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1. Company Snapshot

1.a. Company Description

Acme United Corporation supplies first aid and safety, cutting, sharpening, and measuring products to the school, home, office, hardware, sporting goods, and industrial markets in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally.The company offers scissors, shears, knives, rulers, pencil sharpeners, paper trimmers, safety cutters, lettering products, glue guns, and other craft products under the Westcott brand name; and cutting tools under the Clauss brand.It also provides fixed blades, folding knives, sight cutting tools, and tactical tools under the Camillus brand; fishing tools and knives, as well as cut and puncture resistant gloves, telescopic landing nets, net containment systems, and tools and fishing gaffs under the Cuda brand; and sharpening tools under the DMT brand.


In addition, the company offers first aid kit and safety solutions under the First Aid Only brand; portable eyewash solution and over-the-counter medication, including active ingredients aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen under the PhysiciansCare brand; bodily fluid and spill clean-up solution under the Spill Magic brand; various first aid kit, refill, and safety supplies, including CPR kits, burn kits, and automotive and emergency first aid kits under the First Aid Central; and alcohol prep pads, alcohol wipes, benzalkonium chloride wipes, various antiseptic wipes, castile soaps, and lens cleaning wipes under the Med-Nap brand.It sells its products directly and through its independent manufacturer representatives to wholesale, contract, and retail stationery distributors; office supply super stores; school supply distributors; industrial distributors; wholesale florists; mass market and e-commerce retailers; and hardware chains, as well as sells a selection of products through its websites.The company was formerly known as Acme Shear Company and changed its name to Acme United Corporation in 1971.


Acme United Corporation was founded in 1867 and is based in Shelton, Connecticut.

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1.b. Last Insights on ACU

Acme United Corporation's recent performance was driven by a strong Q1 2025 earnings release, which showcased the company's ability to maintain a steady dividend payout. The announcement of a 15-cent per share cash dividend, payable on April 16, 2025, to stockholders of record on March 26, 2025, highlights the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders. Additionally, the company's participation in the LD Micro Invitational XV, where Walter C. Johnsen, Chairman and CEO, presented on April 10, demonstrates its efforts to engage with the investment community and showcase its growth initiatives.

1.c. Company Highlights

2. Acme United United's Q4 and Full-Year 2025 Earnings: A Strong Performance

Acme United Corporation reported a robust financial performance for Q4 and full-year 2025, with net sales reaching $47.5 million, a 3% increase from 2024, and $196.5 million for the full year. The company's gross margin for 2025 stood at 39.4%, slightly higher than 39.3% in 2024. Earnings per share (EPS) for Q4 was $0.46, in line with analyst estimates. For the full year, EPS was $2.49, with net income reaching $10.2 million. SG&A expenses for 2025 were $62.7 million, or 32% of sales.

Publication Date: Mar -09

📋 Highlights
  • Record Annual Performance:: Net sales reached $196.5M, net income $10.2M, and EPS $2.49 in 2025.
  • Q4 Sales Growth:: Q4 2025 net sales rose 3% to $47.5M compared to 2024.
  • Margin Stability:: Gross margin held steady at 39.4% in 2025 versus 39.3% in 2024.
  • Strategic Acquisitions:: Acquired My Medic for $18.7M, which generated $19M in 2025 revenues.
  • Strong Free Cash Flow:: Generated $13M in free cash flow and returned $2.3M to shareholders via dividends.

Investments and Acquisitions Drive Growth

The company made significant investments in 2025, including the purchase of a 78,000 square foot plant in Tennessee for $6 million to expand production of Spill Magic and other products. Additionally, Acme United acquired My Medic, a direct-to-consumer supplier of advanced first aid and bleed control products, for $18.7 million. My Medic generated revenues of approximately $19 million in 2025, contributing to the company's growth.

Valuation Metrics and Outlook

With a P/E Ratio of 15.89 and an EV/EBITDA ratio of 9.72, the company's valuation appears reasonable. The dividend yield stands at 1.48%, while the free cash flow yield is 3.09%. Acme United expects growth in its first aid and medical segments in 2026, driven by its investments and acquisitions. Analysts estimate revenue growth of 5.2% for 2026. The company's return on equity (ROE) is 12.06%, indicating a decent return for shareholders.

Cash Flow and Debt Position

Acme United generated $13 million in free cash flow in 2025 and returned $2.3 million to shareholders in dividends. The company's bank debt less cash was $18.5 million, compared to $21.5 million in 2024, indicating a reduction in net debt. Net debt to EBITDA ratio stands at 1.46, a manageable level.

3. NewsRoom

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Are Consumer Discretionary Stocks Lagging Acme United (ACU) This Year?

Mar -17

Source: zacks.com

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Strength Seen in Acme United (ACU): Can Its 5.0% Jump Turn into More Strength?

Mar -17

Source: zacks.com

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Acme United Corporation Board Approves Cash Dividend

Mar -12

Source: globenewswire.com

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Acme United Corporation (ACU) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

Feb -26

Source: seekingalpha.com

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Acme United Corporation. (ACU) Q4 Earnings Meet Estimates

Feb -26

Source: zacks.com

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Acme United Reports 12% Increase in Earnings per Share for the Fourth Quarter of 2025

Feb -26

Source: globenewswire.com

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Acme United (NYSE:ACU) Stock Price Up 2.5% – Here’s Why

Feb -21

Source: defenseworld.net

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Acme United to Release Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Results on February 26, 2026

Feb -19

Source: globenewswire.com

4. Business Breakdown

4.a. Revenues by Country

4.b. Revenues by Segment

5. Expected revenues mid-term growth (3.90%)

6. Segments

First Aid and Safety

Expected Growth: 3.5%

Acme United Corporation's First Aid and Safety segment growth of 3.5% is driven by increasing demand for workplace safety products, rising awareness of occupational health, and growing adoption of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces. Additionally, the company's strategic acquisitions and expansion into new markets have contributed to the segment's growth.

Cutting and Sharpening

Expected Growth: 4.5%

Acme United Corporation's Cutting and Sharpening segment growth of 4.5% is driven by increasing demand for high-quality cutting tools, expansion into new markets, and strategic partnerships. Additionally, the company's focus on innovation, product diversification, and operational efficiency have contributed to the segment's growth.

7. Detailed Products

Westcott Brand Scissors

High-quality scissors designed for cutting various materials, including paper, fabric, and plastic.

Clauss Brand Shears

Heavy-duty shears designed for cutting thick materials, including leather, metal, and heavy fabric.

Camel Brand Blades

High-carbon stainless steel blades designed for cutting and scraping various materials, including drywall, carpet, and roofing.

First Aid and Medical Kits

Comprehensive first aid and medical kits designed for treating minor injuries and providing emergency care.

Spillmaster Brand Spill Response Kits

Specialized kits designed for responding to hazardous material spills, including oil, chemical, and fuel spills.

8. Acme United Corporation's Porter Forces

Forces Ranking

Threat Of Substitutes

The threat of substitutes for Acme United Corporation is moderate due to the availability of alternative products in the market.

Bargaining Power Of Customers

The bargaining power of customers is high due to the concentration of buyers in the market, giving them significant negotiating power.

Bargaining Power Of Suppliers

The bargaining power of suppliers is low due to the availability of multiple suppliers in the market, reducing their negotiating power.

Threat Of New Entrants

The threat of new entrants is moderate due to the moderate barriers to entry in the industry, making it possible for new companies to enter the market.

Intensity Of Rivalry

The intensity of rivalry is high due to the high competition among existing players in the market, leading to aggressive marketing and pricing strategies.

9. SWOT Analysis

Strength

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

10. Capital Structure

10.a. Balance Sheet

10.b. Weighted Average Cost of capital

Value
Debt Weight 20.28%
Debt Cost 7.62%
Equity Weight 79.72%
Equity Cost 7.62%
WACC 7.62%
Leverage 25.44%

11. Quality Control: Acme United Corporation passed 7 out of 9 key points

12.a Historical Valuation

12.b Price/Earnings Ratio

12.c Margin Valuation

12.d Peers Valuation

Peers Group Analysis

Stock-Card
CHS

A-Score: 6.7/10

Value: 6.3

Growth: 5.2

Quality: 3.6

Yield: 10.0

Momentum: 5.0

Volatility: 10.0

1-Year Total Return ->

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Stock-Card
Nu Skin

A-Score: 5.9/10

Value: 8.9

Growth: 2.2

Quality: 6.6

Yield: 6.0

Momentum: 8.5

Volatility: 3.0

1-Year Total Return ->

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Stock-Card
Acme United

A-Score: 4.6/10

Value: 3.8

Growth: 4.8

Quality: 6.2

Yield: 4.0

Momentum: 3.0

Volatility: 5.7

1-Year Total Return ->

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Mannatech

A-Score: 4.3/10

Value: 8.1

Growth: 2.1

Quality: 4.5

Yield: 3.0

Momentum: 7.0

Volatility: 1.3

1-Year Total Return ->

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Stock-Card
Edgewell

A-Score: 4.2/10

Value: 6.2

Growth: 3.6

Quality: 3.7

Yield: 6.0

Momentum: 0.0

Volatility: 6.0

1-Year Total Return ->

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Stock-Card
European Wax Center

A-Score: 4.2/10

Value: 6.9

Growth: 5.1

Quality: 5.3

Yield: 3.0

Momentum: 2.5

Volatility: 2.3

1-Year Total Return ->

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Peers Metrics

12.e Scoring Insights

12.f DCF BETA

Parameters

Short Term Growth

Short term Time

Long-Term Growth

WACC

Target Price

44.92$

Current Price

44.92$

Potential

-0.00%

Expected Cash-Flows