How does CR's Q1 2025 EPS forecast compare to past trends?

Crane's Q1 2025 EPS forecast is $5.30 to $5.60, reflecting a 12% growth at the midpoint compared to 2024 adjusted EPS. This outlook indicates a continuation of the company's positive earnings trend from the previous year. 1. **Growth Consistency**: Crane has demonstrated a consistent growth trajectory in its EPS. For instance, in 2024, the company achieved a 28% adjusted EPS growth, driven by strong performances across its segments, particularly in Aerospace & Electronics and Process Flow Technologies. 2. **Segmental Strength**: The continued strength in core order growth and core backlog growth, primarily driven by ongoing strength at Aerospace & Electronics, suggests that this segment will likely contribute positively to the EPS growth in Q1 2025. The Process Flow Technologies segment has also shown robust performance, with revenue increasing by 13% in 2024. 3. **Dividend Increase and Market Confidence**: Crane's decision to raise its annual dividend by 12% to $0.92 per share and initiate a quarterly dividend of $0.23 per share for Q1 2025 reflects confidence in its cash flow and future earnings prospects. This move is often a signal from the company that it expects to maintain or increase its earnings in the coming periods. 4. **Market Expectations**: The EPS forecast for Q1 2025 exceeds market expectations, with the company's outlook indicating a higher EPS than the consensus estimate for the same period. This suggests that analysts are optimistic about Crane's performance in the upcoming quarter. In conclusion, Crane's Q1 2025 EPS forecast is in line with its historical growth trends and current business strengths, indicating a positive outlook for the company's earnings in the upcoming quarter.