Crane NXT(US:CXT)2025-11-06 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales grew approximately 10% year over year, reaching approximately $445 million, with adjusted EPS of $1.28 [4][13] - Free cash flow conversion was 115% in the quarter, on track for a full-year target range of 90%-110% [4][14] - Adjusted segment operating profit margin was approximately 28%, up 50 basis points year over year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CPI segment sales were approximately $216 million, down 4% year over year, primarily due to declines in vending [15] - Security and authentication technologies segment sales were approximately $229 million, growing 28% year over year, with core sales increasing 9% [16] - The international currency business backlog remains at near record high levels, with approximately 20% organic backlog growth year over year [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. currency business is expected to grow in the high single digits next year, driven by increased demand for higher denomination banknotes [5][11] - The Federal Reserve's print order for 2026 indicates a significant increase in demand for higher denomination banknotes [5][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its market-leading positions and has signed an agreement to acquire Antares Vision, enhancing its portfolio in life sciences and food and beverage sectors [7][9] - The strategy includes upgrading existing customers from legacy products to advanced micro-optics technology, improving margins and customer retention [8][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the backlog and the position for 2026, indicating strong demand in international currency [24] - The company is taking a prudent approach to its outlook for CPI, anticipating continued softness in vending but growth in gaming and service segments [31][32] Other Important Information - The company is on track to achieve adjusted free cash flow conversion of approximately 90%-110% for the full year [17] - The integration of Antares Vision is expected to strengthen the company's position in markets with secular tailwinds [9][66] Q&A Session Summary Question: Currency business capacity for 2026 - Management indicated strong confidence in the backlog and is exploring both organic investments and partnerships to increase production capacity [24][25] Question: CPI vending business outlook - Management noted ongoing order softness in vending due to price increases and macroeconomic factors, expecting this trend to continue into Q4 [31][32] Question: Transitioning De La Rue customers to micro-optics - Management reported good customer receptivity to the transition, expecting significant margin improvements and increased customer stickiness [35][46] Question: U.S. currency redesigns impact - Management clarified that the $10 bill production is on track for mid-2026, with no immediate financial impact expected from the $50 redesign [39][40] Question: Antares Vision integration and guidance - Management expressed excitement about the Antares acquisition but will not include it in initial 2026 guidance until the transaction closes [64][66]