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Acme United Corp. – ‘10-K’ for 12/31/20

On:  Wednesday, 3/31/21, at 5:27pm ET   ·   For:  12/31/20   ·   Accession #:  1564590-21-17128   ·   File #:  1-07698

Previous ‘10-K’:  ‘10-K’ on 3/13/20 for 12/31/19   ·   Next:  ‘10-K’ on 3/30/22 for 12/31/21   ·   Latest:  ‘10-K’ on 3/7/24 for 12/31/23   ·   19 References:   By:  Acme United Corp. – Latest ‘10-K’ on 3/7/24 for 12/31/23 By:  Acme United Corp. – ‘10-K’ on 3/10/23 for 12/31/22 By:  Acme United Corp. – Next ‘10-K’ on 3/30/22 for 12/31/21 By:  Acme United Corp. – ‘S-8’ on 10/7/21 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘10-K’ on 3/15/18 for 12/31/17 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘10-Q’ on 8/4/17 for 6/30/17 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘DEF 14A’ on 3/22/17 for 4/24/17 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘10-Q’ on 5/13/16 for 3/31/16 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘10-K’ on 3/6/14 for 12/31/13 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘10-Q’ on 5/10/13 for 3/31/13 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘10-Q’ on 8/14/12 for 6/30/12 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘10-Q’ on 5/14/12 for 3/31/12 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘10-K’ on 3/11/11 for 12/31/10 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘10-K’ on 3/12/08 for 12/31/07 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘8-K’ on / for 3/3/06 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘8-K’ on 7/8/05 for 7/1/05 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘DEF 14A’ on 3/29/05 for 4/25/05 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘10-K’ on 3/18/05 for 12/31/04 To:  Acme United Corp. – ‘8-K’ on 2/9/05 for 9/28/04 

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM  i 10-K

 i ACME UNITED CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: ( i 203)  i 254-6060

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: None

(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐    i No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐    i No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (l) 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.  i Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (sec. 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  i Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one).

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) . Yes  i ☐   No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 USC. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. Yes  i ☒   No ☐

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $ i 67,031,281.

Registrant had  i 3,342,210 shares of its $2.50 par value Common Stock outstanding as of March 12, 2021.

2

PART I

Item 1. Business

Overview

Acme United Corporation, a Connecticut corporation (together, with its subsidiaries, the "Company"), is a leading worldwide supplier of innovative first aid and safety solutions and cutting technology to the school, home, office, hardware, sporting goods and industrial markets. Its principal products sold across all segments are first aid kits, and safety related products, scissors, shears, knives, rulers, pencil sharpeners and sharpening tools. The Company sells its products primarily to wholesale, contract and retail stationery distributors, office supply superstores, mass market and e-commerce retailers, industrial distributors, sporting goods stores, hardware chains and wholesale florists.

The Company's operations are in the United States, Canada, Europe (located in Germany) and Asia (located in Hong Kong and China). The operations in the United States, Canada and Europe are primarily involved in product development, marketing, sales, administrative, manufacturing and distribution activities. The operations in Asia consist of sourcing, product development, production planning, quality control and sales activities. Total net sales in 2020 were $164.0 million. The Company was organized as a partnership in l867 and incorporated in l882 under the laws of the State of Connecticut.

The Company sources most of its products from suppliers located outside the United States, primarily in Asia. The Company assembles its first aid kits at its facilities in Vancouver, WA and Rocky Mount, NC. The components for the first aid kits are primarily sourced from U.S. suppliers.  In addition, the Company has manufacturing facilities in the U.S. at Smyrna, TN and Santa Ana, CA for Spill Magic absorbent products, Marlborough, MA for DMT sharpening tools, and Brooksville, FL for Med-Nap alcohol and BZK wipes.

Recent accomplishments and initiatives

The Company’s key business accomplishments and initiatives include the following elements:

3

Acquisitions

On December 16, 2020, the Company purchased the assets of Med-Nap LLC., located in Brooksville, Florida. Med-Nap is a leading manufacturer of alcohol prep pads, alcohol wipes, benzalkonium chloride wipes (BZK), antiseptic wipes, castile soap, and lens cleaning products. The Company purchased Med-Nap assets for $9.3 million in cash using funds borrowed under its revolving credit facility with HSBC Bank, N.A.

On January 7, 2020, the Company purchased the assets of First Aid Central, located in Laval, Quebec, Canada. The First Aid Central line of first aid kits, refills, and safety products to a broad range of industries and end users. Its products meet federal Health Canada and provincial regulatory requirements. The Company purchased First Aid Central assets for $2.1 million in cash using funds borrowed under its revolving credit facility with HSBC Bank, N.A.

Additional information concerning the acquisition of Med-Nap, LLC and First Aid Central assets is set forth in Note 17 – Business Combinations, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.

Principal Products

The Company markets and sells under two main categories: i) first aid and safety; and ii) cutting, sharpening and measuring. The first aid and safety category includes first aid and safety products (First Aid Only®, PhysiciansCare®, Pac-Kit®, Spill Magic®, First Aid Central® and Med-Nap brands). The cutting, sharpening and measuring category includes school, home and office products (Westcott® brand), and hardware, industrial and sporting goods products (Clauss®, Camillus®, Cuda® and DMT® brands).

FIRST AID AND SAFETY

First Aid and Safety

First Aid Only

The First Aid Only brand offers first aid and safety solutions that meet regulatory requirements for a broad range of industries.  The Smart Compliance® first aid system is an effective solution for maintaining OSHA compliance. The Company’s SafetyHub App technology digitizes the replenishment process for a broad range of Safety products and provides data analytics to manage costs. In 2019, we introduced our next generation SmartCompliance Complete ™ which offers a modular system that addresses first aid, bloodborne pathogen, bleed control, eyewash and OTC medication requirements for the most challenging workplace environments.

PhysiciansCare

The PhysiciansCare brand offers a variety of portable eyewash solutions and over-the counter medications, including the active ingredients aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Spill Magic

Spill Magic, an Acme United brand since 2017, is a leader in bodily fluid and spill clean-up solutions with a lightweight, absorbent powder that quickly encapsulates a spill. The Spill Response System provides all the necessary tools to effectively clean up spills, saving time, money and reducing slip & fall accidents in various venues, including grocery, retail, and big box stores; food service & hotel chains; municipal facilities; and industry-specific distributors in the U.S.

First Aid Central

First Aid Central has been a trusted provider and manufacturer of a wide variety of first aid kits and safety supplies since 2007.  They assist Canadian businesses to stay compliant with federal & provincial first aid and safety regulations through their wide variety of first aid kits, refills, and safety supplies, including CPR kits, burn kits and automotive & emergency survival Kits.

Med-Nap

Med-Nap manufactures critical FDA regulated components found in first aid kits and used by healthcare facilities, including alcohol prep pads, alcohol wipes, benzalkonium chloride wipes (BZK), various antiseptic wipes, castile soap, and lens cleaning wipes. Med-Nap provides to the Company vertical integration advantages including shorter delivery times, lower total costs, and a secure U.S. source of supply during unprecedented healthcare challenges. The facilities offer a platform for future product expansion.

4

CUTTING, SHARPENING AND MEASURING

School, Home and Office

Westcott

Westcott, with a history of quality dating back to 1872, provides innovative cutting and measuring products for the school, home and office as well as industrial safety cutting. Principal products under the Westcott brand include scissors, rulers, pencil sharpeners, paper trimmers, safety cutters, lettering products, glue guns and other craft products. Westcott is one of the leading scissor and ruler brands in North America.

Many of the Westcott branded cutting products contain patented titanium bonding and proprietary non-stick coatings, making the blades more than three times harder than stainless steel as well as reducing friction and corrosion. Westcott continues to build on its cutting line with an expanded assortment of the Saber and ceramic safety knives, allowing its customers to remain safer on the job. Also in the cutting line, Westcott has recently introduced the Glide technology scissor with its low friction fulcrum and adjustable tension. Westcott also continued to innovate in the glue gun category-launching a cordless lithium-ion glue gun which heats up in 20 seconds and has a 30-minute run time.

Hardware, Industrial and Sporting Goods

Clauss

Clauss, with its roots dating back to 1877, offers a line of quality cutting tools for professionals in the hardware & industrial, lawn & garden, food processing, sewing and housewares channels. Many of the Clauss products are enhanced with the Company’s patented titanium and proprietary non-stick coatings.

Camillus

Since 1876 Camillus has been supplying innovative and high-quality knives. The Camillus brand has a strong heritage in the hunting, sporting, survival and tactical markets. The Company acquired the brand in 2007 and re-launched it in 2009 with an updated and innovative line of fixed blade, folding knives, line of sight cutting tools and tactical tools. Many of the knives are enhanced with titanium carbonitride coatings to increase the hardness of the blade of up to 10 times that of untreated stainless steel.

Cuda

The Cuda line of fishing tools and knives was launched in 2014. Featuring titanium bonded German steels and alloys, Cuda tools provide world class hardness, corrosion and adhesive resistance. In 2014, Cuda won Best of Show in the “Fish Smart” category at the ICast show in Orlando, Florida. In 2016, Cuda won six GOOD DESIGN awards from the Chicago Athenaeum, Museum of Architecture and Design. In 2017, Cuda launched a line of cut and puncture resistant gloves which feature quadruple layered Kevlar® and a line of telescopic landing nets featuring replaceable nets and a net containment system. In 2018, Cuda launched a Professional Series of knives, tools and fishing gaffs that are directed towards the commercial fishing market.

DMT

DMT products are leaders in diamond sharpening tools for knives, scissors, chisels, skis, skates and many other edges that require sharpening. DMT was founded in 1976 by aerospace engineers. The DMT products use a proprietary process of finely dispersed diamonds bonded to the surfaces of sharpeners and are famous for providing diamond sharpeners with the flattest sharpening surface, greatest concentrated amount of diamonds and the highest quality diamonds per sharpener.  In 2017, DMT launched 12 new diamond sharpeners that include a gear-driven sharpener, sonic sharpener and pull through sharpeners that provide a simple sharpening solution for beginners as well as sharpening experts.

Intellectual Property

The Company owns many patents and trademarks that are important to its business. The Company’s success depends in part on its ability to maintain patent protection for its products, to preserve its proprietary technology and to operate without infringing upon the patents or proprietary rights of others. The Company generally files patent applications in the United States and foreign countries where patent protection for its technology is appropriate and available. The Company also considers its trademarks important to the success of its business. The more significant trademarks include Westcott, Clauss, Camillus, PhysiciansCare, First Aid Only, Cuda, DMT, Pac-Kit, Spill Magic and First Aid Central. Patents and trademarks are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The weighted average amortization period remaining for intangible assets at December 31, 2020 was 9 years.

Product Distribution; Major Customers

Independent manufacturer representatives and direct sales are primarily used to sell the Company’s line of consumer products to wholesale, contract and retail stationery distributors, office supply super stores, school supply distributors, industrial distributors, wholesale florists, mass market and ecommerce retailers and hardware chains (including through their websites). The Company also sells a limited selection of its products directly to consumers through its own websites. The Company had two customers in 2020 and one customer in 2019 that individually exceeded 10% of consolidated net sales. Net sales to these two customers were approximately 18% and 13% of consolidated net sales in 2020 and 17% in 2019.  

5

Competition

The Company competes with many companies in each market and geographic area. The Company believes that the principal points of competition in these markets are product innovation, quality, price, merchandising, design and engineering capabilities, product development, timeliness and completeness of delivery, conformity to customer specifications and post-sale support. The major competitors in the cutting category are 3M and Fiskars Corporation. The major competitor in the pencil sharpener category are Bostitch and Elmers. The major competitors in the first aid and safety category are Honeywell and Cintas.

Seasonality

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.

Compliance with Environmental Laws

The Company believes that it is in compliance with applicable environmental laws. The Company anticipates that no material adverse financial impact will result from compliance with current environmental rules and regulations.

Employees and Human Capital Considerations

As of December 31, 2020, the Company employed 552 people, all of whom are full time and none of whom is covered by union contracts. Employee relations are considered good and no foreseeable problems with the work force are evident.

Available Information

You may obtain at no charge, a copy of the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports on the Company’s website at http://www.acmeunited.com or by contacting the Investor Relations Department at the Company’s corporate offices by calling (203) 254-6060. Such reports and other information are made available as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is filed with or furnished to the SEC.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Ownership of the Company’s securities involves a number of risks and uncertainties. Potential investors should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K before deciding whether to invest in the Company’s securities. The Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The risks described below are not the only ones facing the Company. Additional risks that are currently unknown to the Company or that the Company currently considers immaterial may also impair its business or adversely affect its financial condition or results of operations.

Industry and Operational Risks

The Company is subject to a number of significant operational risks that might cause the Company’s actual results to vary materially from its forecasts, targets or projections, including:

The Company’s expectations for both short and long-term future net revenues are based on the Company’s estimates of future demand. Orders from the Company’s principal customers are ultimately based on demand from end-users and end-user demand can be difficult to predict. During the prior year, as a result of the COVID pandemic, the Company had difficulty in forecasting demand for its products. Low end-user demand would negatively affect orders the Company receives from distributors and other principal customers which could, in turn adversely affect the Company’s revenues in any fiscal period. If the Company’s estimates of sales are not accurate and the Company experiences unforeseen variability in its revenues and operating results, the Company may be unable to adjust its expense levels accordingly and its profit margins could be adversely affected.  

6

We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting which could, if not remediated, result in material misstatements in our financial statements.

We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, as described below.  A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In connection with the preparation of our annual report for the year ended December 31, 2020, we identified a deficiency related to the Company’s inventory cycle count program at our Rocky Mount, NC warehouse (the Warehouse).  Specifically, the Company’s controls related to the existence of inventory at the Warehouse were not effective as the cycle count program used did not demonstrate inventory quantities were sufficiently counted. We have evaluated the processes, procedures and controls related to the Warehouse cycle count program and have commenced making changes as considered appropriate to address the control deficiency. We are in the process of implementing a new inventory management system and are allocating additional resources to the implementation of our inventory cycle count program.  The actions deemed taken are subject to continued review, supported by monitoring and testing by management as well as audit committee oversight.  If our remedial measures are insufficient to address the material weakness, or if additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control are discovered or occur in the future, our ability to report our financial condition and results of operations in a timely and accurate manner may be materially adversely affected and investor confidence in the Company may be negatively impacted.

Because our products are primarily sold by third parties, our financial results depend in part on the financial health of these parties and any loss of a third-party distributor could adversely affect the Company’s revenues.

A large majority of the Company’s products are sold through third-party distributors and large retailers. Some of our distributors also market products that compete with our products. Changes in the financial or business conditions or the purchasing decisions of these third parties or their customers could affect our sales and profitability.

Additionally, no assurances can be given that any or all of such distributors or retailers will continue their relationships with the Company. Distributors and other significant retail customers cannot easily be replaced and the loss of revenues and the Company’s inability to reduce expenses to compensate for the loss of revenues could adversely affect the Company’s net revenues and profit margins.

The ability to deliver products to our customers in a timely manner and to satisfy our customers’ fulfillment standards are subject to many factors, some of which are beyond our control.  These factors presently include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company.

Customers place great emphasis on timely delivery of our products for specific selling seasons, especially during our second and third fiscal quarters, and on the fulfillment of consumer demand throughout the year. We cannot control all of the various factors that might affect product delivery to customers. Vendor production delays, cybersecurity attacks on our vendors, difficulties encountered in shipping from overseas and customs clearance delays are on-going risks of our business. We also rely upon third-party carriers for our product shipments from our distribution centers to customers. Accordingly, we are subject to risks, including labor disputes, inclement weather, natural disasters, cybersecurity attacks, possible acts of terrorism, availability of shipping containers, and increased security restrictions associated with such carriers’ ability to provide delivery services to meet our shipping needs.  In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in our supply chain as a result of shortages of factory workers, travel restrictions, barriers to the movement of goods, and temporary closures of production facilities and distribution centers.  Failure to deliver products to our customers in a timely and effective manner, often under special vendor requirements to use specific carriers and delivery schedules, could damage our reputation and brands and result in loss of customers or reduced orders.

The Company’s business is subject to risks associated with seasonality which could adversely affect its cash flow, financial condition, or results of operations.

The Company’s business, historically, has experienced higher sales volume in the second and third quarters of the calendar year, when compared to the first and fourth quarters. The Company is a major supplier of products related to the “back-to-school” season, which occurs principally during the months of May through August. If this typical seasonal increase in sales of certain portions of the Company’s product line does not materialize in any year for any reason, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company could experience a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to manage growth and continue to expand our operations successfully could adversely affect our financial results.

Our business has experienced significant historical growth over the years including through two new strategic acquisitions in 2020. We expect our business to continue to grow organically and through strategic acquisitions both domestically and internationally. This growth places significant demands on management and operational systems. If we cannot effectively manage our growth, we would likely experience operational inefficiencies and incur unanticipated costs, thus negatively impacting our operating results. To the extent we grow through strategic acquisitions, our success will depend on selecting the appropriate targets, integrating such acquisitions quickly and effectively and realizing any expected synergies and cost savings related to such acquisitions.

7

Unfavorable shifts in industry-wide demand for the Company’s products could result in inventory valuation risk.

The Company evaluates its ending inventories for excess quantities, impairment of value, and obsolescence. This evaluation includes analysis of sales levels by product and projections of future demand based upon input received from our customers, sales team, and management. If inventories on hand are in excess of demand or slow moving, appropriate write-downs may be recorded. In addition, the Company might have to write off inventories that are considered obsolete based upon changes in customer demand, product design changes, or new product introductions, which eliminate demand for existing products. Historically, the Company has not had to write down or write off product inventories.

Loss of a major customer could result in a decrease in the Company’s future sales and earnings.

Sales of our products are primarily concentrated in a few major customers including office product superstores and mass market distributors. The Company had two customers in 2020 and one customer in 2019 that individually exceeded 10% of consolidated net sales. Net sales to those customers were approximately 18% and 13% in 2020 and 17% in 2019, respectively. The Company anticipates that a limited number of customers may account for a substantial portion of its total net revenues for the foreseeable future. The business risks associated with this concentration, including increased credit risks for these and other customers and the possibility of related bad debt write-offs, could negatively affect our margins and profits. Additionally, the loss of a major customer, whether through competition or consolidation, or a disruption in sales to such a customer, could result in a decrease of the Company’s future sales and earnings.

The loss of key management could adversely affect the Company’s ability to run its business.

The Company’s success depends, to a large extent, on the continued service of its executive management team, operating officers and other key personnel. The Company must therefore continue to recruit, retain and motivate management and operating personnel sufficient to maintain its current business and support its projected growth. The Company’s inability to meet its staffing requirements in the future could adversely affect its results of operations.

Execution or the lack thereof, of our e-commerce business may reduce our operating results.

Our e-commerce business constituted approximately 16% of our net sales in 2020 and has been our fastest growing distribution channel over the last several years. The continued successful growth of our e-commerce business depends, in part, on third parties and factors over which we have limited control, including difficulty forecasting demand, changing consumer preferences, and e-commerce buying trends, both domestically and abroad, as well as promotional or other advertising initiatives employed by our customers or other third parties on their e-commerce sites. Additionally, sales in our e-commerce distribution channel may also divert sales from our other customers.

Additionally, the success of our e-commerce business depends, in part, on the timely receipt of our products by our customers and their end users. The efficient flow of our products requires that our distribution facilities have adequate capacity to support increases in our e-commerce business. If we encounter difficulties with forecasting demand and supply to our distribution facilities, we could face shortages of inventory, resulting in “out of stock” conditions in the e-commerce sites operated by our customers or other third parties, and we could incur significantly higher costs and longer lead times associated with distributing our products to our customers.

Our failure to successfully respond to these risks and uncertainties might adversely affect the sales in our e-commerce business, as well as damage our brands.

The Company is subject to intense competition in all of the markets in which it competes.

The Company’s products are sold in highly competitive markets including at mass merchants, high volume office supply stores and online. The Company believes that the principal points of competition in these markets are product innovation, quality, price, merchandising, design and engineering capabilities, product development, timeliness and completeness of delivery, conformity to customer specifications and post-sale support. Competitive conditions may require the Company to match or better competitors’ prices to retain business or market shares. The Company believes that its competitive position will depend on continued investment in innovation and product development, manufacturing and sourcing, quality standards, marketing and customer service and support. The Company’s success will depend in part on its ability to anticipate and offer products that appeal to the changing needs and preferences of our customers in the various market categories in which it competes. The Company may not have sufficient resources to make the investments that may be necessary to anticipate those changing needs and the Company may not anticipate, identify, develop and market products successfully or otherwise be successful in maintaining its competitive position. In addition, there are numerous uncertainties inherent in successfully developing and commercializing innovative new products on a continuing basis, and new product launches may not provide expected growth results. There are no significant barriers to entry into the markets for most of the Company’s products.

Compromises of our information systems or unauthorized access to confidential information or our customers' or associates' personal information may materially harm our business or damage our reputation.

Through our sales and marketing activities and our business operations, we collect and store confidential information and certain personal information from our customers and associates. We also process payment card information and check information. In addition, in the normal course of business, we gather and retain personal information about our associates and generate and have access to confidential business information. Although we have taken steps designed to safeguard such information, there can be no assurance that such information will be

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protected against unauthorized access or disclosure. Computer hackers may attempt to penetrate our or our vendors' network security and, if successful, misappropriate such information. An employee of the Company, contractor or other third-party with whom we do business may also attempt to circumvent our security measures in order to obtain such information or inadvertently cause a breach involving such information. We could be subject to liability for failure to comply with privacy and information security laws, for failing to protect personal information, or for misusing personal information, such as use of such information for an unauthorized marketing purpose. Any compromise of our systems or data could disrupt our operations, damage our reputation, and expose us to claims from customers, financial institutions, regulators, payment card associations, employees, and other persons, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Company may not be able to maintain or to raise prices in response to increasing costs or inflation.

Future market and competitive pressures may prohibit the Company from raising prices to offset increased product costs, shipping costs and other inflationary items, whether due to increases in the costs of raw materials or components or to the COVID-19 pandemic, or to offset currency fluctuations. The inability to pass these costs through to the Company’s customers could have a negative effect on its results of operations.

The Company may need to raise additional capital to fund its operations.

The Company’s management believes that, under current conditions, the Company’s current cash and cash equivalents, cash generated by operations, together with the borrowing availability under its revolving loan agreement with HSBC Bank N.A., will be sufficient to fund planned operations for the next twelve months from the issuance date of this report. However, if the Company is unable to generate sufficient cash from operations, it may be required to find additional funding sources. If adequate financing is unavailable or is unavailable on acceptable terms, the Company may be unable to maintain, develop or enhance its operations, products, and services, take advantage of future opportunities or adequately respond to competitive pressures.

Changes in interest rates could adversely affect us.

We have exposure to increases in interest rates under our revolving credit loan agreement with HSBC Bank, N.A. which presently bears interest at the Prime Rate less 1.25%.  In response to the last global economic recession, actions of the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banking institutions were taken to create and maintain a low interest rate environment. Increases in interest rates would increase our interest costs on our variable-rate debt as well as any future fixed rate debt. Any increase in the interest which we pay would reduce our cash available for working capital, acquisitions, and other uses.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

Failure to protect the Company’s proprietary rights or the costs of protecting these rights could adversely affect its business.

The Company’s success depends in part on its ability to obtain patents and trademarks and to preserve other intellectual property rights covering its products and processes. The Company has obtained certain domestic and foreign patents and intends to continue to seek patents on its inventions when appropriate. The process of seeking patent protection can be time consuming and expensive. There can be no assurance that pending patents related to any of the Company’s products will be issued, in which case the Company may not be able to legally prevent others from producing similar and/or compatible competing products. If other companies were to sell similar and/or compatible competing products, the Company’s results of operations could be adversely affected. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the Company’s efforts to protect its intellectual property will be successful. Any infringement of the Company’s intellectual property could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

If the Company is found to have infringed the intellectual property rights of others or cannot obtain necessary intellectual property rights from others, its competitiveness could be negatively impaired.

If the Company is found to have violated the trademark, trade secret, copyright, patent or other intellectual property rights of others, directly or indirectly, including through the use of third-party marks, ideas, or technologies, such a finding could result in the need to cease use of such mark, trade secret, copyrighted work or patented invention in the Company’s business, as well as the obligation to pay for past infringement. If rights holders are willing to permit the Company to continue to use such intellectual property rights, they could require a payment of a substantial amount for continued use of those rights. Either ceasing use or paying such amounts could cause the Company to become less competitive and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Even if the Company is not found to infringe a third party’s intellectual property rights, claims of infringement could adversely affect the Company’s business. The Company could incur significant legal costs and related expenses to defend against such claims, and the Company could incur significant costs associated with discontinuing to use, provide, or manufacture certain products, services or trademarks even if it is ultimately found not to have infringed such rights.

Product liability claims or regulatory actions could adversely affect the Company's financial results and reputation.

Claims for losses or injuries allegedly caused by some of the Company’s products could arise in the ordinary course of its business. In addition to the risk of substantial monetary judgments, product liability claims or regulatory actions could result in negative publicity that could harm the Company’s reputation in the marketplace or the value of its brands. The Company also could be required to recall possible defective products, which could result in adverse publicity and significant expenses. Although the Company maintains product liability insurance

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coverage, potential product liability claims are subject to a deductible or could be excluded under the terms of the policy. Historically, the Company has not experienced product liability claims or regulatory actions.

The Company’s businesses and operations are subject to regulation in the U.S. and abroad.

Changes in laws, regulations and related interpretations may alter the environment in which the Company does business. This includes changes in environmental, data privacy, competitive and product-related laws, as well as changes in accounting standards, taxation and other regulations. Accordingly, regulatory, tax and legal contingencies (including environmental, human resource, product liability, patent and other intellectual property matters), should they exist in the future, could require the Company to record significant reserves or pay significant fines or damages during a reporting period, which could materially impact the Company’s results. In addition, new regulations may be enacted in the U.S. or abroad that may require the Company to incur additional personnel-related, environmental or other costs on an ongoing basis, significantly restrict the Company’s ability to sell certain products, or incur fines or penalties for noncompliance, any of which could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

As a U.S.-based multinational company, the Company is also subject to tax regulations in the U.S. and multiple foreign jurisdictions, some of which are interdependent. For example, certain income that is earned and taxed in countries outside the U.S. may not be taxed in the U.S. until those earnings are actually repatriated or deemed repatriated. If these or other tax regulations should change, the Company’s financial results could be impacted.

Certain or our products and facilities are subject to regulation by the FDA and by analogous foreign regulators.

The FDA requires us to register certain of our products and manufacturing facilities. The FDA also inspects these facilities and products to confirm compliance with its requirements. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to comply with FDA requirements applicable to our current products and facilities or any product or facility we may establish in the future. The failure to address any concerns raised by the FDA could also lead to facility shutdown or the delay or withholding of product approval by the FDA, or product recalls, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition

The Company is subject to environmental regulation and environmental risks.

The Company is subject to national, state, provincial and/or local environmental laws and regulations that impose limitations and prohibitions on the discharge and emission of, and establish standards for the use, disposal and management of, certain materials and waste. These environmental laws and regulations also impose liability for the costs of investigating and cleaning up sites, and certain damages resulting from present and past spills, disposals, or other releases of hazardous substances or materials. Environmental laws and regulations can be complex and may change often. Capital and operating expenses required to comply with environmental laws and regulations can be significant, and violations may result in substantial fines and penalties. In addition, environmental laws and regulations, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA, in the United States impose liability on several grounds for the investigation and clean-up of contaminated soil, ground water and buildings and for damages to natural resources on a wide range of properties. For example, contamination at properties formerly owned or operated by the Company, as well as at properties it will own and operate, and properties to which hazardous substances were sent by the Company, may result in liability for the Company under environmental laws and regulations. The costs of complying with environmental laws and regulations and any claims concerning noncompliance, or liability with respect to contamination in the future could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Overseas Operations

Reliance on foreign suppliers could adversely affect the Company’s business.

The Company sources its products from suppliers located in Asia, Europe and the United States. The Company’s Asia vendors are located primarily in China, which subjects the Company to various risks within the region including regulatory, political, economic and foreign currency changes, and, commencing in 2020, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company’s ability to continue to select and retain reliable vendors and suppliers who provide timely deliveries of quality products efficiently will impact its success in meeting customer demand for timely delivery of quality products.

The Company’s sourcing operations and its vendors are impacted by labor costs in China. Labor historically has been readily available at low cost relative to labor costs in North America. However, as China is experiencing rapid social, political and economic changes, labor costs have risen in some regions and there can be no assurance that labor will continue to be available to the Company’s suppliers in China at costs consistent with historical levels or that changes in labor or other laws will not be enacted which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations in China. Interruption of supplies from any of the Company’s vendors, or the loss of one or more key vendors, could have a negative effect on the Company’s business and operating results.

Changes in currency exchange rates might negatively affect the profitability and business prospects of the Company and its overseas vendors. In particular, the Chinese Renminbi has recently fluctuated against the U.S. Dollar. If the Chinese Renminbi continues to fluctuate with respect to the U.S. Dollar in the future, the Company may experience cost increases on such purchases, and this can adversely impact profitability. Future interventions by China may result in further currency appreciation and increase our product costs over time.  The Company may not be successful at implementing customer pricing or other actions in an effort to mitigate the related effects of the product cost increases.

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Additional factors that could adversely affect the Company’s business include increases in transportation costs, new or increased import duties, transportation delays, work stoppages, capacity constraints and poor quality; the possibility that the Company might experience any of these factors has been increased by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Company’s operations are increasingly global in nature. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by the political and economic conditions in the countries in which we conduct business, by fluctuations in currency exchange rates and other factors related to our international operations.

As our international operations and activities expand, we face increasing exposure to the risks of operating in foreign countries. These factors include:

These risks could affect the cost of manufacturing and selling our products, our pricing, sales volume, and ultimately our financial performance. The likelihood of such occurrences and their potential effect on the Company vary from country to country and are unpredictable.

Continuing uncertainty in the global economy could negatively impact our business.

Uncertainty in the global economy could adversely affect our customers and our suppliers and businesses such as ours. In addition, any uncertainty could have a variety of negative effects on the Company, such as reduction in revenues, increased costs, lower gross margin percentages, increased allowances for doubtful accounts and/or write-offs of accounts receivable and could otherwise have material adverse effects on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Changes in trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and their enforcement, may have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and outlook.

In 2018, the United States levied tariffs on the import of some products from China, which is an important source of many of the Company’s products. To date these tariffs have affected folding and fixed blade knives; paper trimmers and rotary cutters; metal cutting shears; instruments for hand measuring as well as a wide range of components used in first aid kit production.   In order to offset the impact of to these tariffs, the Company has implemented price increases on the affected products. Tariff levels may be further increased and the types of products subject to tariffs may be expanded. Although the Company intends to continue to pass additional price increases on to our customers, such tariff-related developments could have a negative impact on customer demand and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we might have to modify our current business practices, including potentially sourcing from alternative vendors, which could result in inefficiencies and delays in production and cause the Company to incur additional costs.

Pandemic Related Risks

The economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken to arrest its spread, as well as any emergency measures we have taken and continue to take in response to the pandemic, could adversely impact our business, including our operating results, financial condition and liquidity.

The outbreak and global spread of COVID-19, which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, has adversely impacted economic activity and conditions worldwide and is currently impacting our business operations. The extent to which COVID-19 will continue to impact our business is highly uncertain and will depend on future developments, including the efficacy and availability of vaccines, the spread of COVID-19 variants and the extent of federal, state, and local government responses affecting the economy. These impacts include, but are not limited to:

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The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is highly uncertain and subject to change. We do not yet know the full extent of the impacts on our business, our operations, or the global economy as a whole. Despite our efforts to manage and remedy these impacts to the Company, the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic could materially and adversely impact our business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, and depends on factors beyond our knowledge or control. In this regard, the extent of the impact of the pandemic on our business, operating results, cash flows, liquidity and financial conditions will be primarily driven by the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on the U.S. and global economies and the timing, scope and effectiveness of federal, state and local governmental plans to administer vaccines to the general public, especially in areas where conditions have recently worsened and lockdowns or travel bans have been reinstituted.

The Small Business Association’s review of our forgiveness application is ongoing and it is possible that our PPP Loan may not be forgiven.

On May 7, 2020, the Company received a loan (the “PPP Loan”) from HSBC Bank, N.A. in the amount of $3,508,047 under the Paycheck Protection Program established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.  All or a portion of the PPP Loan may be eligible to be forgiven by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and the lender upon application by the Company, provided that the Company shall have used the loan proceeds for eligible purposes, including the payment of payroll, benefits, rent, mortgage interest and utilities, during the 24-week period beginning on the date of funding of the loan (the “covered period”).  Not more than 40% of the amount forgiven may be for non-payroll costs.  The PPP loan application required us to certify, among other things, that the then current economic uncertainty made the PPP loan request necessary to support our ongoing operations. While we made this certification in good faith, the required certification is not based on any specific objective criteria and is subject to interpretation. In early 2020, the SBA provided guidance that it would be unlikely that a public company with substantial market value and access to capital markets would be able to make the required certification in good faith, and such company should be prepared to demonstrate to the SBA, upon request, the basis for its certification. Further, the Secretary of the Treasury and the SBA Administrator announced that the government will conduct a full audit of all PPP loans of more than $2 million for which the borrower applies for forgiveness. While we believe that we have satisfied all eligibility requirements for the PPP loan, there is a risk that we may be deemed ineligible to have received the PPP loan or in violation of any of the laws or governmental regulations that apply to us in connection with the PPP loan. In such event, we may be required to repay the PPP loan in its entirety, and we could be subject to additional penalties.

The SBA reserves the right to audit any PPP loan, regardless of size. These audits may occur after forgiveness has been granted. Under the CARES Act, all borrowers are required to maintain their loan documentation for six years after the PPP loan was forgiven or repaid in full and to provide that documentation to the SBA upon request.

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Risks Related to Our Common Stock

We cannot provide assurance that we will continue to pay dividends or purchase shares of our common stock under our stock repurchase programs.

We continue to pay and declare dividends on a quarterly basis and we anticipate that we will continue to do so. However, there can be no assurance that we will have sufficient cash or surplus under the law to be able to continue to pay dividends at our current level or purchase shares of our common stock under our stock repurchase programs. At December 31, 2020, a total of 203,579 shares may be purchased in the future under the repurchase programs which the Company announced in 2010 and 2019. This may result from extraordinary cash expenses, actual expenses exceeding contemplated costs, funding of capital expenditures, increases in reserves or lack of available capital. We may also suspend the payment of dividends or our stock repurchase program if the Board deems such action to be in the best interests of our shareholders. If we do not pay dividends or decrease the amount of dividends we pay, the price of our common stock would likely decrease.

Our shares of common stock are thinly traded and our stock price may be volatile.

Because our common stock is thinly traded, its market price may fluctuate significantly more than the stock market in general or the stock prices of other companies listed on major stock exchanges. There were approximately 2,916,940 shares of our common stock held by non-affiliates as of December 31, 2020. Thus, our common stock is less liquid than the stock of companies with broader public ownership, and, as a result, the trading price for shares of our common stock may be more volatile. Among other things, trading of a relatively small volume of our common stock may have a greater impact on the trading price for our stock than would be the case if our public float were larger.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

Item 2. Properties

The Company’s facilities located in the United States and China are utilized by all of its segments.  The Company’s facilities located in Canada and Germany are utilized by its Canadian segment and its European segment, respectively.

Management believes that the Company's facilities, whether leased or owned, are adequate to meet its current needs and should continue to be adequate for the foreseeable future.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

There are no pending material legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or, to the actual knowledge of the Company, contemplated by any governmental agency.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

The Company's Common Stock is traded on the NYSE American under the symbol "ACU".

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

On November 14, 2019, the Company announced a Common Stock repurchase program of up to a total 200,000 shares. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 14,420 shares of its Common Stock. As of December 31, 2020, a total of 3,579 shares may be purchased in the future under the repurchase program announced in 2010 and 200,000 may be purchased under the repurchase program announced in 2019. Neither the 2010 nor the 2019 program have an expiration date.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

As a smaller reporting company, the Company is not required to provide this information.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Information

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 the impact that the global COVID-19 pandemic has had and will continue to have on the Company’s business, operations and financial results.  These include the duration, spread, severity, and any recurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic including through any new variant strains of the underlying virus; the effectiveness, availability, and public acceptance of vaccines; the duration and scope of pandemic-related government restrictions on commercial and other activities, including retail store, office, school and restaurant closures; the duration and scope of the Company’s actions to maintain employee health at our offices, production facilities and distribution centers; the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall demand for the Company’s products; the effect of measures taken by the Company to protect the health of our employees at our offices and distribution centers the pace of recovery when an effective vaccine is widely available or when the pandemic otherwise subsides and the heightened impact the pandemic has on many of the risks described herein, including without limitation risks relating to the on-going world-wide economic downturn and disruptions in our supply chain, any of which could adversely impact the Company’s ability to manufacture, source or distribute its products, both domestically and internationally.    

These risks and uncertainties further include, 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, whether caused by COVID-19 or otherwise, including the impact on the Company’s suppliers and customers; (iii) changes in client needs and consumer spending habits, including COVID-19 related changes; (iv) the impact of competition; (v) the impact of technological changes including, specifically, the growth of online marketing and sales activity; (vi) the Company’s ability to manage its growth effectively, including its ability to successfully integrate any business it might acquire; (vii) the Company’s ability to effectively manage its inventory in a rapidly changing business environment, including additional inventory acquired to respond to COVID-19 related uncertainties; (viii) currency fluctuations; (ix) international trade policies and their impact on demand for our products and our competitive position, including the imposition of new tariffs or changes in existing tariff rates; and (x) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Critical Accounting Policies & Estimates

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. The Company’s significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements. Certain accounting estimates are particularly important to the understanding of the Company’s financial position and results of operations and require the application of significant judgment by the Company’s management and can be materially affected by changes from period to period in economic factors or conditions that are outside the control of management. The Company’s management uses its judgment to determine the appropriate assumptions to be used in the determination of certain estimates. Those estimates are based on historical operations, future business plans and projected financial results, the terms of existing contracts, the observance of trends in the industry, information provided by customers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. The following discusses the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates:

Estimates – Operating results may be affected by certain accounting estimates. The most sensitive and significant accounting estimates in the financial statements relate to customer rebates, valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets, obsolete and slow-moving inventories, potentially uncollectible accounts receivable, intangibles, accruals for income taxes, and stock-based compensation. Although the Company’s management has used available information to make judgments on the appropriate estimates to account for the above matters, there can be no assurance that future events will not significantly affect the estimated amounts related to these areas where estimates are required. However, historically, actual results have not been materially different than original estimates.

Revenue Recognition – The Company's revenues result from the sale of goods or services and reflect the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. The Company records revenue based on a five-step model in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"). For its contracts with customers, the Company identifies the performance obligations (goods or services), determines the transaction price, allocates the contract transaction price to the performance obligations, and recognizes the revenue when (or as) the performance obligation is transferred to the customer. A good or service is transferred when (or as) the customer obtains control of that good or service. Depending on the contractual terms of each customer, revenue is recognized either at the time of shipment or upon delivery. When revenue is recorded, estimates of returns are made and recorded as a reduction of revenue. Customer rebates and incentives earned based on promotional programs in place volume of purchases or other factors are also estimated at the time of revenue recognition and recorded as a reduction of that revenue. Refer to Note 9 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in the notes to consolidated financial statements in this report for a more detailed discussion.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon a review of outstanding accounts receivable, historical collection information and existing economic conditions. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents estimated uncollectible accounts receivables associated with potential customer defaults on contractual obligations, usually due to potential insolvencies. The allowance includes amounts for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. In addition, the allowance includes a provision for customer defaults based on historical experience. The Company actively monitors its accounts receivable balances, and its historical experience of annual accounts receivable write-offs has been negligible.

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Customer Rebates – Customer rebates and incentives are a common practice in the office products industry. We incur customer rebate costs to obtain favorable product placement, to promote sell-through of products and to maintain competitive pricing. Customer rebate costs and incentives, including volume rebates, promotional funds, catalog allowances and slotting fees, are accounted for as a reduction to gross sales. These costs are recorded at the time of sale and are based on individual customer contracts. Management periodically reviews accruals for these rebates and allowances and adjusts accruals when appropriate.

Obsolete and Slow Moving Inventory – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out method, or net realizable value. An allowance is established to adjust the cost of inventory to its net realizable value. Inventory allowances are recorded for obsolete or slow moving inventory based on assumptions about future demand and marketability of products, the impact of new product introductions and specific identification of items, such as discontinued products. These estimates could vary significantly from actual requirements if future economic conditions, customer inventory levels or competitive conditions differ from expectations.

Income Taxes – Deferred income tax liabilities or assets are established for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting bases and are subsequently adjusted to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred income tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

Intangible Assets and Goodwill – Intangible assets with finite useful lives are recorded at cost upon acquisition and amortized over the term of the related contract, if any, or useful life, as applicable. Intangible assets held by the Company with finite useful lives include patents and trademarks. The weighted average amortization period for intangible assets at December 31, 2020 was 9 years. The Company periodically reviews the values recorded for intangible assets and goodwill to assess recoverability from future operations whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company assessed the recoverability of its long-lived assets and goodwill and believed that there were no events or circumstances present that would require a test of recoverability on those assets. As a result, there was no impairment of the carrying amounts of such assets and no reduction in their estimated useful lives.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Stock based compensation cost is measured at the grant date fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option - pricing model to determine fair value of the awards, which involves certain subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (“expected term”), the estimated volatility of the Company’s common stock price over the expected term (“volatility”) and the number of options for which vesting requirements will not be completed (“forfeitures”). Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect estimates of fair value stock-based compensation, and the related amount recognized on the consolidated statements of operations. Refer to Note 11 – Stock Option Plans, in the notes to consolidated financial statements in this report for a more detailed discussion.

Results of Operations 2020 Compared with 2019

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.

COVID-19 Pandemic Related Considerations

As noted above in the “Forward-Looking Statements”, the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) through China, the United States, and other countries globally and the related ongoing economic downturn continue to present certain significant risks and uncertainties to the Company and its operations. Commencing late in the first quarter of the current fiscal year and continuing through the filing of this report, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the Company’s financial results and business operations. During this period, we experienced, and continue to experience, a significant increase in demand for many of the Company’s first aid and safety products, as consumers and commercial enterprises stocked up on these products.  On the other hand, while the Company gained market share in its Westcott craft products, it experienced weakness in the sales of its Westcott office and school supplies with the result that sales for fiscal year 2020 were approximately the same as fiscal year of 2019.  The weakness in sales was due, in part, to pandemic-related continued or reimposed closures of retail stores, schools and offices and other COVID-19 related restrictions imposed in our domestic and international markets.  The ultimate impact of these effects on the Company will depend on the duration, spread, and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and any recurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic including through any new variant strains of the underlying virus, the effectiveness, availability, and acceptance by the public of vaccines, the length of time it takes for normal economic and operating conditions to resume, whether commercial closures and other restrictions that have been imposed to date are extended or reimposed, and additional actions that may be taken by governmental authorities or by businesses or individuals of their own initiative in response to the pandemic.  

Substantially all of our manufacturing facilities and distribution centers and those of our key suppliers currently remain open and continue to operate despite temporary closures. We monitor information on COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and believe we are adhering to their recommendations regarding the health and safety of our personnel. To address the potential human impact of the virus, most of our administrative staff are telecommuting. For those administrative staff not telecommuting and our warehouse and domestic manufacturing employees, we have implemented social distancing and mask policies, instituted daily temperature checks and have increased facility cleaning at each location. Non-essential domestic and international travel for our employees has ceased.

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As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, commencing late in the first quarter of 2020 and continuing through the end of 2020 and the date of this report, the Company (i) has had to acquire certain of its products at increased costs due to dramatic increases in demand for such products (while, to date, the Company has been successful in passing along such increased costs to its customers, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to continue to do so in the future); (ii) had to acquire additional inventory to minimize the impact of any potential disruption to our supply chain; (iii) has incurred increased labor costs as a result of the payment of additional compensation to employees at its warehouse and distribution centers; and (iv) has incurred costs associated with the additional cleaning and maintenance of its facilities including the temporary closures of facilities for those purposes.  The Company continued to incur such costs as a result of these conditions in the fourth quarter and through the date of this report.  In addition, the Company has increased reserves relating to outstanding receivables from approximately $522,000 at December 31, 2019, to approximately $1,150,000 at December 31, 2020, as a result of credit risks related to COVID-19. (The Company continuously evaluates credit risks relating to its customers and may need to increase its reserves relating to its receivables further or even, in the event that one or more significant customers should cease operations or declares bankruptcy, write off a substantial amount of receivables.)  

The Company has also experienced obstacles and inefficiencies resulting from a number of pandemic-related factors such as travel restrictions imposed by governmental authorities which, e.g., inhibit sales and marketing activities, and inefficiencies resulting from many of the Company’s personnel working remotely. In addition, the Company experienced inefficiencies in its manufacturing and distribution due to social distancing measures imposed in its facilities, COVID-19 related absenteeism, and higher than normal turnover and training of replacements, together with associated costs.

The increases and decreases in the demand for the Company’s products described above have continued to affect the Company’s operations through the end of fiscal year 2020 and continue to do so through the date of this report. They are likely to continue to do so in the immediate future. For example, a decrease could occur in the demand for its first aid and safety products as a result of market saturation potentially resulting from customers having stockpiled those products. While there is no certainty that the current high levels of demand for our first aid and safety products will continue, we have increased our short-term manufacturing and sourcing capacity for these products. We also increased manufacturing and sourcing of other key components and finished goods to minimize the impact of any disruption to our supply chain in the event of a resurgence of an outbreak of the coronavirus in any of our key manufacturing or distribution facilities. The Company anticipates that it has sufficient inventory of its products to meet anticipated demand. However, any prolonged increase in the duration or severity of the COVID-19 pandemic or a resurgence of the pandemic in the future, might adversely affect the Company’s ability to manufacture, source or distribute its products both domestically and internationally. The occurrence of any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operations and financial condition.  

Net Sales

In 2020, sales increased by $21,545,698, or 15%, to $164,003,040 compared to $142,457,342 in 2019.

The U.S. segment sales increased by 12%, in 2020 compared to 2019 mainly attributable to strong sales of first aid and safety products, primarily due to continued market share gains in the industrial, safety, home improvement, mass market and e-commerce channels. Also contributing to the growth in first aid products was a surge demand related to the COVID-19 pandemic which had commenced late in the first quarter. These sales amounted to approximately $3.0 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.

Net sales in Canada, excluding First Aid Central products, for the year ended December 31, 2020, decreased 4% in U.S. dollars and 3% in local currency compared to the same period in 2019. Sales of First Aid Central products were approximately $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.

European net sales for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased 25% in both U.S. dollars and local currency, compared with the period in 2019. The increase in net sales was primarily due to increased sales of Westcott cutting products and Camillus knives in the e-commerce channel as well as continued growth of DMT sharpening products.

Gross Profit

Gross profit was 36.3% of net sales in 2020 compared to 36.5% in 2019.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $48,182,050 in 2020 compared with $43,571,510 in 2019, an increase of $4,610,540, or 10.6%. SG&A expenses were 29.4% of net sales in 2020 compared to 30.6% in 2019. The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to higher personnel related costs, commissions and shipping costs related to higher sales, provision for bad debt primarily related to the impact COVID-19 on our customers, as well as added expenses related to the acquisition of First Aid Central, partially offset by lower travel and marketing expenses.

Operating Income

Operating income was $11,412,664 in 2020, compared with $8,429,348 in 2019, and increase of $2,983,316. Operating income in the U.S. segment increased by approximately $1,673,000, primarily due to higher sales. Operating income in Canada increased by approximately $561,000, primarily due to the acquisition of First Aid Central. Operating income in the European segment increased by approximately $750,000, primarily due to higher sales.

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Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense for 2020 was $919,709, compared with $1,788,512 for 2019, a decrease of $868,803. The decrease in interest expense, net for 2020, was primarily the result of a lower average interest rate as well as lower average debt outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

Other Expense

Other expense was $666,227 in 2020 compared to $97,672 in 2019. The increase in other expense is primarily related to a one-time non-cash charge of approximately $750,000 related to the termination of the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension Plan.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was $1,727,962 in 2020, resulting in an effective tax rate of 18% compared to 1,029,556, an effective tax rate of 16% in 2019.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

The Company did not engage in any off-balance sheet transactions during 2020.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During 2020, working capital increased by approximately $6.9 million compared to December 31, 2019. Inventory (excluding the impact of acquisitions) increased by approximately $11 million, or 29%. The increase was primarily due to anticipated growth in our business as well as the acquisition of product to offset the impact of potential supply chain interruptions related to COVID-19. The Company expects that changes in inventory levels will continue to be consistent with changes in sales, including the seasonal impact on the Company’s revenue stream. Inventory turnover, calculated using a twelve month average inventory balance, was 2.4 at December 31, 2020 as compared to 2.3 at December 31, 2019. The reserve for slow moving and obsolete inventory was $1,471,925 at December 31, 2020 compared to $538,354 at December 31, 2019. We do not anticipate material increases in the allowance for slow moving and obsolete inventory in the ordinary course of business during 2021.

Receivables increased by approximately $1.7 million at December 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019. The average number of days sales outstanding in accounts receivable was 60 days in 2020 compared to 64 days in 2019. Accounts payable and other current liabilities increased by approximately $3.6 million.

Long-term debt consists of (i) borrowings under the Company’s revolving loan agreement with HSBC Bank, N.A. (ii) amounts outstanding under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and (iii) amounts outstanding under the variable rate mortgage related on the Company’s manufacturing and distribution facility in Vancouver, WA. The revolving loan agreement provides for borrowings of up to $50 million at Prime Rate less 1.25%. The credit facility has an expiration date of May 24, 2023. The Company must pay a facility fee, payable quarterly, in an amount equal to two tenths of one percent (.20%) per annum of the average daily unused portion of the revolving credit line. The facility is intended to provide liquidity for working capital, growth, share repurchases, dividends, acquisition and other business activities. Under the revolving loan agreement, the Company is required to maintain specific amounts of tangible net worth, a specified debt to net worth ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio and must have annual net income greater than zero, measured as of the end of each fiscal year. At December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with the covenants then in effect under the loan agreement.  

At December 31, 2020, total debt outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility increased by approximately $5.5 million compared to total debt at December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, $38,767,167 was outstanding and $11,232,833 was available for borrowing under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

On May 7, 2020, the Company received a loan (the “PPP Loan”) from HSBC Bank, N.A. in the amount of $3,508,047 under the Paycheck Protection Program established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.  Subject to potential forgiveness, as described below, the PPP Loan matures in two years on May 8, 2022, bears interest at a rate of 1.00% per year and is evidenced by a promissory note dated May 7, 2020 (the “Note”).  Monthly payments of principal and interest are deferred until after any application for forgiveness submitted by the Company has been acted upon, as described below.  The PPP Loan is unsecured and federally guaranteed.  The Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other things, failure to make payments of principal and interest and breaches of representations and warranties.  The Company may prepay the PPP Loan at any time prior to maturity with no penalty.

All or a portion of the PPP Loan may be eligible to be forgiven by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and the lender upon application by the Company, provided that the Company shall have used the loan proceeds for eligible purposes, including the payment of payroll, benefits, rent, mortgage interest and utilities, during the 24 week period beginning on the date of funding of the loan (the “covered period”).  Not more than 40% of the amount forgiven may be for non-payroll costs.

Consistent with the requirements of the PPP for loan forgiveness, the Company used the loan proceeds solely for payment of payroll and otherwise in a manner which it believes satisfy the requirements for loan forgiveness.  In August 2020, the Company submitted an application for forgiveness of the entire amount of the PPP loan to HSBC Bank, N.A. (the Lender).  The lender approved the forgiveness application and, on August 26, 2020, submitted the Company’s application to the SBA for its approval. The SBA subsequently asked the Company to provide certain additional information and documentation in connection with it review of the Company’s forgiveness application and the Company has done so. The application is presently pending.  No assurance can be given that the Company’s application for loan forgiveness will be approved by the SBA, in whole or in part.

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The SBA reserves the right to audit any PPP loan, regardless of size. These audits may occur after forgiveness has been granted. Under the CARES Act, all borrowers are required to maintain their loan documentation for six years after the PPP loan was forgiven or repaid in full and to provide that documentation to the SBA upon request.

On April 28, 2020, the U.S. Department of the Treasury stated that the SBA will review each PPP loan over $2.0 million. In order to apply for the PPP Loan, we were required to certify, among other things, that the then current uncertainty made the PPP Loan request necessary to support our ongoing operations. We made this certification in good faith after analyzing, among other things, our financial situation and access to alternative sources of capital. Following this analysis, we believe that we satisfied all eligibility criteria for the PPP Loan, and that our receipt of the PPP Loan is consistent with the objectives of the PPP of the CARES Act. If it is later determined that we were ineligible to receive the PPP Loan, we may be required to repay the PPP Loan in its entirety and/or be subject to additional penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s First Aid Only manufacturing and distribution center in Vancouver, WA was financed by a variable rate mortgage with HSBC Bank, N.A. at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.5%. Principal payments of $22,222 are due monthly, with all amounts outstanding due on maturity on October 31, 2024. The outstanding principal on December 31, 2020 was $3,177,778.

Capital expenditures during 2020 and 2019 were $2,569,174 and $1,680,479, respectively, which were, in part, financed with borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

The Company believes that cash on hand, and cash generated from operating activities, together with funds available under its revolving credit facility, are expected, under current conditions, to be sufficient to finance the Company’s planned operations for at least the next twelve months from the issuance of this Form 10-K.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The update eliminates, clarifies and modifies certain guidance related to the accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020.  The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2019-12 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosures Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). This ASU removes disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarifies the specific requirements of disclosures, and adds disclosure requirements identified as relevant. ASU 2018-14 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2018-14 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2018-07 aligns the accounting for share-based payment awards issued to employees and non-employees. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU No. 2018-02 provides companies with an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained earnings in each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (or portion thereof) is recorded. ASU No. 2018-02 also requires disclosure of a description of the accounting policy for releasing income tax effects from AOCI and whether an election was made to reclassify the stranded income tax effects from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU No. 2018-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Companies can adopt the provisions of ASU No. 2018-02 in either the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. This ASU was adopted effective January 1, 2019 and resulted in a reclassification between retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive loss. The impact from this ASU increased retained earnings by approximately $0.1 million, with an offsetting increase to accumulated other comprehensive loss for the same amount.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendments in this update eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, income tax effects from any tax-deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit should be considered when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable.  The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact to the financial statements of the Company.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

As a smaller reporting company, the Company is not required to provide this information.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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Acme United Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

20

Acme United Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Acme United Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Acme United Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Acme United Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

24

Acme United Corporation and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term and include options to extend or terminate the lease when they are reasonably certain to be exercised. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, the present value of lease payments is determined primarily using our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term on an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. Lease arrangements with lease and non-lease components are generally accounted for as a single lease component. The Company's operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

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In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU No. 2018-02 provides companies with an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained earnings in each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (or portion thereof) is recorded. ASU No. 2018-02 also requires disclosure of a description of the accounting policy for releasing income tax effects from AOCI and whether an election was made to reclassify the stranded income tax effects from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU No. 2018-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Companies can adopt the provisions of ASU No. 2018-02 in either the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. This ASU was adopted effective January 1, 2019 and resulted in a reclassification between retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive loss. The impact from this ASU increased retained earnings by approximately $0.1 million, with an offsetting increase to accumulated other comprehensive loss for the same amount.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendments in this update eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, income tax effects from any tax-deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit should be considered when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable.  The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact to the financial statements of the Company.