WALTHAM, Mass., March 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crane NXT, Co. (NYSE: CXT) ("Crane NXT" or the "Company"), a global leader in authentication and traceability technologies, today announced that its Board of Directors (“Board”) has appointed Jeffrey Benck as a Director of Crane NXT. Mr. Benck brings over 35 years of broad industry experience, as a chief executive officer and leader of technology companies, spanning software, services and hardware. Since March 2019, Mr. Benck has served as President, Chief ...

Core Insights - Invesco Small Cap Value Fund outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index, with Class A shares returning 6.79% in Q4 2025 compared to the benchmark's 3.26% [1] - For the full year, the fund achieved a return of 17.64%, significantly higher than the 12.59% return of the Russell 2000 Value Index [1] - The fund's management highlighted the attractiveness of small-cap value equities, noting a historical P/E discount relative to the S&P 500, indicating potential for long-term capital appreciation [1] Company Insights: Crane NXT, Co. - Crane NXT, Co. is an industrial technology company focused on security and authentication solutions for various applications [2][3] - The stock experienced a one-month return of -7.86%, with shares trading between $41.54 and $69.00 over the past 52 weeks [2] - As of March 04, 2026, Crane NXT, Co. had a market capitalization of approximately $2.8 billion, with shares closing at around $48.56 [2] Performance and Outlook - Despite reporting better-than-expected earnings and revenue growth, Crane NXT, Co. reduced its earnings outlook for the full year, contributing to a decline in share price [3] - The company is not among the 40 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 33 hedge fund portfolios holding its shares at the end of Q4 2025, up from 26 in the previous quarter [4] - The investment community expresses a belief that certain AI stocks may offer greater potential for higher returns in a shorter timeframe compared to Crane NXT, Co. [4]

Core Insights - SouthernSun Asset Management's "SouthernSun Small Cap Strategy" reported a -2.45% gross return for Q4 2025, underperforming the Russell 2000 Index and Russell 2000 Value Index, which returned 2.19% and 3.26% respectively [1] - Over the trailing 12 months, the Composite achieved a gross return of 6.21%, significantly lower than the 12.81% and 12.59% returns of the respective indexes [1] - The letter draws parallels between the economic impacts of the 2014-15 oil price collapse and the current landscape shaped by artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for careful analysis of associated risks [1] Company Overview: Crane NXT, Co. - Crane NXT, Co. (NYSE:CXT) is an industrial technology company focused on securing, detecting, and authenticating important assets [2] - As of February 27, 2026, Crane NXT's stock closed at $48.29, with a one-month return of -4.53% and a 52-week loss of 11.51% [2] - The company has a market capitalization of $2.821 billion [2] Financial Performance: Crane NXT, Co. - Crane NXT reported Q4 sales of $445 million, reflecting a 10% year-over-year increase, with a core sales growth of 1% [3] - The adjusted operating margin was 24.7%, and adjusted EPS was $1.28, with management raising full-year sales growth guidance [3] - Despite solid operating performance, macroeconomic uncertainty affected demand in the Payment Innovations segment, impacting market sentiment [3] Strategic Developments: Crane NXT, Co. - Crane NXT completed the first phase of its strategic acquisition of Antares Vision S.p.A., enhancing its capabilities in life sciences and food & beverage sectors [3] - The acquisition is expected to close in 2026, aligning with the company's focus on expanding its market presence [3] - The company is a recent addition to the SouthernSun portfolio, with ongoing engagement planned with management [3]

Core Viewpoint - Crane NXT is hosting its 2026 Investor Day, emphasizing the importance of safety and providing logistical information for attendees [1][2]. Group 1: Event Logistics - The event prioritizes safety, with no planned fire drills, and attendees are instructed to treat any alarms as real emergencies [2]. - Presentations are being webcasted, and a replay will be available on the company's website after the event [3]. - Attendees are encouraged to silence their mobile devices and computers to minimize disruptions during the presentations [2]. Group 2: Financial Information - The presentations will include forward-looking statements and references to non-GAAP financial measures, with legal notices provided for important risk factors [3]. - Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures will be available in the presentation appendix and financial filings [3].

Crane NXT (NYSE:CXT) 2026 Investor Day February 25, 2026 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsAaron Saak - President and CEOBob Labick - PresidentBob Stewart - Aftermarket Service Support and Global Brand Protection ManagerCharlie Rose - Partner and Director of ResearchChristina Cristiano - CFOChristopher Arena - SVP and Head of On-Court and Brand PartnershipsIan Zaffino - Managing DirectorMatt Roache - VP of Investor RelationsMichael Mahan - President, Crane Payment Innovations (CPI)Robert Wertheimer - Founding ...

INVESTOR DAY FEBRUARY 25, 2026 POSITIONED TO ACCELERATE GROWTH 2 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS – DISCLAIMER This presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and those regarding the Company's intent, belief, or expectations, including statements with respect to our 2026 financial guidance and 2028 targets. Words such as "anticipate(s)," "expect(s)," "intend(s)," "b ...

Core Viewpoint - Crane NXT, Co. will host its 2026 Investor Day on February 25, 2026, featuring presentations from its management team and an innovation showcase [1][2]. Group 1: Event Details - The Investor Day will be webcasted from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time [1]. - In-person attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an innovation showcase highlighting Crane NXT's technologies and solutions [2]. - A replay of the webcast will be available for one year following the event [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Crane NXT is a premier industrial technology company that provides trusted technology solutions for securing, detecting, and authenticating important assets [3]. - The company operates through two industry-leading business segments, offering advanced technologies for securing high-value physical products and sophisticated detection systems [3]. - Crane NXT employs approximately 5,000 individuals dedicated to helping customers protect their assets and ensure secure transactions globally [3].

Core Insights - Crane NXT reported full-year sales of approximately $1.7 billion, reflecting an 11% increase, with core sales growth of about 1% [1] - The company achieved fourth-quarter sales of $477 million, up around 20% year-over-year, driven by acquisitions and strong performance in Crane Currency [2] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was approximately 25% in Q4 and 24% for the full year, with adjusted EPS of $1.27 for the quarter and $4.06 for the year [3] Financial Performance - For the full year, adjusted segment operating margin decreased by approximately 260 basis points, influenced by acquisitions and international currency costs [1] - Fourth-quarter adjusted segment operating margin was about 26%, down roughly 120 basis points from the prior year due to added costs and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts [2] - CPI segment core sales declined about 4% year-over-year, while SAT delivered core sales growth of about 7% [6][9] Segment Analysis - In the CPI segment, fourth-quarter core sales were flat, with double-digit growth in gaming offset by softness in other markets [6] - SAT experienced a fourth-quarter core sales increase of approximately 11%, with total segment sales growth exceeding 40% [7] - SAT backlog was up more than 50% year-over-year, supporting management's confidence in future growth [9] Strategic Initiatives - Crane NXT plans to invest in international currency capacity and advance its pending Antares Vision transaction, expecting to take it private by mid-2026 [4][19] - The company aims for 2026 sales growth of 4-6%, with adjusted segment EBITDA margin around 28% and adjusted EPS of $4.10 to $4.40 [14][15] - Management outlined steps to expand capacity, including increased staffing and partnerships for banknote printing [12] Market Trends - Increased counterfeiting in emerging markets is prompting redesigns with higher security features, supporting demand in concentrated business areas [16] - The company expects revenue to be weighted towards the second half of the year, with mid-teens revenue growth anticipated in Q1 [17] - The company ended 2025 with net leverage of approximately 2.3x and plans to use free cash flow to pay down debt [18]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth was approximately 20% in Q4 and 11% for the full year 2025 [4] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was approximately 25% in Q4 and 24% for the full year [4] - Adjusted EPS was $1.27 in Q4 and $4.06 for the full year [5][11] - Free cash flow conversion ratio was approximately 135% in Q4 and 94% for the full year [4][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CPI core sales were flat in Q4, with double-digit growth in gaming offset by softness in other markets [12] - Security and Authentication Technologies (SAT) saw core sales up approximately 11%, driven by strong performance in Crane Currency [14] - Adjusted operating margin for SAT decreased by approximately 420 basis points due to unfavorable mix and increased costs [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International currency business saw organic backlog up more than 30% year-over-year [7] - CPI expected to be flat year-over-year in 2026, with mid-single-digit growth in services and low single-digit decline in vending [19][51] - SAT expected to deliver high single-digit growth in U.S. currency and mid-single-digit growth in Crane Authentication [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Company is focused on accelerating organic revenue growth while maintaining strong margins and free cash flow [4] - Investments are being made to expand capacity in international currency to meet rising demand [25][26] - The acquisition of Antares Vision is on track, with plans to take the company private by mid-2026 [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for the currency business, citing strong demand and new contract wins [5][7] - The company anticipates a challenging comparison in Q4 2026 due to strong performance in Q4 2025 [62] - Management expects to see accelerating growth throughout 2026, particularly in the second half of the year [22][52] Other Important Information - The company announced a 6% increase in its annual dividend while maintaining capacity for future acquisitions [18] - Adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to be approximately 28% in 2026, reflecting high profitability in CPI and synergy realization in Crane Authentication [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the margin performance in SAT for Q4? - Management noted strong growth and backlog in international currency, emphasizing that contracts are executed from backlog, which provides visibility into 2026 [38] Question: What is the expected EPS cadence throughout the year? - Management indicated that EPS will accelerate through the first half and level off in the back half, with guidance reflecting continued strength in currency and mid-single-digit growth in authentication [41][42] Question: What are the dynamics in CPI for the first quarter? - CPI is expected to be flat in 2026, with services growing at mid-single digits and vending down in low single digits due to tariffs [51] Question: What is the status of the $10 bill onboarding? - Management is confident that the U.S. Treasury will announce the new $10 bill mid-year, with full consumer release expected in Q4 [54][80] Question: What are the drivers for faster growth in international currency? - Management identified increased counterfeiting, growth in emerging economies, and faster redesign times as key drivers for sustainable growth in international currency [67][69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth was approximately 20% in Q4 and 11% for the full year 2025, with adjusted EBITDA margin at approximately 25% in Q4 and 24% for the full year [4][11] - Adjusted EPS was $1.27 in Q4 and $4.06 for the full year [5][11] - Free cash flow conversion ratio was approximately 135% in Q4 and 94% for the full year [4][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CPI core sales were flat in Q4, with double-digit growth in gaming offset by softness in other markets [12] - Security and Authentication Technologies (SAT) saw core sales up approximately 11% in Q4, driven by strong performance in Crane Currency [14] - Adjusted operating margin for SAT decreased by approximately 420 basis points due to unfavorable mix and increased costs [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International currency business showed strong performance with organic backlog up over 30% year-over-year [7][25] - CPI is expected to be flat year-over-year in 2026, with mid-single-digit growth in services and low single-digit decline in vending [19][51] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on accelerating organic revenue growth while maintaining strong margins and free cash flow [4][30] - Investments are being made in international currency business to expand capacity and meet rising demand [25][27] - The acquisition of Antares Vision is progressing, with plans to consolidate results under Crane NXT in 2026 [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the sales outlook for the currency business in 2026, supported by a strong backlog and new contract wins [7][30] - The company anticipates full-year sales growth of 4%-6% in 2026, with adjusted EPS guidance in the range of $4.10-$4.40 [18][22] Other Important Information - The company announced a 6% increase in its annual dividend while maintaining capacity for future acquisitions [18] - Adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to be approximately flat year-over-year at 28% for 2026 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the margin performance in SAT and pricing strategy? - Management noted that contracts are executed from backlog, and they are focused on maximizing value and pricing power with new contracts [38][39] Question: What is the expected EPS cadence throughout the year? - EPS is expected to accelerate through the first half of the year, with a total guidance of $4.10-$4.40 reflecting continued strength in currency and authentication [41][42] Question: What are the dynamics in CPI for the first quarter? - CPI is expected to be flat in 2026, with growth in services and a decline in vending due to tariffs, with Q1 anticipated to be the lowest quarter [51][52] Question: What is the status of the $10 bill onboarding? - Management is confident that the U.S. Treasury will announce the new $10 bill mid-year, with full consumer release expected in Q4 [54][80] Question: What are the drivers for faster growth in international currency? - Growth is driven by increased counterfeiting, growth in emerging economies, and faster redesign times for currency [67][69]