ACME UNITED CORP - Quarter Report: 2018 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

__________________

FORM 10-Q

___________________________________

[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018

OR

[_]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______ to ______

__________________

Commission file number 001-07698

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

__________________

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  [X]     No  [_]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, 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). Yes  [X]     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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one).

Large accelerated filer [_]     Accelerated filer [_]     Non-accelerated filer [_]     Smaller reporting company [X]

Emerging growth company [_]

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  [_]     No  [X]

As of November 7, 2018 the registrant had outstanding 3,369,061 shares of its $2.50 par value Common Stock.

 ACME UNITED CORPORATION

INDEX

Part I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1: Financial Statements

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(all amounts in thousands)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)

(all amounts in thousands, except share amounts)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

(all amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(all amounts in thousands)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(all amounts in thousands)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

Notes to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED Financial Statements

(UNAUDITED)

1. Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Acme United Corporation (the “Company”). These adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. However, the financial statements do not include all of the disclosures normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America or those normally made in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. Please refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for such disclosures. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 was derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet as of that date. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to September 30, 2018 and through the date these condensed consolidated financial statements were included in this Form 10-Q and filed with the SEC.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards

In August 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-14, which defers the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), by one year. ASU 2015-14 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model requiring a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company has adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material effect on the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company beyond the increase in the level of disclosures. Refer to Note 4 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance that will change the requirements for accounting for leases. The principal change under the new accounting guidance is that lessees under leases classified as operating leases will recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. Current lease accounting does not require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities arising under operating leases on the balance sheet. Under the new guidance, lessees (including lessees under leases classified as finance leases and operating leases) will recognize a right-to-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet, initially measured as the present value of lease payments under the lease. Expense recognition and cash flow presentation guidance will be based upon whether the lease is classified as an operating lease or a finance lease (the classification criteria for distinguishing between finance leases and operating leases is substantially similar to the classification criteria for distinguishing between capital leases and operating leases under current guidance). The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The new standard requires a transition adoption election using either 1) a modified retrospective approach with periods prior to the adoption date being recast or 2) a prospective adoption approach with a cumulative-effect adjustment recognized to the opening balance of retained earnings on the adoption date with prior periods not recast.  The Company will adopt this standard on January 1, 2019 using the prospective adoption approach.  The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. At this time, the Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-02 to have a material impact on its Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company is in the process of analyzing existing leases, practical expedients, and deploying its implementation strategy. As a result of the adoption of this standard, management anticipates that a right-of-use asset and a related lease liability will be established in our consolidated balance sheet to reflect the present value of the future lease payments.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The new guidance clarifies the definition of a business in order to allow for the evaluation of whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2017-01 effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of the new accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of the new accounting rules on the Company’s financial condition and management presently does not expect the adoption of ASU 2018-02 to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 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.

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. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2018-14 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. ASU 2018-14 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020.

2. Contingencies

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 authority.

3. Pension

In December 1995, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Company’s United States pension plan that terminated all future benefit accruals as of February 1, 1996, without terminating the pension plan.

In accordance with the adoption of ASU 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, the Company has retrospectively revised the presentation of the non-service components of periodic pension cost of $21,000 and $65,000 to “Other expense, net” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, while service cost remains in “Selling, general and administrative expenses.”

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

The Company’s funding policy with respect to its qualified plan is to contribute at least the minimum amount required by applicable laws and regulations with respect to each year. As of September, 30, 2018, the Company had contributed $25,000 to the plan with respect to the year ending December 31, 2018; the amount contributed satisfied the Company’s funding obligations for that year.

4. Revenue from Contracts with Customers

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective method. The new revenue standard requires recognition of revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The adoption of this standard did not impact the timing of revenue recognition for customer sales in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Nature of Goods and Services

The Company recognizes revenue from the sales of a broad line of products that are grouped into two main categories: (i) cutting and sharpening; and (ii) first aid and safety. The cutting and sharpening category includes scissors, knives, paper trimmers, pencil sharpeners and other sharpening tools. The first aid and safety category includes first aid kits and refills, over-the-counter medications and a variety of safety products. Revenue recognition is evaluated through the following five steps: (i) identification of the contract or contracts with a customer; (ii) identification of the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determination of the transaction price; (iv) allocation of the transaction price in the contract; and (v) recognition of revenue when or as a performance obligation is satisfied.

When Performance Obligations Are Satisfied

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer.  A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Revenue is generated by the sale of the Company’s products to its customers.  Sales contracts (purchase orders) generally have a single performance obligation that is satisfied at a point in time, with shipment or delivery, depending on the terms of the underlying contract. Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in the contract. The amount of consideration we receive and revenue we recognize is impacted by incentives ("customer rebates"), including sales rebates, which are generally tied to sales volume levels, in-store promotional allowances, shared media and customer catalog allowances and other cooperative advertising arrangements; freight allowance programs offered to our customers; and allowance for returns and discounts. We generally recognize customer rebate costs as a deduction to gross sales at the time that the associated revenue is recognized.

Significant Payment Terms

Payment terms for each customer are dependent on the agreed upon contractual repayment terms. Typically between 30 and 90 days, but they vary dependent on the size of the customer and its risk profile to the Company. Some customers receive discounts for early payment.

Product Returns

The Company accepts product returns in the normal course of business. The Company estimates reserves for returns and the related refunds to customers based on historical experience. Reserves for returned merchandise are included as a component of “Accounts receivables” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Practical Expedient Usage and Accounting Policy Elections

The Company has determined to utilize the modified retrospective approach which requires cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the current year. This opening adjustment is determined based on the impact of the new revenue standard’s application on contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018, the date of initial application of the standard. This election did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.  

For the Company’s contracts that have an original duration of one year or less, the Company uses the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-32-18 applicable to such contracts and accordingly, does not consider the time value of money in relation to significant financing components.  The effect of applying this practical expedient election did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.  

Per ASC 606-10-25-18B, the Company has elected to account for shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control as a fulfillment activity instead of a performance obligation. Furthermore, shipping and handling activities performed before transfer of control of the product also do not constitute a separate and distinct performance obligation.

The Company has elected to exclude from the transaction price those amounts which relate to sales and other taxes that are assessed by governmental authorities and that are imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected by the Company from a customer.

Applying the practical expedient in ASC 340-40-25-4, the Company recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense when incurred. These costs are included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses.” The effect of applying this practical expedient did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Disaggregation of Revenues

The following table represents external net sales disaggregated by product category:

5. Debt and Shareholders’ Equity

On May 24, 2018, the Company amended its revolving loan agreement with HSBC Bank, N.A. The amendment lowered the interest rate to LIBOR plus 1.75%; interest is payable monthly. In addition, the expiration date of the credit facility was extended to May 24, 2023. The prior interest rate was LIBOR plus 2%. The amount available for borrowing remains unchanged at $50 million. 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 growth, share repurchases, dividends, acquisitions, 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 September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with the covenants then in effect under the loan agreement.

As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $47,028,000 and $43,450,000, respectively, under the Company’s revolving loan agreement with HSBC.

On October 26, 2017, the Company exercised its option to purchase its First Aid Only manufacturing and distribution center in Vancouver, WA for $4.0 million. The property consists of 53,000 square feet of office, manufacturing and warehouse space on 2.86 acres. The purchase was financed by a variable rate mortgage with HSBC Bank, N.A. at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.5%. Commencing on December 1, 2017, principal payments of $22,222 and interest are due monthly, with all amounts outstanding due on maturity on October 31, 2024.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company paid approximately $511,200 and $753,635, respectively, to optionees who had elected a net cash settlement of their respective options, which elections were subject to the approval of the Company.

6. Segment Information

The Company reports financial information based on the organizational structure used by the Company’s chief operating decision makers for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance. The Company’s reportable business segments consist of: (1) United States; (2) Canada; and (3) Europe. As described below, the activities of the Company’s Asian operations are closely linked to those of the U.S. operations; accordingly, the Company’s chief operating decision makers review the financial results of both on a consolidated basis, and the results of the Asian operations have been aggregated with the results of the United States operations to form one reportable segment called the “United States segment” or “U.S. segment”. Each reportable segment derives its revenue from the sales of cutting devices, measuring instruments and safety products for school, office, home, hardware, sporting and industrial use.

Domestic sales orders are filled primarily from the Company’s distribution centers in North Carolina, Washington Massachusetts, Tennessee and California. The Company is responsible for the costs of shipping, insurance, customs clearance, duties, storage and distribution related to such products. Orders filled from the Company’s inventory are generally for less than container-sized lots.

Direct import sales are products sold by the Company’s Asian subsidiary, directly to major U.S. retailers, who take ownership of the products in Asia. These sales are completed by delivering product to the customers’ common carriers at the shipping points in Asia. Direct import sales are made in larger quantities than domestic sales, typically full containers. Direct import sales represented approximately 12% and 11% of the Company’s total net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 10% and 12% for the comparable periods in 2017.

The chief operating decision maker evaluates the performance of each operating segment based on segment revenues and operating income. Segment amounts are presented after converting to U.S. dollars and consolidating eliminations.

The following table sets forth certain financial data by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

Financial data by segment:

(in thousands)

7. Stock Based Compensation

The Company recognizes share-based compensation at the fair value of the equity instrument on the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized over the required service period. Share-based compensation expenses were $334,238 and $315,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Share-based compensation expenses were $641,418 and $551,717 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

As of September 30, 2018, there was a total of $2,337,200 of unrecognized compensation cost, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested share-based payments granted to the Company’s employees. As of that date, the remaining unamortized expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately three years.

8. Fair Value Measurements

The carrying value of the Company’s bank debt approximates fair value. Fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis.

9. Business Combinations

On February 1, 2017, the Company purchased the assets of Spill Magic, Inc., located in Santa Ana, CA and Smyrna, TN for $7.2 million in cash. The Spill Magic products are leaders in absorbents that encapsulate spills into dry powders that can be safely disposed. Customers, including many large retail chains, use the Spill Magic products to remove liquids from broken glass containers, oil and gas spills, bodily fluids and solvents.

The purchase price was allocated to assets acquired as follows (in thousands):

Assuming Spill Magic assets were acquired on January 1, 2017, unaudited pro forma combined net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 for the Company would have been approximately $100.8 million. Unaudited pro forma combined net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 for the Company would have been approximately $4.8 million.

Net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 attributable to Spill Magic products were approximately $1.9 million and $4.9 million, respectively. Net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 attributable to Spill Magic products was approximately $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Information

The Company may from time to time make written or oral “forward-looking statements”, including statements contained in this report and in other communications by the Company, which are made in good faith by the Company pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to us. When used in this document, words like “may,” “might,” “will,” “except,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from our current expectations.

Forward-looking statements in this report, including without limitation, statements related to the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the following: (i) changes in the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions, which may be made at any time at the discretion of the Company; (ii) the impact of uncertainties in global economic conditions, including the impact on the Company’s suppliers and customers; (iii) changes in client needs and consumer spending habits; (iv) the impact of competition and technological changes on the Company; (v) the Company’s ability to manage its growth effectively, including its ability to successfully integrate any business it might acquire; (vi) currency fluctuations; (vii) increases in the cost of borrowings resulting from rising interest rates; (viii) uncertainties arising from the interpretation and application of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in December 2017; (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.

For a more detailed discussion of these and other factors affecting us, see the Risk Factors described in Item 1A included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and below under “Financial Condition”. All forward-looking statements in this report are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this report. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of products at a point in time, shipment or delivery, based on the terms of the underlying contract with the customer. Customer program costs, including rebates, cooperative advertising, slotting fees and other sales related discounts are recorded as a reduction to sales. Returns are also recognized as a reduction in sales and are immaterial in relation to total sales.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), which amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 established principles for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. Because the Company’s primary source of revenues is from the sale of products which are recognized at a point in time, the impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements was not material.

Results of Operations

On February 1, 2017, the Company purchased the assets of Spill Magic, Inc., located in Santa Ana, CA and Smyrna, TN. The Spill Magic products are leaders in absorbents that encapsulate spills into dry powders that can be safely disposed. Customers, including many large retail chains, use the Spill Magic products to remove liquids from broken glass containers, oil and gas spills, bodily fluids and solvents. The Company purchased Spill Magic assets for $7.2 million in cash using funds borrowed under its revolving credit facility with HSBC. Additional information concerning the acquisition of Spill Magic assets is set forth in Note 9 – Business Combinations, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.

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.

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2018 were $34,731,000 compared with $33,785,000 in the same period in 2017, a 3% increase. Consolidated net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $106,191,000, compared with $100,380,000 for the same period in 2017, a 6% increase.

Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2018 in the U.S. segment increased 3%, compared with the same periods in 2017. Sales of first aid and safety products increased 7% while sales of Westcott school and office products declined 6%, despite a strong back-to-school. Office product sales were negatively impacted by overstock of office scissors at a large on-line retailer and store closings. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 5% compared to the same period in 2017. The increase was primarily due to market share gains of first aid and safety products.

Net sales in Canada for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 2% in U.S. dollars (6% in local currency), compared with the same period in 2017. Net sales in Canada for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 3% in U.S. dollars (2% in local currency) compared with the same period in 2017. The increases in sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were primarily due to higher sales of Camillus knives.

Net sales in Europe for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 2% in U.S. dollars (3% in local currency), compared with the same period in 2017. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 13% in U.S. dollars (6% in local currency). The increases in net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were primarily due to new customers in the office products channel, higher sales of DMT sharpening products, and strong e-commerce demand for these products.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $12,450,000 (35.8% of net sales) compared to $12,226,000 (36.2% of net sales) for the same period in 2017. Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $39,286,000 (37.0% of net sales) compared to $37,273,000 (37.1% of net sales) in the same period in 2017. The increases in gross profit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were primarily due to higher net sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2018 were $11,077,000 (31.9% of net sales) compared with $10,256,000 (30.4% of net sales) for the same period of 2017, an increase of $821,000. SG&A expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $32,923,000 (31.0% of net sales) compared with $30,178,000 (30.1% of net sales) in the comparable period of 2017, an increase of $2,745,000. The increases in SG&A expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same periods in 2017, were primarily due to costs relating to the addition of sales and marketing personnel, which include compensation and recruiting costs, and higher freight and commission expense due to higher sales.

Operating Income

Operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $1,373,000 compared with $1,970,000 in the same period of 2017. Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $6,363,000 compared with $7,095,000 in the same period of 2017. The decreases in operating income were primarily from additions of sales and marketing personnel to support growth initiatives as well as higher interest rates on our variable rate credit facility. In the third quarter of 2018, the Company began to take actions to reduce expenses. These reductions are meant to bring operating expenses in-line with anticipated sales growth and are expected to result in annual savings of approximately $1.5 million. The reductions include approximately $700,000 annually in personnel expenses, $400,000 in print advertising costs and $400,000 in productivity initiatives.

Operating income in the U.S. segment decreased by approximately $0.5 million and $0.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. The decreases in operating income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are primarily due to higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

Operating income in the Canadian segment decreased by approximately $16,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and increased approximately $132,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same periods in 2017. The increase in operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is primarily due to higher sales.

Operating income in the European segment decreased by approximately $33,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and increased approximately $76,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017. The increase in operating income in the European segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was principally due to higher sales.

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense, net for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $496,000, compared with $365,000 for the same period of 2017, a $131,000 increase. Interest expense, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $1,346,000, compared with $949,000 for the same period of 2017, a $397,000 increase. The increases in interest expense resulted from higher average interest rates for borrowings under the Company’s bank revolving credit facility for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, as well as interest expense associated with the mortgage on the Vancouver, WA building, which we acquired in October 2017. Refer to Note 5 – Debt and Shareholders’ Equity.

Other Expense, net

Other expense, net was $23,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $37,000 in the same period of 2017, a decrease in other expense of $14,000. The decrease in other expense, net for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to lower losses from foreign currency transactions. Other expense, net was $84,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $21,000 in the same period of 2017, an increase in other expense, net of $63,000. The changes in other expense, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were primarily due to higher losses from foreign currency transactions.

Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rates for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 were 5% and 19%, respectively, compared to 23% during the same periods in 2017. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded approximately $115,000 in excess tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options. In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded approximately $350,000 in excess tax benefits. Excluding the impact of the tax benefit in both years, the effective tax rate would have been 19% and 21% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 23% and 29% in the same periods of 2017. The lower effective tax rates were primarily the result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.

Financial Condition

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During the first nine months of 2018, working capital increased approximately $6.1 million compared to December 31, 2017. Inventory increased by approximately $1.2 million at September 30, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017 primarily due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s back to school business and anticipation of new business. Inventory turnover calculated using a twelve-month average inventory balance, was 2.1 and 2.2 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Receivables increased by approximately $4.9 million at September 30, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017. The average number of days sales outstanding in accounts receivable was 62 days at September 30, 2018, compared with 65 days at December 31, 2017. The increase in accounts receivables is due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s back to school business. Sales are typically stronger in the second and third quarters compared to the first and fourth quarters. Accounts payable and other current liabilities decreased by approximately $5.4 million.

The Company's working capital, current ratio and long-term debt to equity ratio are as follows:

During the first nine months of 2018, total debt outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility increased by approximately $3.6 million, compared to total debt thereunder at December 31, 2017. As of September 30, 2018, $47,028,000 was outstanding and $2,972,000 was available for borrowing under the Company’s credit facility. The increase in the debt outstanding was primarily to fund the increase in working capital. Increases in accounts receivable, inventory and debt outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility typically occur in the second and third quarter of each year due to the seasonal nature of the back-to-school market.

On September 24, 2018, the United States levied a third round of tariffs on the import of some products from China, which is an important source of many of the Company’s products. The first two rounds targeted $50 billion of Chinese goods and applied a 25% tariff; these rounds had no impact on the Company. The third round targeted an additional $200 billion of Chinese goods and applied a 10% tariff that is scheduled to increase to 25% at the start of 2019. This latest round affects approximately 10% of the Company’s product purchases and will increase our costs of procurement. These tariffs affect certain measuring products, folding knives and first aid components. In response to these tariffs, the Company has implemented a price increase on the affected products in order to offset their impact. Tariff levels may be further increased and the types of products subject to tariffs may be expanded. Although the Company intends 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.

On May 24, 2018, the Company amended its revolving loan agreement with HSBC Bank, N.A. The amended agreement lowers the interest rate to LIBOR plus 1.75%; interest is payable monthly. In addition, the expiration date of the credit facility was extended to May 24, 2023. The prior interest rate was LIBOR plus 2%. The amount available for borrowing remains unchanged at $50 million. 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 growth, share repurchases, dividends, acquisitions, 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 $0, measured as of the end of each fiscal year. At September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with the covenants then in effect under the loan agreement.

On October 26, 2017, the Company exercised its option to purchase its First Aid Only manufacturing and distribution center in Vancouver, WA for $4.0 million. The purchase was financed by a variable rate mortgage with HSBC Bank, N.A. at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.5%. Commencing on December 1, 2017, principal payments of $22,222 and interest are due monthly, with all amounts outstanding due on maturity on October 31, 2024.

The Company believes that cash expected to be generated from operating activities, together with funds available under its revolving credit facility will, under current conditions, be enough to finance the Company’s planned operations over the next twelve months from the filing of this report.

Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Not applicable.

Item 4: Controls and Procedures

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

During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 — Legal Proceedings

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

Item 1A — Risk Factors

See Risk Factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. See also risks described in Part 1, Item 2 of this report under the caption “Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources,” regarding the potential impact of additional tariffs which may be imposed on our products.

Item 2 — Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3 — Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4 — Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5 — Other Information

None.

Item 6 — Exhibits

Documents filed as part of this report.

Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Walter C. Johnsen pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Paul G. Driscoll pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.