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Upturn AI SWOT - About
Acme United Corporation (ACU)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
10/23/2025: ACU (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Number of Analysts
1 Analysts rated it
Very few follow this stock; limited insights, higher-risk early investing.
1 Year Target Price $50
1 Year Target Price $50
| 1 | Strong Buy |
| 0 | Buy |
| 0 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -12.19% | Avg. Invested days 35 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  2.0 | Stock Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 10/23/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 147.60M USD | Price to earnings Ratio 15.86 | 1Y Target Price 50 |
Price to earnings Ratio 15.86 | 1Y Target Price 50 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 1 | Beta 0.72 | 52 Weeks Range 33.96 - 45.07 | Updated Date 10/23/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 33.96 - 45.07 | Updated Date 10/23/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 1.61% | Basic EPS (TTM) 2.45 |
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 2025-10-28 | When - | Estimate 0.53 | Actual 0.46 |
Profitability
Profit Margin 5.14% | Operating Margin (TTM) 6.13% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 5.21% | Return on Equity (TTM) 9.02% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 15.86 | Forward PE - | Enterprise Value 184275728 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.76 |
Enterprise Value 184275728 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.76 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.95 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 8.98 | Shares Outstanding 3799252 | Shares Floating 2958032 |
Shares Outstanding 3799252 | Shares Floating 2958032 | ||
Percent Insiders 12.22 | Percent Institutions 75.47 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Acme United Corporation
Company Overview
History and Background
Acme United Corporation was founded in 1867 as the Acme Shear Company. It initially focused on manufacturing scissors and shears and has since expanded into safety, first aid, and cutting solutions. Key milestones include acquisitions and product diversification.
Core Business Areas
- First Aid & Safety: Provides first aid kits, safety products, and medical devices for businesses, schools, and consumers under brands like First Aid Only, PhysiciansCare, and Pac-Kit.
- Cutting Solutions: Offers cutting tools, including scissors, knives, and utility blades, primarily under the Westcott and Clauss brands for office, school, and industrial use.
Leadership and Structure
Walter C. Johnsen is the Chairman and CEO. The company has a traditional corporate structure with departments focused on sales, marketing, finance, operations, and research & development.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- First Aid Only Kits: First aid kits for home, office, and vehicles. Market share is estimated at approximately 20% in the US first aid kit market. Competitors include Johnson & Johnson, Be Smart Get Prepared, and Medique.
- Westcott Scissors: Scissors and cutting tools for school, home, and office use. Westcott holds a leading market share in the US school and office scissor market, estimated at around 40%. Competitors include Fiskars, Maped, and Office Depot (store brand).
- Clauss Cutting Tools: Industrial and professional cutting tools, including utility knives and specialty blades. Market share varies by specific product category but is estimated at 10-15% overall. Competitors include Stanley Black & Decker (Stanley), Milwaukee Tool, and Klein Tools.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The first aid and safety market is driven by regulatory requirements, workplace safety concerns, and consumer awareness. The cutting tools market is influenced by construction, manufacturing, office supplies, and educational sectors.
Positioning
Acme United holds strong positions in both the first aid and cutting tool markets through established brands and a diversified product portfolio. They compete on price, quality, and brand recognition.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The combined TAM for first aid/safety and cutting tools is estimated at over $5 billion globally. Acme United has a modest share of this TAM and is positioned to grow through product innovation and market expansion.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong brand recognition (Westcott, First Aid Only, Clauss)
- Established distribution channels
- Diversified product portfolio
- History of acquisitions and successful integration
Weaknesses
- Reliance on retail channels
- Exposure to commodity price fluctuations (steel, plastics)
- Seasonality in some product categories (back-to-school)
- Limited international presence compared to larger competitors
Opportunities
- Expansion into new geographic markets
- Development of innovative products and solutions
- Growth in online sales channels
- Strategic acquisitions to expand product offerings
Threats
- Intense competition from larger players
- Economic downturns affecting consumer spending
- Changes in regulatory requirements
- Disruptive technologies in cutting tools and safety products
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
- Stanley Black & Decker (SWK)
- Fiskars Group (FIS1V.HE)
Competitive Landscape
Acme United competes effectively through niche markets and strong brands, but faces challenges from larger, more diversified competitors with greater resources.
Major Acquisitions
Sentry Medical Products
- Year: 2022
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 28
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded Acme United's first aid and safety product offerings and distribution channels.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Acme United has achieved growth through organic sales increases and strategic acquisitions.
Future Projections: Analyst estimates project continued growth in revenue and earnings, driven by new product introductions and market expansion.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include acquisitions of complementary businesses and investments in e-commerce capabilities.
Summary
Acme United demonstrates a stable market presence through its established brands and diversified product range. While their strong brands are valuable, they need to be aware of commodity prices fluctuations and competition from bigger companies. Their focused acquisitions and initiatives in e-commerce could drive future growth. However, managing their debt and keeping ahead of regulatory changes are essential.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Acme United Investor Relations
- SEC Filings
- Industry Reports
- Analyst Estimates
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Market share data is estimated and may vary depending on the source.
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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