Acme United (NYSE:ACU) Stock Price Down 0.6% - Time to Sell?

Key Points

• Acme United shares fell 0.6% to $63.20, despite trading volume nearly doubling its average. The stock’s market capitalization is approximately $240.8 million, with a P/E ratio of 12.92 and a beta of 0.40.
• The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share, equivalent to a $0.64 annualized payout and a 1.0% yield. Its payout ratio is 26.89%.
• Insiders sold 25,722 shares worth roughly $1.5 million over the past three months, while insiders retain a 29.5% ownership stake. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 62.1% of the company.

Shares of Acme United Co. (NYSE:ACU - Get Free Report) were down 0.6% on Wednesday. The stock traded as low as $62.74 and last traded at $63.20. Approximately 47,143 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 95% from the average session volume of 24,204 shares. The stock had previously closed at $63.58.

Acme United Price Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $240.79 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.92 and a beta of 0.40. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $62.29 and a 200-day simple moving average of $52.08. 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 will be paid on Thursday, October 22nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.16 per share. This represents a $0.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 2nd. Acme United's payout ratio is 26.89%.

Insider Activity at Acme United

In related news, Director Rex Lynn Davidson sold 3,684 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction on Monday, August 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $56.48, for a total transaction of $208,072.32. Following the sale, the director owned 6,228 shares in the company, valued at approximately $351,757.44. This trade represents a 37.17% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Brian Barker sold 3,821 shares of Acme United stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.50, for a total transaction of $231,170.50. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 25,722 shares of company stock worth $1,504,987 in the last three months. Company insiders own 29.50% of the company's stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its stake in shares of Acme United by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 116,558 shares of the company's stock worth $5,235,000 after acquiring an additional 451 shares in the last quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Acme United during the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Deutsche Bank AG purchased a new position in shares of Acme United in the 2nd quarter valued at about $162,000. James Investment Research Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Acme United in the 1st quarter valued at about $217,000. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC acquired a new position in Acme United in the 1st quarter worth about $234,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 62.10% of the company's stock.

About Acme United

Acme United Corporation NYSE: ACU is a manufacturer and supplier of consumer and industrial products, with a primary focus on cutting tools, school and office supplies, and first-aid and medical products. Its portfolio serves consumers, businesses, schools, healthcare organizations and industrial customers.

The company's brands and product lines include Westcott scissors and classroom and office products; Clauss cutting tools; and First Aid Only, PhysiciansCare and Pac-Kit first-aid and medical kits and supplies.

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