Acme United: Lackluster Performance Is Not Enticing Anymore (Rating Downgrade)

Acme United is downgraded to hold due to lackluster growth and underperformance versus SPY since the prior buy rating. Recent top-line growth of 14% in Q1 '26 was largely acquisition-driven, with organic growth still modest and sustainability in question. ACU's margins have declined due to tariffs, higher costs, and acquisition mix, with interest coverage at 3.6x—adequate but not robust.