Acme United Corporation (ACU)vsEstee Lauder Companies Inc (EL)
ACU
Acme United Corporation
$44.43
-0.18%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $165.31M
EL
Estee Lauder Companies Inc
$73.11
+2.28%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $26.45B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Estee Lauder Companies Inc generates 7365% more annual revenue ($14.67B vs $196.54M). ACU leads profitability with a 5.2% profit margin vs -1.2%. ACU appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.54. ACU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
ACU
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
EL
Hold41
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+19.5%
Fair Value
$54.38
Current Price
$44.43
$9.95 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for EL.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.0B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.4% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
5.2% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -4.3% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ACU
The strongest argument for ACU centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.
Bull Case : EL
The strongest argument for EL centers on Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : ACU
The primary concerns for ACU are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Market Cap.
Bear Case : EL
The primary concerns for EL are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.74 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ACU profiles as a value stock while EL is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
EL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.
EL is growing revenue faster at 5.6% — sustainability is the question.
EL generates stronger free cash flow (1.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ACU scores higher overall (53/100 vs 41/100). 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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