Acme United Corporation (NYSE American: ACU), a leading worldwide supplier of innovative safety solutions and cutting technology, has announced it will release its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024 on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time. The company will host a conference call to discuss these results on the same day at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Investors can participate in the question-and-answer session by dialing 1-877-407-0784 (domestic) or 1-201-689-8560 (international) with conference ID 13751131. A live webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of Acme United's website, with a replay accessible under Investor Relations, Audio Archives.
Acme United's financial performance in recent quarters has been marked by strategic initiatives and cost-saving measures that have contributed to its resilience and growth potential. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the company sold its Camillus and Cuda hunting and fishing product lines, which contributed approximately $12.0 million in revenues in 2022. This transaction resulted in an after-tax gain of approximately $9.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2023, further strengthening the company's financial position. The sale of these product lines allowed Acme United to focus on its core businesses and reduce debt by $13.0 million.
The company successfully completed a program to reduce inventory by $5.0 million and implemented cost reduction and productivity initiatives that generated approximately $6.5 million in savings. These initiatives, combined with a record free cash flow of $24.0 million, have significantly improved Acme United's balance sheet and gross margin. The company's gross margin for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was 39.1%, compared to 31.9% in the same period in 2022. Gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2023, was 37.7%, compared to 32.8% for the same period in 2022.
Acme United's net income for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $17.8 million, or $4.86 per diluted share, including the sale of Camillus and Cuda. Excluding the sale, net income was $8.2 million, or $2.23 per diluted share. Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was $11.2 million, or $2.87 per diluted share, including the sale of Camillus and Cuda. Excluding the sale, net income was $1.6 million, or $0.40 per diluted share.
Acme United's strategic focus on safety solutions and cutting technology has contributed to its resilience and growth potential, particularly in the face of economic uncertainties and market fluctuations. The company's leading brands, such as First Aid Only®, Westcott®, and DMT®, cater to diverse markets, including school, home, office, hardware, sporting goods, and industrial sectors. This diversification helps Acme United maintain a strong presence across various industries, reducing the impact of downturns in any single market.
As Acme United prepares to release its fourth quarter 2024 financial results, investors will be looking for updates on the company's strategic initiatives, cost-saving measures, and overall financial performance. The company's commitment to cost reduction and productivity initiatives, combined with its focus on core businesses and strategic acquisitions, has positioned Acme United for continued growth and resilience in the face of economic uncertainties and market fluctuations.
In conclusion, Acme United's upcoming financial results release provides an opportunity for investors to assess the company's performance and strategic direction. With a strong focus on safety solutions and cutting technology, cost-saving initiatives, and a commitment to core businesses, Acme United is well-positioned to maintain its resilience and growth potential in the face of economic uncertainties and market fluctuations.
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