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Acme United Corporation. (ACU)
:ACU

Acme United (ACU) AI Stock Analysis

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Acme United

(NYSE MKT:ACU)

69Neutral
Acme United's overall stock score of 69 reflects its solid financial stability and positive earnings call outcomes, tempered by concerns over declining cash flow and profitability. The valuation appears fair, and technical indicators show stability without strong directional momentum. Positive earnings growth and strategic initiatives suggest potential for future growth, but challenges remain in managing tariffs and expenses.

Acme United (ACU) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Acme United Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAcme 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.
How the Company Makes MoneyAcme United makes money primarily through the manufacturing and sale of its diverse range of cutting, measuring, and safety products. The company's revenue streams include direct sales to major retailers, such as office supply stores and mass market retailers, as well as to industrial distributors and e-commerce platforms. Acme United also benefits from its strategic acquisitions that expand its product offerings and market reach. The company’s focus on quality and innovation allows it to maintain competitive pricing and customer loyalty, driving consistent revenue growth.

Acme United Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Acme United exhibits a mixed financial performance with strong revenue generation but declining profitability and cash flow. The balance sheet remains robust, with favorable leverage ratios and equity position. However, challenges in sustaining profit margins and generating free cash flow may pose risks to future financial stability and growth prospects.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Acme United's income statement shows a stable revenue base with moderate growth. The gross profit margin is healthy at approximately 39.2% for the latest year, indicating efficient production and sales processes. However, the net profit margin has declined from the previous year, suggesting increased costs or expenses impacting profitability. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are strong, yet the declining net income raises concerns about bottom-line efficiency.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a solid equity position with a high equity ratio of 65.9%, indicating financial stability. The debt-to-equity ratio stands at 0.31, showing conservative leverage use. Return on equity is moderate at 9.4%, reflecting reasonable profitability from shareholder investments. However, the decrease in stockholders' equity from the previous year suggests potential challenges in asset management or profit retention.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Cash flow analysis reveals a concerning decline in free cash flow from previous years, affecting liquidity. The absence of operating cash flow in the latest year limits the ability to analyze cash generation from operations. While past years show positive free cash flow, ongoing negative figures could impact future operational and investment capabilities.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
194.49M191.50M193.96M182.09M164.00M
Gross Profit
76.35M72.21M63.56M64.80M59.59M
EBIT
14.14M13.19M1.48M8.54M11.41M
EBITDA
20.10M30.90M10.59M20.30M14.61M
Net Income Common Stockholders
10.02M17.79M3.03M13.66M8.10M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
6.40M4.80M6.10M4.84M4.17M
Total Assets
162.17M149.24M164.38M144.44M129.87M
Total Debt
32.84M25.93M63.83M48.50M47.98M
Net Debt
26.44M20.72M57.73M43.66M43.81M
Total Liabilities
55.19M51.34M85.35M67.36M67.15M
Stockholders Equity
106.98M97.90M79.03M77.08M62.72M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
4.83M23.92M-1.71M-1.23M3.15M
Operating Cash Flow
11.98M28.90M2.89M5.14M5.72M
Investing Cash Flow
-12.94M7.43M-14.23M-6.37M-13.95M
Financing Cash Flow
2.00M-38.44M14.28M2.04M5.29M

Acme United Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price39.62
Price Trends
50DMA
37.56
Positive
100DMA
38.92
Positive
200DMA
39.17
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.67
Negative
RSI
56.65
Neutral
STOCH
46.19
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ACU, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 39.62 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 38.67, above the 50-day MA of 37.56, and above the 200-day MA of 39.17, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.67 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 56.65 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 46.19 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for ACU.

Acme United Risk Analysis

Acme United disclosed 33 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Acme United reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Acme United Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
KAKAI
74
Outperform
$4.06B36.6013.77%0.37%9.99%-4.18%
73
Outperform
$11.72B26.4316.15%1.42%0.78%-8.42%
MSMSA
72
Outperform
$6.00B21.1827.01%1.34%1.15%388.76%
ACACU
69
Neutral
$148.34M16.169.79%1.52%1.56%-45.26%
WWWWD
67
Neutral
$11.46B32.1416.82%0.53%7.38%26.61%
62
Neutral
$2.17B6.2225.00%1.99%-12.01%-38.33%
62
Neutral
$8.33B14.182.58%3.07%3.83%-14.77%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ACU
Acme United
39.62
-6.63
-14.34%
KAI
Kadant
345.52
18.73
5.73%
MSA
MSA Safety
152.88
-38.47
-20.10%
NDSN
Nordson
206.55
-64.44
-23.78%
WWD
Woodward
188.19
34.97
22.82%
ATKR
Atkore International Group
62.95
-124.88
-66.49%

Acme United Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 28, 2025 | % Change Since: 5.34% | Next Earnings Date: Apr 18, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call for Acme United Corporation presented a positive sentiment with several notable achievements including record net sales, successful debt reduction, and growth in key business segments. However, there were some challenges, such as a slight decline in European sales and increased SG&A expenses due to inflation. Despite these lowlights, the company's strong performance and strategic initiatives indicate a positive outlook.
Highlights
Record Net Sales and Growth
Acme United reported record net sales of $194.4 million and record EBITDA of $20 million for the fiscal year 2024. Net income increased by 23% to $10 million compared to 2023.
Successful Sale and Debt Reduction
The company sold its Cuda and Camillus hunting and fishing business for $19.8 million, using the $15 million after-tax proceeds to reduce debt and position for growth, representing a return of over 100x investment.
First Aid Business Growth
The First Aid business had strong performance with revenues of approximately $120 million. The introduction of SmartCompliance first aid cabinets with RFID technology supported growth.
Westcott and DMT Business Expansion
Westcott cutting and DMT sharpening businesses saw net revenues of approximately $75 million, an increase of 10% compared to 2023, aided by market share gains and new product introductions.
Productivity Initiatives Success
Productivity initiatives resulted in over $2 million in annual savings, with improvements in warehouse operations and cost reductions in several areas.
Warehouse Expansion
New warehouse racking increased capacity by 30% in the Rocky Mount, North Carolina distribution center, positioning for additional growth.
Strong Performance in Canada and Europe
Business operations in Canada and Europe performed well with strategic investments and facility expansions.
Lowlights
Decline in European Sales
Net sales in Europe declined 1% in local currency for the quarter.
Challenges with Tariffs
Anticipated challenges with tariffs in 2025, requiring preparation and strategic sourcing adjustments.
SG&A Expense Increase
SG&A expenses for the twelve months of 2024 were $62 million or 32% of sales, compared with $59 million or 31% of sales in 2023, attributed to inflation and wage increases.
Company Guidance
During the fourth quarter of 2024 earnings call, Acme United reported a robust performance with record net sales of $194.4 million and a record EBITDA of $20 million for the year. The company experienced a net income increase of 23% to $10 million compared to 2023, while earnings per share rose by 10% to $2.45. Despite the sale of its Cuda and Camillus hunting and fishing business, resulting in a $9 million revenue reduction, Acme achieved a 6% increase in net revenues adjusted for the sale. The First Aid business generated approximately $120 million in revenue, with first aid kit refills accounting for $30 million. The Westcott cutting and DMT sharpening business reported approximately $75 million in net revenues, marking a 10% growth. Productivity initiatives led to over $2 million in annual savings, while SG&A expenses were $62 million for the year, comprising 32% of sales. The gross margin improved to 39.3% from 37.7% in 2023, driven by productivity improvements. The company anticipated challenges with tariffs in 2025 but expressed confidence due to its diversified sourcing strategy and pricing power.
Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.