Crane NXT, Co. (CXT) AI Stock Analysis
CXT AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchCrane NXT, Co. (CXT) is an industrial technology company providing components and systems for aerospace, defense, and manufacturing. Over the trailing twelve months, the company generated $1.80B in revenue with an operating margin of 15.6%. In the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue increased 22.0% year-over-year while quarterly earnings expanded 41.9%.
- Market cap
- $3.15B
- Revenue (TTM)
- $1.80B
- P/E
- 22.7x fwd 10.4x
- 1Y return
- -16.8% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $68.71 25.6% vs last close
Bull case
- Crane NXT demonstrated strong recent operational momentum with latest quarter revenue growing 22.0% and quarterly earnings surging 41.9% year-over-year.
- The stock trades at a valuation discount relative to the median of its US-listed Industrials peers, featuring a forward P/E of 10.4x versus 17.2x.
- Cash generation remains healthy, with FY2025 free cash flow reaching $198.3M alongside an established track record of 43 consecutive years of dividend payments.
Bear case
- Crane NXT carries substantial leverage, holding $1.47B in total debt and $1.24B in net debt against $231.4M in cash and short-term investments.
- Operating margins have faced multi-year pressure, declining steadily from 20.6% in FY2023 to 18.1% in FY2024 and 15.9% in FY2025.
- Short interest stands elevated, with short interest accounting for 22.0% of the company's float.
What Crane NXT does
Crane NXT, Co. specializes in pioneering advanced technologies and solutions across various global industries. The company develops cutting-edge products designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Its offerings serve multiple sectors, including aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing. Crane NXT provides critical components and systems for mission-critical applications, including advanced electronics, aerospace components, and specialized products meeting stringent industry standards. Leveraging its expertise in materials science, engineering, and manufacturing, Crane NXT focuses on technological innovation through research, development, and strategic partnerships to serve a diverse international customer base.
Growth and profitability
Crane NXT delivered $1.66B in revenue in FY2025, representing top-line growth of 11.4% compared to $1.49B in FY2024 and $1.39B in FY2023. Operating margins contracted over this span, falling from 20.6% in FY2023 to 18.1% in FY2024 and 15.9% in FY2025. Annual net income was $145.1M in FY2025, down from $184.1M in FY2024 and $188.3M in FY2023, while EPS landed at $4.06. In the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, performance accelerated with year-over-year revenue growth of 22.0% and quarterly earnings growth of 41.9%, supporting trailing twelve-month EPS of $2.41.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of June 30, 2026, Crane NXT held $231.4M in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $1.47B, resulting in net debt of $1.24B. Shareholders' equity stood at $1.27B, producing a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.16 and a current ratio of 1.42. During FY2025, the company produced $241.5M in operating cash flow and $198.3M in free cash flow. Capital expenditures were $43.2M, while dividend payments totaled $39.0M and share issuance was $24.0M.
Valuation and performance
Trading at $54.72, Crane NXT holds an enterprise value of $4.02B and a market capitalization of $3.15B. The stock trades at a forward P/E of 10.4x and an EV/EBITDA of 10.7x, both below the median of its US-listed Industrials peers at 17.2x and 13.9x, respectively. Its trailing P/E of 22.7x also trades below the peer group median of 24.8x. Over the past year, CXT shares declined 16.8%, underperforming the S&P 500 return of 16.8%, though the stock is up 17.6% year-to-date.
CXT dividend
Crane NXT pays a quarterly dividend with an annualized forward payout of $0.72 per share, representing a 1.32% dividend yield. The company exhibits a dividend payout ratio of 16.7% and has paid consecutive dividends for 43 years. Over the last five years, the dividend grew at an annualized rate of 2.6%, with the last ex-dividend date recorded on August 31, 2026.
What analysts expect
Wall Street coverage includes 5 Strong Buy, 1 Buy, and 1 Hold ratings. The mean price target of $68.71 implies an upside of 25.6% from the last close of $54.72. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, consensus estimates project revenue of $1.92B and EPS of $4.32, which indicates 6.4% earnings growth. Over the trailing four quarters, the company recorded 4 EPS beats, and its next earnings date is November 4, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- A debt-to-equity ratio of 1.16 highlights elevated leverage relative to the company's equity base of $1.27B.
- Net margin compressed from 12.4% in FY2024 to 8.8% in FY2025, signaling persistent bottom-line margin risk.
- Short interest represents 22.0% of the float, reflecting significant market skepticism on future operational performance.
AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer
About this CXT AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of Crane NXT, Co. (CXT). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.
Related: CXT income statement, CXT balance sheet, CXT key metrics, CXT analyst forecast, CXT chart. See the CXT stock overview for the latest quote and news.
CXT AI stock analysis FAQ
What is Crane NXT's dividend yield and track record?
Crane NXT pays an annual forward dividend of $0.72 per share, which yields 1.32%. The company has paid dividends for 43 consecutive years with a low payout ratio of 16.7%.
When is Crane NXT reporting its next quarterly earnings?
Crane NXT is scheduled to report its next earnings on November 4, 2026. The company has beaten EPS expectations in each of the last 4 quarters.
How does Crane NXT's valuation compare to its industry peers?
Crane NXT trades at a forward P/E of 10.4x and an EV/EBITDA of 10.7x, both lower than the median of its US-listed Industrials peers, which sit at 17.2x and 13.9x, respectively.
What is the consensus analyst price target for CXT stock?
Analysts have an average price target of $68.71 for CXT, which represents a 25.6% upside compared to the October 16, 2026 closing price of $54.72.