Mario Gabelli Stock Portfolio: 10 Best Stocks to Buy

4) Crane Company (NYSE:CR)

GAMCO Investors’ Stake Value: $180.7 million

Percentage of GAMCO Investors’ 13F Portfolio: 1.96%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31

Crane Company (NYSE:CR) is a diversified industrial firm, which is engaged in manufacturing a broad range of products, such as valves, vending equipment, payment acceptance equipment, and aerospace components.

Over the past year, Crane Company (NYSE:CR)’s stock witnessed an increase of over ~70%. This appreciation came after its separation from Crane NXT. Crane Company (NYSE:CR)’s products find their use in mission-critical applications. Therefore, the margin for error appears to be slim (for example, wastewater pumps/brake control systems which are used on airplanes). Its reputation for quality and reliability should act as a tailwind moving forward.

Over the past few decades, Crane Company (NYSE:CR) has developed well-established and long-lasting customer relationships. The company has built a significant installed base of equipment which continues to generate recurring revenue. Collectively, these factors are expected to drive the company’s performance.

In 2Q 2024, the company posted sales of $370.6 million, exhibiting an increase of $18.2 million, or 5.2% on a YoY basis. This was primarily driven by $20.5 million, or 5.8% sales benefit due to the acquisition of the OpSec Security business, and $2.9 million, or 0.8% core sales growth. The company has narrowed its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to between $4.20 – $4.35. It continues to focus on operational excellence and driving profitable growth.

Analysts at Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on the shares of Crane Company (NYSE:CR) from $157.00 to $168.00. They gave a “Buy” rating on 18th July. Crane Company (NYSE:CR) is held by 31 hedge funds as of Q2 2024, as per Insider Monkey’s data.