Acme United (NYSE: ACU) boosts EPS and acquires My Medic business

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Acme United Corporation reported modest sales growth but stronger earnings for 2025 and the fourth quarter. Net sales for Q4 2025 rose to $47.5 million from $45.9 million, while net income increased to $1.9 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, up 12% per share from 2024.

For the full year 2025, net sales edged up to $196.5 million from $194.5 million. Net income was $10.2 million, or $2.49 per diluted share, slightly above 2024. The company highlighted tariff-related uncertainty that hurt some U.S. retail promotions but noted strong first aid product sales, robust growth in Europe and Canada, and stable gross margins.

Acme acquired My Medic in January 2026, a tactical and emergency response products business with approximately $19 million in 2025 revenues for a purchase price of $18.7 million. Bank debt less cash fell to $18.1 million as of December 31, 2025, helped by about $13.6 million in free cash flow and investment in a new $6 million Tennessee facility.

Positive

• Improving profitability: Q4 2025 net income rose to $1.9 million and diluted EPS increased 12% to $0.46, with full-year 2025 net income ticking up to $10.2 million and diluted EPS to $2.49 despite only 1% sales growth.
• Strategic acquisition: In January 2026, Acme bought My Medic, a tactical and emergency response products business with approximately $19 million of 2025 revenue, for a purchase price of $18.7 million, adding a direct-to-consumer growth platform.
• Stronger balance sheet and cash generation: Bank debt less cash declined to $18.1 million from $21.5 million as of December 31, 2025, while the company generated about $13.6 million in free cash flow and still funded dividends, an acquisition in Germany, and a new $6 million Tennessee facility.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Equity analyst

EPS grew, cash flow was strong, and Acme added a new acquisition.

Acme United delivered Q4 2025 net sales of $47.5 million, up 3%, while net income rose to $1.9 million and diluted EPS increased 12% to $0.46. For 2025, revenue grew 1% to $196.5 million and net income reached $10.2 million with diluted EPS of $2.49.

Management cited tariff volatility as a drag on U.S. retail promotions and school and office product sales, while first aid and medical products remained strong. Regional performance was mixed: U.S. segment sales declined 1% for the year, but Europe and Canada posted mid- to high-teens sales growth in U.S. dollars, aided by first aid demand and a small cutting and sharpening tools acquisition.

Balance sheet trends were favorable. Bank debt less cash declined to $18.1 million from $21.5 million, supported by approximately $13.6 million in free cash flow, even after dividends of about $2.3 million and a new $6 million Tennessee facility. The January 2026 acquisition of My Medic, with roughly $19 million of 2025 revenue for $18.7 million, modestly expands scale and adds a direct-to-consumer tactical and emergency response product platform.

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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): February 26, 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 2.02. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

On February 26, 2026, Acme United Corporation (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this current report.

ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

(c) Exhibits

Exhibit Number		Description
99.1		Press release dated February 26, 2026.
104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

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: February 26, 2026
By	/s/ Paul G. Driscoll
	Paul G. Driscoll
	Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer
Dated: February 26, 2026

Ex 99.1

ACME UNITED CORPORATION NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT: Paul G. Driscoll Acme United Corporation 1 Waterview Drive Shelton, CT 06484

Phone: (203) 254-6060

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 2026

ACME UNITED REPORTS 12% INCREASE IN EARNINGS PER SHARE FOR THE

FOURTH QUARTER OF 2025

SHELTON, CT – February 26, 2026 – Acme United Corporation (NYSE American: ACU) today announced that net sales for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 were $47.5 million compared to $45.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 3%. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $196.5 million compared to $194.5 million in 2024, an increase of 1%.

Net income was $1.9 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, compared to $1.7 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, for the same period in 2024, an increase of 10% in net income and 12% in diluted earnings per share.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $10.2 million, or $2.49 per diluted share, compared to $10.0 million, or $2.45 per diluted share, for 2024, an increase of 2% in both net income and diluted earnings per share.

Chairman and CEO Walter C. Johnsen said, “Our team successfully navigated customer uncertainty and increased costs due to tariffs during 2025. The tariffs were suddenly imposed in April and changed abruptly many times throughout the year. Sales to our retail customers were particularly impacted as they postponed and cancelled promotions. We are now seeing improvement in retail activity.”

Mr. Johnsen continued, “In January 2026, we acquired My Medic, which sells tactical, trauma and emergency response products directly to consumers. Revenues in 2025 were approximately $19 million and the purchase price was $18.7 million. We are actively working to integrate My Medic and build its revenues by expanding its product offering and distribution in the U.S. and Canada.”

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Ex 99.1

Mr. Johnsen added, “We have a strong balance sheet and we continue to reap the benefits of our investments in increased distribution capacity, productivity improvements and cost reduction initiatives. As a result, we believe that we continue to be well-positioned for growth, including through acquisitions,” and look forward to a strong year.

For the three months ended December 31, 2025, net sales in the U.S. segment were constant compared to the same period in 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2025, net sales in the U.S. segment declined 1% compared to 2024. Sales of first aid and medical products were strong. However, sales of school and office products were lower mainly due to the cancellation of customer orders as a result of tariff uncertainty.

European net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2025 increased 31% in U.S. dollars and 22% in local currency compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. On October 1, 2025, the Company’s German subsidiary acquired a line of cutting and sharpening tools that contributed approximately $0.5 million in fourth quarter sales. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased 8% in U.S. dollars and 4% in local currency compared to 2024.

Net sales in Canada for the three months ended December 31, 2025 increased 14% in both U.S. dollars and local currency compared to the same period in 2024. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased 14% in U.S. dollars and 16% in local currency compared to 2024. The increases in sales for both periods were due to strong sales of first-aid products.

Gross margin was 38.2% in the three months ended December 31, 2025 versus 38.7% in the same period last year. Gross margin was 39.4% for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to 39.3% for the same period in 2024.

The Company’s bank debt less cash as of December 31, 2025 was $18.1 million compared to $21.5 million as of December 31, 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company distributed approximately $2.3 million in dividends on its common stock, purchased the cutting and sharpening line of products in Germany for approximately $1.6

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Ex 99.1

million and generated approximately $13.6 million in free cash flow, before the purchase for cash of a new $6 million manufacturing and distribution facility in Tennessee in July 2025 to expand the Company’s Spill Magic business.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Acme United will hold a conference call to discuss its quarterly results, which will be broadcast on Thursday, February 26, 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 is13758729. 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,” “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

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Ex 99.1

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;*1(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.

# # #

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Ex 99.1

ACME UNITED CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOURTH QUARTER REPORT 2025
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
Amounts in 000's except per share data		December 31, 2025					December 31, 2024
Net sales	$		47,524			$		45,943
Cost of goods sold			29,376					28,178
Gross profit			18,148					17,765
Selling, general and administrative expenses			15,247					15,483
Operating income			2,901					2,282
Interest expense, net			338					427
Other expense (income), net			90					(8	)
Income before income tax expense			2,473					1,863
Income tax expense			596					153
Net income	$		1,877			$		1,710
Shares outstanding - basic			3,807					3,748
Shares outstanding - diluted			4,076					4,155
Earnings per share - basic	$		0.49			$		0.46
Earnings per share - diluted			0.46					0.41

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Ex 99.1

ACME UNITED CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOURTH QUARTER REPORT 2025
(Unaudited)
		Year Ended					Year Ended
Amounts in 000's except per share data		December 31, 2025					December 31, 2024
Net sales	$		196,542			$		194,490
Cost of goods sold			119,132					118,139
Gross profit			77,410					76,351
Selling, general and administrative expenses			62,685					62,211
Operating income			14,725					14,140
Interest expense, net			1,560					1,942
Other expense (income), net			47					(95	)
Income before income tax expense			13,118					12,293
Income tax expense			2,933					2,270
Net income	$		10,185			$		10,023
Shares outstanding - basic			3,787					3,701
Shares outstanding - diluted			4,087					4,099
Earnings per share - basic	$		2.69			$		2.71
Earnings per share - diluted			2.49					2.45

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Ex 99.1

ACME UNITED CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
FOURTH QUARTER REPORT 2025
(Unaudited)
Amounts in $000's
		December 31, 2025					December 31, 2024
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$		3,596			$		6,399
Accounts receivable, net			29,098					28,236
Inventories			59,852					56,254
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			3,649					4,571
Total current assets			96,195					95,460
Property, plant and equipment, net			38,541					31,653
Operating lease right of use asset			6,881					4,826
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization			19,473					20,323
Goodwill			9,908					9,908
Total assets	$		170,998			$		162,170
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$		8,066			$		9,005
Operating lease liability - short term			1,446					1,564
Mortgage payable - short term			454					437
Other current liabilities			12,906					11,866
Total current liabilities			22,872					22,872
Long-term debt			11,853					17,606
Mortgage payable - long term			9,432					9,868
Operating lease liability - long term			5,532					3,367
Deferred income taxes			3,685					1,465
Other non-current liabilities			13					12
Total liabilities			53,387					55,190
Total stockholders' equity			117,611					106,980
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$		170,998			$		162,170

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FAQ

How did Acme United (ACU) perform in the fourth quarter of 2025?

Acme United delivered Q4 2025 net sales of $47.5 million, up from $45.9 million a year earlier. Net income rose to $1.9 million, and diluted earnings per share increased to $0.46, a 12% gain versus 2024.

What were Acme United’s (ACU) full-year 2025 sales and earnings?

For 2025, Acme United reported net sales of $196.5 million, slightly above $194.5 million in 2024. Net income reached $10.2 million, or $2.49 per diluted share, compared with $10.0 million and $2.45 per diluted share in 2024.

What acquisition did Acme United (ACU) announce related to My Medic?

In January 2026, Acme United acquired My Medic, which sells tactical, trauma and emergency response products directly to consumers. My Medic generated approximately $19 million of revenue in 2025, and Acme paid a purchase price of about $18.7 million for the business.

How did tariffs and customer behavior affect Acme United (ACU) in 2025?

Management said tariffs were suddenly imposed in April 2025 and changed many times, increasing costs and creating customer uncertainty. Retail customers postponed and canceled promotions, particularly hurting school and office product sales, although the company noted improving retail activity later on.

How did Acme United’s (ACU) regional segments perform in 2025?

U.S. segment net sales were flat in Q4 2025 and declined 1% for the year. European net sales grew 31% in Q4 and 8% for 2025 in U.S. dollars, while Canada increased 14% in both Q4 and full-year net sales in U.S. dollars.

What is Acme United’s (ACU) debt and cash flow position at year-end 2025?

As of December 31, 2025, Acme United’s bank debt less cash stood at $18.1 million, down from $21.5 million a year earlier. The company generated about $13.6 million in free cash flow and invested in a new $6 million Tennessee facility.

What were Acme United’s (ACU) gross margins in 2025?

Gross margin was 38.2% in Q4 2025, slightly below 38.7% in the prior-year quarter. For the full year 2025, gross margin was 39.4%, marginally above 39.3% recorded for 2024, indicating broadly stable profitability on product sales.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

2 documents

Press Releases

• EX-99.1 EX-99.1 313.5 KB

Other Documents

• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA WITH EMBEDDED LINKBASES DOCUMENT 28.8 KB