(CR) Crane - Ratings and Ratios

Crane Company (NYSE:CR), a leading manufacturer of engineered industrial products, operates globally with a presence in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and other international markets. Founded in 1855 and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, the company has established itself as a key player in industrial manufacturing. Crane Company was previously known as Crane Holdings, Co. and has a long history of innovation and reliability in its sector.

The companys business is organized into two primary segments: Aerospace & Electronics and Process Flow Technologies. The Aerospace & Electronics segment specializes in critical components and systems for commercial aerospace, military aerospace, defense, and space markets. This includes aircraft engine control pressure sensors, braking systems for commercial aircraft and fighter jets, power conversion solutions for defense and space applications, and lubrication systems. The segment also provides aftermarket parts and services, ensuring comprehensive support for its clients.

The Process Flow Technologies segment offers a broad range of industrial products, including lined pipe, fittings, and hoses, as well as advanced pumping solutions such as vacuum jacketed air operated diaphragm and peristaltic pumps. Additionally, this segment provides instrumentation and sampling systems, valve positioning and control systems, vacuum insulated pipe systems, and valve diagnostic and calibration systems. The segment also manufactures pumps, systems, and commercial valves, catering to diverse industrial applications.

With a market capitalization of $8.138 billion, Crane Company is a significant player in the Industrial Machinery & Supplies & Components sector. The companys financial metrics indicate a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 30.78 and a forward P/E of 25.25, suggesting expectations of future earnings growth. The price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 4.97 and price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 3.82 highlight the premium valuation of its shares. Return on equity (RoE) stands at 17.98%, reflecting strong profitability for shareholders.

From a technical perspective, Crane Companys stock is trading at $142.02, below its 20-day simple moving average (SMA) of $144.72 but above its 50-day SMA of $153.82 and 200-day SMA of $157.33. The average true range (ATR) of 6.67 indicates moderate volatility. Average 20-day volume is 345,796 shares, reflecting decent liquidity in the stock.

3-Month Forecast: Based on the convergence of technical and fundamental data, Crane Companys stock is expected to face headwinds in the near term. The stocks current price is below its 20-day SMA, suggesting bearish momentum. However, the 50-day and 200-day SMAs are above the current price, indicating potential support levels. The ATR of 6.67 suggests that price fluctuations could remain moderate. On the fundamental side, the high P/E ratio may act as a barrier to significant upside unless earnings growth accelerates. Overall, the stock is likely to trade in a range between $135 and $150 over the next three months, with the $144 level acting as a key resistance point.