acme_10q93011.htm
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
__________________
 
FORM 10-Q
____________________________________
 
[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011
 
OR
 
[_]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ______ to ______
 
__________________
 
Commission file number 001-07698
 
ACME UNITED CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
__________________
 
CONNECTICUT
06-0236700
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  [X]     No  [_]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T ( 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  [X]     No  [_]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”   “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company”  in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one).
Large accelerated filer  [_]       Accelerated filer  [_]        Non-accelerated filer  [_]        Smaller reporting company  [X]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   
Yes  [_]     No  [X]
 
As of November 2, 2011 the registrant had outstanding 3,127,587 shares of its $2.50 par value Common Stock.
 

 
ACME UNITED CORPORATION
 
      Page
Part I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
         
  Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)  
         
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2011 and
December 31, 2010
3
         
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and
nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
5
         
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months
ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
6
         
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
         
  Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
12
         
  Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk  15
         
  Item 4. Controls and Procedures 15
         
Part II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
         
  Item 1. Legal Proceedings 16
         
  Item 1A. Risk Factors    16
         
  Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 16
         
  Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 16
         
  Item 4.  Removed and reserved 16
         
  Item 5.  Other Information 16
         
  Item 6. Exhibits 17
         
  Signatures   18
 
 
2

 
ACME UNITED CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(all amounts in thousands)
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(Note 1)
 
             
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 6,270     $ 6,601  
Accounts receivable, less allowance
    16,661       12,331  
Inventories:
               
Finished goods
    21,821       21,109  
Work in process
    71       172  
Raw materials and supplies
    912       1,012  
      22,804       22,293  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    1,075       1,403  
Total current assets
    46,810       42,628  
Property, plant and equipment:
               
Land
    295       160  
Buildings
    2,465       2,438  
Machinery and equipment
    9,546       8,905  
      12,306       11,503  
Less accumulated depreciation
    9,925       9,287  
      2,381       2,216  
Note receivable
    1,794       1,839  
Intangible assets, net
    3,326       1,866  
Other assets
    1,033       1,032  
Total assets
  $ 55,344     $ 49,581  
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
3

 
ACME UNITED CORPORATION
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
 
(all amounts in thousands, except share amounts)
 
             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(Note 1)
 
LIABILITIES
           
Current liabilities:
           
Accounts payable
  $ 4,435     $ 5,679  
Other accrued liabilities
    3,869       3,539  
 Total current liabilities
    8,304       9,218  
Bank debt
    18,106       13,522  
Other
    1,373       1,489  
Total liabilities
    27,783       24,229  
                 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Common stock, par value $2.50:
               
authorized 8,000,000 shares;
               
issued - 4,416,824 shares in 2011
               
and 4,374,574 shares in 2010,
               
including treasury stock
    11,040       10,936  
Additional paid-in capital
    4,962       4,603  
Retained earnings
    24,349       22,399  
Treasury stock, at cost - 1,315,237 shares
               
in 2011 and  1,305,237 shares in 2010
    (11,808 )     (11,711 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    174       281  
Unrecognized pension costs
    (1,156 )     (1,156 )
      (982 )     (875 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    27,561       25,352  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 55,344     $ 49,581  
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4

 
ACME UNITED CORPORATION
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
(UNAUDITED)
 
(all amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
                         
   
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
   
September 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net sales
  $ 19,036     $ 16,083     $ 57,466     $ 49,789  
Cost of goods sold
    12,396       10,426       36,835       31,468  
                                 
Gross profit
    6,640       5,657       20,631       18,321  
                                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    5,520       5,000       16,868       15,418  
Operating income
    1,120       657       3,763       2,903  
                                 
Non-operating items:
                               
Interest:
                               
Interest expense
    112       86       323       217  
Interest income
    (42 )     (39 )     (132 )     (112 )
Interest expense, net
    70       47       191       105  
Other expense (income), net
    20       (3 )     (2 )     36  
Total other expense
    90       44       189       141  
Income before income taxes
    1,030       613       3,574       2,762  
Income tax expense
    348       1       1,029       371  
Net income
  $ 682     $ 612     $ 2,545     $ 2,391  
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.20     $ 0.82     $ 0.76  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.19     $ 0.82     $ 0.74  
                                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding-
               
denominator used for basic per share computations
    3,102       3,111       3,090       3,147  
Weighted average number of dilutive stock options
                         
outstanding
    18       80       15       71  
Denominator used for diluted per share computations
    3,120       3,192       3,105       3,218  
                                 
Dividends declared per share
  $ 0.07     $ 0.06     $ 0.19     $ 0.16  
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

 
ACME UNITED CORPORATION
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(UNAUDITED)
 
(all amounts in thousands)
 
   
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 2,545     $ 2,391  
Adjustments to reconcile net income
               
to net cash used by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    596       572  
Amortization
    122       86  
Stock compensation expense
    318       280  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (3,817 )     (4,302 )
Inventories
    693       (2,678 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    364       (7 )
Accounts payable
    (1,579 )     979  
Other accrued liabilities
    219       (315 )
Total adjustments
    (3,084 )     (5,385 )
Net cash used by operating activities
    (539 )     (2,994 )
                 
Investing Activities:
               
Purchase of property, plant, and equipment
    (599 )     (644 )
Purchase of patents and trademarks
    (81 )     (79 )
Acquisition of Pac-Kit Safety Equipment Company
    (3,127 )     -  
Net cash used by investing activities
    (3,807 )     (723 )
                 
Financing Activities:
               
Borrowing of long-term debt
    4,584       6,266  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    146       123  
Distributions to stockholders
    (555 )     (472 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (97 )     (1,566 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    4,078       4,350  
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes
    (63 )     80  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (331 )     713  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    6,601       6,519  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 6,270     $ 7,232  
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
6

 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Note 1 — Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Acme United Corporation (the “Company”).  These adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature.  However, the financial statements do not include all of the disclosures normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America or those normally made in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. Please refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for such disclosures.  The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010 was derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet as of that date.  The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and financial statements and notes thereto, included in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
The Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to September 30, 2011 and through the date these consolidated financial statements were included in this Form 10-Q and filed with the SEC.
 
Recent accounting pronouncements
 
In June 2011, the FASB issued a new accounting standard on the presentation of comprehensive income. The new standard requires the presentation of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new standard also requires presentation of adjustments for items that are reclassified from the other comprehensive income to net income in the statement where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented.  The Company is required to adopt this standard for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance, which may result in changes in the presentation of its financial statements.
 
Note 2 — Contingencies
 
The Company is involved from time to time in disputes and other litigation in the ordinary course of business and may encounter other contingencies, which may include environmental and other matters.  The Company presently believes that none of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, would be likely to have a material adverse impact on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity, as set forth in these financial statements.

In December 2008, the Company sold property it owned in Bridgeport, Connecticut to B&E Juices, Inc. for $2.5 million, of which $2.0 million is secured by a mortgage on the property.  The property consists of approximately four acres of land and 48,000 sq. feet of warehouse space.  The property was the site of the Company’s original scissor factory which opened in 1887 and was closed in 1996.
 
Under the terms of the sale agreement, and as required by the Connecticut Transfer Act, the Company is required to remediate any environmental contamination on the property. During 2008, the Company hired an independent environmental consulting firm to conduct environmental studies in order to identify the extent of the environmental contamination on the property and to develop a remediation plan. As a result of those studies and the estimates prepared by the independent environmental consulting firm, the Company recorded an undiscounted liability of approximately $1.8 million related to the remediation of the property. This accrual includes the costs of required investigation, remedial activities, and post-remediation operating and maintenance.

Remediation work on the project began in the third quarter of 2009 and a major portion of the work has been completed. At September 30, 2011, the Company had approximately $278,000 remaining in its accrual for environmental remediation, of which approximately $125,000 was classified as a current liability at that date.   The Company believes that the remediation project will be completed within five years from the date of the sale.

7

 
In addition to the remediation work, the Company, with the assistance of its independent environmental consulting firm, must continue to monitor contaminant levels on the property to ensure they comply with set governmental standards. The Company expects that the monitoring period could last a minimum of three years from the completion of the remediation work.

The change in the accrual for environmental remediation for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 follows (in thousands):

Balance at
December 31, 2010
Payments
Balance at
September 30, 2011
     
$  343
$  (65)
$  278
     

Also, as part of the sale, the Company provided the buyer with a mortgage loan of $2.0 million at six percent interest. The mortgage is payable in monthly installments of principal and interest with the remaining outstanding balance due in full, one year after remediation  and monitoring on the property have been completed.
 
Note 3 — Pension

Components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                       
Interest cost
  $ 26     $ 16     $ 77     $ 92  
Service cost
    5       6       14       19  
Expected return on plan assets
    (26 )     (24 )     (79 )     (72 )
Amortization of prior service costs
    3       2       8       7  
Amortization of actuarial loss
    38       32       113       116  
    $ 46     $ 32     $ 133     $ 162  
 
The Company’s funding policy with respect to its qualified plan is to contribute at least the minimum amount required by applicable laws and regulations. In 2011, the Company is required to contribute approximately $250,000.  As of September 30, 2011, the Company has contributed approximately $193,389 to the plan. The Company expects to make contributions to the plan as required during the remainder of the year.
 
Note 4 —Debt and Shareholders Equity
 
The Company’s revolving loan agreement, as amended, provides for borrowings up to $20 million, with all principal amounts outstanding thereunder required to be repaid in a single amount on March 31, 2013. In addition, the Company’s revolving loan agreement requires monthly interest payments.  As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $18,106,000 and $13,522,000, respectively, under the revolving loan agreement.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company issued 42,250 shares of common stock upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and received total proceeds of $145,925.  There were no stock options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2011.

8

 
Note 5— Segment Information

The Company reports financial information based on the organization structure used by management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance. The Company’s reportable business segments consist of (1) United States; (2) Canada and (3) Europe. The activities of the Company’s Asian operating segment are closely linked to those of the U.S. operating segment; accordingly, management reviews the financial results of both segments on a consolidated basis, and the results of the Asian operating segment have been aggregated with the results of the United States operating segment to form one reportable segment called the “United States operating segment”. Each reportable segment derives its revenue from the sales of cutting devices, measuring instruments and safety products for school, office, home, hardware and industrial use.
 
The chief operating decision maker evaluates the performance of each operating segment based on segment revenues and operating income. Segment amounts below are presented after converting to U.S. dollars and consolidating eliminations.
 
Financial data by segment:
 
(in thousands)
 
   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Sales to external customers:
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
United States
  $ 15,020     $ 12,220     $ 44,104     $ 36,845  
Canada
    1,829       1,765       7,008       6,214  
Europe
    2,187       2,098       6,354       6,730  
Consolidated
  $ 19,036     $ 16,083     $ 57,466     $ 49,789  
                                 
Operating income (loss):
                               
United States
  $ 923     $ 583     $ 2,904     $ 2,462  
Canada
    114       185       863       703  
Europe
    83       (111 )     (4 )     (262 )
Consolidated
  $ 1,120     $ 657     $ 3,763     $ 2,903  
                                 
Interest expense, net
    70       47       191       105  
Other expense (income), net
    20       (3 )     (2 )     36  
Consolidated income before taxes
  $ 1,030     $ 613     $ 3,574     $ 2,762  
 
 
Assets by segment:            
(in thousands)            
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
 
United States
  $
43,319
    $  37,685  
Canada
   
5,899
      6,205  
Europe
   
6,126
      5,691  
Consolidated
  $
55,344
    $ 49,581  
 
Note 6 – Stock Based Compensation
 
The Company recognizes share-based compensation at fair value of the equity instrument on the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized over the required service period. Share-based compensation expense was $108,766 and $90,866 for the quarters ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010, respectively. Share-based compensation expense was $318,204 and $280,066 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company issued 107,000 options with a weighted average fair value of $2.10 per share. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company issued 185,500 options with a weighted average fair value of $2.20.
 
9

 
As of September 30, 2011, there was a total of $766,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share –based payments granted to the Company’s employees.  The remaining unamortized expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3 years.

Note 7 – Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net income
  $ 682     $ 612     $ 2,545     $ 2,391  
Other comprehensive (loss) income  -
                               
  Foreign currency translation
    (530 )     547       (107 )     (58 )
Comprehensive income
  $ 152     $ 1,159     $ 2,438     $ 2,333  

Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and bank debt are a reasonable estimate of fair value because of their short term nature. The carrying value of the Company’s note receivable approximates fair value. Fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis.
 
Note 9 – Business Combination

On February 28, 2011, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of The Pac-Kit Safety Equipment Company, a leading manufacturer of first aid kits for the industrial, safety, transportation and marine markets. The Company purchased the accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and intangible assets of Pac-Kit for approximately $3.4 million, less liabilities assumed of $310,000, using funds borrowed under the Company’s revolving loan agreement with Wells Fargo.

The Company recorded $1.9 million for assets acquired including accounts receivable, inventory and fixed assets, as well as $1.5 million for intangible assets, consisting of customer relationships and the Pac-Kit trade name. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company incurred approximately $125,000, of integration and transaction costs associated with the acquisition.  These costs were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.  The Company did not incur any of these expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2011.

The purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed as follows (in thousands):
 
Assets:
     
           Accounts Receivable
  $ 592  
           Inventory   $ 1,196  
           Equipment   $ 150  
           Intangible Assets   $ 1,500  
           Total assets   $ 3,438  
         
 
Liabilities
       
           Accounts Payable     310  
 
10

 
Unaudited proforma net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 attributable to Pac-Kit were approximately $1.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively. Unaudited proforma net sales attributable to Pac-Kit for the comparable period in 2010 were approximately $1.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively.  The nine month period ended September 30, 2011 represents a comparable period based on the acquisition date.

Unaudited proforma net income, attributable to Pac-Kit, for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was approximately $100,000.  Unaudited proforma net income, excluding one time transaction and integration costs of $125,000, for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, attributable to Pac-Kit was approximately $225,000. Net income for the comparable periods in 2010 was immaterial to the Company’s financial statements.

Assuming Pac-Kit was acquired on January 1, 2011, unaudited proforma net sales and net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 attributable to Pac-Kit were approximately $4.8 million and $255,000, respectively. Assuming Pac-Kit was acquired on January 1, 2011, unaudited proforma net sales for the comparable period in 2010 were approximately $4.2 million.  Unaudited proforma net income for the comparable period in 2010 was immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
11

 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 

Item 2.  – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Forward-Looking Information

The Company may from time to time make written or oral “forward-looking statements” including statements contained in this report and in other communications by the Company, which are made in good faith by the Company pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

These forward-looking statements include statements of the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions, which are subject to change based on various important factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control). The following factors, in addition to others not listed, could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements: the strength of the domestic and local economies in which the Company conducts operations, 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, the continuing labor shortage in southeast China, currency fluctuations, changes in client needs and consumer spending habits, the impact of competition and technological change on the Company, and the Company’s ability to manage its growth effectively, including its ability to successfully integrate any business which it might acquire. A more detailed discussion of risk factors is set forth in Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.  All forward-looking statements in this report are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this report.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Critical Accounting Policies
 
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Results of Operations
 
On February 28, 2011, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of The Pac-Kit Safety Equipment Company, a leading manufacturer of first aid kits for the industrial, safety, transportation and marine markets. The Company purchased the accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and intangible assets of Pac-Kit for approximately $3.4 million using funds borrowed under its revolving loan agreement with Wells Fargo. The Pac-Kit line of products consist of high quality, unitized first aid kits sold to a broad range of customers and distributors. These products are produced in a 40,000 square foot FDA approved facility in Norwalk, CT.

The Company recorded approximately $1.9 million for assets acquired including accounts receivable, inventory and fixed assets, as well as approximately $1.5 million for intangible assets, consisting of customer relationships and the Pac-Kit trade name. In the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company incurred approximately $125,000 of integration and transaction costs associated with the acquisition. These costs were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
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Net sales
 
Consolidated net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2011 were $19,036,000 compared with $16,083,000 in the same period in 2010, an 18% increase (16% in local currency). Consolidated net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $57,466,000, compared with $49,789,000 for the same period in 2010, a 15% increase (13% in local currency). Net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 in the U.S. segment increased 23% and 20%, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2010. Sales in the U.S. for both periods increased due to market share gains in the mass market channel, the addition of sales resulting from the acquisition of the Pac-Kit Company and strong sales of first aid products. Net sales in Canada for the three months ended September 30, 2011 increased by 4% in U.S. dollars but declined 3% in local currency compared with the same period in 2010. Net sales in Canada for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased by 13% in U.S. dollars (6% in local currency) compared with the same period in 2010.  Sales in Canada increased primarily due to the introduction of new products.  European net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2011 increased 4% in U.S. dollars but declined 6% in local currency compared with the same period in 2010.  European net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 declined 6% in U.S. dollars (13% in local currency).The decrease in net sales in Europe for the nine month period on a comparative basis was primarily due to the timing of sales to mass market customers which are expected to occur later in 2011 than they did in 2010.
 
Traditionally, the Company’s sales are stronger in the second and third quarters, and weaker in the first and fourth quarters of the fiscal year, due to the seasonal nature of the back-to-school market.
 
Gross profit
 
Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was $6,640,000 (34.9% of net sales) compared to $5,657,000 (35.2% of net sales) for the same period in 2010.  Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $20,631,000 (35.9% of net sales) compared to $18,321,000 (36.8% of net sales) in the same period in 2010. The gross margin as a percent of sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was negatively impacted by sale of the Pac-Kit line of products, which in general, yield a lower gross margin than the Company’s historical average gross margins.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2011 were $5,520,000 (29.0% of net sales) compared with $5,000,000 (31.1% of net sales) for the same period of 2010, an increase of $520,000. SG&A expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $16,868,000 (29.4% of net sales) compared with $15,418,000 (31.0% of net sales) in the comparable period of 2010, an increase of $1,450,000. The increases in SG&A expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same periods in 2010, were primarily the result of incremental expenses from the addition of Pac-Kit, higher freight expense and sales commissions as a result of higher sales as well as higher personnel related expenses. Also included in SG&A expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were a total of approximately $125,000 of integration and transaction costs associated with the Pac-Kit asset acquisition.
 
Operating income
 
Operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was $1,120,000 compared with $657,000 in the same period of 2010. Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $3,763,000 compared to $2,903,000 in the same period of 2010.  Operating income in the U.S. segment increased by $340,000 and $442,000 for the three and nine months, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010. The increase in operating income is principally due to higher sales.  Operating income in the Canadian segment decreased by $71,000 for the three months and increased $160,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same periods in 2010.  The increase in operating income in Canada for the nine month period is principally due to the higher sales and improved gross margins as a result of a stronger Canadian dollar which reduces the cost of goods. The improvement in the operating income (loss) in Europe for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010 was principally due to cost cutting initiatives implemented early in 2011.
 
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Interest expense, net
 
Interest expense, net for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was $70,000, compared with $47,000 for the same period of 2010, a $23,000 increase.  Interest expense, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, was $191,000 as compared to $105,000 for the same period in 2010, an $86,000 increase. The increases in interest expense, net for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were primarily the result of higher average borrowings under the Company’s revolving loan agreement.
 
Other expense (income), net
 
Net other expense was $20,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to other income of $3,000 in the same period of 2010.  Net other income was $2,000 in the first nine months of 2011 compared to net other expense of $36,000 in the first nine months of 2010.  The changes in other expense (income), net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were primarily due to gains/losses from foreign currency transactions.
 
Income taxes
 
The effective tax rate for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 was 34% and 29%, respectively compared to 0% and 13%, respectively,  in the same periods of 2010.  The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, reflected approximately $300,000 of tax benefits associated with the Company’s donation of land to the City of Bridgeport, CT in the fourth quarter of 2009.

 
Financial Condition
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
During the first nine months of 2011, working capital increased approximately $5.1 million compared to December 31, 2010. Inventory increased by approximately $.5 million at September 30, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010.  The increase in inventory is principally due to the acquisition of Pac-Kit assets.  Inventory turnover, calculated using a twelve month average inventory balance, was 2.0 at September 30, 2011 compared to 2.1 at December 31, 2010.  Accounts receivable increased by approximately $4.3 million at September 30, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 primarily as a result of the seasonal nature of the back to school business where sales are typically higher in the second and third quarters as compared to the first and fourth quarters. The average number of days sales outstanding in accounts receivable was 65 days at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
The Company's working capital, current ratio and long-term debt to equity ratio follow:
 
    September 30, 2011   December 31, 2010
             
Working capital
  $ 38,507     $ 33,410  
Current ratio
    5.64       4.62  
Long term debt to equity ratio
    65.8%       53.3%  
 
During the first nine months of 2011, total debt outstanding under the Company’s credit facility increased by $4.6 million, compared to total debt at December 31, 2010. The increase in the debt outstanding is primarily related to the financing of the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of The Pac-Kit Company for $3.4 million.  As of September 30, 2011, $18,106,000 was outstanding and $1,894,000 was available for borrowing under the Company’s credit facility.
 
On February 23, 2011, the Company modified its revolving loan agreement with Wells Fargo Bank; the amendments include an increase in the maximum borrowing amount from $18 million to $20 million and an extension of the maturity date of the loan from February 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013.  Funds borrowed under the credit facility may be used for working capital, general operating expenses, share repurchases and certain other purposes.  Under the revolving loan agreement, the Company is required to maintain specific amounts of tangible net worth, a specified debt service coverage ratio, and a fixed charge coverage ratio.  At September 30, 2011 the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

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As discussed in Note 2, at September 30, 2011 the Company had approximately $278,000 remaining in its accrual for environmental remediation relating to the sale of property in Bridgeport, CT in 2008, of which, approximately $125,000 is classified as a current liability. The Company intends to use cash flow from operations or borrowings under its revolving credit facility to pay for these costs. The Company does not believe that payment of such remediation costs will have a material adverse affect on the Company’s ability to implement its business plan. In addition, the Company has provided the buyer with a $2.0 million mortgage loan at 6 percent interest. Payments of principal and interest on the mortgage are due monthly and will also help fund the remediation.
 
Management anticipates that cash currently on hand, together with cash generated from operating activities, along with funds available under the Company’s revolving credit facility, are expected, under current conditions, to be sufficient to finance the Company’s planned operations over the next twelve months.


 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
 
Not applicable.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
(a)  
Evaluation of Internal Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

(b)  
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended September 30, 2011, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1 — Legal Proceedings
 
The Company is involved from time to time in disputes and other litigation in the ordinary course of business.  The Company presently believes that none of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, would be likely to have a material adverse impact on its financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
 
Item 1A – Risk Factors
 
See Risk Factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Item 2 — Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
None.
 
Item 3.  —Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None.
 
Item 4 — Removed and Reserved
 
 
Item 5 — Other Information
 
None.
 
 
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Item 6 — Exhibits

 
Documents filed as part of this report.
 
Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Walter C. Johnsen pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Paul G. Driscoll pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Exhibit 32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Exhibit 32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
EX-101.INS - XBRL Instance Document
 
EX-101.SCH - XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
EX-101.CAL - XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
EX-101.DEF - XBRL Taxonomy Extension  Definition Linkbase
 
EX-101.LAB - XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
EX-101.PRE - XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 

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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 thereunto duly authorized.
 

 
ACME UNITED CORPORATION
 
By  /s/  Walter C. Johnsen  
 
Walter C. Johnsen
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
 
     
Dated:  November 7, 2011
 
     
     
By  /s/  Paul G. Driscoll  
 
Paul G. Driscoll
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 
     
Dated:  November 7, 2011
 
 
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