Acme United Reports 10% Increase in Net Sales for the Fourth Quarter of 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Acme United (NYSE American: ACU) reported strong financial results for Q4 2024, with net sales reaching $45.9 million, up 10% from Q4 2023. Full-year 2024 net sales were $194.5 million, a 2% increase from 2023. Excluding the impact of the Camillus and Cuda product lines sale, 2024 net sales grew 6%.

Q4 2024 net income was $1.70 million ($0.41 per diluted share), up 9% from adjusted Q4 2023. Full-year 2024 net income reached $10.02 million ($2.45 per diluted share), representing a 23% increase from adjusted 2023 figures.

The company's U.S. segment saw a 12% increase in Q4 sales and 2% for the full year. The acquisition of Elite First Aid in May 2024 has been fully integrated. Gross margin for 2024 improved to 39.3% from 37.7% in 2023, driven by productivity improvements. Bank debt less cash stood at $21.5 million as of December 31, 2024.

Positive

• Net sales increased 10% in Q4 2024
• Net income grew 23% in 2024
• Gross margin improved to 39.3% from 37.7%
• U.S. segment sales up 12% in Q4
• European sales increased 5% in 2024
• Successfully integrated Elite First Aid acquisition
• Generated $5.0M in free cash flow

Negative

• Bank debt less cash increased to $21.5M from $19.0M
• Canadian sales declined 5% in 2024
• Gross margin declined to 38.7% in Q4 from 39.1% year-over-year
• Soft economy impacting Canadian school and office products sales

Insights

Financial Analyst

Acme United's Q4 2024 results demonstrate solid execution in a transformative year. The 10% revenue growth to $45.9 million in Q4 is particularly impressive considering the company divested its Camillus and Cuda product lines in November 2023. The company's ability to grow adjusted net income by 23% for the full year highlights successful operational efficiency initiatives.

The improvement in gross margin from 37.7% to 39.3% for the full year underscores effective cost management and productivity enhancements across manufacturing and distribution facilities. This margin expansion occurred despite inflationary pressures affecting many consumer products companies.

Regional performance reveals interesting dynamics: U.S. operations showed strong 12% Q4 growth and 7% annual growth (excluding divested lines), while European operations achieved 8% annual growth on a comparable basis. The Canadian segment faced economic headwinds but still managed slight growth when excluding the divested product lines.

The $6.1 million Elite First Aid acquisition appears strategically sound, adding first responder products that complement Acme's existing first aid offerings. Despite this acquisition outlay and $2.2 million in dividend payments, the company generated approximately $5.0 million in free cash flow, indicating strong operational cash generation.

With net debt of $21.5 million, Acme maintains financial flexibility for the "further acquisitions and growth" mentioned by CEO Johnsen. The company's successful integration of Elite First Aid and focus on expanding its distribution suggest continued strategic evolution beyond traditional office and school supplies.

Net income on an adjusted basis increased 9% in the fourth quarter and 23% for the year

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®, PhysiciansCare®, 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 was ACU's revenue growth in Q4 2024?

ACU reported a 10% increase in Q4 2024 net sales, reaching $45.9 million compared to $41.9 million in Q4 2023.

How much did ACU's net income grow in 2024?

ACU's net income for 2024 grew 23% to $10.02 million, with diluted EPS increasing 10% to $2.45.

What was the impact of Elite First Aid acquisition on ACU's business?

The May 2024 Elite First Aid acquisition provided ACU with first responder kits and supplies capabilities, with full integration completed and plans for distribution expansion in 2025.

How did ACU's gross margin perform in 2024?

ACU's gross margin improved to 39.3% in 2024 from 37.7% in 2023, primarily due to manufacturing and distribution productivity improvements.

What was ACU's performance in international markets for 2024?

European sales increased 5% in 2024, while Canadian sales decreased 5% in U.S. dollars, with strong first aid products performance but soft school and office products sales in Canada.