ACME United (NYSE: ACU) shareholders approve directors, pay plan and 2026 auditor

Filing Impact

(Moderate)

Filing Sentiment

(Neutral)

Form Type

8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

ACME United Corporation reported the results of its 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 27, 2026. Shareholders elected all seven director nominees, each receiving over 2.82 million votes for, with relatively few votes withheld.

Investors approved an amendment to the 2022 Employee Stock Option Plan with 1,951,474 votes for and 925,794 against, and supported a non-binding advisory resolution on named executive officer compensation with 2,775,611 votes for and 102,051 against. Shareholders also ratified the appointment of CBIZ CPA's, P.C. as independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, with 3,413,803 votes in favor.

8-K Event Classification

Item 5.07 — Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

1 item

Item 5.07 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders Governance

Results of a shareholder vote on proposals at an annual or special meeting.

Key Figures

Votes for Walter C. Johnsen: 2,875,292 votes Votes for 2022 Stock Option Plan amendment: 1,951,474 votes Votes for advisory executive compensation: 2,775,611 votes +2 more

5 metrics

Votes for Walter C. Johnsen 2,875,292 votes Election of directors at 2026 Annual Meeting

Votes for 2022 Stock Option Plan amendment 1,951,474 votes Proposal 2 at 2026 Annual Meeting

Votes for advisory executive compensation 2,775,611 votes Proposal 3 at 2026 Annual Meeting

Votes for auditor ratification 3,413,803 votes Ratification of CBIZ CPA's, P.C. for 2026

Broker non-votes on Proposal 2 537,097 votes Amendment to 2022 Employee Stock Option Plan

Key Terms

Broker Non- Votes, Non-Binding Resolution, Advisory vote to Approve Executive Compensation, independent registered public accounting firm, +1 more

5 terms

Broker Non- Votes financial

"Votes For | Votes Against | Abstained | Broker Non- Votes"

Non-Binding Resolution financial

"Proposal 3 – Adoption of a Non-Binding Resolution to Approve the Compensation"

Advisory vote to Approve Executive Compensation financial

"The shareholders approved the Advisory vote to Approve Executive Compensation."

independent registered public accounting firm financial

"independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026."

An independent registered public accounting firm is an outside accounting company officially registered with the government regulator to examine and report on a public company's financial records and controls. Investors treat its reports like an impartial inspector’s certificate — they add credibility to financial statements, help spot errors or misleading claims, and reduce the risk that shareholders are relying on unchecked or biased numbers.

Annual Meeting of Shareholders financial

"2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 27, 2026."

A yearly gathering where a company’s owners (shareholders) vote on key items like electing the board, approving executive pay, and ratifying auditors, and receive updates on performance and strategy. Think of it as an annual town hall for owners: it matters to investors because outcomes and disclosures can affect leadership, corporate direction, dividend and governance policies, and therefore the company’s risk and potential return.

Understanding 8-K Material Events →

04/28/2026 - 04:30 PM

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (date of earliest event reported): April 28, 2026

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Connecticut	001-07698	06-0236700
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(Commission file number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1 Waterview Dr, Shelton, Connecticut		06484
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 254-6060

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:


	☐	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
	☐	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
	☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
	☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

     Title of each class

     Trading
Symbol(s)

     Name of each exchange on which registered

     Common Stock, $2.50 par value per share

     ACU

     NYSE American

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

ITEM 5.07. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Set forth below are the results of the matters submitted for a vote of the shareholders at the Company's 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 27, 2026.

Proposal 1 - Election of Directors


Directors	Votes For	Votes Withheld
Walter C. Johnsen	2,875,292	8,321
Richmond Y. Holden	2,453,243	430,370
Brian S. Olschan	2,875,502	8,111
Susan H. Murphy	2,830,061	53,552
Rex L. Davidson	2,827,861	55,752
Brian K. Barker	2,874,498	9,115
Paul J. Conway	2,869,174	14,439

Proposal 2 – Amendment to the 2022 Employee Stock Option Plan.

The shareholders approved the amendment to the 2022 Employee Stock Option Plan



Votes For	Votes Against	Abstained	Broker Non- Votes
1,951,474	925,794	6,345	537,097

Proposal 3 – Adoption of a Non-Binding Resolution to Approve the Compensation of our Named Executive Officers

The shareholders approved the Advisory vote to Approve Executive Compensation.



Votes For	Votes Against	Abstained	Broker Non-Votes
2,775,611	102,051	5,951	537,097

Proposal 4- Ratification of the Appointment of CBIZ CPA's, P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026.

The shareholders approved the proposal to ratify the appointment of CBIZ CPA's P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026.



Votes For	Votes Against	Abstained
3,413,803	4,534	2,367

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


ACME UNITED CORPORATION

By	/s/ Walter C. Johnsen
	Walter C. Johnsen
	Chairman and
	Chief Executive Officer

Dated: April 28, 2026



By	/s/ Paul G. Driscoll
	Paul G. Driscoll
	Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer

Dated: April 28, 2026

Source: View Original Filing on SEC EDGAR

FAQ

What did ACME United (ACU) shareholders decide at the 2026 annual meeting?

Shareholders elected all director nominees, approved an amendment to the 2022 Employee Stock Option Plan, supported advisory executive compensation, and ratified CBIZ CPA's, P.C. as auditor for 2026, indicating broad support for the company’s board, pay practices, and audit choice.

Were ACME United (ACU) directors re-elected at the 2026 shareholder meeting?

Yes, all seven director nominees were re-elected. Each candidate, including Walter C. Johnsen and other board members, received over 2.82 million votes for and relatively few votes withheld, signaling strong shareholder backing for the existing board composition and leadership.

How did ACME United (ACU) shareholders vote on the 2022 Employee Stock Option Plan amendment?

Shareholders approved the amendment with 1,951,474 votes for and 925,794 against, plus 6,345 abstentions and 537,097 broker non-votes. This result authorizes changes to the existing 2022 Employee Stock Option Plan, affecting how equity compensation can be granted to employees.

Did ACME United (ACU) shareholders approve executive compensation in 2026?

Yes, shareholders approved the advisory vote on named executive officer compensation. The resolution received 2,775,611 votes for, 102,051 against, 5,951 abstentions, and 537,097 broker non-votes, indicating strong support for the company’s current executive pay structure and policies.

Who is ACME United’s independent auditor for the year ending December 31, 2026?

Shareholders ratified the appointment of CBIZ CPA's, P.C. as independent registered public accounting firm. The ratification received 3,413,803 votes for, 4,534 against, and 2,367 abstentions, confirming shareholder acceptance of CBIZ CPA's, P.C. for the 2026 audit engagement.

What are broker non-votes in ACME United’s 2026 shareholder voting results?

Broker non-votes arise when brokers hold shares but lack instructions on non-routine proposals. ACME United’s 2026 results show 537,097 broker non-votes on compensation and plan-related items, meaning these shares were not counted for or against those specific proposals.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

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