acme_8k022813.htm
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
__________________
 
 
FORM 8-K

 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (date of earliest event reported): February 28, 2013
 
ACME UNITED CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
__________________
 
Connecticut
001-07698
06-0236700
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(Commission file number)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
60 Round Hill Road, Fairfield, Connecticut
 
 
06824
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (203) 254-6060
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
[_]     Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
[_]     Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
[_]     Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
[_]     Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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ITEM 2.02.  RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.
 
On February 28, 2013, Acme United Corporation (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the Year ended December 31, 2012.  A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this current report.
 
ITEM 9.01.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
 
(c)           Exhibits
 
Exhibit Number Description
   
Press release dated February 28, 2013.

 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
ACME UNITED CORPORATION
 
By /s/  Walter C. Johnsen  
 
Walter C. Johnsen
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
 
     
Dated:   February 28, 2013
 
     
     
 By  /s/  Paul G. Driscoll  
 
Paul G. Driscoll
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 
     
Dated:   February 28, 2013
 
 
 
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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
  Exhibit Number Description
     
 
Press release dated February 28, 2013.
 

 

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acme_8k022813ex991.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   February  28, 2013   


ACME UNITED CORPORATION REPORTS 23% SALES INCREASE AND 56% INCREASE IN EARNINGS PER SHARE FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER

FAIRFIELD, CONN. – February 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.
 
 
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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.

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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.
 
 
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ACME UNITED CORPORATION
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
YEAR END REPORT 2012
 
(Unaudited)
 
             
   
Quarter Ended
   
Quarter Ended
 
Amounts in $000's except per share data
 
December 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
             
             
Net sales
  $ 19,534     $ 15,836  
Cost of goods sold
    12,979       10,143  
Gross profit
    6,555       5,693  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
    6,090       5,171  
Income from operations
    465       522  
Interest expense
    (125 )     (100 )
Interest income
    61       37  
     Net interest expense
    (64 )     (63 )
Other expense, net
    (5 )     (6 )
Total other  expense, net
    (69 )     (69 )
Pre-tax income
    396       453  
Income tax  (benefit) expense
    (35 )     187  
Net income
  $ 431     $ 266  
                 
Shares outstanding - Basic
    3,118       3,125  
Shares outstanding - Diluted
    3,175       3,125  
                 
Earnings per share basic
  $ 0.14     $ 0.09  
Earnings per share diluted
    0.14       0.09  
 
 
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ACME UNITED CORPORATION
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
YEAR END REPORT 2012 (cont.)
 
(Unaudited)
 
             
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
Amounts in $000's except per share data
 
December 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
             
             
Net sales
  $ 84,370     $ 73,302  
Cost of goods sold
    54,623       46,977  
Gross profit
    29,747       26,325  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
    24,386       22,040  
Income from operations
    5,361       4,285  
Interest expense
    (444 )     (404 )
Interest income
    179       150  
     Net interest expense
    (265 )     (254 )
Other expense, net
    (99 )     (5 )
Total other expense,  net
    (364 )     (259 )
Pre-tax income
    4,997       4,026  
Income tax expense
    1,448       1,215  
Net income
  $ 3,549     $ 2,811  
                 
Shares outstanding - Basic
    3,116       3,100  
Shares outstanding - Diluted
    3,133       3,100  
                 
Earnings per share basic
  $ 1.14     $ 0.91  
Earnings per share diluted
    1.13       0.91  
 
 
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ACME UNITED CORPORATION
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
YEAR END REPORT 2012
 
(Unaudited)
 
             
Amounts in $000's
 
December 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
             
Assets:
           
Current assets:
           
Cash
  $ 9,750     $ 7,853  
Accounts receivable, net
    16,442       12,904  
Inventories
    30,292       24,495  
Prepaid and other current assets
    1,925       1,270  
Total current assets
    58,409       46,522  
                 
Property and equipment, net
    2,353       2,506  
Long term receivable
    1,702       1,766  
Other assets
    5,364       4,428  
Total assets
  $ 67,828     $ 55,222  
                 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 6,480     $ 4,935  
Other current liabilities
    5,250       3,770  
Total current liabilities
    11,730       8,705  
Non-current liabilities
               
Long term debt
    24,320       17,568  
Other non current liabilities
    912       1,174  
Total liabilities
    36,962       27,447  
Total stockholders' equity
    30,866       27,775  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 67,828     $ 55,222  
                 
 
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