Crane NXT, Co. (CXT) FY 2024 MD&A
This page reproduces the company's own Item 7 MD&A text from the linked SEC filing. It is filer text, not grepcent analysis, scoring, or investment advice.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our consolidated and combined financial statements and related notes included under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We are a leading provider of trusted technology solutions to secure, detect, and authenticate our customers’ most valuable assets. Our primary end markets include governments and a wide range of consumer-related end markets including convenience merchandising (vending), retail and gaming. Our operations are comprised of two segments, Crane Payment Innovations (“CPI”) and Security and Authentication Technologies (“SAT”):
•CPI provides electronic equipment and software leveraging extensive and proprietary core capabilities with various detection and sensing technologies for applications including verification and authentication of payment transactions. CPI also provides advanced automation solutions, processing systems, field service solutions, remote diagnostics and productivity software solutions.
•SAT provides advanced security solutions based on proprietary technology for securing physical products, including banknotes, consumer goods and industrial products. SAT also provides brand protection, authentication solutions, and digital content protection across online marketplaces, social media platforms, and websites.
We are committed to delivering shareholder value by focusing on our proprietary and differentiated technology and investing in core businesses to capitalize on opportunities to enhance organic growth. We maintain a strong balance sheet with financial flexibility, allowing us the ability to expand the business through strategic acquisitions into higher-growth adjacencies. We continuously evaluate our portfolio, pursue acquisitions that complement our existing businesses and are accretive to our growth profile, and selectively divest businesses where appropriate. We foster a performance-based culture with clearly defined values and utilize our well-established Crane Business System (CBS) to drive operational excellence and profitable growth.
Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this report may not add up precisely to totals we provide and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.
Separation
On April 3, 2023, Holdings was separated (the “Separation”) into two independent, publicly-traded companies, Crane NXT, Co. and Crane Company (“SpinCo”) through a pro-rata distribution (the “Distribution”) of all the issued and outstanding common stock of SpinCo to the stockholders of Holdings. As part of the Separation, the Aerospace & Electronics, Process Flow Technologies and Engineered Materials businesses of Holdings were spun off to SpinCo. Also, as part of the Separation, Holdings retained the Payment and Merchandising Technologies business and was renamed “Crane NXT, Co.” on April 3, 2023. Following the consummation of the Separation, our common stock is listed under the symbol “CXT” on the New York Stock Exchange.
Due to SpinCo’s larger operations, greater tangible assets, greater fair value and greater net sales, in each case, relative to ours, among other factors, SpinCo was considered to be the “accounting spinnor” and therefore is the “accounting successor” to Holdings for accounting purposes, notwithstanding the legal form of the Separation. As such, our financial statements for periods prior to the Separation are comprised of combined carve-out financial statements representing only our operations, assets, liabilities and equity on a stand-alone basis derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Holdings.
Separation Agreements
On April 3, 2023, we entered into definitive agreements with SpinCo in connection with the Separation. The agreements set forth the terms and conditions of the Separation and provide a framework for our relationship with SpinCo following the Separation, including the allocation between us and SpinCo of our and SpinCo’s assets, liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to, at and after the Separation. These agreements include the Separation and Distribution Agreement, which contains certain key provisions related to the Separation, as well as a Transition Services Agreement, a Tax Matters Agreement, an Employee Matters Agreement and an Intellectual Property Matters Agreement. As of December 31, 2024, the term of the Transition Services Agreement has expired.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Recent Transactions
Credit Facilities
We are party to a senior secured credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) entered into on March 17, 2023, which provides for a $500 million, five-year revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”), funding under which became available in connection with the Separation. On December 9, 2024, we entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement which increased the Revolving Facility by $200 million to an aggregate $700 million and provided a delayed draw term loan of 300 million British pounds to be used as part of the funding for the De La Rue Authentication Solutions acquisition discussed below.
On March 17, 2023, we also entered into a $350 million, 3-year term loan facility (the “Term Facility”), funding under which became available in connection with the Separation. On December 9, 2024, proceeds from the Revolving Facility were used to repay the outstanding Term Facility.
OpSec Acquisition
On May 3, 2024, we acquired OpSec Security (“OpSec”), for a base purchase price of $270 million on a cash-free and debt-free basis, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. We utilized $210.0 million from our Revolving Facility and cash on hand to fund the acquisition. OpSec is a global leader in brand protection and authentication solutions, serving the world’s most recognized brands, as well as government agencies and financial institutions. In connection with the acquisition of OpSec, we renamed our “Crane Currency” reportable segment to “Security and Authentication Technologies,” which consists of the Crane Currency business and the acquired OpSec business. The integration of OpSec into our SAT segment is on track.
De La Rue Authentication Solutions Acquisition
On October 15, 2024, we signed a definitive agreement with De La Rue Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of De La Rue plc, to acquire its authentication business (“De La Rue Authentication Solutions”) for 300 million British pounds in cash, subject to customary adjustments. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Transaction costs incurred for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $6.5 million.
De La Rue Authentication Solutions is a leading global provider of digital and physical security and authentication technologies to governments and brands. De La Rue Authentication Solutions will be included within the Security and Authentication Technologies segment upon close.
This section of this Form 10-K generally discusses 2024 and 2023 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023. Discussions of 2022 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results from Operations - For the Years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
| For the year ended December 31, | 2024 vs 2023 Favorable / (Unfavorable) Change | 2023 vs 2022 Favorable / (Unfavorable) Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions, except %) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crane Payment Innovations | $ | 873.2 | $ | 886.4 | $ | 874.3 | $ | (13.2) | (1.5) | % | $ | 12.1 | 1.4 | % | ||||||||||||
| Security and Authentication Technologies | 613.6 | 504.9 | 465.6 | 108.7 | 21.5 | % | 39.3 | 8.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total net sales | $ | 1,486.8 | $ | 1,391.3 | $ | 1,339.9 | $ | 95.5 | 6.9 | % | $ | 51.4 | 3.8 | % | ||||||||||||
| Sales growth: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Core sales | $ | 15.7 | 1.1 | % | $ | 57.5 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange | (6.2) | (0.4) | % | (6.1) | (0.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | 86.0 | 6.2 | % | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total sales growth | $ | 95.5 | 6.9 | % | $ | 51.4 | 3.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 821.7 | $ | 737.2 | $ | 713.7 | $ | (84.5) | (11.5) | % | $ | (23.5) | (3.3) | % | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 386.2 | $ | 366.8 | $ | 318.7 | $ | (19.4) | (5.3) | % | $ | (48.1) | (15.1) | % | ||||||||||||
| Restructuring charges | $ | 10.1 | $ | 0.5 | $ | 6.2 | $ | (9.6) | NM | $ | 5.7 | 91.9 | % | |||||||||||||
| Operating profit (loss): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crane Payment Innovations | $ | 228.4 | $ | 242.8 | $ | 217.1 | $ | (14.4) | (5.9) | % | $ | 25.7 | 11.8 | % | ||||||||||||
| Security and Authentication Technologies | 110.9 | 116.3 | 117.3 | (5.4) | (4.6) | % | (1.0) | (0.9) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Corporate | (70.5) | (72.3) | (33.1) | 1.8 | 2.5 | % | (39.2) | (118.4) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total operating profit | $ | 268.8 | $ | 286.8 | $ | 301.3 | $ | (18.0) | (6.3) | % | $ | (14.5) | (4.8) | % | ||||||||||||
| Operating margin: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crane Payment Innovations | 26.2 | % | 27.4 | % | 24.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Security and Authentication Technologies | 18.1 | % | 23.0 | % | 25.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating margin | 18.1 | % | 20.6 | % | 22.5 | % |
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
References to "core," such as "core sales," exclude currency effects and, where applicable, the first-year impacts of acquisitions and divestitures. Management believes that non-GAAP financial measures that exclude these items provide investors with an alternative metric that can assist in identifying underlying growth trends in our business and facilitate comparison of our sales performance, for example, with prior and future periods that are complementary to GAAP metrics.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Items Affecting Comparability of Reported Results
The comparability of our results for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 is affected by the following significant items:
The Separation
Our financial statements for periods prior to the Separation are comprised of combined carve-out financial statements representing only our operations, assets, liabilities and equity on a stand-alone basis derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Holdings.
Transaction Related Expenses
We incurred transaction related expenses of $19.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, and $22.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, recorded in “Selling, general and administrative” in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Operations. These transaction related expenses primarily consist of professional service fees incurred in connection with acquisitions and the Separation. There were no allocated transaction-related expenses in connection with the Separation for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Restructuring Charges
In response to challenging industry conditions in the CPI segment, we recorded restructuring charges of $10.1 million, $0.5 million and $6.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
OVERALL
2024 compared with 2023
Sales increased by $95.5 million, or 6.9%, to $1,486.8 million in 2024. The change in sales included:
•sales benefit from the OpSec acquisition of $86.0 million, or 6.2%,
•core sales growth of $15.7 million, or 1.1%, driven primarily by the Currency business, and
•unfavorable foreign currency translation of $6.2 million, or 0.4%.
Cost of sales increased by $84.5 million, or 11.5%, to $821.7 million in 2024. The increase was driven primarily by the impact of the OpSec acquisition of $66.1 million, or 9.0%, and unfavorable mix, partially offset by productivity gains net of inflation and the impact of lower volumes in CPI.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $19.4 million, or 5.3%, to $386.2 million in 2024. The increase was driven primarily by the impact of the OpSec acquisition of $29.7 million, or 8.1%, partially offset by cost saving actions.
Operating profit decreased by $18.0 million, or 6.3%, to $268.8 million in 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by the CPI segment due to unfavorable mix, lower volumes and restructuring charges, partially offset by favorable pricing, lower material and other manufacturing costs, and cost saving actions. In the SAT segment, the decrease in operating profit was driven by the dilutive impact of the OpSec acquisition and higher material and other manufacturing costs, partially offset by favorable pricing in the Currency business. Both segments achieved productivity gains.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CRANE PAYMENT INNOVATIONS
| (in millions, except %) For the year ended December 31, | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales by product line: | |||||||||||
| Payment Acceptance and Dispensing Products | $ | 739.9 | $ | 758.7 | $ | 752.2 | |||||
| Services | 133.3 | 127.7 | 122.1 | ||||||||
| Total net sales | $ | 873.2 | $ | 886.4 | $ | 874.3 | |||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 440.4 | $ | 439.4 | $ | 444.1 | |||||
| Selling, general and administrative (a) | $ | 204.4 | $ | 204.2 | $ | 213.1 | |||||
| Operating profit | $ | 228.4 | $ | 242.8 | $ | 217.1 | |||||
| Assets | $ | 1,187.1 | $ | 1,279.1 | $ | 1,266.1 | |||||
| Backlog | $ | 145.8 | $ | 216.8 | $ | 372.9 | |||||
| Operating margin | 26.2 | % | 27.4 | % | 24.8 | % |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (a) | Selling, general and administrative expense includes restructuring charges of $10.1 million, $0.5 million and $6.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. |
2024 compared to 2023
Sales decreased by $13.2 million, or 1.5%, to $873.2 million in 2024, driven by lower core sales of $6.9 million, or 0.8%, and unfavorable foreign currency translation of $6.3 million, or 0.7%.
•Sales of Payment Acceptance and Dispensing Products decreased $18.8 million, or 2.5%, to $739.9 million in 2024. The decrease reflected lower core sales of $12.5 million, or 1.6%, as favorable pricing was more than offset by lower volumes primarily in gaming. Included in the sales decrease was unfavorable foreign currency translation of $6.3 million, or 0.8%, primarily reflecting the weakening of the Japanese Yen, partially offset by the strengthening of the British pound against the U.S. dollar.
•Service revenue increased by $5.6 million, or 4.4%, to $133.3 million in 2024, primarily driven by favorable pricing.
Cost of sales increased by $1.0 million, or 0.2%, to $440.4 million in 2024, as lower material and other manufacturing costs, the impact of lower sales volumes and productivity gains were more than offset by unfavorable mix.
Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $0.2 million, or 0.1%, to $204.4 million in 2024, primarily due to higher restructuring charges, partially offset by the impact of cost saving actions, and favorable foreign currency translation.
Operating profit decreased by $14.4 million, or 5.9%, to $228.4 million in 2024. The decrease primarily reflected unfavorable mix of $36.3 million, or 15.0%, the impact of lower volumes of $14.4 million, or 5.9%, higher restructuring charges of $9.6 million, or 4.0%, and unfavorable foreign currency translation of $2.9 million, or 1.2%, partially offset by favorable pricing, lower material and other manufacturing costs and productivity gains of $41.8 million, or 17.2%, and the impact of cost saving actions of $9.1 million, or 3.7%.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION TECHNOLOGIES
| (in millions, except %) For the year ended December 31, | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales by product line: | |||||||||||
| Banknotes and Security Products | $ | 521.9 | $ | 500.4 | $ | 461.0 | |||||
| Authentication Products and Solutions | 91.7 | 4.5 | 4.6 | ||||||||
| Total net sales | $ | 613.6 | $ | 504.9 | $ | 465.6 | |||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 381.3 | $ | 297.8 | $ | 269.6 | |||||
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 121.4 | $ | 90.8 | $ | 78.7 | |||||
| Operating profit | $ | 110.9 | $ | 116.3 | $ | 117.3 | |||||
| Assets | $ | 1,178.2 | $ | 814.4 | $ | 863.3 | |||||
| Backlog | $ | 248.3 | $ | 243.0 | $ | 192.7 | |||||
| Operating margin | 18.1 | % | 23.0 | % | 25.2 | % |
2024 compared to 2023
Sales increased by $108.7 million, or 21.5%, to $613.6 million in 2024, primarily reflecting the sales benefit from the OpSec acquisition of $86.0 million, or 17.0%, and higher core sales of $22.6 million, or 4.5%.
•Banknote and security product sales increased by $21.5 million, or 4.3%, to $521.9 million in 2024, driven by higher sales in international markets.
•Authentication products and solutions sales increased by $87.2 million to $91.7 million in 2024, driven by the sales benefit from the OpSec acquisition.
Cost of sales increased by $83.5 million, or 28.0%, to $381.3 million in 2024, primarily due to the impact of the OpSec acquisition of $66.1 million, or 22.2%, higher material and other manufacturing costs, the impact of higher volumes, and unfavorable mix, partially offset by productivity gains.
Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $30.6 million, or 33.7%, to $121.4 million in 2024, primarily due to the impact of the OpSec acquisition of $29.7 million, or 32.7%.
Operating profit decreased by $5.4 million, or 4.6%, to $110.9 million in 2024, reflecting the dilutive impact of the OpSec acquisition of $10.2 million, or 8.7%, higher material and other manufacturing costs net of favorable pricing of $8.4 million, or 7.2%, and unfavorable mix of $3.1 million, or 2.7%, partially offset by productivity gains of $17.9 million, or 15.4%.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CORPORATE
| (in millions) For the year ended December 31, | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate expense | $ | 70.5 | $ | 72.3 | $ | 33.1 |
Corporate expense decreased by $1.8 million, or 2.5%, in 2024 compared with 2023, primarily related to lower transaction related expenses.
INTEREST AND MISCELLANEOUS INCOME, NET
| (in millions) For the year ended December 31, | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest income | $ | 1.6 | $ | 1.1 | $ | 0.2 | |||||
| Interest expense | $ | (47.8) | $ | (48.1) | $ | (41.9) | |||||
| Related party interest expense* | $ | — | $ | (2.5) | $ | (14.4) | |||||
| Miscellaneous income, net | $ | 3.8 | $ | 2.5 | $ | 3.1 | |||||
| * Related party interest with Crane Company incurred prior to the Separation. |
Related party interest expense decreased by $2.5 million, or 100%, in 2024 compared with 2023 as related party interest expense was only incurred in the period prior to the Separation.
INCOME TAX
| (in millions, except %) For the year ended December 31, | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income before tax — U.S. | $ | 78.2 | $ | 97.4 | $ | 163.9 | |||||
| Income before tax — non-U.S. | 148.2 | 142.4 | 84.4 | ||||||||
| Income before tax — worldwide | $ | 226.4 | $ | 239.8 | $ | 248.3 | |||||
| Provision for income taxes | $ | 42.3 | $ | 51.5 | $ | 43.4 | |||||
| Effective tax rate | 18.7 | % | 21.5 | % | 17.5 | % |
Our effective tax rate is affected by both recurring and discrete items, including the mix of jurisdictional earnings, acquisitions and dispositions, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, changing regulations, the continued availability of statutory tax credits and deductions, and examinations initiated by tax authorities around the world.
Our 2024 effective tax rate of 18.7% is lower than the prior year’s comparable period due to the mix in jurisdictional earnings and release of uncertain tax positions due to the expiration of statute of limitations.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) has proposed a global minimum tax of 15% of reported profits (“Pillar 2”) that has been agreed upon by over 140 member jurisdictions including the United States. Pillar 2 addresses the risks associated with profit shifting to entities in low tax jurisdictions. The impact of the adoption of Pillar 2 in 2024 was approximately $2.8 million.
See "Application of Critical Accounting Policies" included later in this Item 7 for additional information about our provision for income taxes. A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal tax rate to our effective tax rate is set forth in Item 8 under Note 10, "Income Taxes" in the Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
| (in millions) For the year ended December 31, | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by (used for): | |||||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 214.1 | $ | 276.3 | $ | 306.0 | |||||
| Investing activities | (318.0) | (31.1) | (21.3) | ||||||||
| Financing activities | 62.1 | (252.5) | (135.0) | ||||||||
| Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (12.0) | 3.8 | (20.2) | ||||||||
| (Decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | (53.8) | $ | (3.5) | $ | 129.5 |
Our operating philosophy is to deploy cash provided from operating activities, when appropriate, to provide value to stockholders by reinvesting in existing businesses, by making acquisitions that will strengthen and complement our portfolio; by divesting businesses that are no longer strategic or aligned with our portfolio and where such divestitures can generate capacity for strategic investments and initiatives that further optimize our portfolio; by paying dividends and repaying prepayable debt. At any given time, and from time to time, we may be evaluating one or more of these opportunities, although we cannot assure you if or when we will consummate any such transactions.
Our current cash balance, together with cash we expect to generate from future operations along with borrowings available under the Credit Agreement, is expected to be sufficient to finance our short- and long-term capital requirements. In addition, we believe our credit ratings afford us adequate access to public and private debt markets.
We had net proceeds of $210 million from the Revolving Facility as of December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, we repaid in full the outstanding $105.0 million debt on the Term Facility. Please see Item 8 under Note 14, “Financing” in the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for additional details.
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $214.1 million in 2024, compared with $276.3 million in 2023. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by the timing of shipments which impacted working capital.
Investing Activities
Cash used for investing activities primarily consists of cash used for capital expenditures and acquisitions. Capital expenditures are made primarily for increasing capacity, replacing equipment, supporting new product development, and improving information systems. We expect capital expenditures of approximately $30 million in 2025.
Cash used for investing activities was $318.0 million in 2024, compared with $31.1 million in 2023. The increase in cash used for investing activities was primarily driven by the OpSec acquisition.
Financing Activities
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities consists primarily of dividend payments to shareholders, repayments of indebtedness, and proceeds from our credit facilities.
Cash provided by financing activities was $62.1 million in 2024, compared with cash used for financing activities of $252.5 million in 2023. The increase in cash provided by financing activities was primarily driven by the redemption of senior notes in 2023. Higher net proceeds from the Revolving Facility were offset by higher net repayments on the Term Facility in 2024.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Financing Arrangements
Total debt was $750.6 million and $644.9 million as of December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Our indebtedness as of December 31, 2024 was as follows:
•$210.0 million related to the Revolving Facility;
•$198.7 million of 6.55% notes due 2036; and
•$346.8 million of 4.20% notes due 2048.
See Item 8 under Note 14, “Financing,” in the Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for details regarding our financing arrangements.
Credit Ratings
As of December 31, 2024, Crane NXT’s Corporate Rating was BB+ by S&P Global Ratings with a Stable Outlook and Ba1 with a Stable Outlook by Moody’s Investor Services. Our senior secured debt was rated BB+ by S&P Global Ratings with a Stable outlook and Baa3 with a Stable Outlook by Moody’s Investor Service. Our senior unsecured debt was rated BB- by S&P Global Ratings with a Stable outlook and Ba2 with a Stable outlook by Moody’s Investors Service. We believe that these ratings afford us adequate access to the public and private debt markets.
Contractual Obligations
Under various agreements, we are obligated to make future cash payments in fixed amounts. These include payments under our short-term and long-term debt agreements and rent payments required under operating lease agreements. The following table summarizes our fixed cash obligations as of December 31, 2024:
| Payment due by Period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | Total | 2025 | 2026 -2027 | 2028 -2029 | 2030 and after | ||||||||||||||
| Debt (a) | $ | 550.0 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 550.0 | |||||||||
| Fixed interest payments | 508.4 | 27.8 | 55.6 | 55.6 | 369.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating lease payments | 95.1 | 13.6 | 19.0 | 13.1 | 49.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase obligations | 39.9 | 38.0 | 1.9 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Pension and postretirement benefits (b) | 45.6 | 4.8 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 23.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities reflected on Consolidated Balance Sheets (c) | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,239.0 | $ | 84.2 | $ | 85.0 | $ | 77.7 | $ | 992.1 |
(a) Debt includes scheduled principal payments.
(b) Pension benefits are funded by the respective pension trusts. The postretirement benefit component of the obligation is approximately $1.0 million per year for which there is no trust and will be directly funded by us. Pension benefits are included through 2034.
(c) As the timing of future cash outflows is uncertain, the following long-term liabilities (and related balances) are excluded from the above table: gross unrecognized tax benefits of $8.1 million and related gross interest and penalties of $1.3 million.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Capital Structure
The following table sets forth our capitalization:
| (in millions, except %) December 31, | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term borrowings | $ | 210.0 | $ | 4.6 | |||
| Long-term debt | 540.6 | 640.3 | |||||
| Total debt | $ | 750.6 | $ | 644.9 | |||
| Equity | $ | 1,064.9 | $ | 964.0 | |||
| Capitalization | $ | 1,815.5 | $ | 1,608.9 | |||
| Debt to capitalization | 41.3 | % | 40.1 | % | |||
| Total debt | $ | 750.6 | $ | 644.9 | |||
| Less cash and cash equivalents | 165.8 | 227.2 | |||||
| Net debt (a) | $ | 584.8 | $ | 417.7 | |||
| Equity | $ | 1,064.9 | $ | 964.0 | |||
| Net capitalization (a) | $ | 1,649.7 | $ | 1,381.7 | |||
| Net debt to equity (a) | 54.9 | % | 43.3 | % | |||
| Net debt to net capitalization (a) | 35.4 | % | 30.2 | % |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (a) | Net debt, a non-GAAP measure, represents total debt less cash and cash equivalents. Net debt is comprised of components disclosed above which are presented on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net capitalization, a non-GAAP measure, represents Net Debt plus Equity. We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures, which include the presentation of net debt and net capitalization, provide useful information about our ability to satisfy our debt obligation with currently available funds. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operating, planning and compensation decisions and in evaluating our performance. Non-GAAP financial measures, which may be inconsistent with similarly captioned measures presented by other companies, should be viewed in the context of the definitions of the elements of such measures we provide and in addition to, and not as a substitute for, our reported results prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. |
In 2024, equity increased $100.9 million as a result of net income attributable to common shareholders of $184.1 million, and the impact of equity-based awards and related settlement activities of $7.4 million. These increases were partially offset by currency translation adjustment of $50.9 million, cash dividends of $36.6 million, and changes in pension and postretirement plan assets and benefit obligations, net of tax of $3.1 million.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Our Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Certain accounting policies require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the financial statements in the period in which they are determined to be necessary. The accounting estimates described below are those that most frequently require us to make estimates and judgments and, therefore, are critical to understanding our results of operations. We have discussed the development and selection of these accounting estimates and the related disclosures with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Item 8 under Note 1, “Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition. We primarily generate revenue through the manufacture and sale of technology solutions including advanced detection and sensing systems, software to authenticate and manage transactions and micro-optics materials technology. Each product within a contract generally represents a separate performance obligation, as we do not provide a significant service of integrating or installing the products, the products do not customize each other, and the products can function independently of each other. Control of products generally transfers to the customer at a point in time, as the customer does not control the products as they are manufactured. We exercise judgment and consider the timing of right to payment, transfer of risk and rewards, transfer of title, transfer of physical possession, and customer acceptance when determining when control transfers to the customer. As a result, revenue from the sale of products is generally recognized at a point in time - either upon shipment or delivery - based on the specific shipping terms in the contract.
When products are customized or products are sold directly to the U.S. government, revenue is recognized over time because control is transferred continuously to customers, as the contract progresses. We exercise judgment to determine whether the products have an alternative use to us. When an alternative use does not exist for these products and we are entitled to payment for performance completed to date which includes a reasonable profit margin, revenue is recognized over time. When a contract with the U.S. government contains clauses indicating that the U.S. government owns any work-in-progress as the contracted product is being built, revenue is recognized over time. The measure of progress applied by us is the cost-to-cost method as this provides the most faithful depiction of the pattern of transfer of control. Under this method, we measure progress by comparing costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs to provide the performance obligation. This method effectively reflects our progress toward completion, as this methodology includes any work-in-process amounts as part of the measure of progress. Costs incurred represent work performed, which corresponds with, and thereby depicts, the transfer of control to the customer. Total revenue recognized and cost estimates are updated monthly. In 2024, the Company recognized approximately $208 million in revenue over time related to products.
These estimates are subject to uncertainties and require judgment. Estimates of contract costs include labor hours and rates, and material costs. These estimates consider historical performance, the complexity of the work to be performed, the estimated time to complete the project, and other economic factors such as inflation and market rates. We update our estimates on a periodic basis and any revisions to such estimates are recorded in earnings in the period in which they are determined. Provisions for estimated losses, if any, on uncompleted long-term contracts, are made in the period in which such losses are determined. We do not believe that any discrete event or adjustment to an individual contract within the aggregate changes in contract estimates for 2024, 2023 or 2022 was material to the consolidated and combined statements of operations for such annual periods.
Income Taxes. We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), which requires an asset and liability approach for the financial accounting and reporting of income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. These balances are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply in the year(s) in which these temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred income taxes is recognized in income in the period when the change is enacted.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Based on consideration of all available evidence regarding their utilization, we record net deferred tax assets to the extent that it is more likely than not that they will be realized. Where, based on the weight of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some amount of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, we establish a valuation allowance for the amount that, in our judgment, is sufficient to reduce the deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The evidence we consider in reaching such conclusions includes, but is not limited to; (1) future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, (2) future taxable income exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences, (3) taxable income in prior carryback year(s) if carryback is permitted under the tax law, (4) cumulative losses in recent years, (5) a history of tax losses or credit carryforwards expiring unused, (6) a carryback or carryforward period that is so brief it limits realization of tax benefits, and (7) a strong earnings history exclusive of the loss that created the carryforward and support showing that the loss is an aberration rather than a continuing condition.
We account for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with ASC 740, which prescribes a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based solely on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit recognized is the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line of the Consolidated and Combined Statement of Operations, while accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. As of December 31, 2024, we had $956.6 million of goodwill and $419.3 million of net intangible assets, of which $45.5 million were intangibles with indefinite useful lives included within intellectual property rights. As of December 31, 2023, we had $841.2 million of goodwill and $308.9 million of net intangible assets, of which $45.5 million were intangibles with indefinite useful lives included within intellectual property rights.
Our business acquisitions have typically resulted in the recognition of goodwill and other intangible assets. We follow the provisions under ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”) as it relates to the accounting for goodwill in the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. These provisions require that we, on at least an annual basis, evaluate the fair value of the reporting units to which goodwill is assigned and attributed and compare that fair value to the carrying value of the reporting unit to determine if an impairment has occurred. We perform our annual impairment testing during the fourth quarter. Impairment testing takes place more often than annually if events or circumstances indicate a change in status that would indicate a potential impairment. We believe that there have been no events or circumstances which would more likely than not reduce the fair value of our reporting units below its carrying value. A reporting unit is an operating segment unless discrete financial information is prepared and reviewed by segment management for businesses one level below that operating segment (a “component”), in which case the component would be the reporting unit. As of December 31, 2024, we had three reporting units.
When performing our annual impairment assessment, we compare the fair value of each of our reporting units to our respective carrying value. Goodwill is potentially impaired when the net book value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair values are established primarily by discounting estimated future cash flows at an estimated cost of capital which varies for each reporting unit and which, as of our most recent annual impairment assessment, ranged between 10.5% and 12.0% (a weighted average of 10.6%), reflecting the respective inherent business risk of each of the reporting units tested. This methodology for valuing our reporting units (commonly referred to as the Income Method) has not changed since the adoption of the provisions under ASC 350. The determination of discounted cash flows is based on the businesses’ strategic plans and long-range planning forecasts, which change from year to year. The revenue growth rates included in the forecasts represent best estimates based on current and forecasted market conditions. Profit margin assumptions are projected by each reporting unit based on the current cost structure and anticipated net cost increases/reductions.
There are inherent uncertainties related to these assumptions, including changes in market conditions, and management judgment is necessary in applying them to the analysis of goodwill impairment. In addition to the foregoing, for each reporting unit, market multiples are used to corroborate discounted cash flow results where fair value is estimated based on earnings multiples determined by available public information of comparable businesses. No impairment charges have been required during 2024, 2023 or 2022.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Furthermore, to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations on the goodwill impairment test, we applied a hypothetical, reasonably possible 10% decrease to the fair values of each reporting unit. The effects of this hypothetical 10% decrease would still result in a fair value calculation significantly exceeding our carrying value for each of our reporting units, except for the recently acquired OpSec reporting unit which was less than 10%. OpSec’s goodwill represents 14% of the total goodwill of the Company. While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair value of all our reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur. If actual results are not consistent with management’s estimates and assumptions, goodwill and other intangible assets may then be determined to be impaired and a charge would need to be taken against net earnings.
Intangibles with indefinite useful lives are tested annually for impairment, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the potential for impairment. If the carrying amount of an indefinite lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, the intangible asset is written down to its fair value. Fair value is calculated using the relief from royalty method. We amortize the cost of definite-lived intangibles over their estimated useful lives.
We review all our definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Examples of events or changes in circumstances could include, but are not limited to, a prolonged economic downturn, current period operating or cash flow losses combined with a history of losses or a forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of an asset or asset group, or a current expectation that an asset or asset group will be sold or disposed of before the end of its previously estimated useful life. Recoverability is based upon projections of anticipated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the use and eventual disposal of the definite-lived intangible asset (or asset group), as well as specific appraisal in certain instances. Reviews occur at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of cash flows associated with other long-lived assets or asset groups and include estimated future revenues, gross profit margins, operating profit margins and capital expenditures which are based on the businesses’ strategic plans and long-range planning forecasts, which change from year to year. The revenue growth rates included in the forecasts represent our best estimates based on current and forecasted market conditions, and the profit margin assumptions are based on the current cost structure and anticipated net cost increases or reductions. There are inherent uncertainties related to these assumptions, including changes in market conditions, and management’s judgment in applying them to the analysis. If the future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value, then the definite-lived intangible asset is considered impaired and a charge would be taken against net earnings based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value. Judgments that we make which impact these assessments relate to the expected useful lives of definite lived assets and its ability to realize any undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets and are affected primarily by changes in the expected use of the assets, changes in technology or development of alternative assets, changes in economic conditions, changes in operating performance and changes in expected future cash flows. Since judgment is involved in determining the recoverable amount of definite-lived intangible assets, there is risk that the carrying value of our definite-lived intangible assets may require adjustment in future periods. Historical results to date have generally approximated expected cash flows for the identifiable cash flow generating level. We believe there have been no events or circumstances which would more likely than not reduce the fair value of our indefinite-lived or definite-lived intangible assets below their carrying value. As of the last annual assessment, fair values have been substantially in excess of carrying values.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Information regarding new accounting pronouncements is included in Item 8 under Note 1 to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS