Acme United Reports 12% Increase in Earnings per Share for the Fourth Quarter of 2025

Core Insights - Acme United Corporation reported a 3% increase in net sales for Q4 2025, reaching $47.5 million compared to $45.9 million in Q4 2024, and a 1% increase for the full year, totaling $196.5 million compared to $194.5 million in 2024 [1] Financial Performance - Net income for Q4 2025 was $1.9 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, reflecting a 10% increase in net income and a 12% increase in diluted earnings per share compared to Q4 2024 [2] - For the full year 2025, net income was $10.2 million, or $2.49 per diluted share, which is a 2% increase in both net income and diluted earnings per share compared to 2024 [2] Business Operations - The company faced challenges in 2025 due to customer uncertainty and increased costs from tariffs, which were imposed in April and fluctuated throughout the year. Retail sales were particularly affected as customers postponed and canceled promotions [3] - In January 2026, Acme United acquired My Medic for $18.7 million, which generated approximately $19 million in revenue in 2025. The integration of My Medic is expected to enhance revenue through expanded product offerings and distribution [3] Segment Performance - U.S. segment net sales remained constant in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024, but declined by 1% for the full year due to lower sales of school and office products, despite strong sales in first aid and medical products [4] - European net sales increased by 31% in U.S. dollars and 22% in local currency for Q4 2025, with a full-year increase of 8% in U.S. dollars and 4% in local currency compared to 2024 [5] - Canadian net sales rose by 14% in both U.S. dollars and local currency for Q4 2025, with the same percentage increase for the full year, driven by strong sales of first-aid products [6] Profitability Metrics - Gross margin for Q4 2025 was 38.2%, slightly down from 38.7% in Q4 2024, while the full-year gross margin was 39.4%, up from 39.3% in 2024 [7] Financial Position - As of December 31, 2025, the company's bank debt less cash was $18.1 million, down from $21.5 million in 2024. The company generated approximately $13.6 million in free cash flow and distributed about $2.3 million in dividends during the year [8]