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ACME UNITED CORP (ACU) Stock Fundamental Analysis

USA - NYSEARCA:ACU - US0048161048 - Common Stock

38.22 USD
+0.31 (+0.82%)
Last: 10/17/2025, 8:04:01 PM
Fundamental Rating

6

We assign a fundamental rating of 6 out of 10 to ACU. ACU was compared to 82 industry peers in the Commercial Services & Supplies industry. While ACU belongs to the best of the industry regarding profitability, there are some minor concerns on its financial health. ACU is valued correctly, but it does not seem to be growing.


Dividend Valuation Growth Profitability Health

7

1. Profitability

1.1 Basic Checks

ACU had positive earnings in the past year.
ACU had a positive operating cash flow in the past year.
In the past 5 years ACU has always been profitable.
Each year in the past 5 years ACU had a positive operating cash flow.
ACU Yearly Net Income VS EBIT VS OCF VS FCFACU Yearly Net Income VS EBIT VS OCF VS FCFYearly Net Income VS EBIT VS OCF VS FCF 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 0 10M 20M

1.2 Ratios

ACU's Return On Assets of 6.05% is fine compared to the rest of the industry. ACU outperforms 75.61% of its industry peers.
ACU's Return On Equity of 9.09% is fine compared to the rest of the industry. ACU outperforms 69.51% of its industry peers.
With a decent Return On Invested Capital value of 7.60%, ACU is doing good in the industry, outperforming 69.51% of the companies in the same industry.
Measured over the past 3 years, the Average Return On Invested Capital for ACU is below the industry average of 10.38%.
The last Return On Invested Capital (7.60%) for ACU is above the 3 year average (6.73%), which is a sign of increasing profitability.
Industry RankSector Rank
ROA 6.05%
ROE 9.09%
ROIC 7.6%
ROA(3y)6.65%
ROA(5y)7.13%
ROE(3y)10.46%
ROE(5y)12.4%
ROIC(3y)6.73%
ROIC(5y)7.34%
ACU Yearly ROA, ROE, ROICACU Yearly ROA, ROE, ROICYearly ROA, ROE, ROIC 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 5 10 15

1.3 Margins

ACU has a Profit Margin of 5.33%. This is in the better half of the industry: ACU outperforms 68.29% of its industry peers.
ACU's Profit Margin has improved in the last couple of years.
ACU has a Operating Margin of 7.23%. This is comparable to the rest of the industry: ACU outperforms 59.76% of its industry peers.
ACU's Operating Margin has improved in the last couple of years.
Looking at the Gross Margin, with a value of 39.37%, ACU is in the better half of the industry, outperforming 68.29% of the companies in the same industry.
ACU's Gross Margin has been stable in the last couple of years.
Industry RankSector Rank
OM 7.23%
PM (TTM) 5.33%
GM 39.37%
OM growth 3Y1.21%
OM growth 5Y4.2%
PM growth 3Y-11.76%
PM growth 5Y5.89%
GM growth 3Y3.33%
GM growth 5Y1.47%
ACU Yearly Profit, Operating, Gross MarginsACU Yearly Profit, Operating, Gross MarginsYearly Profit, Operating, Gross Margins 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 10 20 30

6

2. Health

2.1 Basic Checks

The Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) is below the Cost of Capital (WACC), so ACU is destroying value.
The number of shares outstanding for ACU has been increased compared to 1 year ago.
ACU has more shares outstanding than it did 5 years ago.
The debt/assets ratio for ACU is higher compared to a year ago.
ACU Yearly Shares OutstandingACU Yearly Shares OutstandingYearly Shares Outstanding 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 1M 2M 3M
ACU Yearly Total Debt VS Total AssetsACU Yearly Total Debt VS Total AssetsYearly Total Debt VS Total Assets 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 50M 100M 150M

2.2 Solvency

ACU has an Altman-Z score of 4.30. This indicates that ACU is financially healthy and has little risk of bankruptcy at the moment.
Looking at the Altman-Z score, with a value of 4.30, ACU is in the better half of the industry, outperforming 75.61% of the companies in the same industry.
The Debt to FCF ratio of ACU is 2.16, which is a good value as it means it would take ACU, 2.16 years of fcf income to pay off all of its debts.
ACU's Debt to FCF ratio of 2.16 is fine compared to the rest of the industry. ACU outperforms 79.27% of its industry peers.
ACU has a Debt/Equity ratio of 0.23. This is a healthy value indicating a solid balance between debt and equity.
Looking at the Debt to Equity ratio, with a value of 0.23, ACU is in the better half of the industry, outperforming 65.85% of the companies in the same industry.
Industry RankSector Rank
Debt/Equity 0.23
Debt/FCF 2.16
Altman-Z 4.3
ROIC/WACC0.92
WACC8.24%
ACU Yearly LT Debt VS Equity VS FCFACU Yearly LT Debt VS Equity VS FCFYearly LT Debt VS Equity VS FCF 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 0 20M 40M 60M 80M 100M

2.3 Liquidity

ACU has a Current Ratio of 4.32. This indicates that ACU is financially healthy and has no problem in meeting its short term obligations.
ACU's Current ratio of 4.32 is amongst the best of the industry. ACU outperforms 89.02% of its industry peers.
ACU has a Quick Ratio of 1.88. This is a normal value and indicates that ACU is financially healthy and should not expect problems in meeting its short term obligations.
The Quick ratio of ACU (1.88) is better than 76.83% of its industry peers.
Industry RankSector Rank
Current Ratio 4.32
Quick Ratio 1.88
ACU Yearly Current Assets VS Current LiabilitesACU Yearly Current Assets VS Current LiabilitesYearly Current Assets VS Current Liabilites 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 20M 40M 60M 80M 100M

3

3. Growth

3.1 Past

The Earnings Per Share has been growing slightly by 2.44% over the past year.
The Earnings Per Share has been growing by 8.85% on average over the past years. This is quite good.
The Revenue has been growing slightly by 0.70% in the past year.
ACU shows a small growth in Revenue. Measured over the last years, the Revenue has been growing by 6.42% yearly.
EPS 1Y (TTM)2.44%
EPS 3Y-1.73%
EPS 5Y8.85%
EPS Q2Q%6.42%
Revenue 1Y (TTM)0.7%
Revenue growth 3Y2.22%
Revenue growth 5Y6.42%
Sales Q2Q%-2.58%

3.2 Future

Based on estimates for the next years, ACU will show a decrease in Earnings Per Share. The EPS will decrease by -7.57% on average per year.
The Revenue is expected to grow by 4.13% on average over the next years.
EPS Next Y5.99%
EPS Next 2Y-4.48%
EPS Next 3Y-7.57%
EPS Next 5YN/A
Revenue Next Year3.82%
Revenue Next 2Y3.99%
Revenue Next 3Y4.13%
Revenue Next 5YN/A

3.3 Evolution

When comparing the EPS growth rate of the last years to the growth rate of the upcoming years, we see that the growth is decreasing.
When comparing the Revenue growth rate of the last years to the growth rate of the upcoming years, we see that the growth is decreasing.
ACU Yearly Revenue VS EstimatesACU Yearly Revenue VS EstimatesYearly Revenue VS Estimates 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 50M 100M 150M 200M
ACU Yearly EPS VS EstimatesACU Yearly EPS VS EstimatesYearly EPS VS Estimates 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5

5

4. Valuation

4.1 Price/Earnings Ratio

A Price/Earnings ratio of 15.17 indicates a correct valuation of ACU.
79.27% of the companies in the same industry are more expensive than ACU, based on the Price/Earnings ratio.
ACU's Price/Earnings ratio indicates a valuation a bit cheaper than the S&P500 average which is at 27.42.
A Price/Forward Earnings ratio of 17.24 indicates a rather expensive valuation of ACU.
Based on the Price/Forward Earnings ratio, ACU is valued a bit cheaper than the industry average as 70.73% of the companies are valued more expensively.
The average S&P500 Price/Forward Earnings ratio is at 22.94. ACU is valued slightly cheaper when compared to this.
Industry RankSector Rank
PE 15.17
Fwd PE 17.24
ACU Price Earnings VS Forward Price EarningsACU Price Earnings VS Forward Price Earnings ChartPrice Earnings - Forward Price Earnings PE FPE 10 20 30

4.2 Price Multiples

Compared to the rest of the industry, the Enterprise Value to EBITDA ratio of ACU indicates a somewhat cheap valuation: ACU is cheaper than 75.61% of the companies listed in the same industry.
Based on the Price/Free Cash Flow ratio, ACU is valued cheaply inside the industry as 84.15% of the companies are valued more expensively.
Industry RankSector Rank
P/FCF 11.88
EV/EBITDA 8.33
ACU Per share dataACU EPS, Sales, OCF, FCF, BookValue per sharePer Share Data Per Share 10 20 30 40 50

4.3 Compensation for Growth

The high PEG Ratio(NY), which compensates the Price/Earnings for growth, indicates an expensive valuation of the company.
ACU has a very decent profitability rating, which may justify a higher PE ratio.
ACU's earnings are expected to decrease with -7.57% in the coming years. This may justify a cheaper valuation.
PEG (NY)2.53
PEG (5Y)1.71
EPS Next 2Y-4.48%
EPS Next 3Y-7.57%

6

5. Dividend

5.1 Amount

With a Yearly Dividend Yield of 1.69%, ACU has a reasonable but not impressive dividend return.
Compared to an average industry Dividend Yield of 2.51, ACU pays a better dividend. On top of this ACU pays more dividend than 82.93% of the companies listed in the same industry.
Compared to the average S&P500 Dividend Yield of 2.36, ACU is paying slightly less dividend.
Industry RankSector Rank
Dividend Yield 1.69%

5.2 History

The dividend of ACU has a limited annual growth rate of 4.57%.
ACU has paid a dividend for at least 10 years, which is a reliable track record.
ACU has not decreased its dividend for at least 10 years, so it has a reliable track record of non decreasing dividend.
Dividend Growth(5Y)4.57%
Div Incr Years4
Div Non Decr Years11
ACU Yearly Dividends per shareACU Yearly Dividends per shareYearly Dividends per share 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 0.2 0.4 0.6

5.3 Sustainability

22.13% of the earnings are spent on dividend by ACU. This is a low number and sustainable payout ratio.
DP22.13%
EPS Next 2Y-4.48%
EPS Next 3Y-7.57%
ACU Yearly Income VS Free CF VS DividendACU Yearly Income VS Free CF VS DividendYearly Income VS Free CF VS Dividend 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 0 5M 10M 15M 20M
ACU Dividend Payout.ACU Dividend Payout, showing the Payout Ratio.ACU Dividend Payout.PayoutRetained Earnings

ACME UNITED CORP

NYSEARCA:ACU (10/17/2025, 8:04:01 PM)

38.22

+0.31 (+0.82%)

Chartmill FA Rating
GICS SectorIndustrials
GICS IndustryGroupCommercial & Professional Services
GICS IndustryCommercial Services & Supplies
Earnings (Last)07-23 2025-07-23/bmo
Earnings (Next)10-21 2025-10-21/bmo
Inst Owners85.19%
Inst Owner Change0%
Ins Owners10.03%
Ins Owner Change-2.17%
Market Cap145.24M
Analysts83.33
Price Target51.51 (34.77%)
Short Float %1.92%
Short Ratio5.91
Dividend
Industry RankSector Rank
Dividend Yield 1.69%
Yearly Dividend0.6
Dividend Growth(5Y)4.57%
DP22.13%
Div Incr Years4
Div Non Decr Years11
Ex-Date10-03 2025-10-03 (0.16)
Surprises & Revisions
EPS beat(2)1
Avg EPS beat(2)-5.15%
Min EPS beat(2)-31.2%
Max EPS beat(2)20.9%
EPS beat(4)1
Avg EPS beat(4)-13.09%
Min EPS beat(4)-31.2%
Max EPS beat(4)20.9%
EPS beat(8)3
Avg EPS beat(8)-9.53%
EPS beat(12)4
Avg EPS beat(12)-29.69%
EPS beat(16)4
Avg EPS beat(16)-28.2%
Revenue beat(2)0
Avg Revenue beat(2)-5.57%
Min Revenue beat(2)-7.99%
Max Revenue beat(2)-3.14%
Revenue beat(4)1
Avg Revenue beat(4)-3.52%
Min Revenue beat(4)-10.71%
Max Revenue beat(4)7.74%
Revenue beat(8)1
Avg Revenue beat(8)-4.8%
Revenue beat(12)2
Avg Revenue beat(12)-4.33%
Revenue beat(16)4
Avg Revenue beat(16)-3.29%
PT rev (1m)0%
PT rev (3m)-4.27%
EPS NQ rev (1m)0%
EPS NQ rev (3m)-14.29%
EPS NY rev (1m)-1.73%
EPS NY rev (3m)-8.6%
Revenue NQ rev (1m)0%
Revenue NQ rev (3m)0.35%
Revenue NY rev (1m)0%
Revenue NY rev (3m)-1.93%
Valuation
Industry RankSector Rank
PE 15.17
Fwd PE 17.24
P/S 0.75
P/FCF 11.88
P/OCF 7.96
P/B 1.28
P/tB 1.71
EV/EBITDA 8.33
EPS(TTM)2.52
EY6.59%
EPS(NY)2.22
Fwd EY5.8%
FCF(TTM)3.22
FCFY8.42%
OCF(TTM)4.8
OCFY12.56%
SpS51.07
BVpS29.93
TBVpS22.29
PEG (NY)2.53
PEG (5Y)1.71
Profitability
Industry RankSector Rank
ROA 6.05%
ROE 9.09%
ROCE 9.51%
ROIC 7.6%
ROICexc 7.79%
ROICexgc 9.77%
OM 7.23%
PM (TTM) 5.33%
GM 39.37%
FCFM 6.3%
ROA(3y)6.65%
ROA(5y)7.13%
ROE(3y)10.46%
ROE(5y)12.4%
ROIC(3y)6.73%
ROIC(5y)7.34%
ROICexc(3y)7.03%
ROICexc(5y)7.65%
ROICexgc(3y)9.08%
ROICexgc(5y)9.77%
ROCE(3y)8.42%
ROCE(5y)9.19%
ROICexcg growth 3Y1.62%
ROICexcg growth 5Y1.78%
ROICexc growth 3Y-0.2%
ROICexc growth 5Y1.97%
OM growth 3Y1.21%
OM growth 5Y4.2%
PM growth 3Y-11.76%
PM growth 5Y5.89%
GM growth 3Y3.33%
GM growth 5Y1.47%
F-Score6
Asset Turnover1.14
Health
Industry RankSector Rank
Debt/Equity 0.23
Debt/FCF 2.16
Debt/EBITDA 1.29
Cap/Depr 97.89%
Cap/Sales 3.1%
Interest Coverage 7.85
Cash Conversion 90.43%
Profit Quality 118.23%
Current Ratio 4.32
Quick Ratio 1.88
Altman-Z 4.3
F-Score6
WACC8.24%
ROIC/WACC0.92
Cap/Depr(3y)105.52%
Cap/Depr(5y)108.49%
Cap/Sales(3y)2.88%
Cap/Sales(5y)2.74%
Profit Quality(3y)N/A
Profit Quality(5y)N/A
High Growth Momentum
Growth
EPS 1Y (TTM)2.44%
EPS 3Y-1.73%
EPS 5Y8.85%
EPS Q2Q%6.42%
EPS Next Y5.99%
EPS Next 2Y-4.48%
EPS Next 3Y-7.57%
EPS Next 5YN/A
Revenue 1Y (TTM)0.7%
Revenue growth 3Y2.22%
Revenue growth 5Y6.42%
Sales Q2Q%-2.58%
Revenue Next Year3.82%
Revenue Next 2Y3.99%
Revenue Next 3Y4.13%
Revenue Next 5YN/A
EBIT growth 1Y-4.49%
EBIT growth 3Y3.46%
EBIT growth 5Y10.9%
EBIT Next Year32.97%
EBIT Next 3Y5.51%
EBIT Next 5YN/A
FCF growth 1Y-15.66%
FCF growth 3YN/A
FCF growth 5Y-18%
OCF growth 1Y-1.95%
OCF growth 3Y32.56%
OCF growth 5Y-4.02%