ACME UNITED CORP - Quarter Report: 2020 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2020

or

For the transition period from:                       to                 

Commission file number: 01-07698

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

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

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

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. 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). 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(s) 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  ☒

Registrant had 3,337,710 shares of its $2.50 par value Common Stock outstanding as of May 5, 2020.

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

INDEX

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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

3

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)

(all amounts in thousands, except share amounts)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

4

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

(all amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(all amounts in thousands)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

(all amounts in thousands, except share amounts)

For the three months ended March 31, 2019

For the three months ended March 31, 2020            

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

7

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(all amounts in thousands)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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ACME UNITED CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

1. Basis of Presentation

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 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, 2019 for such disclosures. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 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 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to March 31, 2020 and through the date these condensed consolidated financial statements were issued.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards

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 Disclosure 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 that the adoption of ASU 2018-14 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

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

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. Revenue from Contracts with Customers

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, sharpening and measuring; and (ii) first aid and safety. The cutting, sharpening and measuring category includes scissors, knives, paper trimmers, pencil sharpeners and other sharpening tools. The first aid and safety category includes first aid kits and refills 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 catalogue 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.

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Significant Payment Terms

Payment terms for each customer are dependent on the agreed upon contractual repayment terms. Payment terms typically are between 30 and 90 days and vary depending 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 receivable” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Practical Expedient Usage and Accounting Policy Elections

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 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 fulfilment 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 effect of applying this practical expedient election did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.  

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, Other Assets and Deferred Costs, 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, by segment (amounts in thousands):

For the three months ended March 31, 2020

For the three months ended March 31, 2019

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4. Debt and Shareholders’ Equity

Long-term debt consists of borrowings under the Company’s revolving loan agreement with HSBC Bank, N.A. The 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, dividends, acquisition, share repurchases 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 March 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with the covenants then in effect under the loan agreement.  

As of March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company had outstanding borrowings of approximately $33,852,898 and $33,240,407, 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 are due monthly, with all amounts outstanding due on maturity on October 31, 2024.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020 the Company paid approximately $457,027, to optionees who had elected a net cash settlement of their respective employee stock options.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company paid approximately $214,000 to repurchase a total of 10,719 shares of its Common Stock. As of March 31, 2020, 207,280 shares may be purchased in the future under the repurchase programs announced in 2010 and 2019.

5. 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 and sharpening devices, measuring instruments and first aid 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. Individual direct import sales are made in larger quantities than domestic sales, typically full containers. Direct import sales represented approximately 6% of the Company’s total net sales for each of the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 7% for the comparable period in 2019.

The Chief Operating Decision Maker evaluates the performance of each operating segment based on segment revenues and operating income. Segment revenues are defined as total revenues, including both external customer revenue and inter-segment revenue. Segment operating earnings are defined as segment revenues, less cost of goods sold and operating expenses. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in the respective reportable segment’s operations. Inter-segment amounts are eliminated to arrive at consolidated financial results.

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The following table sets forth certain financial data by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:

Financial data by segment:

(in thousands)

Assets by segment:

(in thousands)

6. 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, which is generally the vesting period. Share-based compensation expenses were $242,924 and $212,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

As of March 31, 2020, there was a total of $1,439,874 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.

7. Fair Value Measurements

The carrying value of the Company’s bank debt is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the nature of its payment terms and maturity.

8. Leases

The Company has operating leases for office and warehouse space and equipment under various arrangements which provide the right to use the underlying asset and require lease payments for the lease term. The Company’s lease portfolio consists of operating leases which expire at various dates through 2026.

Certain of the Company’s lease arrangements contain renewal provisions, exercisable at the Company's option. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

The Company determines if an arrangement is an operating lease at inception. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. All other leases are recorded on the balance sheet with right-of-use (“ROU”) assets representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities representing the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.

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ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date 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 agreements 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.  For the three months ended March 31, 2020, $0.1 million was included in cost of goods sold and $0.2 million was included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Information related to leases (in 000’s):

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of March 31, 2020:

9. Business Combinations

On January 7, 2020, the Company purchased the assets of First Aid Central, a Canadian first aid and safety supplier for approximately $2.1 million. Based in Laval, Canada and operating since 2007, First Aid Central produces and sells a broad line of first aid kits, refills, and safety products to a wide range of industries and end users. Its products meet federal Health Canada and provincial regulatory requirement.

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

The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination, pursuant to ASC 805 – Business Combinations. All assets acquired in the acquisition are included in the Company’s Canada segment. Management’s assessment of the valuation of intangible assets is preliminary and finalization of the Company’s purchase price accounting assessment may result in changes to the valuation of the identified intangible assets.  

Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2020 attributable to First Aid Central products were approximately $1.0 million. Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 attributable to First Aid Central products was approximately $0.1 million.

Assuming First Aid Central assets were acquired on January 1, 2019, unaudited proforma combined net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2019, for the Company would have been approximately $32.1 million. Unaudited proforma combined net income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 for the Company would have been approximately $0.9 million.

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10. Subsequent Events

On May 7, 2020, the Company received a loan from HSBC Bank, N.A. in the amount of $3,508,047 under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP Loan”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.  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 for six months; commencing November 5, 2020, the Company is required to pay to the lender equal monthly payments of principal and interest.  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 beginning 60 days  after loan approval, 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 eight week period beginning on the date of funding of the loan.  Not more than 25% of the amount forgiven may be for non-payroll costs.  

The Company intends to use the proceeds of the PPP Loan for purposes which it believes to be consistent with the requirements of the PPP for loan forgiveness.  However, no assurance can be given that any application for loan forgiveness that the Company may submit will be approved, in whole or in part.

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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 makes 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 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 those arising as a result of the effects of the global COVID-19 outbreak and measures taken to limit its spread, including the on-going world-wide economic downturn and further actions that may be taken by governmental authorities or by businesses or individuals on their own initiative in response to the pandemic, any of which could adversely impact the Company’s ability to manufacture, source or distribute its products, both domestically and internationally, or reduce demand for its products.  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, 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) 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 (viii) 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 the Company, see the Risk Factors described in Item 1A included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year December 31, 2019 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

We discuss our critical accounting policies and estimates 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, 2019.

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 present certain significant risks and uncertainties to the Company and its operations. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the Company’s financial results and business operations in the first quarter.  We experienced a significant increase in demand for many of the Company’s first aid and safety products in the second half of the first quarter, as consumers and commercial enterprises stocked up on these products.  On the other hand, the Company experienced weakness in the sales of its office and school supplies due, in part, to pandemic-related closures of retail stores, schools and offices and other COVID-19 related restrictions imposed in our domestic and international markets.  The Company has also experienced cancellation of orders and scheduled promotions for the second and third quarters, which are traditionally the strongest quarters for the sales of school and office products.  The ultimate impact of these effects on the Company will depend on the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the length of time it takes for normal economic and operating conditions to resume, whether restrictions that have been imposed to date are extended, and additional actions that may be taken by governmental authorities or by businesses or individuals of their own initiative in response to the pandemic.  

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company (i) has had to acquire certain of its products at increased costs on the spot market 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) has incurred increased labor costs as a result of the payment of additional compensation to employees at its warehouse and distribution centers; (iii) has incurred costs associated with the additional cleaning and maintenance of its facilities; and (iv) has increased reserves relating to outstanding receivables (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 resulting from a number of pandemic-related factors such as travel restrictions imposed by governmental authorities which, e.g., inhibits sales and marketing activities, and inefficiencies resulting from many of the Company’s personnel working remotely.

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The increases and decreases in the demand for the Company’s products described above have continued to affect the Company’s operations in the second quarter through the date of this report and are likely to continue to do so in the immediate future. 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.  The Company anticipates that it has sufficient inventory of its products to meet anticipated demand.

Substantially all of our manufacturing facilities and distribution centers and those of our key suppliers currently remain open and continue to operate. However, any prolonged increase in the duration or severity of the COVID-19 pandemic or a resurgence in the future, might adversely affect the Company’s ability to manufacture, source or distribute its products both domestically and internationally.  For example, a disruption in the Company’s supply chain could result from an outbreak of the coronavirus in any of the Company’s key manufacturing or distribution facilities.

The Company could also experience a reduction in demand for its products. For example, this could occur in connection with its first aid and safety products as a result of market saturation potentially resulting from customers having stockpiled those products. A prolonged economic downturn could result in continued weakness in demand for the Company’s school and office products, if schools and offices remain closed or reopen on a limited basis or if families who experience reduced economic circumstances spend less on school supplies.

Results of Operations

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 March 31, 2020 were $35,775,000 compared with $31,370,000 in the same period in 2019, a 14% increase. Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2020 in the U.S. segment increased 11%, compared with the same period in 2019. Sales in the U.S. for the three-month period increased compared to the same period last year, primarily due to strong sales of first aid and safety products, primarily due to market share gains in the industrial and safety channels, as well as the home improvement and ecommerce channels.  Also contributing to the growth in first aid products was a surge demand related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Net sales in Canada for the three months ended March 31, 2020, excluding First Aid Central products, increased 1% in U.S. dollars and local currency, compared with the same period in 2019. Sales of First Aid Central products were approximately $1 million in the first quarter of 2020.  

European net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2020 increased 16% in U.S. dollars and 19% in local currency, compared with the same period in 2019. The increase in net sales for the three months was primarily due to new customers in the office products channel, growth in the ecommerce channel and growth of DMT sharpening products.

Gross profit

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $13,531,000 (37.8% of net sales) compared to $11,802,000 (37.6% of net sales) for the same period in 2019.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses for three months ended March 31, 2020 were $11,521,000 (32.2% of net sales) compared with $10,268,000 (32.7% of net sales) for the same period of 2019, an increase of $1,253,000. The increase in SG&A expenses for three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to higher commissions and shipping costs related to higher sales, provision for bad debt, as well as higher personnel related costs.

Operating income

Operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $2,010,000 compared with $1,534,000 in the same period of 2019. Operating income in the U.S. segment increased by $314,000 for the, three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.

Operating income in the Canadian segment increased by $70,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.

Operating income in the European segment increased by $92,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.

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Interest expense, net

Interest expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $315,000, compared with $501,000 for the same period of 2019, a $186,000 decrease. The decrease in interest expense resulted from a lower average interest rate as well as lower average debt outstanding, under the Company’s revolving credit facility during the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared the same period in 2019.

Other expense (income), net

Other expense, net was $43,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to other income, net of $2,000 in the same period of 2019. The increase in other expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily due to higher loses from foreign currency transactions.

Income taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate for three months ended March 31, 2020 was 23% compared to 22% in the same period in 2019.

Financial Condition

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During the first three months of 2020, working capital decreased approximately $0.1 million compared to December 31, 2019. Inventory decreased approximately $3.0 million at March 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019.  Inventory turnover calculated using a twelve-month average inventory balance, was 2.4 at March 31, 2020 compared to 2.1 at December 31, 2019.  Receivables increased by approximately $1.9 million at March 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019.  The average number of days sales outstanding in accounts receivable was 65 days at March 31, 2020 compared to 66 days at December 31, 2019.  Accounts payable and other current liabilities decreased by approximately $3.2 million at March 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019.

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

During the first three months of 2020, total debt outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility increased by approximately $0.6 million, compared to total debt thereunder at December 31, 2019. As of March 31, 2020, $33,853,000 was outstanding and $16,147,000 was available for borrowing under the Company’s credit facility.

Long-term debt consists of borrowings under the Company’s revolving loan agreement with HSBC Bank, N.A. as well as amounts outstanding under the variable rate mortgage related on the Company’s manufacturing and distribution facility in Vancouver, WA. At March 31, 2020, there was approximately $3,111 outstanding on the mortgage. 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, dividends, acquisitions, share repurchases 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 March 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with the covenants then in effect under the loan agreement.  

The Company has encountered challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic downturn that could have adverse consequences for our liquidity.  While the Company experienced a surge in ordering of its first aid and safety products during the first quarter, it is uncertain whether such increases will continue into future quarters and, in fact, decreases could occur if the market becomes saturated with unused first aid and safety products.  Further, as stated above, the Company is experiencing weakened sales of school and office products.  Additionally, as noted above, the Company has incurred and continues to incur increased operational and other expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After reviewing the increased operational costs which the Company continues to incur, as well as the continued weakness in sales of school and office products and the numerous uncertainties which the Company is experiencing as a result of the pandemic, the Company applied for and received a loan from HSBC Bank, N.A. in the amount of $3,508,047 under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP Loan”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.  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 for

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six months; commencing November 5, 2020, the Company is required to pay to the lender equal monthly payments of principal and interest.  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 beginning 60 days  after loan approval, 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 eight week period beginning on the date of funding of the loan.  Not more than 25% of the amount forgiven may be for non-payroll costs.  

The Company intends to use the proceeds of the PPP Loan for purposes which it believes to be consistent with the requirements of the PPP for loan forgiveness.  However, no assurance can be given that any application for loan forgiveness that the Company may submit will be approved, in whole or in part.

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

Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure 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 defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of March 31, 2020. 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 March 31, 2020, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 — Legal Proceedings

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, 2019.

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

The table below lists shares repurchased by the Company in open market transaction.

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:

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SIGNATURES

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

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