FAIRFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 28, 2013-- Acme United Corporation (NYSE MKT:ACU) today announced that net sales for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012 were $19.5 million, compared to $15.8 million in the comparable period of 2011, an increase of 23%.

Net income was $431,000, or $.14 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, compared to $266,000 or $.09 per diluted share, for the comparable period last year, an increase of 62% in net income and 56% in diluted earnings per share.

Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $84.4 million, compared to $73.3 million in 2011, an increase of 15%.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $3,549,000, or $1.13 per diluted share, compared to $2,811,000, or $.91 per diluted share last year, a 26% increase in net income and 24% increase in diluted earnings per share.

Net sales in the U.S. segment for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2012 increased 27% and 20%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011. The increases for both periods were primarily due to greater sales of pencil sharpeners, paper trimmers, first aid kits and new sales resulting from the C-Thru Ruler acquisition in June, 2012. Revenues from new distribution of Camillus knives at major retailers also contributed to the growth. Net sales in Canada for the three months ended December 31, 2012 increased 10% in U.S. dollars (7% in local currency) compared to the same period in 2011. Net sales in Canada for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased 3% in U.S. dollars (5% in local currency) compared to 2011. The increased sales in Canada for both periods were primarily due to the introduction of Camillus knives. European net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2012 increased 16% in U.S. dollars (25% in local currency), compared to the same period last year. European net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 decreased 1% in U.S. dollars but increased 9% in local currency compared to last year. The increased sales in Europe for both periods were primarily due to higher sales in the mass market channel.

Gross margins were 33.6% in the fourth quarter of 2012 versus 35.9% in the comparable period last year. Gross margins were 35.2% for the year ended December 31, 2012 versus 35.9% last year. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company donated $135,000 of products to the Kids In Need Foundation. Excluding the impact of the donation, gross margins would have been 34.2% and 35.4% for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2012, respectively.

Operating profit was $465,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2012 compared to $522,000 for the comparable period last year. Excluding the impact from the donation, operating profit was $600,000, an increase of 15% over last year. Operating profit was $5,361,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $4,285,000 last year, an increase of 25%.

Income tax in the fourth quarter of 2012 included a tax benefit of approximately $90,000 from the donation.

Walter C. Johnsen, Chairman and CEO said, “Acme United had an excellent year in 2012. We had successful introductions of new iPoint pencil sharpeners and TrimAir paper trimmers. We acquired the C-Thru line of lettering and measuring tools and successfully integrated the product family. We brought a number of new Camillus knives into broad distribution, and had excellent reception of the Les Stroud survival tools. Both our PhysiciansCare and Pac-Kit first aid product families entered new markets and gained share.” Mr. Johnsen added that he would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Acme United employees, and looks forward to another successful year in 2013.

The Company’s bank debt less cash and cash equivalents on December 31, 2012 was $14.6 million compared to $9.7 million on December 31, 2011. On June 7, 2012, the Company paid approximately $1.5 million for certain assets of the C-Thru Ruler Company. During the year ended December 31, 2012, Acme purchased 43,000 shares of its common stock for treasury for a total of about $440,000 and paid approximately $1.1 million in dividends on its common stock. The Company accelerated the payment of its fourth quarter dividend, which historically has been paid in January, to December 2012, to be more tax advantageous for shareholders.

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®, 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 systems 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; (v) the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquired business; and (vi) 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
Phone: (203) 254-6060
FAX: (203) 254-6521