EXHIBIT 99.1
ACME UNITED CORPORATION NEWS RELEASE
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CONTACT: Paul G. Driscoll
Acme United Corporation
60 Round Hill Road Fairfield, CT 06824
Phone: (203) 254-6060 FAX: (203) 254-6521
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 17, 2009
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ACME UNITED CORPORATION REPORTS FIRST QUARTER SALES AND EARNINGS
FAIRFIELD, CONN. - April 17, 2009 - Acme United Corporation (NYSE
AMEX:ACU) today announced that net sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2009
were $11.3 million, compared to $14.3 million in the comparable period of 2008,
a decrease of 21% (19% in local currency). The sales decline was due to a
reduction in orders from many of the Company's customers as the result of the
contracting global economy.
Net income was $42,000 or $.01 per diluted share for the first quarter
ended March 31, 2009 compared to $753,000 or $.21 per diluted share for the
comparable period last year. The lower net income is primarily the result of
lower sales.
Net sales for the first quarter 2009 in the U.S. segment decreased 22%
compared to the same period in 2008. Net sales in Canada in the first quarter of
2009 decreased 24% in U.S. dollars and 5% in local currency. European sales in
the first quarter of 2009 decreased 8% in U.S. dollars but increased 6% in local
currency compared to the first quarter in 2008. Sales in Europe increased due to
increased distribution of manicure products.
Gross margins were 38.1% in the first quarter of 2009 compared to 42.0%
in the first quarter of 2008. The margin in 2009 declined mainly due to product
mix, the weaker Canadian dollar which raised the cost of products in our
Canadian segment, and fixed costs spread over lower sales.
Walter C. Johnsen, President and CEO said, "Our sales declines were
across the school, home, office, and industrial markets. Nearly all our
customers purchased less in the first quarter of 2009 compared to last year. We
have cut many expenses including incentive pay, travel, telecommunications and
legal fees, but continue to fund our next generation of products."
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Mr. Johnsen added that there was some strengthening of sales in March,
and that back to school orders appear to be good. He said that the Company added
a number of major new customers during the past 6 months in the hardware,
industrial and mass markets which are expected to generate incremental sales
during 2009. While revenues were down for the quarter, Mr. Johnsen was
encouraged by the new customers and the quality of new products, and he believes
the Company is well positioned to execute its business plan in the current
economic environment.
The Company's bank debt less cash on March 31, 2009 was $8.6 million
compared to $7.9 million on March 31, 2008. During the 12 month period ended
March 31, 2009, Acme purchased 208,065 shares of its common stock for
approximately $1.9 million and paid $600,000 in dividends. During the first
quarter of 2009, the Company repurchased 30,000 shares for $215,000. As of March
31, 2009, there were 124,335 shares that may be purchased under the outstanding
stock repurchase programs.
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 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 system and financial markets,
including the impact on the Company's suppliers and customers (iii) the
Company's plans and results of operations will be affected by the Company's
ability to manage its growth, and (iv) 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
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FIRST QUARTER REPORT 2009
(unaudited)
Quarter Ended Quarter Ended
Amounts in 000's except per share data March 31, 2009 March 31, 2008
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Net sales $ 11,297 $ 14,269
Cost of goods sold 7,000 8,283
Gross profit 4,299 5,986
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 4,216 4,918
Income from operations 82 1,068
Interest expense, net 7 96
Other (expense) income, net (13) 186
Pre-Tax income 63 1,158
Income tax expense 21 405
Net income 42 753
Shares outstanding - Basic 3,343 3,517
Shares outstanding - Diluted 3,402 3,666
Earnings per share - basic 0.01 0.21
Earnings per share - diluted 0.01 0.21
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ACME UNITED CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
FIRST QUARTER REPORT 2009
(Unaudited)
Amounts in $000's
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March 31, 2009 March 31, 2008
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Assets
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Current assets:
Cash $ 3,283 $ 4,815
Accounts receivable, net 9,625 12,482
Inventories 21,734 20,076
Prepaid and other current assets 1,245 1,228
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Total current assets 35,888 38,601
Property and equipment, net 2,339 2,536
Long term receivable 1,933 -
Other assets 2,512 1,879
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Total assets $ 42,672 $ 43,016
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Liabilities and stockholders' equity
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Current liabilities
Accounts payable $ 2,824 $ 3,912
Other current liabilities 3,767 2,903
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Total current liabilities 6,591 6,815
Long-term debt 11,880 12,711
Other non-current liabilities 1,944 537
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Total liabilities 20,415 20,062
Total stockholders' equity 22,257 22,954
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Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 42,672 $ 43,016
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