Acme United Reports 10% Increase in Net Sales for the Fourth Quarter of 2024
MWN-AI** Summary
Acme United Corporation (NYSE American: ACU) reported a 10% increase in net sales for the fourth quarter of 2024, achieving $45.9 million compared to $41.9 million in Q4 2023. The company's annual net sales for 2024 reached $194.5 million, representing a modest growth of 2% from the previous year. Notably, when accounting for the sale of the Camillus and Cuda hunting and fishing product lines in November 2023, core net sales increased by 6%.
Net income for the fourth quarter stood at $1.70 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, reflecting a 9% increase in net income compared to $1.56 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, reported in Q4 2023. The sequential annual increase in net income was even more pronounced at 23%, bringing total annual net income to $10.02 million, or $2.45 per diluted share, up from $8.15 million, or $2.23 per diluted share, in 2023.
Chairman and CEO Walter C. Johnsen highlighted the company’s successful strategies in cost reduction and productivity improvements, attributing the net income growth to operational efficiency. Additionally, Acme's acquisition of Elite First Aid in May 2024 has expanded its product offerings, prompting efforts to grow distribution and sales further in 2025.
In terms of geographical performance, net sales in the U.S. segment surged by 12% in Q4, while European sales saw a slight dip of 1%. Sales in Canada declined by 3%, although core sales excluding the divested product lines showed resilience.
The company's gross margin demonstrated a slight improvement for the year, rising to 39.3%. Acme United remains well-positioned financially, with strong liquidity for future growth initiatives. A conference call to discuss these results will be held on February 28, 2025.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Acme United Corporation's recent report indicates promising growth, with a 10% increase in net sales for Q4 2024 compared to the previous year. Such performance underscores the company’s resilience and adaptability, particularly in light of the divestiture of its Camillus and Cuda product lines. The raw figures reveal net sales rising to $45.9 million from $41.9 million, leading not only to increased revenues but also a notable 23% year-over-year growth in net income. This commendable performance reflects the company's successful cost reduction and productivity strategies.
Investors should note that while total sales for 2024 rose only 2%, excluding the impact from the divested product lines, the company achieved a more robust 6% growth. This trajectory suggests that Acme United is effectively bolstering its core operational segments, particularly within the U.S. market, where sales rose 12% in Q4.
The acquisition of Elite First Aid is a strategic move that diversifies the product portfolio and positions Acme United for future growth, as the firm emphasizes plans to expand distribution in 2025. The company’s liquidity remains strong, signaling readiness for further acquisition opportunities and capital investments.
However, potential investors should remain cautious. The slight decline in European sales in Q4 and the challenging economic environment, especially affecting school and office products, could pose risks. Additionally, with net income reflecting significant fluctuations due to prior asset sales, emphasis on sustainable organic growth becomes essential.
In conclusion, Acme United showcases promising fundamentals, with a balanced approach between growth and strategic acquisitions. Investors should consider the positive growth trajectory and improved income metrics, while carefully monitoring market conditions and competitive dynamics as they evaluate potential investment opportunities in ACU.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
SHELTON, Conn., Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acme United Corporation (NYSE American: ACU) today announced that net sales for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 were $45.9 million compared to $41.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, an increase of 10%. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $194.5 million compared to $191.5 million in 2023, an increase of 2%. Excluding the impact of the sale of the Camillus and Cuda hunting and fishing product lines on November 1, 2023, net sales for 2024 increased 6% compared to 2023.
Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 was $1.70 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, compared to $1.56 million, or $0.40 per diluted share (as adjusted) for the same period in 2023 an increase of 9% in net income and 3% in diluted earnings per share. Including the net gain recognized on the sale of assets of the Camillus and Cuda business lines on November 1, 2023, net income was $11.2 million, or $2.87 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $10.02 million, or $2.45 per diluted share, compared to $8.15 million, or $2.23 per diluted share (as adjusted), for 2023, an increase of 23% in net income and 10% in diluted earnings per share. Including the net gain recognized on the sale of assets of Camillus and Cuda, net income was $17.8 million, or $4.86 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Chairman and CEO Walter C. Johnsen said, “Acme United delivered a strong year in 2024. Our net sales increased 6% from our core businesses and grew overall despite the sale of the Cuda and Camillus product lines for $19.8 million in November 2023. We successfully reduced costs and implemented productivity improvements that enabled us not only to offset the contribution from the business we sold, but also to generate 23% net income growth.
“Our acquisition of Elite First Aid in May 2024 has given us the products and knowledge to save lives with first responder kits and supplies. This acquisition has been fully integrated into our operations, and we are aggressively working to expand its distribution and sales in 2025.”
Mr. Johnsen added that the Company has strong liquidity and is positioned for further acquisitions and growth in 2025.
For the three months ended December 31, 2024, net sales in the U.S. segment increased 12% compared to the 2023 period. For the year ended December 31, 2024, net sales in the U.S. segment increased 2% compared to 2023. Excluding Camillus and Cuda, net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 7% compared to 2023. The sales increases for the three- and twelve-month periods were due to market share gains across multiple product lines.
European net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2024 decreased 1% in both U.S. dollars and local currency compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 5% in both U.S. dollars and local currency compared to 2023. Excluding Camillus and Cuda, net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 8% compared to 2023 due to market share gains in the office channel.
Net sales in Canada for the three months ended December 31, 2024 decreased 3% in U.S. dollars and were constant in local currency compared to the same period in 2023. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased 5% in U.S. dollars and 3% in local currency compared to 2023. Excluding Camillus and Cuda, net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 1% compared to 2023. Sales of first aid products were strong, while sales of school and office products continued to be adversely impacted by a soft economy.
Gross margin was 38.7% in the three months ended December 31, 2024 versus 39.1% in the comparable period last year. Gross margin was 39.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 37.7% in 2023. The increase for the year was primarily due to productivity improvements in the Company’s manufacturing and distribution facilities.
The Company’s bank debt less cash as of December 31, 2024 was $21.5 million compared to $19.0 million as of December 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company paid approximately $6.1 million for the acquisition of the assets of Elite First Aid Inc., distributed $2.2 million in dividends on its common stock and generated approximately $5.0 million in free cash flow.
Conference Call and Webcast Information
Acme United will hold a conference call to discuss its quarterly results, which will be broadcast on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET. To listen or participate in a question and answer session, dial 877-407-0784 . International callers may dial 201-689-8560. The confirmation code is 13751131. You may access the live webcast of the conference call through the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, www.acmeunited.com . A replay may be accessed under Investor Relations, Audio Archives.
About Acme United
ACME UNITED CORPORATION is a leading worldwide supplier of innovative safety solutions and cutting technology to the school, home, office, hardware, sporting goods and industrial markets. Its leading brands include First Aid Only ®, First Aid Central ®, Physicians Care ®, Pac-Kit®, Spill Magic ®, Westcott ®, Clauss ®, DMT ®, Med-Nap and Elite First Aid . For more information, visit www.acmeunited.com .
Forward Looking Statements
The Company may from time to time make written or oral “forward-looking statements” including statements contained in this report and in other communications by the Company, which are made in good faith pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to us. When used in this document, words like “may,” “might,” “will,” “except,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from our current expectations.
Forward-looking statements in this report, including without limitation, statements related to the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may impact the Company’s business, operations and financial results.
These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the following: (i) changes in the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions, which may be made at any time at the discretion of the Company; (ii) the impact of uncertainties in global economic conditions, including the impact on the Company’s suppliers and customers; (iii) international trade policies and their impact on demand for our products and our competitive position, including the imposition of new tariffs or changes in existing tariff rates; (iv) the continuing adverse impact of inflation, including product costs, and interest rates; (v) potential adverse effects on the Company, its customers, and suppliers resulting from the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East; (vi) additional disruptions in the Company’s supply chains, whether caused by pandemics, natural disasters, including trucker shortages, strikes, port closures or otherwise; (vii) labor related costs the Company has and may continue to incur, including costs of acquiring and training new employees and rising wages and benefits; (viii) currency; (ix) the Company’s ability to effectively manage its inventory in a rapidly changing business environment; (x) changes in client needs and consumer spending habits; (xi) the impact of competition; (xii) the impact of technological changes including, specifically, the growth of online marketing and sales activity; and (xiii) the Company’s ability to manage its growth effectively, including its ability to successfully integrate any business it might acquire; and (xiv) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
| CONTACT: | Paul G. Driscoll | Acme United Corporation | 1 Waterview Drive | Shelton, CT 06484 |
| Phone: (203) 254-6060 |
| ACME UNITED CORPORATION | ||||||||
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME | ||||||||
| FOURTH QUARTER REPORT 2024 | ||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||
| Amounts in 000's except per share data | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 45,943 | $ | 41,942 | ||||
| Cost of goods sold | 28,178 | 25,538 | ||||||
| Gross profit | 17,765 | 16,404 | ||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 15,483 | 14,311 | ||||||
| Operating income | 2,282 | 2,093 | ||||||
| Interest expense | 462 | 501 | ||||||
| Interest income | (35 | ) | (41 | ) | ||||
| Interest expense, net | 427 | 460 | ||||||
| Gain on Sale of Assets | - | (12,564 | ) | |||||
| Other (income) expense, net | (8 | ) | 31 | |||||
| Total other income, net | (8 | ) | (12,533 | ) | ||||
| Income before income tax expense | 1,863 | 14,166 | ||||||
| Income tax expense | 153 | 2,958 | ||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,710 | $ | 11,208 | ||||
| Shares outstanding - Basic | 3,748 | 3,610 | ||||||
| Shares outstanding - Diluted | 4,155 | 3,909 | ||||||
| Earnings per share - Basic | $ | 0.46 | $ | 3.10 | ||||
| Earnings per share - Diluted | 0.41 | 2.87 | ||||||
| Reconciliation to reported Net Income (GAAP) | ||||||||
| Net income as reported (GAAP) | 1,710 | 11,208 | ||||||
| Gain on Sale of business, net of tax | - | (9,644 | ) | |||||
| Net income as adjusted | 1,710 | 1,564 | ||||||
| Adjusted Earnings per share - Basic | $ | 0.46 | $ | 0.43 | ||||
| Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted | 0.41 | 0.40 | ||||||
| ACME UNITED CORPORATION | ||||||||
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME | ||||||||
| FOURTH QUARTER REPORT 2024 (cont.) | ||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||
| Year Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
| Amounts in 000's except per share data | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 194,490 | $ | 191,501 | ||||
| Cost of goods sold | 118,139 | 119,291 | ||||||
| Gross profit | 76,351 | 72,210 | ||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 62,211 | 59,022 | ||||||
| Operating income | 14,140 | 13,188 | ||||||
| Interest expense | 2,083 | 3,096 | ||||||
| Interest income | (141 | ) | (119 | ) | ||||
| Interest expense, net | 1,942 | 2,977 | ||||||
| Gain on Sale Assets | - | (12,564 | ) | |||||
| Other (income) expense, net | (95 | ) | 41 | |||||
| Total other (income) expense, net | (95 | ) | (12,523 | ) | ||||
| Income before income tax expense | 12,293 | 22,734 | ||||||
| Income tax expense | 2,270 | 4,941 | ||||||
| Net income | $ | 10,023 | $ | 17,793 | ||||
| Shares outstanding - Basic | 3,701 | 3,572 | ||||||
| Shares outstanding - Diluted | 4,099 | 3,658 | ||||||
| Earnings per share - Basic | $ | 2.71 | $ | 4.98 | ||||
| Earnings per share - Diluted | 2.45 | 4.86 | ||||||
| Reconciliation to reported Net Income (GAAP) | ||||||||
| Net income as reported (GAAP) | 10,023 | 17,793 | ||||||
| Gain on Sale of business | - | (9,644 | ) | |||||
| Net income as adjusted | 10,023 | 8,149 | ||||||
| Adjusted Earnings per share - Basic | $ | 2.71 | $ | 2.28 | ||||
| Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted | 2.45 | 2.23 | ||||||
| ACME UNITED CORPORATION | ||||||||
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
| FOURTH QUARTER REPORT 2024 | ||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||
| Amounts in 000's | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Assets: | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 6,399 | $ | 4,796 | ||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 28,236 | 26,234 | ||||||
| Inventories | 56,254 | 55,470 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 4,571 | 4,773 | ||||||
| Restricted cash | - | 750 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 95,460 | 92,023 | ||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 31,653 | 28,026 | ||||||
| Operating lease right of use asset | 4,826 | 2,002 | ||||||
| Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization | 20,323 | 19,001 | ||||||
| Goodwill | 9,908 | 8,189 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 162,170 | $ | 149,241 | ||||
| Liabilities and stockholders' equity: | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 9,005 | $ | 12,102 | ||||
| Operating lease liability - short term | 1,564 | 1,099 | ||||||
| Mortgage payable - short term | 437 | 419 | ||||||
| Other accrued liabilities | 11,866 | 12,392 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 22,872 | 26,012 | ||||||
| Long term debt | 17,606 | 13,105 | ||||||
| Mortgage payable, net of current portion Mortgage payable - long term | 9,868 | 10,284 | ||||||
| Operating lease liability - long term | 3,367 | 1,026 | ||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 1,477 | 916 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 55,190 | 51,343 | ||||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 106,980 | 97,898 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 162,170 | $ | 149,241 | ||||
FAQ**
What specific strategies did Acme United Corporation (ACU) implement to achieve a 6% increase in net sales for 2024, excluding the impacts of the sale of the Camillus and Cuda product lines?
Considering the strong liquidity position of Acme United Corporation (ACU), what potential acquisitions or growth opportunities are being targeted for 2025?
How does Acme United Corporation (ACU) plan to address the decline in sales in its Canadian market, particularly in the school and office products segment, due to the soft economy?
What measures is Acme United Corporation (ACU) taking to manage its operating expenses, as reflected in the increase of selling, general, and administrative expenses to $62.2 million in 2024?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Acme United Corporation. (NYSE: ACU).
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