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): April 17, 2015

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.)

 

 

55 Walls Drive, 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))

 

 
 

 

ITEM 2.02. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

On April 17, 2015, Acme United Corporation (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. 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
   
99.1 Press release dated April 17, 2015.

 

 

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: April 17, 2015
     
     
     
By /s/  Paul G. Driscoll  
  Paul G. Driscoll  
  Vice President and  
  Chief Financial Officer  
     
Dated: April 17, 2015

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EXHIBIT INDEX

  Exhibit Number Description
     
  99.1 Press release dated April 17, 2015.

 

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Exhibit 99.1

 

ACME UNITED CORPORATION NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT: Paul G. Driscoll Acme United Corporation 55 Walls Drive Fairfield, CT 06824
    Phone: (203) 254-6060 FAX: (203) 254-6521  

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 17, 2015  

 

 

ACME UNITED CORPORATION REPORTS 19% INCREASE IN SALES AND 18% INCREASE IN NET INCOME FOR FIRST QUARTER

 

FAIRFIELD, CONN. – April 17, 2015 – Acme United Corporation (NYSE MKT:ACU) today announced that net sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 were $22.8 million, compared to $19.2 million in the first quarter of 2014, an increase of 19% (21% in constant currency).

 

Net income was $436,000 or $.12 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 compared to $368,000 or $.11 per diluted share for the comparable period last year, an increase of 18% in net income and 9% in earnings per share.

 

Net sales for the first quarter of 2015 in the U.S. segment increased 25% compared to the same period in 2014 due to strong sales of Westcott school and office products, the recently introduced Cuda brand fishing tools and the contribution of First Aid Only, which was acquired on June 1, 2014.

 

Net sales in Canada in the first quarter of 2015 decreased 8% in local currency, and 18% in U.S. currency compared to the same period in 2014. The office superstore market in Canada was soft due to weak economic conditions, but this was partially offset by growth with independent dealers.

 

European net sales in the first quarter of 2015 increased 14% in local currency but decreased 5% in U.S. currency compared to the first quarter of 2014. European growth was due to strong office product sales.

 

Gross margins were 37% in the first quarter of 2015 versus 36% in the comparable period last year.

 

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Walter C. Johnsen, Chairman and CEO said, “We had a good start for 2015. I am pleased with the performance of our Westcott product line across all channels. Our recently introduced Cuda filet knives, crimpers, pliers, and other fishing tools have had a strong reception in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. All feature proprietary, rust-resistant steel and high performance designs. We expect to continue to leverage the increased volumes of our combined first aid businesses. Although we were impacted by the weak Canadian dollar and the Euro, we are adjusting prices and costs.”

 

The Company’s bank debt less cash on March 31, 2015 was $25.8 million compared to $13.9 million on March 31, 2014. During the twelve month period, the Company paid approximately $13.8 million for the acquisition of the assets of First Aid Only and paid $1.2 million in dividends on its common stock. During the twelve month period, the Company also generated $3.0 million in cash flow from operations and received approximately $1.5 million from the exercise of employee stock options.

 

ACME UNITED CORPORATION is a leading worldwide supplier of innovative cutting, measuring and safety products to the school, home, office, hardware, sporting goods and industrial markets. Its leading brands include Westcott®, Clauss®, Camillus®, Cuda®, PhysiciansCare®, First Aid Only® and Pac-Kit®. For more information, visit www.acmeunited.com.

 

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) changes in the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions, which may be made at any time at the discretion of the Company; (ii) the impact of uncertainties in global economic conditions, including the impact on the Company’s suppliers and customers; (iii) changes in client needs and consumer spending habits; (iv) the impact of competition and technological changes on the Company; (v) the Company’s ability to manage its growth effectively, including its ability to successfully integrate any business it might acquire; (vi) currency fluctuations; and (vii) 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
FIRST QUARTER REPORT 2015
(unaudited)
       
    Quarter Ended    Quarter Ended 
Amounts in 000's except per share data   March 31, 2015    March 31, 2014 
           
           
Net sales  $22,837   $19,152 
Cost of goods sold   14,402    12,274 
Gross profit   8,435    6,878 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses   7,609    6,253 
Income from operations   826    625 
Interest expense, net   130    83 
Other expense, net   75    19 
Pre-tax income   621    523 
Income tax expense   185    155 
Net income  $436   $368 
           
Shares outstanding - Basic   3,300    3,201 
Shares outstanding - Diluted   3,702    3,443 
           
Earnings per share - basic  $0.13   $0.12 
Earnings per share - diluted   0.12    0.11 

 

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ACME UNITED CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
FIRST QUARTER REPORT 2015
(Unaudited)
       
Amounts in $000's          
           
    March 31, 2015    March 31, 2014 
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash  $1,797   $3,367 
Accounts receivable, net   16,722    16,111 
Inventories   35,925    28,977 
Prepaid and other current assets   2,476    1,755 
Total current assets   56,920    50,210 
           
Property and equipment, net   7,158    6,455 
Intangible assets, less amortization   12,374    4,035 
Goodwill   1,375    —   
Other assets   973    1,081 
Total assets  $78,800   $61,781 
           
Liabilities and stockholders' equity          
Current liabilities          
Accounts payable  $5,905   $4,312 
Other current liabilities   5,553    4,867 
Total current liabilities   11,458    9,179 
           
Long-term debt   27,561    17,286 
Other non-current liabilities   315    276 
Total liabilities   39,334    26,741 
Total stockholders' equity   39,466    35,040 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $78,800   $61,781 

 

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