Wrapping up Q4 earnings, we look at the numbers and key takeaways for the general industrial machinery stocks, including Crane (NYSE: CR) and its peers.
Automation that increases efficiency and connected equipment that collects analyzable data have been trending, creating new demand for general industrial machinery companies. Those who innovate and create digitized solutions can spur sales and speed up replacement cycles, but all general industrial machinery companies are still at the whim of economic cycles. Consumer spending and interest rates, for example, can greatly impact the industrial production that drives demand for these companies’ offerings.
The 14 general industrial machinery stocks we track reported a slower Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 2.6% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 2.5% below.
Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 8.8% since the latest earnings results.
Crane (NYSE: CR)
Based in Connecticut, Crane (NYSE: CR) is a diversified manufacturer of engineered industrial products, including fluid handling, and aerospace technologies.
Crane reported revenues of $544.1 million, up 12.3% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 1.2%. Overall, it was a satisfactory quarter for the company with a solid beat of analysts’ organic revenue estimates.
Max Mitchell, Crane's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated: "Crane Company had an exceptional year with both segments executing at a high level. As a result, we delivered 8% core sales growth with 28% adjusted EPS growth in 2024. Further, we continued to strengthen and focus our portfolio with the acquisitions of Vian, CryoWorks and Technifab, as well as with the divestiture of our Engineered Materials segment."
The stock is down 2.7% since reporting and currently trades at $152.40.
Is now the time to buy Crane? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
Best Q4: GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE)
One of the original 12 companies on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, General Electric (NYSE: GE) is a multinational conglomerate providing technologies for various sectors including aviation, power, renewable energy, and healthcare.
GE Aerospace reported revenues of $10.81 billion, up 14.3% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 13.7%. The business had a stunning quarter with a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.
GE Aerospace pulled off the fastest revenue growth among its peers. The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 6.3% since reporting. It currently trades at $200.27.
Is now the time to buy GE Aerospace? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
Weakest Q4: Columbus McKinnon (NASDAQ: CMCO)
With 19 different brands across the globe, Columbus McKinnon (NASDAQ: CMCO) offers material handling equipment for the construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries.
Columbus McKinnon reported revenues of $234.1 million, down 7.9% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 7%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA and EPS estimates.
Columbus McKinnon delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates in the group. As expected, the stock is down 49.3% since the results and currently trades at $17.98.
Read our full analysis of Columbus McKinnon’s results here.
Albany (NYSE: AIN)
Founded in 1895, Albany (NYSE: AIN) is a global textiles and materials processing company, specializing in machine clothing for paper mills and engineered composite structures for aerospace and other industries.
Albany reported revenues of $286.9 million, down 11.3% year on year. This result lagged analysts' expectations by 4.2%. Overall, it was a disappointing quarter as it also produced full-year revenue guidance missing analysts’ expectations.
Albany had the slowest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is down 5.1% since reporting and currently trades at $74.84.
Read our full, actionable report on Albany here, it’s free.
Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW)
Founded by Byron Smith, an investor who held over 100 patents, Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW) manufactures engineered components and specialized equipment for numerous industries.
Illinois Tool Works reported revenues of $3.93 billion, down 1.3% year on year. This number came in 1.4% below analysts' expectations. It was a slower quarter as it also recorded full-year EPS guidance missing analysts’ expectations and a slight miss of analysts’ organic revenue estimates.
The stock is flat since reporting and currently trades at $256.51.
Read our full, actionable report on Illinois Tool Works here, it’s free.
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