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ACU vs COST

ACU
Acme United Corporation
NEUTRAL
Price
$43.48
Market Cap
$165.6M
Sector
Consumer Defensive
AI Confidence
85%
COST
Costco Wholesale Corporation
NEUTRAL
Price
$996.43
Market Cap
$442.28B
Sector
Consumer Defensive
AI Confidence
80%

Valuation

P/E Ratio
ACU
18.74
COST
51.82
Forward P/E
ACU
19.41
COST
44.4
P/B Ratio
ACU
1.41
COST
13.78
P/S Ratio
ACU
0.84
COST
1.55
EV/EBITDA
ACU
9.42
COST
32.11

Profitability

Gross Margin
ACU
39.39%
COST
12.93%
Operating Margin
ACU
6.1%
COST
3.74%
Profit Margin
ACU
5.18%
COST
2.99%
ROE
ACU
9.07%
COST
29.65%
ROA
ACU
5.52%
COST
8.72%

Growth

Revenue Growth
ACU
3.4%
COST
9.2%
Earnings Growth
ACU
9.4%
COST
13.9%

Financial Health

Debt/Equity
ACU
0.24
COST
0.26
Current Ratio
ACU
4.21
COST
1.06
Quick Ratio
ACU
1.43
COST
0.54

Dividends

Dividend Yield
ACU
1.41%
COST
0.52%
Payout Ratio
ACU
25.3%
COST
27.04%

AI Verdict

ACU NEUTRAL

ACU presents a dichotomy between a rock-solid balance sheet and deteriorating short-term operational momentum. The Piotroski F-Score of 4/9 indicates stable but mediocre financial health, while the absence of an Altman Z-Score is offset by an exceptionally low Debt/Equity ratio (0.24) and a high Current Ratio (4.21). While the stock is fairly valued—trading between its Graham Number ($40.16) and Intrinsic Value ($48.95)—the recent Q/Q EPS collapse of -47.8% and a bearish technical trend (0/100) suggest significant near-term headwinds.

Strengths
Exceptional liquidity with a Current Ratio of 4.21
Very low leverage (Debt/Equity of 0.24)
Conservative dividend payout ratio (25.30%)
Risks
Severe recent earnings contraction (-47.8% Q/Q EPS growth)
Bearish technical trend (0/100 score)
Low Piotroski F-Score (4/9) indicating stagnant operational efficiency
COST NEUTRAL

COST shows neutral fundamentals based on deterministic rules. Financial strength is stable (F-Score 4/9). Mixed signals with both opportunities and risks present.

Strengths
Low debt with D/E ratio of 0.26
Strong ROE of 29.7%
Risks
High valuation with P/E of 51.8
Premium vs Graham Number ($176.89)
Low profit margin of 3.0%

Compare Another Pair

ACU vs COST: Head-to-Head Comparison

This page compares Acme United Corporation (ACU) and Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) across key fundamental metrics including valuation ratios, profitability margins, growth rates, financial health indicators, and dividend metrics. Each metric highlights the better-performing stock so you can quickly identify relative strengths and weaknesses.

Our AI engine independently analyzes each company's financials, competitive position, and market conditions to produce a verdict (Bullish, Neutral, or Bearish) along with key strengths and risks. Use this comparison alongside your own research to make informed investment decisions.

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