Does ACME UNITED CORP have an economic moat?

Based on its FY2025 SEC filings, the Moat Index scores ACME UNITED CORP (ACU) 51.2 out of 100 — a Shallow moat. The four filters behind that score (each 0–100): pricing power 61, returns on capital 39, balance-sheet safety 66, capital discipline 40.

Is ACU stock trading below its intrinsic value?

Against a deliberately conservative owner-earnings model (9% discount rate, 0% assumed growth, capped at 4%), estimated intrinsic value is $29.73 per share versus a recent price of $47.55 — 60% above value. This is an educational estimate computed from primary SEC filings, not investment advice.

How has ACU's Moat Score changed over time?

The record logs 2 readings since Jul 17, 2026; the latest reads 51.2 out of 100 (shallow moat). No tier changes on record yet. The history is append-only — readings are only ever added, never rewritten.

The Moat Index

ACME UNITED CORP

ACU · Industrials · $181.0M mkt cap · FY2025 filings · Shallow moat ·

Doesn't clear the bar

Shallow moat

The four filters

Pricing power61

Median gross margin 36.6% over 10y, very stable.

Returns on capital39

Median ROIC 9.0%, above the 9% hurdle in 60% of years.

Balance-sheet safety66

Net debt/EBITDA 0.4x, interest coverage 9x.

Capital discipline40

Owner earnings +5.2%/yr, share count growing (dilution).

Margin of safety

Above valueOn sale

60% above value

Owner earnings (normalized): $10.2M
Est. intrinsic value / share: $29.73
Recent price: $47.55
Discount to value: 60% above value

Conservative model: 9% discount rate, 0% assumed growth (capped at 4%), maintenance capex ≈ min(capex, D&A).

Fundamentals

There's no normalized fundamentals series for ACU yet — it appears once ingest has processed its filings.

Moat Score history

Moat Score over timeLast scored reading of each day, on the 0–100 scale51.2 / 100

Score history begins Jul 17, 2026 — the record builds from here and can’t be backfilled.

Tier changesSame-methodology crossings of the Wide / Narrow / Shallow bars

None yet — ACU has read Shallow moat for every logged capture since Jul 17, 2026.

Scores are logged append-only and never overwritten — this record can’t be backfilled, which is exactly why it’s worth keeping.

Industrials context

#103 of 309 scored Industrials companies, ranked by Moat Score.

Nearest peers by Moat Score

#101BCO BRINK’S CO51.7 out of 100, Shallow moatShallow moat
#102ZWS ZURN ELKAY WATER SOLUTIONS CORPORATION51.7 out of 100, Shallow moatShallow moat
#104CENT Central Garden & Pet Company51.2 out of 100, Shallow moatShallow moat
#105PRIM Primoris Services Corporation51.2 out of 100, Shallow moatShallow moat

Compare ACU with its nearest peers →All Industrials companies on the Index →

Common questions about ACU

Does ACME UNITED CORP have an economic moat?: Based on its FY2025 SEC filings, the Moat Index scores ACME UNITED CORP (ACU) 51.2 out of 100 — a Shallow moat. The four filters behind that score (each 0–100): pricing power 61, returns on capital 39, balance-sheet safety 66, capital discipline 40.
Is ACU stock trading below its intrinsic value?: Against a deliberately conservative owner-earnings model (9% discount rate, 0% assumed growth, capped at 4%), estimated intrinsic value is $29.73 per share versus a recent price of $47.55 — 60% above value. This is an educational estimate computed from primary SEC filings, not investment advice.
How has ACU's Moat Score changed over time?: The record logs 2 readings since Jul 17, 2026; the latest reads 51.2 out of 100 (shallow moat). No tier changes on record yet. The history is append-only — readings are only ever added, never rewritten.

Embed this score on your site

One iframe, no script. The badge shows ACU’s live Moat Score, updates itself as new filings are scored, and links back here. How it works.

<iframe
  src="https://buylikebuffett.com/embed/ACU"
  width="340" height="150" style="border:0"
  title="ACU Moat Score — The Moat Index"
  loading="lazy"></iframe>

Scored from primary SEC filings via the public methodology. Educational only — not a recommendation to buy or sell ACU. See the disclaimer.