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Acco Brands Corporation(ACCO)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL RECENCY
2-STAR RATING
Consider higher Upturn Star rating
BUY for 124 days
PROFIT SINCE LAST BUY
+13.77% ▲
LAST CLOSE
$4.38
10/28/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
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  • BUY Advisory
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  • SELL Advisory (Loss)
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Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for ACCO

10/28/2026: ACCO (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.

Acco Brands is a consumer goods company specializing in branded school, home, and office supplies. The company benefits from a portfolio of well-known legacy brands like Five Star and Swingline, which maintain a presence in major retail distribution channels. The main investment story centers on operational efficiency and a pivot toward tech-enabled accessories to offset declines in traditional stationery products. Primary risks include significant debt, fierce competition from private-label brands, and the secular decline in paper-based office supplies. This stock may suit investors focused on turnarounds or value, provided they monitor the company's ongoing efforts to reduce leverage and improve margins.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorWeak fitThe company operates in a mature industry with limited top-line growth prospects.
Momentum investorWeak fitThe stock has generally lacked strong bullish momentum signals in recent periods.
Value investorMixed fitThe company may appear attractive on a price-to-earnings basis, though the debt profile requires close scrutiny.
Dividend investorMixed fitDividend policy is subject to change based on the company's deleveraging goals and free cash flow needs.
Low-risk investorWeak fitHigh leverage and exposure to secular decline create volatility that may not suit conservative profiles.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMedium / highThe stock can react significantly to small changes in quarterly guidance or macroeconomic sentiment.
Valuation riskMediumWhile the stock may look cheap, the valuation reflects concerns over structural industry decline.
Competition risk (private label/retailer substitution)HighCompetition from lower-cost private label brands at major retailers places constant downward pressure on pricing.
Business qualityMediumThe company owns strong, recognizable brands but operates in a sector with high commoditization.
Dividend incomeMediumPayouts are not guaranteed and are secondary to balance sheet repair.
Execution riskMedium / highSuccessful transformation requires disciplined operational execution amidst a challenging retail environment.

Price Behavior

Strong Uptrend
PRICE PATH

Strong Uptrend

The stock has maintained a strong upward price trend across the last three quarters.

Moderately Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Moderately Choppy

The stock has experienced noticeable price swings while retaining some directional structure.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit -24.93%
Avg. Invested days 46
Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 2.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 10/28/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
ACCO receives a 3-star rating, supported by solid company fundamentals, and solid analyst coverage. The rating is constrained by soft unit economics, and weak price momentum.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
ACCO has solid overall fundamentals (4 stars), with moderate financial health, moderate growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, strong earnings growth (+140.6%) is partially offset by soft cash generation (FCF margin 3.3%), negative revenue growth (-8.5%), soft profitability (net margin 2.7%).

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
ACCO's financial health is supported by solid cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation (3.3% of revenue). Profitability is soft (2 stars), which helps explain the 3-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Earnings growth is ACCO's strongest growth driver at +140.6% FY2025 versus FY2024 (strong, 5 stars). By comparison, while revenue growth (-8.5%, negative) and free-cash-flow growth (-61.6%, negative) hold the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 83.1% and approximately 95.4% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 2.66% provides only moderate management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 9.61%
Capital Management Corp 7.68%
Allspring Global Investments Holdings, LLC 7.60%
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. 4.74%
Vanguard Capital Management, LLC 4.24%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
ACCO generates approximately $298 of gross profit, $71 of operating income, and $33 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Soft margins explain the 2-star rating, with moderate cash conversion and soft capital efficiency.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 15.89%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
ACCO has a liquid profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Value-OrientedSmall / Mid Cap RiskShort Squeeze RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Small-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 413.54M USD
Price to earnings Ratio 7.23
1Y Target Price 8
Price to earnings Ratio 7.23
1Y Target Price 8
Volume (30-day avg) 674.9K shares
Beta 1.18
52 Weeks Range 2.71 - 4.74
Updated Date 10/28/2026
52 Weeks Range 2.71 - 4.74
Updated Date 10/28/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 6.70%
Basic EPS (TTM) 0.62

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
School ProductsFive Star binders, notebooks, and academic planning supplies sold to retailers and educational institutions.Steady recurring demand during back-to-school seasons, though highly seasonal.
Office & Business SuppliesSwingline staplers, laminators, and professional organization tools.Facing long-term pressure from paperless office trends.
Technology AccessoriesKensington laptop docks, security locks, and ergonomic peripherals.Provides exposure to modern remote work trends but competes against major tech players.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

Earnings Date

Report Date 2026-10-29
When After Market
Estimate 0.19
Actual -

Profitability

Profit Margin 3.74%
Operating Margin (TTM) 8.46%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 2.82%
Return on Equity (TTM) 8.85%

Valuation

Trailing PE 7.23
Forward PE 4.77
Enterprise Value 1.31B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.26
Enterprise Value 1.31B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.26
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.84
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 6.83
Shares Outstanding 92.31M
Shares Floating 88.04M
Shares Outstanding 92.31M
Shares Floating 88.04M
Percent Insiders 2.66
Percent Institutions 83.12

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

Form CRS provides a relationship summary of our automated advisory services, flat subscription fees, and conflicts of interest. Form ADV Part 2A brochure contains complete details on services, billing, and disclosures. If any summary differs from our current regulatory filings, the filed Form ADV controls.