Billionaire Mario Gabelli’s Top 15 Stock Picks

3. Crane Company (NYSE:CR)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39

GAMCO Investors’ Stake: $194.5 million

Crane Company (NYSE:CR) manufactures and sells engineered industrial products. This company emerges as a prime investment opportunity for several reasons. First and foremost, as per the report for the third quarter of 2024, sales were $403 million, increasing 14.3% year-over-year, with 4.7% core sales growth. Also, the GAAP operating profit margin was 18.6%, and adjusted operating profit margin was 23.9%, suggesting the company is effectively managing costs and growing its core business, potentially enhancing investor confidence. Secondly, the company has also acquired Cryoworks for $61 million. This acquisition is expected to strengthen Crane Co.’s capabilities in the aerospace and electronics sectors. Moreover, the company has also entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Engineered Materials business to KPS Capital Partners, LP for $227 million, allowing the company to focus on its core industrial operations and enhance shareholder value.