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 July 21, 2006
------------------------------------
ACME UNITED CORPORATION REPORTS 14% SALES GROWTH
FAIRFIELD, CONN. - July 21, 2006 - Acme United Corporation (AMEX:ACU) today
announced that net sales for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 were $17.0 million,
compared to $14.9 million in the comparable period of 2005, an increase of 14%.
Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2006 were $29.2 million, compared to
$25.5 million in the same period in 2005, an increase of 15% (14% at constant
currency).
Net income was $1,506,000 or $.40 per diluted share for the second
quarter ended June 30, 2006 compared, to $1,314,000 or $.34 per diluted share
for the comparable period last year, an increase of 15% in net income and 18% in
diluted earnings per share. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2006
was $2,265,000, or $.61 per diluted share compared to $1,964,000, or $.52 per
diluted share in the comparable period last year, a 15% increase in net income
and 18% in diluted earnings per share.
Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2006 in the U.S. segment
increased 15% as the result of sales initiatives with several major retailers
and superstores. Sales in Europe and Canada increased by 12% in U.S. dollars and
8% in local currency. This sales growth was principally driven by new sales to a
large pan-European superstore and an expanded product line with a major European
retailer.
Gross margins were 43.7% in the second quarter of 2006 versus 45.2% in
the comparable period last year. For the first six months of 2006 gross margins
were 44.4% compared to 45.5% in the same period in 2005. The lower margins in
2006 were primarily the result of one time expenses associated with filling
large orders on an expedited basis for the new business in Europe. These
expenses lay the foundation for future revenues to large multinational customers
in Europe.
(1)
Walter C. Johnsen, President and CEO said, "Acme United had an
excellent quarter. We reported the highest quarterly sales and earnings in the
Company's history. We expanded our distribution channels, developed new products
and continued to gain market share. Acme has been selected for a second
consecutive year by Fortune Small Business as one of the top 100 fastest growing
public companies in the U.S."
The Company's bank debt on June 30, 2006 was $10.2 million compared to
$5.0 million on June 30, 2005. The increase in bank debt during the twelve month
period was used to buy additional inventory of $3.8 million, repurchase $1.4
million of Acme stock, demolish a former manufacturing site for $1.5 million and
make dividend payments to shareholders of $.4 million. Based on anticipated cash
flow, the debt level is expected to decline during the second half of the year.
ACME UNITED CORPORATION is a leading worldwide supplier of innovative
cutting, measuring and safety products to the school, home, office and
industrial markets.
Forward-looking statements in this earnings release, include without
limitation, statements related to the Company's plans, strategies, objectives,
expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources. 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 Company's plans and results of operations
will be affected by the Company's ability to manage its growth, and (iii) other
risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company's filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
# # #
(2)
ACME UNITED CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
SECOND QUARTER REPORT 2006
Quarter Ended Quarter Ended
June 30, 2006 June 30, 2005
Amounts in $000's except per share data (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales $ 16,984 $ 14,904
Gross profit 7,428 6,731
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 4,995 4,577
Interest expense 130 43
Other (income) expense (38) 97
Pre-tax income 2,341 2,014
Income tax expense 835 700
Net income 1,506 1,314
Earnings per share basic 0.43 0.37
Earnings per share diluted 0.40 0.34
Six Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, 2006 June 30, 2005
Amounts in $000's except per share data (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales $ 29,241 $ 25,487
Gross profit 12,980 11,592
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 9,254 8,296
Interest expense 255 56
Other (income) expense (114) 146
Pre-tax income 3,585 3,094
Income tax expense 1,320 1,130
Net income 2,265 1,964
Earnings per share basic 0.65 0.56
Earnings per share diluted 0.61 0.52
(3)
ACME UNITED CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
SECOND QUARTER REPORT 2006
(Unaudited)
Amounts in $000's June 30, 2006 June 30, 2005
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash $ 1,053 $ 602
Accounts receivable, net 14,960 12,625
Inventories 14,990 11,141
Prepaid and other current assets 1,222 818
-------------------------------------------------
Total current assets 32,225 25,186
Property and equipment, net 2,566 2,203
Other assets 1,591 809
-------------------------------------------------
Total assets $ 36,382 $ 28,198
=================================================
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
Current liabilities
Accounts payable 3,715 3,770
Other current liabilities 4,768 4,559
-------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities 8,483 8,329
Long-term debt 10,256 5,022
Other non current liabilities 1,084 541
-------------------------------------------------
19,823 13,892
Total stockholders' equity 16,559 14,306
-------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 36,382 $ 28,198
=================================================
(4)