FAIRFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 19, 2013-- Acme United Corporation (NYSE MKT:ACU) today announced that net sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 were $17.7 million, compared to $16.9 million in the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 5%.

Net income was $309,000 or $.10 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 compared to $260,000 or $.08 per diluted share for the comparable period last year, an increase of 19% in net income and 25% in earnings per share.

Net sales for the first quarter of 2013 in the U.S. segment increased 12% compared to the same period in 2012 mainly due to higher sales of Camillus knives and the acquisition of the C-Thru Ruler Company. Net sales in Canada in the first quarter of 2013 decreased 2% in both U.S. dollars and local currency compared to the same period in 2012. European net sales in the first quarter of 2013 decreased 31% in both U.S. dollars and local currency compared to the first quarter of 2012 primarily due to the bankruptcy and liquidation of a large customer in the second quarter of 2012.

Gross margins were 36% in the first quarter of 2013 compared to 35% in the first quarter of 2012. The higher gross margin in the first quarter of 2013 was mainly due to customer and product mix.

Walter C. Johnsen, Chairman and CEO said, “During the quarter, we benefited from successful new product introductions in the Westcott and Camillus families, favorable product mix, and operating leverage. We are particularly excited about the prospects of several new product families currently in test markets, and the recently announced garden tool launch in conjunction with ScottsMiracle-Gro.”

The Company’s bank debt less cash on March 31, 2013 was $15.5 million compared to $12.8 million on March 31, 2012. On June 7, 2012, the Company paid approximately $1.5 million for certain assets of the C-Thru Ruler Company. Additionally, during the 12 month period ended March 31, 2013, Acme paid approximately $ 0.9 million in dividends on its common stock.

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) 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.

Source: Acme United Corporation

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