Acme United Corporation Reports 36 Percent Sales Growth and Record Earnings in Third Quarter

Acme United Corporation (NYSE MKT:ACU) today announced that net sales for the third quarter ended September 30, 2014 were $30.0 million, compared to $22.1 million in the comparable period of 2013, an increase of 36%. Excluding sales resulting from the acquisition on June 2, 2014 of the assets of First Aid Only, Inc., comparable sales increased 16%. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $82.6 million, compared to $68.2 million in the same period in 2013, an increase of 21%. Excluding sales of First Aid Only Inc. products, sales increased 12%.

Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 was $1,190,000, or $.34 per diluted share, compared to $959,000, or $.29 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2013, an increase of 24% in net income and 17% in diluted earnings per share. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $4,099,000, or $1.18 per diluted share, compared to $3,479,000, or $1.07 per diluted share in the comparable period last year, an 18% increase in net income and 10% in diluted earnings per share.

Net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 in the U.S. segment increased 41% compared to the same period in 2013 due to increased sales of first aid products, additional sales resulting from the acquisition of First Aid Only, Inc. and increased sales of Camillus knives. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 in the U.S. segment grew 25% compared to the same period in 2013 due to increased sales of first aid products, additional sales from the acquisition of First Aid Only, Inc., the introduction of new lawn and garden products, and growth in sales of Camillus knives and iPoint pencil sharpeners.

Net sales in Canada for the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased 23% in U.S. dollars and 28% in local currency compared to the same period in 2013. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 in Canada increased 12% in U.S. dollars and 19% in local currency compared to the same period in 2013. The increases in sales for the three and nine month periods were primarily due to strong back to school sales, higher sales of Camillus knives and the introduction of new lawn and garden products.

Net sales in Europe for the three months ended September 30, 2014 decreased 5% in both U.S. dollars and local currency compared to the same period in 2013. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 in Europe decreased 5% in U.S. dollars and 8% in local currency compared to the same period in 2013. The decreases in sales for the three and nine month periods were primarily due to the timing of sales to mass market customers.

Gross margins were 35.4% in the third quarter of 2014 compared to 35.9% in the third quarter of 2013. In the third quarter 2014, the Company donated surgical masks with a value of $115,000 to MAP International, a humanitarian aid organization, to assist in the Ebola crisis in West Africa. Excluding this donation, gross margins would have been 35.8%. Gross margins were 35.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 35.9% for the comparable period last year.

The Company’s bank debt less cash on September 30, 2014 was $24.5 million compared to $13.2 million on September 30, 2013. During the 12 month period the Company made capital improvements to its new distribution facility in Rocky Mount, NC for $1.5 million, sold its Fremont, NC plant for $0.8 million, and paid approximately $13.8 million for First Aid Only, Inc. During the 12 month period, the Company also generated $5.0 million in cash flow from operations and paid $1.0 million in dividends on its common stock.

Walter C. Johnsen, Chairman and CEO said, “We had an excellent third quarter. Our back to school products performed well, the Camillus and Clauss product lines continued to grow, and our first aid business continues to be strong.” Mr. Johnsen added that the First Aid Only integration is progressing well and we are delighted with the results.

ACME UNITED CORPORATION is a leading worldwide supplier of innovative cutting, measuring and safety products to the school, home, office, hardware and industrial markets. Its leading brands include Westcott®, Clauss®, Camillus®, PhysiciansCare ®, First Aid Only® 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.