Barclays PLC Acquires Shares of 3,906 Acme United Co. (NYSE:ACU)

Barclays PLC bought a new position in Acme United Co. (NYSE:ACU) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 3,906 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $163,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of ACU. Capital Management Corp VA boosted its holdings in Acme United by 2.9% in the 3rd quarter. Capital Management Corp VA now owns 553,838 shares of the company’s stock worth $23,062,000 after buying an additional 15,385 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its position in shares of Acme United by 0.9% during the second quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 130,407 shares of the company’s stock worth $4,573,000 after acquiring an additional 1,100 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Acme United by 118.3% in the second quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 65,224 shares of the company’s stock worth $2,285,000 after acquiring an additional 35,352 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. grew its position in shares of Acme United by 53.9% in the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 47,933 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,681,000 after purchasing an additional 16,796 shares in the last quarter. Finally, AE Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Acme United in the second quarter valued at $1,403,000. Institutional investors own 62.10% of the company’s stock.

Acme United Price Performance

ACU stock opened at $35.96 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $40.90 and a 200-day moving average of $40.56. The firm has a market capitalization of $134.53 million, a P/E ratio of 7.35 and a beta of 0.70. Acme United Co. has a 12 month low of $32.85 and a 12 month high of $50.99. The company has a current ratio of 4.41, a quick ratio of 1.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30.

Acme United (NYSE:ACU) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 18th. The company reported $0.54 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.73 by ($0.19). The firm had revenue of $48.17 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $52.40 million. Acme United had a net margin of 10.25% and a return on equity of 9.70%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Acme United Co. will post 2.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Acme United Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 27th. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 6th will be issued a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 6th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.67%. Acme United’s payout ratio is currently 12.27%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com cut Acme United from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, October 21st.

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.