Crane Company (CR) Stock Forecast & Price Target

Crane's diversified industrial operations are projected to see an expansion in segment-level operating profit margins by 60 basis points year-over-year, reaching over 22.5%, supported by robust demand from key markets such as cryogenics, hydrogen, and pharmaceuticals. The company’s strong backlog position, strategic technological advancements, and effective productivity initiatives are expected to generate impressive top- and bottom-line performance, enabling sustainable growth in its aerospace and electronics, and process flow technologies segments. Furthermore, Crane's ongoing efforts to capture healthy prices, combined with its strategic capital deployment possibilities and a consistent execution track record, bolster the positive outlook for continued growth and financial strength.

Crane is facing multiple headwinds that contribute to a negative outlook, including a downward revision of its 2025 EPS estimate to $5.55, primarily due to foreign exchange challenges and ongoing demand fluctuations. The company is additionally contending with significant raw material cost inflation, particularly in commodities such as steel and aluminum, which could adversely affect profit margins if costs cannot be passed onto customers. Furthermore, uncertainties surrounding Boeing's production ramp-up of the 737 MAX and the potential for pronounced short-cycle slowdowns, especially in the process flow technologies segment, further cloud the company's revenue and profit outlook.