Form 8-K

8-K — ACME UNITED CORP

Accession: 0001193125-26-313374

Filed: 2026-07-23

Period: 2026-07-23

CIK: 0000002098

SIC: 3420 (CUTLERY, HANDTOOLS & GENERAL HARDWARE)

Item: Results of Operations and Financial Condition

Item: Financial Statements and Exhibits

Documents

8-K — acu-20260723.htm (Primary)

EX-99.1 (acu-ex99_1.htm)

XML — IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT (R1.htm)

8-K

8-K (Primary)

Filename: acu-20260723.htm · Sequence: 1

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (date of earliest event reported): July 23, 2026

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Connecticut

001-07698

06-0236700

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

(Commission file number)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1 Waterview Dr, Shelton, Connecticut

06484

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 254-6060

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading

Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $2.50 par value per share

ACU

NYSE American

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

ITEM 2.02. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

On July 23, 2026, Acme United Corporation (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this current report.

ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

Exhibit

Number

Description

99.1

Press release dated July 23, 2026.

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

/s/ Walter C. Johnsen

Walter C. Johnsen

Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer

Dated: July 23, 2026

/s/ Paul G. Driscoll

Paul G. Driscoll

Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Dated: July 23, 2026

EX-99.1

Filename: acu-ex99_1.htm · Sequence: 2

EX-99.1

Ex 99.1

ACME UNITED CORPORATION NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT: Paul G. Driscoll Acme United Corporation 1 Waterview Drive Shelton, CT 06484

Phone: (203) 254-6060

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 23, 2026

ACME UNITED REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2026 NET SALES INCREASE OF

16% AND NET INCOME INCREASE OF 6%

SHELTON, CT – July 23, 2026 – Acme United Corporation (NYSE American: ACU) today announced that net sales for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 were $62.7 million compared to $54.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of 16%. Excluding sales resulting from the acquisition of the assets of My Medic on January 15, 2026, comparable three-month sales increased 8%. Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2026 were $115.0 million, compared to $100.0 million in the same period in 2025, an increase of 15%. Excluding My Medic sales, comparable six-month sales increased 7%.

Net income was $5.1 million, or $1.22 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to $4.8 million, or $1.16 per diluted share, for the same period last year, an increase of 6% in net income and 5% in diluted earnings per share. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was $6.0 million, or $1.46 per diluted share, compared to $6.4 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, for the same period in 2025, a decrease of 6% in net income and 7% in diluted earnings per share, caused primarily by our first quarter results.

The My Medic business acquired in January, which sells tactical, trauma and emergency response products directly to consumers, contributed to sales growth but due to the seasonal nature of the My Medic business there was minimal impact on earnings in the second quarter and the first half of 2026. As a direct-to-consumer seasonal business, My Medic has historically generated the majority of its profitability in the fourth quarter and we expect this pattern to continue.

Chairman and CEO, Walter C. Johnsen said, “In the second quarter we had record revenues and income from operations as we drove growth across all geographies and product lines. In the U.S. net sales of our first aid business without My Medic’s

Ex 99.1

contribution increased 10% in the quarter. Net sales of Westcott cutting tools grew 8% in the second quarter, an important improvement over last year due to a return of promotional activity and stronger retail demand.

Mr. Johnsen continued, “As we anticipated, gross margins in the U.S. business were affected by products purchased at elevated tariff levels, though the impact was less than in the first quarter. We expect prior high tariffs to continue pressuring margins in the coming quarters, but at a decreasing rate.”

Mr. Johnsen concluded, “The My Medic acquisition is progressing well. We are aggressively presenting its products to new potential industrial and retail customers, as well as leveraging our sourcing team and scale to improve product costs. We have also reduced overhead. These actions, taken together, are designed to deliver strengthening quarterly profitability by driving growth on a lower cost base. It will take time, but we are making progress.”

For the second quarter of 2026, net sales in the U.S. segment increased 17% compared to the same period in 2025. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, net sales in the U.S. segment increased 15% compared to the same period in 2025. The sales increases for the three and six months were due to strong sales across all product lines and contribution from the acquisition of the My Medic business.

European net sales for the second quarter of 2026 increased 24% in U.S. dollars and 19% in local currency compared to the second quarter of 2025. Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2026 increased 28% in U.S. dollars and 19% in local currency compared to the same period of 2025. The sales increases for the three and six months were due primarily to higher ecommerce sales and contribution from the line of cutting and sharpening products acquired in Germany on October 1, 2025.

Net sales in Canada for the second quarter of 2026 increased 1% in U.S. dollars and 3% in local currency compared to the same period in 2025. Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2026 increased 7% in U.S. dollars and 6% in local currency compared to the same

Ex 99.1

period of 2025. The sales increases for the three and six months were due to higher sales of first aid products.

Gross margin was 42.6% in the second quarter of 2026 versus 41.0% in the comparable period last year. Gross margin was 41.3% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2026, compared to 40.1% for the same period in 2025. The increases for the three and six months were primarily due to the inclusion of the new My Medic direct to consumer business.

The Company’s bank debt less cash as of June 30, 2026 was $27.3 million compared to $22.8 million as of June 30, 2025. During the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2026, the Company paid approximately $14.5 million for the acquisition of the assets of My Medic ($18.6 million purchase price less $4.1 million of holdbacks), distributed approximately $2.4 million in dividends on its common stock and purchased the cutting and sharpening line of products in Germany for approximately $1.6 million. During the same period, the Company generated approximately $15.5 million in free cash flow.

On July 15, 2026, the Company entered into a new $65 million syndicated credit facility with HSBC Bank USA, N.A and City National Bank, a U.S. subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. The new facility, which replaces the Company’s prior $65 million credit facility with HSBC, expires on July 15, 2029.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Acme United will hold a conference call to discuss its quarterly results, which will be broadcast on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET. To listen or participate in a question-and-answer session, dial 877-407-0784. International callers may dial 201-689-8560. The confirmation code is 13761594. You may access the live webcast of the conference call through the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, www.acmeunited.com. A replay may be accessed under Investor Relations, Audio Archives.

About Acme United

Ex 99.1

ACME UNITED CORPORATION is a leading worldwide supplier of innovative safety solutions and cutting technology to the school, home, office, hardware, sporting goods and industrial markets. Its leading brands include First Aid Only®, First Aid Central®, PhysiciansCare®, Pac-Kit®, Spill Magic®, Westcott®, Clauss®, DMT®, Med-Nap®, Elite First Aid® and My Medic®. For more information, visit www.acmeunited.com.

Forward Looking Statements

The Company may from time to time make written or oral “forward-looking statements” including statements contained in this report and in other communications by the Company, which are made in good faith pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to us. When used in this document, words like “may,” “might,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from our current expectations.

Forward-looking statements in this report, including without limitation, statements related to the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may impact the Company’s business, operations and financial results.

These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the following: (i) changes in the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions, which may be made at any time at the discretion of the Company; (ii) the impact of volatility in global economic conditions, including the impact on the Company’s suppliers and customers; (iii) international trade policies of the United States or foreign governments and their impact on demand for our products and our competitive position, including the imposition of new tariffs, changes in existing tariff rates or the threat of any such action; (iv) the continuing adverse impact of inflation, including product costs, and interest rates; (v) potential adverse

Ex 99.1

effects on the Company, its customers, and suppliers resulting from the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East; (vi) additional disruptions in the Company’s supply chains, whether caused by pandemics, natural disasters, including trucker shortages, strikes, port closures or otherwise; (vii) labor related costs the Company has and may continue to incur, including costs of acquiring and training new employees and rising wages and benefits; (viii) currency fluctuations; (ix) the Company’s ability to effectively manage its inventory in a rapidly changing business environment; (x) changes in client needs and consumer spending habits; (xi) the impact of competition; (xii) the impact of technological changes including, specifically, the growth of online marketing and sales activity; and (xiii) the Company’s ability to manage its growth effectively, including its ability to successfully integrate any business it might acquire; and (xiv) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

# # #

Ex 99.1

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

SECOND QUARTER REPORT 2026

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Amounts in 000's except per share data

June 30, 2026

June 30, 2025

Net sales

62,716

53,996

Cost of goods sold

36,028

31,847

Gross profit

26,688

22,149

Selling, general and administrative expenses

19,858

15,759

Operating income

6,830

6,390

Net interest expense

532

401

Other income, net

)

(99

)

Income before income tax expense

6,303

6,088

Income tax expense

1,252

1,336

Net income

5,051

4,752

Shares outstanding - basic

3,820

3,785

Shares outstanding - diluted

4,141

4,104

Earnings per share - basic

1.32

1.26

Earnings per share - diluted

1.22

1.16

Ex 99.1

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

SECOND QUARTER REPORT 2026

(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended

Amounts in 000's except per share data

June 30, 2026

June 30, 2025

Net sales

115,017

99,954

Cost of goods sold

67,544

59,888

Gross profit

47,473

40,066

Selling, general and administrative expenses

38,899

31,250

Operating income

8,574

8,816

Net interest expense

1,018

798

Other expense (income), net

(188

)

Income before income tax expense

7,545

8,206

Income tax expense

1,511

1,802

Net income

6,034

6,404

Shares outstanding - basic

3,815

3,772

Shares outstanding - diluted

4,138

4,070

Earnings per share - basic

1.58

1.70

Earnings per share - diluted

1.46

1.57

Ex 99.1

ACME UNITED CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

SECOND QUARTER REPORT 2026

(Unaudited)

Amounts in $000's

June 30, 2026

June 30, 2025

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

5,041

3,641

Accounts receivable, net

38,726

36,174

Inventories

64,099

57,309

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

4,465

4,217

Total current assets

112,331

101,341

Property, plant and equipment, net

39,217

32,901

Operating lease right of use asset

6,001

7,607

Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization

33,188

19,111

Goodwill

9,908

Total assets

200,645

170,868

Liabilities and stockholders' equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

14,151

10,181

Operating lease liability - short term

1,330

1,525

Mortgage payable - short term

463

445

Other current liabilities

18,870

11,323

Total current liabilities

34,814

23,474

Long-term debt

22,637

16,352

Mortgage payable - long term

9,229

9,662

Operating lease liability - long term

4,821

6,177

Deferred income taxes

3,685

1,465

Other non-current liabilities

4,157

Total liabilities

79,343

57,146

Total stockholders' equity

121,302

113,722

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

200,645

170,868

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