Acme United Corporation (ACU)vsEstee Lauder Companies Inc (EL)
ACU
Acme United Corporation
$60.72
-1.03%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $235.21M
EL
Estee Lauder Companies Inc
$97.12
+0.67%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $36.79B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Estee Lauder Companies Inc generates 7012% more annual revenue ($15.05B vs $211.60M). ACU leads profitability with a 4.6% profit margin vs 1.2%. ACU appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.54. ACU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
ACU
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
EL
Hold37
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-30.0%
Fair Value
$33.68
Current Price
$60.72
$27.04 premium
Margin of Safety
+29.8%
Fair Value
$150.16
Current Price
$97.12
$53.04 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
16.1% revenue growth
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
4.6% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.2x book value
ROE of 4.8% — below average capital efficiency
1.2% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ACU
The strongest argument for ACU centers on Altman Z-Score, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 16.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : EL
EL has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bear Case : ACU
The primary concerns for ACU are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Market Cap. Thin 4.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : EL
The primary concerns for EL are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 203.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.43 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ACU profiles as a growth stock while EL is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
EL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.27 — expect wider price swings.
ACU is growing revenue faster at 16.1% — sustainability is the question.
EL generates stronger free cash flow (425M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ACU scores higher overall (55/100 vs 37/100) and 16.1% revenue growth. EL offers better value entry with a 29.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Acme United Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA
Acme United Corporation supplies cutting, measuring, first aid, sharpening and safety products for the school, home, office, hardware, sporting goods and industrial markets in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. The company is headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut.
Estee Lauder Companies Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of prestige skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products, based in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The company owns a diverse portfolio of brands, distributed internationally through both digital commerce and retail channels.
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