Acme United (NYSE:ACU) Posts Earnings Results

Acme United (NYSE:ACU - Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported $1.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, RTT News reports. Acme United had a return on equity of 9.70% and a net margin of 10.25%.

Acme United Price Performance

Shares of Acme United stock traded down $0.13 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $43.28. 8,718 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 14,605. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 4.41 and a quick ratio of 1.91. The firm has a market cap of $164.07 million, a P/E ratio of 8.85 and a beta of 0.65. Acme United has a 52 week low of $32.85 and a 52 week high of $50.00. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $40.63 and a 200-day simple moving average of $39.15.

Acme United Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 24th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 3rd were given a $0.16 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 3rd. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.48%. This is an increase from Acme United's previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. Acme United's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 25.40%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Wall Street Zen upgraded Acme United from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a research report on Friday, May 9th.

Insider Activity at Acme United

In related news, COO Brian S. Olschan sold 1,001 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.01, for a total transaction of $40,050.01. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 41,209 shares in the company, valued at $1,648,772.09. This trade represents a 2.37% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 34.10% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Acme United

A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Acme United stock. Jane Street Group LLC raised its holdings in Acme United Co. (NYSE:ACU - Free Report) by 61.0% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 9,839 shares of the company's stock after purchasing an additional 3,729 shares during the quarter. Jane Street Group LLC owned approximately 0.26% of Acme United worth $390,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 62.10% of the company's stock.

Acme United Company Profile

Acme United Corporation supplies cutting, measuring, first aid, and sharpening products to the school, home, office, hardware, sporting goods, and industrial markets in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company offers scissors, shears, knives, rulers, pencil sharpeners, paper trimmers, safety cutters, lettering products, glue guns, and other craft products under the Westcott brand name; and cutting tools under the Clauss brand.