACU) today announced that net sales for the second quarter ended June 30, 2011 were $24.0 million, compared to $20.6 million in the comparable period of 2010, an increase of 17% (14% in local currency). Excluding the acquisition on February 28, 2011 of the Pac Kit Company, one of the oldest manufacturers of first aid products, comparable sales increased by 8%.

Net income was $1,743,000, or $.56 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, compared to $1,567,000 or $.48 per diluted share for the comparable period last year, an increase of 11% in net income and 17% in diluted earnings per share.

Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2011 were $38.4 million, compared to $33.7 million in the same period in 2010, an increase of 14% (12% in local currency). Excluding the acquisition of the Pac Kit Company, comparable sales increased by 7%.

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $1,863,000, or $.60 per diluted share, compared to $1,780,000, or $.54 per diluted share in the comparable period last year, a 5% increase in net income and 10% in diluted earnings per share.

Net sales for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 in the U.S. segment increased 22% compared to the same period in 2010. Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2011 in the U.S. segment increased 17% compared to the same period in 2010. Sales in the U.S. for both periods increased due to market share gains in the mass market channel and the addition of sales resulting from the acquisition of the Pac Kit Company. Net sales in Canada for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 increased 15% and 16%, respectively, in U.S. dollars (8% and 9% respectively, in local currency) compared to the same periods in 2010. Sales in Canada increased primarily due to the introduction of new products. European net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 decreased 20% and 10%, respectively, in U.S. dollars (30% and 17% respectively, in local currency) compared to the same periods in 2010. Sales in Europe decreased due to the timing of sales associated with mass market promotions.

Gross margins were 36.1% in the second quarter of 2011 versus 36.7% in the comparable period last year. Gross margins were 36.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to 37.6% for the comparable period last year.

Operating profit was $2,460,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 compared to $1,946,000 for the comparable period last year, an increase of 26%. Operating profit was $2,643,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $2,247,000 for the comparable period last year, an increase of 18%.

The effective tax rate for the first six months of 2011 was 27%, compared to 17% in the same period of 2010. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2010, reflected approximately $180,000 of tax benefits associated with the Company's donation of land to the City of Bridgeport, CT in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Walter C. Johnsen, Chairman and CEO said, "Our back to school sales have been strong. Customer feedback from our new line of AirShoc(R) garden products has been outstanding. Our biggest challenge has been rising product costs, which we are addressing."

Mr. Johnsen added that the Pac-Kit first aid business has exceeded both sales and operating income expectations, and that it is expanding its customer base successfully.

The Company's bank debt less cash on June 30, 2011 was $14.4 million compared to $8.9 million on June 30, 2010. On February 28, 2011, the Company paid approximately $3.4 million for the Pac Kit Company. Additionally, during the 12 month period ended June 30, 2011, Acme purchased 94,622 shares of its common stock for treasury for a total of approximately $900,000 and paid $700,000 in dividends on its common stock.

ACME UNITED CORPORATION is a leading worldwide supplier of innovative cutting, measuring and safety products to the school, home, office, hardware and industrial markets. Its leading brands include Westcott(R), Clauss(R), Camillus(R), PhysiciansCare (R) and Pac Kit(R).

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) currency fluctuations (iv) the Company's plans and results of operations will be affected by the Company's ability to manage its growth, and (v) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: Acme United Corporation

Acme United Corporation
Paul G. Driscoll, 203-254-6060
Fax: 203-254-6521