Insider Selling: Acme United (NYSE:ACU) Director Sells $208,072.32 in Stock

Acme United Co. (NYSE:ACU) Director Rex Lynn Davidson sold 3,684 shares of Acme United stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $56.48, for a total value of $208,072.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 6,228 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $351,757.44. This represents a 37.17% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link.

Acme United Stock Performance

Shares of Acme United stock opened at $60.77 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $231.53 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.43 and a beta of 0.47. The firm’s 50-day moving average is $49.81 and its 200 day moving average is $45.72. Acme United Co. has a 1 year low of $35.50 and a 1 year high of $61.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 4.41 and a quick ratio of 1.91.

Acme United Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 23rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 2nd were issued a $0.16 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 2nd. This represents a $0.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. Acme United’s payout ratio is 26.89%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Acme United

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in Acme United by 3,048.9% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,480 shares of the company’s stock worth $61,000 after acquiring an additional 1,433 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. bought a new position in Acme United in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $65,000. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. purchased a new stake in Acme United during the 2nd quarter valued at $75,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in Acme United during the 2nd quarter valued at $76,000. Finally, New York State Common Retirement Fund bought a new stake in shares of Acme United in the 2nd quarter worth $104,000. Institutional investors own 62.10% of the company’s stock.

Key Headlines Impacting Acme United

Here are the key news stories impacting Acme United this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Institutional ownership remains substantial at approximately 62.1%. Bank of America sharply increased its position, while JPMorgan Chase, Mirae Asset, Raymond James and the New York State Common Retirement Fund initiated stakes during the second quarter. These purchases may provide additional demand and institutional credibility for ACU. Institutional trading report
• Positive Sentiment: Acme United’s quarterly dividend remains $0.16 per share, or $0.64 annualized, with a yield of roughly 1.1%. The payout ratio of about 26.9% suggests the dividend is supported by current earnings and may appeal to income-focused investors.
• Neutral Sentiment: ACU is trading well above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, indicating strong momentum. Its current ratio of 4.41, quick ratio of 1.91 and debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30 point to solid liquidity and moderate leverage. At the same time, the stock’s proximity to its annual high may increase the risk of profit-taking.
• Negative Sentiment: COO Brian S. Olschan sold 10,909 shares for approximately $616,449 in transactions from August 3 through August 12, reducing his holdings by about 21%. Director Rex Lynn Davidson also sold 3,684 shares worth approximately $208,072, cutting his direct ownership by 37.2%. The concentrated insider selling near recent highs is a cautionary signal, although the transactions may reflect personal liquidity needs rather than a negative outlook. SEC insider filing

About Acme United

Acme United Corporation is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of cutting, measuring and safety products designed for consumer, professional and industrial end markets. The company’s product portfolio spans shears, scissors, cutters, rulers, pencil sharpeners, first aid kits and medical products, as well as fishing knives, survival tools and related accessories. Acme United serves a wide range of end‐use channels, including office supply, school, hardware, mass merchandise and sporting goods retail.

Founded in the 19th century and headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut, Acme United operates through a collection of well‐established brands.