Company Overview
Crane NXT, Co. (CXT) is a trusted provider of innovative solutions that secure, detect, and authenticate customers' most valuable assets. With a rich history dating back to 1855, the company has evolved from its roots as a manufacturer of mechanical devices to become a diversified technology leader, serving a wide range of industries, including governments, consumer goods, and financial institutions.
Historical Background
The Crane NXT story began in New York City, where the company was founded as a manufacturer of hand-operated cranes and other material handling equipment. Over the decades, Crane NXT has navigated through periods of economic challenges and technological disruptions, consistently adapting and reinventing itself to remain at the forefront of its markets.
Recent Developments
In 2023, Crane NXT underwent a significant transformation when it was separated from its parent company, Crane Holdings, Co., and began trading as an independent, publicly-traded entity under the new ticker symbol CXT on the New York Stock Exchange. This strategic move has enabled Crane NXT to sharpen its focus, drive operational excellence, and capitalize on emerging growth opportunities in its core markets.
Prior to the separation, Crane NXT operated as the Payment Merchandising Technologies (PMT) segment of Crane Holdings. As a result, standalone financial statements for Crane NXT were not prepared for periods prior to the separation. The company's financial results were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Crane Holdings, with costs and expenses allocated based on specific identification or reasonable allocation methods.
Business Segments
Today, Crane NXT operates through two primary business segments: Crane Payment Innovations (CPI) and Security and Authentication Technologies (SAT).
Crane Payment Innovations (CPI)
The CPI segment provides electronic equipment and associated software, leveraging extensive and proprietary core capabilities with various detection and sensing technologies for applications including verification and authentication of payment transactions. CPI also offers advanced automation solutions, processing systems, field service solutions, and remote diagnostics and productivity software solutions. Key research and development and manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Japan, and Germany, with additional sales offices across the world.
In the third quarter of 2024, CPI's net sales were $224.9 million, up 1.5% year-over-year. Sales of Payment Acceptance and Dispensing Products increased 1.0% to $190.9 million, driven by higher core sales. Service revenue increased 4.6% to $34.0 million, primarily due to favorable pricing. Operating profit for CPI increased 8.2% to $64.6 million, reflecting favorable pricing, lower material costs, and productivity gains, partially offset by unfavorable mix.
For the first nine months of 2024, CPI's net sales were $658.3 million, down 1.9% year-over-year. Sales of Payment Acceptance and Dispensing Products decreased 3.0% to $557.9 million, as favorable pricing was more than offset by lower volumes. Service revenue increased 4.1% to $100.4 million. Operating profit decreased 4.1% to $178.7 million, primarily due to unfavorable mix, lower volumes, and unfavorable foreign currency translation, partially offset by favorable pricing, lower material costs, and productivity gains.
Security and Authentication Technologies (SAT)
The SAT segment provides advanced security solutions based on proprietary technology for securing physical products, including banknotes, consumer goods, and industrial products. SAT also provides brand protection and authentication solutions, serving various brands, as well as government agencies and financial institutions. Key research and development and manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, and Malta.
In the third quarter of 2024, SAT's net sales were $178.6 million, up 36.0% year-over-year. Banknote and security product sales increased 11.8% to $145.4 million, reflecting higher core sales and favorable foreign currency translation. Authentication products and solutions sales increased to $33.2 million, primarily driven by the sales benefit from the OpSec acquisition in May 2024. Operating profit decreased 10.7% to $29.3 million, reflecting unfavorable mix, the impact of the OpSec acquisition, partially offset by productivity gains and favorable pricing.
For the first nine months of 2024, SAT's net sales were $429.4 million, up 18.3% year-over-year. Banknote and security product sales increased 3.7% to $372.9 million, and authentication products and solutions sales increased to $56.5 million, primarily driven by the OpSec acquisition. Operating profit decreased 13.6% to $73.5 million, reflecting higher material costs, the impact of the OpSec acquisition, and higher engineering costs, partially offset by productivity gains.
Acquisitions
In May 2024, Crane NXT acquired the OpSec Security business, a global leader in authentication and brand integrity solutions. This acquisition expanded the company's capabilities across the entire authentication value chain, creating a leading brand and product authentication platform. The addition of OpSec was integrated into the newly renamed Security and Authentication Technologies segment.
Financials
Crane NXT's financial performance has been robust, with the company reporting strong results in recent years. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the company recorded net income of $255.9 million and total revenue of $2.09 billion, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of its business model. Operating cash flow for 2023 was $228.2 million, with free cash flow of $185.5 million.
In the third quarter of 2024, Crane NXT reported net sales of $403.5 million, up 14.3% year-over-year. This growth was driven by a 9.1% benefit from the OpSec acquisition, 4.7% core sales growth, and 0.5% favorable foreign currency translation. Net income attributable to common shareholders was $47.1 million, down 9.2% compared to the prior year period. The decrease in net income was primarily due to unfavorable mix in both segments and the impact of the OpSec acquisition, partially offset by productivity gains and cost-saving actions.
For the first nine months of 2024, net sales were $1.09 billion, up 5.2% year-over-year, and net income attributable to common shareholders was $126.5 million, down 8.9% compared to the prior year period.
The company's success can be attributed to its focus on innovation, strategic acquisitions, and a relentless commitment to operational excellence. Crane NXT has consistently invested in research and development to enhance its product offerings, as evidenced by its recent acquisition of OpSec Security, a global leader in brand protection and authentication solutions.
Liquidity
Crane NXT's financial position remains solid, with a strong balance sheet and ample liquidity to support its growth initiatives. As of September 30, 2024, the company reported $165.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and a healthy current ratio of 2.18, indicating its ability to meet short-term obligations.
The company's debt-to-equity ratio stands at 0.13, reflecting a conservative capital structure. As of December 31, 2023, Crane NXT had $329.6 million in cash and a $500 million revolving credit facility, of which $310.5 million was drawn in 2024. The company also has a $350 million term loan facility.
Additionally, Crane NXT's current ratio is 2.18, and its quick ratio is 1.48, further demonstrating its strong liquidity position.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Crane NXT remains optimistic about its future prospects. The company has raised and narrowed its adjusted EPS guidance for the full year 2024 to a range of $5.05 to $5.20, up from the prior view of $4.95 to $5.15. This reflects a 19% year-over-year earnings growth at the midpoint.
Crane NXT expects total core growth of 5% to 7% for the full year 2024, with the Aerospace & Electronics segment performing towards the higher end of that range. The company anticipates adjusted segment operating profit to grow approximately 19%, driven by the 5% to 7% core growth. Additionally, Crane NXT expects a 5% benefit from acquisitions for the full year.
In the Aerospace & Electronics segment, the company expects core sales growth for the full year to be slightly better than their prior 12% expectation. They also anticipate full-year margins to be above their prior 22.2% guide, representing more than 250 basis points of expansion compared to last year.
In the Process Flow Technologies segment, Crane NXT expects sales and margins to be relatively consistent with their prior guidance for the year, offset by the impact from Hurricane Helene.
Conclusion
Despite the recent headwinds faced by the broader economy, Crane NXT has demonstrated its resilience and agility. The company's diversified business model, innovative product portfolio, and prudent financial management have positioned it well to navigate the uncertainties and continue its long-standing tradition of delivering value to its customers and shareholders. With strong core sales growth, strategic acquisitions, and a positive outlook for the coming year, Crane NXT is poised for continued success in the evolving landscape of payment technologies and security solutions.