Crane Co. (NYSE:CR) has revised its earnings guidance for the fiscal year 2026, announcing a projected earnings per share (EPS) range of $6.550 to $6.75. This update comes in response to analysts’ earlier consensus estimate of $6.620. Additionally, the company provided revenue guidance of $2.8 billion to $2.9 billion, surpassing the consensus revenue estimate of $2.7 billion.
Analyst Ratings and Market Response
Recent evaluations from equities research analysts indicate a generally optimistic outlook for Crane. Wolfe Research established a price target of $215.00 and assigned an “outperform” rating on December 4, 2023. Subsequently, on December 11, 2023, CJS Securities upgraded their rating to “strong-buy.” In earlier reports, DA Davidson set a target price of $235.00, while Stifel Nicolaus raised their target from $200.00 to $201.00 and maintained a “hold” rating.
Overall, two analysts have issued strong buy ratings, five have classified the stock as a buy, and one has assigned a hold rating. According to MarketBeat.com, Crane currently holds a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $222.00.
Recent Quarterly Performance
Crane’s last quarterly earnings report, released on January 26, 2024, revealed an EPS of $1.53, exceeding analysts’ expectations of $1.43 by $0.10. The company reported a net margin of 13.10% and a return on equity of 24.45%. Revenue for the quarter reached $581.00 million, which also surpassed the anticipated $572.16 million. In the same quarter last year, Crane reported an EPS of $1.38.
Looking ahead, analysts predict that Crane will achieve an EPS of $7.87 for the current year.
Investments and Shareholder Activity
Several hedge funds have made recent adjustments to their stakes in Crane. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new stake valued at approximately $29,000 in the second quarter, while Kelleher Financial Advisors invested around $33,000 during the third quarter. Additionally, Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC acquired a stake worth approximately $45,000, and Danske Bank A S took a position valued at around $74,000. Quarry LP also entered the market with a new position worth $140,000 during the same quarter.
Institutional investors and hedge funds now collectively own 75.14% of Crane’s stock, reflecting strong confidence in the company’s performance and prospects.
Company Overview
Crane Co., headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, is a diversified manufacturer of engineered industrial products, serving a global customer base. The company operates through two main segments: Aerospace & Electronics and Engineered Materials. The Aerospace & Electronics division specializes in designing and producing valves, fittings, manifolds, and filtration systems for various aircraft components including fuel and hydraulic systems. Meanwhile, the Engineered Materials segment focuses on advanced polymers, heat exchangers, and specialized composite solutions for industries such as chemical processing, semiconductor manufacturing, and power generation.
Founded in 1855 in Chicago by R.T. Crane, the company has established a legacy of engineering excellence that continues to shape its innovations today.
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