Acme United Reports Second Quarter 2026 Net Sales Increase of 16% and Net Income Increase of 6%

Rhea-AI Summary

Acme United (NYSE American: ACU) reported second quarter 2026 net sales of $62.7 million, up 16% year over year, with comparable sales excluding the January 2026 My Medic asset acquisition up 8%. Quarterly net income rose 6% to $5.1 million, or $1.22 per diluted share.

First-half 2026 net sales increased 15% to $115.0 million, while net income declined 6% to $6.0 million, or $1.46 per diluted share, mainly due to first quarter results. U.S. segment sales grew 17% in Q2, Europe 24% in U.S. dollars (19% in local currency), and Canada 1% in U.S. dollars. Q2 gross margin improved to 42.6% from 41.0%, aided by My Medic’s direct-to-consumer mix, though elevated tariffs continued to pressure U.S. margins.

According to Acme United, bank debt less cash was $27.3 million at June 30, 2026 after funding the My Medic purchase (about $14.5 million paid), a German cutting and sharpening product line (about $1.6 million), and $2.4 million in dividends, while generating approximately $15.5 million in free cash flow. On July 15, 2026, the company entered a new $65 million syndicated credit facility with HSBC Bank USA and City National Bank, maturing July 15, 2029.

Positive

• Q2 2026 net sales up 16% to $62.7 million
• Q2 2026 net income up 6% to $5.1 million; diluted EPS $1.22
• Q2 2026 gross margin expanded to 42.6% from 41.0%
• Europe Q2 2026 sales up 24% in USD, 19% in local currency
• Free cash flow about $15.5 million over twelve months ended June 30, 2026
• Entered new $65 million syndicated credit facility maturing July 15, 2029

Negative

• First-half 2026 net income down 6% to $6.0 million; diluted EPS down 7%
• Selling, general and administrative expenses up to $19.9 million in Q2 from $15.8 million
• Bank debt less cash increased to $27.3 million from $22.8 million year over year
• Net interest expense rose to $0.5 million in Q2 from $0.4 million
• U.S. gross margins pressured by products purchased at elevated tariff levels

Market reaction after 2Q26 earnings report: ACU +14.27% in the Jul 23 session

+14.27% 1.6x vol

9 alerts

+14.27% Session close to close

+13.6% Peak Tracked

-4.4% Trough Tracked

$177.64M Market Cap

1.6x Rel. Volume

In the Jul 23 session, ACU gained 14.27%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +13.6% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -4.4% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 9 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. Trading volume was above average at 1.6x the daily average, suggesting increased trading activity.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

The stock surged +14.3% in the session following this news. The tag-specific earnings record include...

Analysis

The stock surged +14.3% in the session following this news. The tag-specific earnings record included a -4.5% reaction to Q1 2026 results, providing a direct comparison for this stronger quarter. The announcement added improved margins, while Net Selling insider activity remained a sourced risk.

Key Figures

Q2 Net Sales: $62.7M vs. $54.0M Comparable Q2 Sales: 8% Q2 Net Income: $5.1M vs. $4.8M +5 more

8 metrics

Q2 Net Sales $62.7M vs. $54.0M Q2 2026 vs. Q2 2025; increase of 16%

Comparable Q2 Sales 8% Q2 2026 excluding My Medic sales

Q2 Net Income $5.1M vs. $4.8M Q2 2026 vs. Q2 2025; increase of 6%

Q2 Diluted EPS $1.22 vs. $1.16 Q2 2026 vs. Q2 2025; increase of 5%

Six-Month Net Income $6.0M vs. $6.4M Six months ended June 30, 2026 vs. 2025; decrease of 6%

Six-Month Diluted EPS $1.46 vs. $1.57 Six months ended June 30, 2026 vs. 2025; decrease of 7%

Q2 Gross Margin 42.6% vs. 41.0% Q2 2026 vs. comparable period in 2025

Bank Debt Less Cash $27.3M vs. $22.8M As of June 30, 2026 vs. June 30, 2025

Previous Earnings Reports

2 past events · Latest: Apr 23 (Negative)

Same Type Pattern 2 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Apr 23	Q1 earnings report	Negative	-4.5%	Net income and diluted EPS fell amid tariffs, quality investments, and operating costs.
Apr 17	Q1 earnings report	Positive	+3.2%	Net income and diluted EPS increased alongside modest sales and gross-margin growth.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Tag-specific earnings reactions aligned with the direction of reported profit performance in both available comparison events.

Key Terms

diluted earnings per share, gross margin, free cash flow, syndicated credit facility

4 terms

diluted earnings per share financial

"or $1.22 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2026"

Diluted earnings per share is a measure of a company's profit allocated to each share of stock, taking into account all possible shares that could be created through stock options, convertible bonds, or other securities. It shows the lowest possible earnings per share if all these potential shares were issued, helping investors understand the worst-case scenario for their ownership. This figure matters because it provides a more conservative view of a company's profitability per share.

gross margin financial

"Gross margin was 42.6% in the second quarter of 2026"

Gross margin is the difference between how much money a company makes from selling its products and how much it costs to produce them, expressed as a percentage of sales. It shows how efficiently a company is turning sales into profit before other expenses like marketing or salaries. Higher gross margin means the company keeps more money from each sale, which is a good sign of financial health.

View in glossary

free cash flow financial

"the Company generated approximately $15.5 million in free cash flow"

Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.

View in glossary

syndicated credit facility financial

"entered into a new $65 million syndicated credit facility"

A syndicated credit facility is a large loan provided to a company by multiple lenders working together, rather than just one. It’s like a group of friends pooling their money to lend to someone, making it easier and safer for everyone involved. This arrangement helps companies access bigger amounts of money quickly when they need it.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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SHELTON, Conn., July 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acme United Corporation (NYSE American: ACU) today announced that net sales for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 were $62.7 million compared to $54.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of 16%. Excluding sales resulting from the acquisition of the assets of My Medic on January 15, 2026, comparable three-month sales increased 8%. Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2026 were $115.0 million, compared to $100.0 million in the same period in 2025, an increase of 15%. Excluding My Medic sales, comparable six-month sales increased 7%.

Net income was $5.1 million, or $1.22 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to $4.8 million, or $1.16 per diluted share, for the same period last year, an increase of 6% in net income and 5% in diluted earnings per share. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was $6.0 million, or $1.46 per diluted share, compared to $6.4 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, for the same period in 2025, a decrease of 6% in net income and 7% in diluted earnings per share, caused primarily by our first quarter results.

The My Medic business acquired in January, which sells tactical, trauma and emergency response products directly to consumers, contributed to sales growth but due to the seasonal nature of the My Medic business there was minimal impact on earnings in the second quarter and the first half of 2026. As a direct-to-consumer seasonal business, My Medic has historically generated the majority of its profitability in the fourth quarter and we expect this pattern to continue.

Chairman and CEO, Walter C. Johnsen said, “In the second quarter we had record revenues and income from operations as we drove growth across all geographies and product lines. In the U.S. net sales of our first aid business without My Medic’s contribution increased 10% in the quarter. Net sales of Westcott cutting tools grew 8% in the second quarter, an important improvement over last year due to a return of promotional activity and stronger retail demand.”

Mr. Johnsen continued, “As we anticipated, gross margins in the U.S. business were affected by products purchased at elevated tariff levels, though the impact was less than in the first quarter. We expect prior high tariffs to continue pressuring margins in the coming quarters, but at a decreasing rate.”

Mr. Johnsen concluded, “The My Medic acquisition is progressing well. We are aggressively presenting its products to new potential industrial and retail customers, as well as leveraging our sourcing team and scale to improve product costs. We have also reduced overhead. These actions, taken together, are designed to deliver strengthening quarterly profitability by driving growth on a lower cost base. It will take time, but we are making progress.”

For the second quarter of 2026, net sales in the U.S. segment increased 17% compared to the same period in 2025. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, net sales in the U.S. segment increased 15% compared to the same period in 2025. The sales increases for the three and six months were due to strong sales across all product lines and contribution from the acquisition of the My Medic business.

European net sales for the second quarter of 2026 increased 24% in U.S. dollars and 19% in local currency compared to the second quarter of 2025. Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2026 increased 28% in U.S. dollars and 19% in local currency compared to the same period of 2025. The sales increases for the three and six months were due primarily to higher ecommerce sales and contribution from the line of cutting and sharpening products acquired in Germany on October 1, 2025.

Net sales in Canada for the second quarter of 2026 increased 1% in U.S. dollars and 3% in local currency compared to the same period in 2025. Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2026 increased 7% in U.S. dollars and 6% in local currency compared to the same period of 2025. The sales increases for the three and six months were due to higher sales of first aid products.

Gross margin was 42.6% in the second quarter of 2026 versus 41.0% in the comparable period last year. Gross margin was 41.3% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2026, compared to 40.1% for the same period in 2025. The increases for the three and six months were primarily due to the inclusion of the new My Medic direct to consumer business.

The Company’s bank debt less cash as of June 30, 2026 was $27.3 million compared to $22.8 million as of June 30, 2025. During the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2026, the Company paid approximately $14.5 million for the acquisition of the assets of My Medic ($18.6 million purchase price less $4.1 million of holdbacks), distributed approximately $2.4 million in dividends on its common stock and purchased the cutting and sharpening line of products in Germany for approximately $1.6 million. During the same period, the Company generated approximately $15.5 million in free cash flow.

On July 15, 2026, the Company entered into a new $65 million syndicated credit facility with HSBC Bank USA, N.A and City National Bank, a U.S. subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. The new facility, which replaces the Company’s prior $65 million credit facility with HSBC, expires on July 15, 2029.

Conference Call and Webcast Information
Acme United will hold a conference call to discuss its quarterly results, which will be broadcast on Thursday, July 23, 2026, 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 13761594. 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®, Elite First Aid® and My Medic®. 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,” “expect,” “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 volatility in global economic conditions,  including the impact on the Company’s suppliers and customers; (iii) international trade policies of the United States or foreign governments and their impact on demand for our products and our competitive position, including the imposition of new tariffs, changes in existing tariff rates or the threat of any such action; (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 fluctuations; (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
SECOND QUARTER REPORT 2026
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
Amounts in 000's except per share data		June 30, 2026				June 30, 2025
Net sales	$	62,716			$	53,996
Cost of goods sold		36,028				31,847
Gross profit		26,688				22,149
Selling, general and administrative expenses		19,858				15,759
Operating income		6,830				6,390
Net interest expense		532				401
Other income, net		(5	)			(99	)
Income before income tax expense		6,303				6,088
Income tax expense		1,252				1,336
Net income	$	5,051			$	4,752
Shares outstanding - basic		3,820				3,785
Shares outstanding - diluted		4,141				4,104
Earnings per share - basic	$	1.32			$	1.26
Earnings per share - diluted		1.22				1.16
ACME UNITED CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
SECOND QUARTER REPORT 2026
(Unaudited)
		Six Months Ended				Six Months Ended
Amounts in 000's except per share data		June 30, 2026				June 30, 2025
Net sales	$	115,017			$	99,954
Cost of goods sold		67,544				59,888
Gross profit		47,473				40,066
Selling, general and administrative expenses		38,899				31,250
Operating income		8,574				8,816
Net interest expense		1,018				798
Other expense (income), net		11				(188	)
Income before income tax expense		7,545				8,206
Income tax expense		1,511				1,802
Net income	$	6,034			$	6,404
Shares outstanding - basic		3,815				3,772
Shares outstanding - diluted		4,138				4,070
Earnings per share - basic	$	1.58			$	1.70
Earnings per share - diluted		1.46				1.57
ACME UNITED CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
SECOND QUARTER REPORT 2026
(Unaudited)
Amounts in $000's
		June 30, 2026				June 30, 2025
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,041			$	3,641
Accounts receivable, net		38,726				36,174
Inventories		64,099				57,309
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4,465				4,217
Total current assets		112,331				101,341
Property, plant and equipment, net		39,217				32,901
Operating lease right of use asset		6,001				7,607
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization		33,188				19,111
Goodwill		9,908				9,908
Total assets	$	200,645			$	170,868
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	14,151			$	10,181
Operating lease liability - short term		1,330				1,525
Mortgage payable - short term		463				445
Other current liabilities		18,870				11,323
Total current liabilities		34,814				23,474
Long-term debt		22,637				16,352
Mortgage payable - long term		9,229				9,662
Operating lease liability - long term		4,821				6,177
Deferred income taxes		3,685				1,465
Other non-current liabilities		4,157				16
Total liabilities		79,343				57,146
Total stockholders' equity		121,302				113,722
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	200,645			$	170,868

FAQ

How did Acme United (ACU) perform in Q2 2026?

Acme United reported Q2 2026 net sales of $62.7 million, up 16%, and net income of $5.1 million, up 6% year over year. According to Acme United, diluted EPS rose to $1.22, and gross margin improved to 42.6% from 41.0%.

Why did Acme United’s first-half 2026 net income decline despite higher sales?

First-half 2026 net income decreased 6% to $6.0 million even as net sales rose 15% to $115.0 million. According to Acme United, the earnings decline was caused primarily by first quarter results, alongside higher selling, general and administrative expenses and increased interest expense.

What impact did the My Medic acquisition have on Acme United (ACU) in 2026?

The My Medic asset acquisition contributed to net sales growth in 2026, boosting both quarterly and first-half revenue. According to Acme United, My Medic had minimal earnings impact in early 2026 due to seasonality and has historically generated most profitability in the fourth quarter.

How are Acme United’s geographic segments performing in Q2 2026?

In Q2 2026, U.S. segment net sales increased 17%, European sales rose 24% in U.S. dollars, and Canadian sales grew 1% in U.S. dollars. According to Acme United, European growth was driven by ecommerce and the acquired German cutting and sharpening product line.

What is Acme United’s debt and cash flow position as of June 30, 2026?

As of June 30, 2026, bank debt less cash was $27.3 million, up from $22.8 million a year earlier. According to Acme United, the company generated approximately $15.5 million in free cash flow over the prior twelve months while funding acquisitions and dividends.

What are the terms of Acme United’s new $65 million credit facility announced in July 2026?

On July 15, 2026, Acme United entered a new $65 million syndicated credit facility with HSBC Bank USA and City National Bank. According to Acme United, this facility replaces the prior $65 million line and expires on July 15, 2029.

How did tariffs affect Acme United’s margins in Q2 2026?

U.S. gross margins in Q2 2026 were affected by products purchased at previously elevated tariff levels. According to Acme United, the tariff impact was smaller than in the first quarter, and prior high tariffs are expected to pressure margins in coming quarters at a decreasing rate.