AE Wealth Management LLC Makes New Investment in Acme United Co. (NYSE:ACU)

AE Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Acme United Co. (NYSE:ACU - Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 15,917 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $630,000. AE Wealth Management LLC owned about 0.42% of Acme United at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. GAMMA Investing LLC acquired a new stake in Acme United during the 1st quarter worth approximately $35,000. Barclays PLC lifted its holdings in Acme United by 13.7% during the 4th quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 4,442 shares of the company's stock worth $165,000 after purchasing an additional 536 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new stake in Acme United during the 4th quarter worth approximately $228,000. Northern Trust Corp lifted its holdings in Acme United by 11.2% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 6,846 shares of the company's stock worth $256,000 after purchasing an additional 691 shares during the last quarter. Finally, 683 Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Acme United during the 4th quarter worth approximately $310,000. 62.10% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Insider Buying and Selling at Acme United

In other news, COO Brian S. Olschan sold 1,001 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.01, for a total value of $40,050.01. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 41,209 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $1,648,772.09. This represents a 2.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 34.10% of the company's stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

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

Acme United Price Performance

Acme United stock traded up $0.17 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $40.35. 3,995 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 14,338. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $40.81 and a 200-day simple moving average of $39.29. Acme United Co. has a 12 month low of $32.85 and a 12 month high of $45.42. 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 $152.95 million, a PE ratio of 8.25 and a beta of 0.65.

Acme United (NYSE:ACU - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 23rd. The company reported $1.16 EPS for the quarter. Acme United had a return on equity of 9.70% and a net margin of 10.25%.

Acme United Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 24th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 3rd were paid a $0.16 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 3rd. This is a positive change from Acme United's previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. This represents a $0.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.6%. Acme United's payout ratio is currently 25.40%.

Acme United 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.