Crane Co

Previous wording

Our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows may be adversely affected by changes in global economic conditions and geopolitical risks, including credit market conditions, trade policies, levels of consumer and business confidence, commodity prices and availability, inflationary pressures, exchange rates, levels of government spending and deficits, political conditions, and other challenges that could affect the global economy, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as well as impacts associated with any economic sanctions imposed against Russia, in response to their invasion of the Ukraine. These economic and geopolitical conditions could affect businesses such as ours in a number of ways. Such conditions could have an adverse impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions and on our ability to fund our operations, grow through operations or refinance maturing debt balances at economically favorable interest rates. In addition, restrictions on credit availability could adversely affect the ability of our customers to obtain financing for significant purchases and could result in decreases in or cancellation of orders for our products and services as well as impact the ability of our customers to make payments. Similarly, credit restrictions may adversely affect our supplier base and increase the potential for one or more of our suppliers to experience financial distress or bankruptcy. See “Specific Risks Related to Our Business Segments.”

Current wording

Our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows may be adversely affected by changes in global economic conditions and geopolitical risks, including credit market conditions, trade policies, including recently announced and threatened tariffs on certain raw materials, levels of consumer and business confidence, commodity prices and availability, inflationary pressures, exchange rates, levels of government spending and deficits, political conditions, and other challenges that could affect the global economy, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as well as impacts associated with any economic sanctions imposed against Russia, in response to their invasion of the Ukraine. These economic and geopolitical conditions could affect businesses such as ours in a number of ways. Such conditions could have an adverse impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions and on our ability to fund our operations, grow through operations or refinance maturing debt balances at economically favorable interest rates. In addition, restrictions on credit availability could adversely affect the ability of our customers to obtain financing for significant purchases and could result in decreases in or cancellation of orders for our products and services as well as impact the ability of our customers to make payments. Similarly, credit restrictions may adversely affect our supplier base and increase the potential for one or more of our suppliers to experience financial distress or bankruptcy. See “Specific Risks Related to Our Business Segments.”

Previous wording

A substantial portion of our sales is concentrated in industries that are cyclical in nature or subject to market conditions which may cause customer demand for our products to be volatile. Reductions in demand by these industries would reduce the sales and profitability of the affected business segments.

Current wording

A substantial portion of our sales is subject to market conditions which may cause customer demand for our products to fluctuate. Reductions in demand from these industries would reduce the sales and profitability of the affected business segments.

Previous wording

•In our Aerospace & Electronics segment, a significant decline in demand for air travel, or a decline in airline profitability generally, could result in reduced orders for aircraft and could also cause airlines to reduce their purchases of repair parts from our businesses. In addition, our Aerospace & Electronics segment could be impacted to the extent that our major aircraft manufacturing customers encounter problems which impact their production rates and, correspondingly, reduce purchases of our products, or if pricing pressure from aircraft customers caused the manufacturers to press their suppliers to lower prices and/or extend payment terms; in addition, demand for military and defense products is dependent upon government spending in certain areas which can vary year to year.

Current wording

•In our Aerospace & Electronics segment, a significant decline in demand for air travel, or a decline in airline profitability generally, could result in reduced orders for aircraft and could also cause airlines to reduce their purchases of spare parts from our businesses. In addition, our Aerospace & Electronics segment could be impacted to the extent that our major aircraft manufacturing customers encounter problems which impact their production rates and, correspondingly, reduce purchases of our products, or if pricing pressure from aircraft customers caused the manufacturers to press their suppliers to lower prices and/or extend payment terms; in addition, demand for military and defense products is dependent upon government spending in certain areas which can vary year to year.

Previous wording

Net sales by destination outside the U.S. were 39.6% of our consolidated amounts in 2023. We expect that non-U.S. sales will continue to account for a significant portion of our revenues for the foreseeable future. In addition, our operations outside the U.S. are subject to the risks associated with conducting business internationally, including, but not limited to:

Current wording

Net sales by destination outside the U.S. from continuing operations were 43.2% of our consolidated amounts in 2024. We expect that non-U.S. sales will continue to account for a significant portion of our revenues for the foreseeable future. In addition, our operations outside the U.S. are subject to the risks associated with conducting business internationally, including, but not limited to:

Previous wording

•changes in the U.S. government's approach to trade policy, including in some cases renegotiating and terminating certain existing bilateral or multi-lateral trade agreements. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, the occurrence of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade agreements or policies has the potential to adversely impact demand for our products, our costs, our customers, our suppliers, and the U.S. economy, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

•Changes in the U.S. government's approach to trade policy, including in some cases renegotiating and terminating certain existing bilateral or multi-lateral trade agreements. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, the occurrence of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade agreements or policies (such as those recently announced or threatened by various countries) has the potential to adversely impact demand for our products, our costs, our customers, our suppliers, and the U.S. economy, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

The COVID-19 pandemic had and may continue to have an adverse impact on our operations and financial performance, as well as on the operations and financial performance of many of the customers and suppliers in industries that we serve. Our operations have generally stabilized since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and in May 2023, the World Health Organization declared an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency. However, a resurgence of COVID-19, or other public health emergencies, could result in unpredictable responses by health authorities around the world which could negatively impact our global operations, customers and suppliers. Any future pandemics or public health emergencies could result in disruptions to global supply chains, delays in supplier deliveries, higher raw material prices, delays in deliveries to customers, travel restrictions, site access and quarantine restrictions, and employee absences. The extent to which public health emergencies could impact our operations and financial performance is highly uncertain and would depend on future developments, including the duration of any such public health emergency, potential actions taken by governmental authorities, and how quickly economic conditions stabilize.

Current wording

• Any pandemics or public health emergencies could result in disruptions to global supply chains, delays in supplier deliveries, higher raw material prices, delays in deliveries to customers, travel restrictions, site access and quarantine restrictions, and employee absences. The extent to which public health emergencies could impact our operations and financial performance is highly uncertain and would depend on future developments, including the duration of any such public health emergency, potential actions taken by governmental authorities, and how quickly economic conditions stabilize;

Previous wording

Our operations require significant amounts of necessary components and raw materials. We deploy a continuous, company-wide process to source our components and raw materials from fewer suppliers, and to obtain parts from suppliers in low-cost countries where possible. Due to a variety of factors, our A&E business has been experiencing, and may continue to experience, supply chain disruptions from an insufficient availability of certain components and raw materials. If we are unable to timely source these components or raw materials, our operations may be disrupted, or we could experience a delay or temporary stoppage in certain of our manufacturing operations. We believe that our supply management and production practices are based on an appropriate balancing of the foreseeable risks and the costs of alternative practices. Nonetheless, reduced availability or interruption in supplies, whether resulting from significant changes in demand; more stringent regulatory requirements; supplier financial condition; increases in duties and tariff costs; disruptions in transportation; an outbreak of a severe public health pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; severe weather; and the occurrence or threat of wars, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

Our operations require significant amounts of necessary components and raw materials. We deploy a continuous, company-wide process to source our components and raw materials from fewer suppliers, and to obtain parts from suppliers in low-cost countries where possible. Consistent with the rest of the aerospace and defense industry, our A&E business has been experiencing, and may continue to experience, supply chain disruptions from an insufficient availability of certain components and raw materials. If we are unable to timely source these components or raw materials, our operations may be disrupted, or we could experience a delay or temporary stoppage in certain of our manufacturing operations. We believe that our supply management and production practices are based on an appropriate balancing of the foreseeable risks and the costs of alternative practices. Nonetheless, reduced availability or interruption in supplies, whether resulting from significant changes in demand; more stringent regulatory requirements; supplier financial condition; increases in duties and tariff costs; disruptions in transportation; an outbreak of a severe public health pandemic; severe weather; and the occurrence or threat of wars, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

The costs of certain components and raw materials that are critical to our profitability can be volatile, which can have a significant impact on our profitability. The costs in our business segments are affected by fluctuations in the price of metals such as steel and copper as well as other raw materials such as resin and electronic components. We have seen a period of sustained price increases for components and raw materials that may continue into the future as demand increases and supply may remain constrained, notably in our A&E segment, which has resulted in, and may continue to result in, increased costs for us. While we have taken actions aimed at securing an adequate supply of raw materials at prices which are favorable to us, if the prices of critical components and raw materials increase or we are unable to pass increased costs of components and raw materials to customers, our operating profit could be adversely affected.

Current wording

The costs of certain components and raw materials that are critical to our profitability can be volatile, which can have a significant impact on our profitability. The costs in our business segments are affected by fluctuations in the price of metals such as steel and copper as well as other raw materials such as resin and electronic components; cost are also impacted by imposed tariffs, which are often unpredictable. We have seen a period of sustained price increases for components and raw materials that may continue into the future as demand increases and supply may remain constrained, notably in our A&E segment, which has resulted in, and may continue to result in, increased costs for us. While we have taken actions aimed at securing an adequate supply of raw materials at prices which are favorable to us, if the prices of critical components and raw materials increase or we are unable to pass increased costs of components and raw materials to customers, our operating profit could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We are required to comply with various import and export control laws, which may affect transactions with certain customers, particularly in our Aerospace & Electronics and Process Flow Technologies segments, as discussed more fully under “Specific Risks Relating to Our Business Segments.” In certain circumstances, export control and economic sanctions, and other trade-related regulations may prohibit the export of certain products, services and technologies, and in other circumstances we may be required to obtain an export license before exporting the controlled item. A failure to comply with these requirements might result in suspension of associated contracts and suspension or debarment from government contracting or subcontracting. For example, compliance with regulations related to the sourcing of conflict-free minerals mined from the democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries could limit the pool of suppliers who can provide conflict-free minerals to us, and as a result, may cause us to incur additional expenses and may create challenges for us to obtain conflict-free minerals at competitive prices. In addition, we are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or securing any improper advantage. We are also subject to the anti-bribery laws of other jurisdictions. Failure to comply with any of these and similar regulations could result in civil and criminal liability, monetary and non-monetary penalties, fines, disruptions to our business, limitations on our ability to export products and services, and damage to our reputation.

Current wording

We are required to comply with various import and export control laws, which may affect transactions with certain customers. In certain circumstances, export control and economic sanctions, and other trade-related regulations may prohibit the export of certain products, services and technologies, and in other circumstances we may be required to obtain an export license before exporting the controlled item. A failure to comply with these requirements might result in suspension of associated contracts and suspension or debarment from government contracting or subcontracting. For example, compliance with regulations related to the sourcing of conflict-free minerals mined from the democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries could limit the pool of suppliers who can provide conflict-free minerals to us, and as a result, may cause us to incur additional expenses and may create challenges for us to obtain conflict-free minerals at competitive prices. In addition, we are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or securing any improper advantage. We are also subject to the anti-bribery laws of other jurisdictions. Failure to comply with any of these and similar regulations could result in civil and criminal liability, monetary and non-monetary penalties, fines, disruptions to our business, limitations on our ability to export products and services, and damage to our reputation.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had goodwill and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, of $835.6 million, which represented approximately 36% of our total assets. Our goodwill is subject to an impairment test on an annual basis and is also tested whenever events and circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. Any excess goodwill resulting from the impairment test must be written off in the period of determination. Intangible assets (other than goodwill) are generally amortized over the useful life of such assets. In addition, from time to time, we may acquire or make an investment in a business that will require us to record goodwill based on the purchase price and the value of the acquired assets. We may subsequently experience unforeseen issues with such business that adversely affect the anticipated returns of the business or value of the intangible assets and trigger an evaluation of the recoverability of the recorded goodwill and intangible assets for such business. Future determinations of significant write-offs of goodwill or intangible assets as a result of an impairment test or any accelerated amortization of other intangible assets could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had goodwill and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, of $821.5 million, which represented approximately 31% of our total assets. Our goodwill is subject to an impairment test on an annual basis and is also tested whenever events and circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. Any excess goodwill resulting from the impairment test must be written off in the period of determination. Intangible assets (other than goodwill) are generally amortized over the useful life of such assets. In addition, from time to time, we may acquire or make an investment in a business that will require us to record goodwill based on the purchase price and the value of the acquired assets. We may subsequently experience unforeseen issues with such business that adversely affect the anticipated returns of the business or value of the intangible assets and trigger an evaluation of the recoverability of the recorded goodwill and intangible assets for such business. Future determinations of significant write-offs of goodwill or intangible assets as a result of an impairment test or any accelerated amortization of other intangible assets could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Total net periodic pension benefit and pension contributions were $11.2 million and $18.1 million, respectively in 2023. The costs of our defined benefit pension plans are dependent upon various factors, including rates of return on investment assets, discount rates for future payment obligations, and expected mortality, among other things. In addition, funding requirements for benefit obligations of our pension plans are subject to legislative and other government regulatory actions. Variances in related estimates could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

Total net periodic pension cost and pension contributions were $4.3 million and $16.6 million, respectively in 2024. The costs of our defined benefit pension plans are dependent upon various factors, including rates of return on investment assets, discount rates for future payment obligations, and expected mortality, among other things. In addition, funding requirements for benefit obligations of our pension plans are subject to legislative and other government regulatory actions. Variances in related estimates could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

Our indebtedness bears interest at variable rates that are linked to changing market interest rates. As a result, an increase in market interest rates would increase our interest expense and our debt service obligations. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $249.3 million of indebtedness that bears interest at variable rates. As of December 31, 2023, a hypothetical 1% increase in prevailing interest rates would increase our 2023 interest expense by approximately $2.5 million.

Current wording

Our indebtedness bears interest at variable rates that are linked to changing market interest rates. As a result, an increase in market interest rates would increase our interest expense and our debt service obligations. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $247.5 million of indebtedness that bears interest at variable rates. As of December 31, 2024, a hypothetical 1% increase in prevailing interest rates would increase our 2024 interest expense by approximately $2.5 million.

Previous wording

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and various international jurisdictions. Our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow could be affected by changes to tax laws, regulations, accounting principles and judicial rulings, the geographic mix of our earnings, the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns. By way of example, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) has been coordinating negotiations among more than 140 countries with the goal of achieving consensus around substantial changes to international tax policies, including the implementation of a minimum global effective tax rate of 15%. While various countries have implemented legislation as of January 1, 2024, and we currently do not expect a resulting material change to our tax liabilities in the near term as additional jurisdictions enact such legislation, we do not expect our effective tax rate and cash tax payments to significantly increase in future years.

Current wording

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and various international jurisdictions. Our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow could be affected by changes to tax laws, regulations, accounting principles and judicial rulings, the geographic mix of our earnings, the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns. By way of example, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has been coordinating negotiations among more than 140 countries with the goal of achieving consensus around substantial changes to international tax policies, including the implementation of a minimum global effective tax rate of 15%. While various countries have implemented legislation as of January 1, 2025, we currently do not expect a resulting material change to our tax liabilities in the near term as additional jurisdictions enact such legislation, nor do we expect our effective tax rate and cash tax payments to significantly increase in future years. We continue to monitor evolving tax legislation in the jurisdictions in which we operate.

Previous wording

Commercial aircraft are procured primarily by airlines, and airline capital spending can be affected by a number of factors including credit availability and related cost, current and expected fuel prices, and current and forecast air traffic demand levels. Air traffic levels are affected by a different array of factors including general economic conditions and global corporate travel spending, although other non-economic events can also adversely impact airline traffic, including terrorism or pandemic health concerns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Our commercial business is also affected by the market for business jets where demand is typically tied to corporate profitability levels, and the freight markets which are most heavily influenced by general economic conditions. Demand for our commercial aftermarket business is closely tied to total aircraft flight hours. Any decrease in demand for new aircraft or equipment, or use of existing aircraft and equipment, would result in decreased sales of our products and services. In addition, our commercial business could also be impacted to the extent that our major aircraft manufacturing customers encounter problems which impact their production rates and, correspondingly, reduce purchases of our products, or if pricing pressure from aircraft customers caused the manufacturers to press their suppliers to lower prices and/or extend payment terms.

Current wording

Commercial aircraft are procured primarily by airlines, and airline capital spending can be affected by a number of factors including credit availability and related cost, current and expected fuel prices, and current and forecast air traffic demand levels. Air traffic levels are affected by a different array of factors including general economic conditions and global corporate travel spending, although other non-economic events can also adversely impact airline traffic, including terrorism or pandemic health concerns. Our commercial business is also affected by the market for business jets where demand is typically tied to corporate profitability levels, and the freight markets which are most heavily influenced by general economic conditions. Demand for our commercial aftermarket business is closely tied to total aircraft flight hours. Any decrease in demand for new aircraft or equipment, or use of existing aircraft and equipment, would result in decreased sales of our products and services. In addition, our commercial business could also be impacted to the extent that our major aircraft manufacturing customers encounter problems which impact their production rates and, correspondingly, reduce purchases of our products, or if pricing pressure from aircraft customers caused the manufacturers to press their suppliers to lower prices and/or extend payment terms.

Previous wording

We rely on certain subcontractors and suppliers to provide and produce raw materials, integrated components and sub-assemblies. The Aerospace and Defense industry is experiencing continued disruptions due to the lingering impacts of COVID-19 and related global supply chain constraints and labor instability. If one or more of our suppliers or subcontractors continue to experience delivery delays or other performance problems, we may be unable to meet commitments to our customers and our financial position, results of operations and cash flows may continue to be adversely impacted. In some instances, we depend upon a single source of supply. Any service disruption from one of these suppliers, either due to circumstances beyond the supplier's control, such as geopolitical developments, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to meet commitments to our customers or increase our operating costs.

Current wording

We rely on certain subcontractors and suppliers to provide and produce raw materials, integrated components and sub-assemblies. If one or more of our suppliers or subcontractors continue to experience delivery delays or other performance problems, we may be unable to meet commitments to our customers and our financial position, results of operations and cash flows may be adversely impacted. In some instances, we depend upon a single source of supply. Any service disruption from one of these suppliers, either due to circumstances beyond the supplier's control, such as geopolitical developments, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to meet commitments to our customers or increase our operating costs.

Previous wording

A portion of this segment’s business is subject to government contracting rules and regulations. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in suspension or debarment from government contracting or subcontracting, civil and criminal liability, monetary and non-monetary penalties, disruptions to our business, limitations on our ability to export products and services, or damage to our reputation. At our foreign operations, results could also be adversely impacted by a weakening of local currencies against the U.S. dollar. Our Process Flow Technologies business has the greatest exposure to the euro, British pound and Canadian dollar, and lesser exposure to several other currencies.

Current wording

A portion of this segment’s business is subject to government contracting rules and regulations. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in suspension or debarment from government contracting or subcontracting, civil and criminal liability, monetary and non-monetary penalties, disruptions to our business, limitations on our ability to export products and services, or damage to our reputation. At our foreign operations, results could also be adversely impacted by a weakening of local currencies against the U.S. dollar. Our Process Flow Technologies business has the greatest exposure to the euro and British pound, and lesser exposure to several other currencies.