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Acme United Corporation (ACU)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
06/30/2025: ACU (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Year Target Price $50
Year Target Price $50
1 | Strong Buy |
0 | Buy |
0 | Hold |
0 | Under performing |
0 | Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 6.99% | Avg. Invested days 39 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 157.12M USD | Price to earnings Ratio 16.25 | 1Y Target Price 50 |
Price to earnings Ratio 16.25 | 1Y Target Price 50 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 1 | Beta 0.66 | 52 Weeks Range 32.47 - 49.43 | Updated Date 06/30/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 32.47 - 49.43 | Updated Date 06/30/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 1.60% | Basic EPS (TTM) 2.55 |
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 - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 5.14% | Operating Margin (TTM) 5.28% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 5.43% | Return on Equity (TTM) 9.68% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 16.25 | Forward PE - | Enterprise Value 188861059 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.8 |
Enterprise Value 188861059 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.8 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.97 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 9.26 | Shares Outstanding 3790690 | Shares Floating 3005789 |
Shares Outstanding 3790690 | Shares Floating 3005789 | ||
Percent Insiders 12.26 | Percent Institutions 88.86 |
Analyst Ratings
Rating 1 | Target Price 50 | Buy - | Strong Buy 1 |
Buy - | Strong Buy 1 | ||
Hold - | Sell - | Strong Sell - | |
Strong Sell - |
Upturn AI SWOT
Acme United Corporation
Company Overview
History and Background
Acme United Corporation was founded in 1867 as the American Shear Company. It has evolved from a manufacturer of scissors and shears to a supplier of cutting, measuring, and safety products. Significant milestones include strategic acquisitions and expansion into new markets.
Core Business Areas
- First Aid and Safety: This segment includes first aid kits, refill components, and safety products sold under brands like First Aid Only and PhysiciansCare. Products are sold to businesses, consumers, and government agencies.
- Cutting Solutions: This segment offers cutting tools, including scissors, shears, knives, and utility blades, under brands like Westcott and Clauss. Products are sold to offices, schools, and homes.
Leadership and Structure
Walter C. Johnsen serves as the Chairman and CEO. The organizational structure comprises functional departments like sales, marketing, finance, and operations.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- First Aid Only First Aid Kits: This product is the top seller of all first aid kit refills in the US and has a significant market share within the first aid kit category. Market share varies but they are dominant. Competitors include Johnson & Johnson, 3M, and Medique Products.
- Westcott Scissors: Westcott is a well-known brand of scissors and cutting tools used in schools and offices. It holds a strong market position based on brand recognition and product quality. Competitors include Fiskars and Maped.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The industry comprises suppliers of first aid, safety, and cutting products. Demand is influenced by economic conditions, workplace safety regulations, and consumer spending habits.
Positioning
Acme United Corporation is positioned as a leading provider of first aid kits and cutting tools, with a focus on quality and innovation.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The total addressable market for first aid and cutting tools is estimated to be in the billions of dollars globally. Acme United is well-positioned to capture a portion of this TAM through its diverse product portfolio and distribution network.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong brand recognition (Westcott, First Aid Only)
- Diversified product portfolio
- Extensive distribution network
- History of strategic acquisitions
Weaknesses
- Reliance on a few key customers
- Exposure to raw material price fluctuations
- Competition from larger players
Opportunities
- Expansion into new geographic markets
- Development of innovative products
- Acquisition of complementary businesses
- Growth in online sales channels
Threats
- Economic downturn
- Increased competition
- Changes in regulations
- Product liability claims
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- JNJ
- MMM
- FISV
Competitive Landscape
Acme United faces competition from larger, more diversified companies like Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and 3M (MMM). Its advantages include its focus on specific product categories and its strong brands. Disadvantages include its smaller size and limited resources.
Major Acquisitions
Camillus Cutlery Company
- Year: 2007
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 6
- Strategic Rationale: Expands into the retail channel with fixed blade and folding knives. Strengthens its industrial knives, scissors, and related tools category.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Acme United's growth has been driven by organic sales growth and strategic acquisitions.
Future Projections: Analyst estimates vary, but generally project continued growth in revenue and earnings, driven by new product launches and market expansion.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include acquisitions of other companies to expand into new markets and to enhance existing products. Also, focus on improving operation efficiencies to improve operating income.
Summary
Acme United is a solid company with strong brands in first aid and cutting tools. Strategic acquisitions have played a crucial role in their growth. Maintaining brand strength, adapting to changing market conditions, and navigating competitive pressure are keys to continued success.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Acme United Corporation Investor Relations
- Yahoo Finance
- Company Filings
- Market Research Reports
Disclaimers:
This analysis is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only. It is not financial advice. Market share data is based on estimates and may not be precise.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Acme United Corporation
Exchange NYSE MKT | Headquaters Shelton, CT, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1984-09-07 | Chairman of the Board & CEO Mr. Walter C. Johnsen | ||
Sector Consumer Defensive | Industry Household & Personal Products | Full time employees 633 | Website https://www.acmeunited.com |
Full time employees 633 | Website https://www.acmeunited.com |
Acme United Corporation supplies cutting, measuring, first aid, and sharpening 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 sharpening knives, scissors, chisels, skis, skates, and other edges under the DMT brand. In addition, the company offers first aid kits 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; first aid kits for the promotional products industry under Safety Made brand; and alcohol prep pads, alcohol wipes, benzalkonium chloride wipes, various antiseptic 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 superstores, mass market retailers, industrial and medical distributors, school supply distributors, drug store retailers, sporting goods stores, hardware chains, and wholesale florists, as well as 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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