Q4 2023 Crane NXT Co Earnings Call

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Operator: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Crane NXT fourth quarter and full year 2023 earnings conference call. At this time, all participants have been placed in a listen-only mode.

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for standing by and welcome to the Crane and X T fourth quarter and full year 2023 earnings conference call. At this time, all participants have been placed in a listen only mode.

Operator: The lines will be open for your questions following the presentation. Please note that this conference is being recorded. I would now like to hand the call over to Rima Hyder, vice president of investor relations, to begin the presentation. Rima, you may begin.

Lines will be opened for your questions. Following the presentation. Please note that this conference is being recorded.

Now I'd like to hand, the call over to Rima Hyder Vice President of Investor Relations to begin the presentation agreement you may begin.

Rima Hyder: Thank you, operator. And good morning, everyone. I'm Rima Hyder, Vice President of Investor Relations, and I want to welcome all of you to the fourth quarter 2023 earnings call of Crane NXT. Before we begin, the slides we will reference during this presentation can be accessed via the investor relations section of our website at craneNXT.com. A replay of today's call will also be available on our website.

Thank you operator, and good morning, everyone I'm Rima Hyder, Vice President of Investor Relations and I want to welcome all of you to the fourth quarter 2023 earnings calls Crane Annex C before.

Before we begin the slides we will reference during this presentation can be accessed via the Investor Relations section of our website at Crane NXT Dot com.

A replay of today's call will also be available on our website.

Rima Hyder: Before we discuss our results, I encourage all listeners to review the legal notice on slide 2, which explains the risk of forward-looking statements and the use of non-GAAP financial measures. Additionally, we refer you to the cautionary language at the bottom of our earnings release and in our Forms 10-K and 10-Q filings pertaining to forward-looking statements. During the call, we will also be using some non-GAAP numbers, which are reconciled to be comparable GAAP numbers in tables, at the end of our press release and accompanying slide presentation, both of which are available on our website at craneNXT.com in the investor relations section.

Before we discuss our results I encourage all listeners to review the legal notice on slide two which explains the risks of forward looking statements and the use of non-GAAP financial measures.

Additionally, we refer you to the cautionary language at the bottom of our earnings release and in our forms 10-K, and 10-Q filings pertaining to forward looking statements.

During the call. We will also be using some non-GAAP numbers, which are reconciled to the comparable GAAP numbers and tables at the end of our press release and accompanying slide presentation, both of which are available on our website at crane NXT Dot com in the Investor Relations section.

Rima Hyder: On our call this morning, we will discuss 2023 highlights, our financial results, and 2024 guidance, as well as our goals and strategy for the. Joining me for this discussion today are Aaron Saik, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Cristina Cristiano, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. After our prepared remarks, we will open the call to analysts for questions. Now, let me turn the call over to Aaron. Thank you, Rima, and good morning.

On our call. This morning, we will discuss 2023 highlight our financial results and 2024 guidance as well as our goal and strategy for this year.

For this discussion with me today are Aaron sake, our president and Chief Executive Officer, and Christine are Christiana <unk>, our senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

After our prepared remarks, we will open the call to analysts for questions now, let me turn the call over to Aaron.

Thank you Rima and good morning, we appreciate everyone joining the call to discuss our fourth quarter and full year 2023 results as well as our outlook for 2024.

Aaron Saik: We appreciate everyone joining the call to discuss our fourth quarter and full year 2023 results, as well as our outlook for 2024. You know, 2023 marked the start of Crane NXT's journey as a premier industrial technology company, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on that year and thank all of our associates around the world who made 2023 so successful. One of our shared values is people matter, and I couldn't be more proud and grateful to be part of this outstanding team. In April, we successfully launched the company, built out our new corporate leadership team, and continued our disciplined approach to operating our core business. We also established our five-year vision to grow the company to three billion, building from our strong position as a trusted partner, providing technology solutions that secure, detect, and authenticate what matters most to our customers As we announced yesterday, we've delivered strong operational performance, growing revenues organically by 4% with an adjusted segment operating profit of 28% and delivering adjusted EPS above our guidance. A hallmark of our company is our strong free cash.

You know 2023 marked the start of Crane and X Ts journey as a premier industrial technology company and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on that year and thank all of our associates around the world who made 2023 so successful.

One of our shared values is people matter and I couldn't be more proud and grateful to be part of this outstanding team.

In April we successfully launched the company built out our new corporate leadership team and continued our disciplined approach to operating our core business we.

We also established our five year vision to grow the company to 3 billion building from our strong position as a trusted partner, providing technology solutions that secure detect and authenticate what matters most to our customers.

As we announced yesterday, we delivered strong operational performance growing revenues organically by 4% with adjusted segment operating profit of 28% and delivering adjusted EPS above our guidance.

A hallmark of our company is our strong free cash flow. We ended the year with adjusted free cash flow conversion of over 100%, allowing us to further pay down our debt and giving us confidence as we move forward with an increase to our dividend by 14% for 2024.

Aaron Saik: We ended the year with an adjusted free cash flow conversion of over 100%, allowing us to further pay down our debt and giving us confidence as we move forward with an increase to our dividend by 14% for 2024. And finally, we developed a strong M&A pipeline, and we are on track for our first acquisition in 2024. I'm very proud of our accomplishments during our first year as Crane NXT and believe we have set up the company for long-term success.

And finally, we developed a strong M&A pipeline and we are on track for our first acquisition in 2024.

I'm very proud of our accomplishments during our first year of screen NXT and believe we have set up the company for long term success.

Aaron Saik: Moving to our full year 23 financial results, we executed very well to close out this year, delivering results at or ahead of our guidance on all key metrics. We had a revenue of $1.4 billion with core sales growth of 4% in line with our guidance and improved segment operating profit margin by 30 basis points over 22 and above our guidance. Adjusted EBITDA was $388 million, which was also above our guidance, and adjusted EPS of $416 exceeded the high end of our outlook. Adjusted free cash flow conversion for the full year was 111 percent.

Moving to our full year 'twenty three financial results, we executed very well to close out this year delivering results at or ahead of our guidance on all key metrics. We had revenue of $1 4 billion with core sales growth of 4% in line with our guidance and improved segment operating.

Profit margin by 30 basis points over 'twenty, two and above our guidance.

Adjusted EBITDA was 388 million, which was also above our guidance and adjusted EPS of $4 16 exceeded the high end of our outlook.

Adjusted free cash flow can in Georgia for the full year was 111% our very strong cash conversion enabled us to pay down 245 million of debt and 23, lowering our net leverage ratio to one one times.

Aaron Saik: Our very strong cash conversion enabled us to pay down $245 million of debt in 23, lowering our net leverage ratio to 1.1 times. We will continue to focus on this disciplined execution in 2024, utilizing the power of the Crane Business System. And as you saw in our earnings release yesterday, we're starting the year with core sales growth guidance of negative 1 to plus 2 percent over 23 and adjusted EPS of $4.10 to $4.35, which we believe is an appropriately risk-adjusted guidance given the dynamics in our business. With that, I'm now going to hand the call over to Christina to walk us through in more detail our Q4 and full year 23 financial performance, as well as provide Christina?

We will continue to focus on this disciplined execution in 2024 utilizing the power of the Crane business system.

And as you saw in our earnings release yesterday, we're starting the year with core sales growth guidance of negative one to plus 2% over 23, and adjusted EPS of $4.10 to $4 35.

Which we believe is an appropriately risk adjusted guidance given the dynamics in our businesses.

With that I'm now going to hand, the call over to Kristina to walk us through in more details our Q4 and full year 'twenty three financial performance as well as provide more details on our guidance Kristina.

Cristina Cristiano: Thank you, Aaron. What a great close to this extraordinary year where we celebrated the launch of Crane NXT. Our significant accomplishments in this short period of time are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our global associates, and I would like to thank and congratulate everyone. Starting on slide 5, we had a strong 4th quarter with core sales growth of approximately 4%, adjusted segment operating margin of 27%, and adjusted EPS of 99 cents. As Aaron mentioned, adjusted free cash flow conversion was over 100% in line with our expectations, demonstrating our consistent focus on operational excellence.

Thank you Aaron what a great close to this extraordinary year, where we celebrated the launch of cleaner next to our significant accomplishments in this short period of time are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our global associates and I would like to thank and congratulate everyone.

Starting on slide five we had a strong fourth quarter with core sales growth of approximately 4% adjusted segment operating margin of 27% and adjusted EPS of <unk> 99 cents.

As Aaron mentioned adjusted free cash flow conversion was over 100% in line with our expectations demonstrating our consistent focus on operational excellence.

Cristina Cristiano: For the full year, we also had over 4% core sales growth, 28% adjusted segment operating margin, which is an expansion of 30 basis points year over year, and adjusted EPS of $4.16, which beat the top end of our guidance. Overall, we are pleased with the results for Q4 and 2023, which were underpinned by continued disciplined operating execution by both segments. Moving to our segments, CPI reported a decline in core sales of 7% in the fourth quarter, as expected, and adjusted segment operating margin decreased 260 basis points to 29% year-over-year, reflecting lower volumes and an unfavorable product mix, offset by strong pricing execution.

For the full year, we also had over 4% core sales growth, 28% adjusted segment operating margin, which is an expansion of 30 basis points year over year, and adjusted EPS of $4.16, which beat the top end of our guidance.

Overall, we are pleased with the results for Q4, and 2023, which were underpinned by continued disciplined operating execution by both segments.

Moving to our segments CPI reported a decline in core sales of 7% in the fourth quarter as expected and adjusted segment operating margin decreased 260 basis points to 29% year over year, reflecting lower volumes and an unfavorable product mix offset by strong pricing execution.

Cristina Cristiano: As we discussed last quarter, this decline was driven by softness in new orders, primarily in our gaming end market, where customers continue to draw down on their inventory overstock, and in our retail end market, where projects have been delayed. While our backlog has come down significantly since the beginning of the year, we are still at approximately one and a half times what we would consider normal. We are working with our customers to assess the timing of their demand while also managing our inventory levels very closely. For the full year, CPI core sales grew at 2% in line with our expectations, and we delivered adjusted margin expansion of 190 basis points, driven by continued disciplined pricing, which more than offset inflation.

As we discussed last quarter. This decline was driven by softness in new orders, primarily in our gaming and market where customers continue to draw down on their inventory overstock and in our retail end market where projects have been delayed while our backlog has come down significantly since the beginning of the year. We are still at approximately one five times, what we would.

<unk> normal we are working with our customers to assess the timing of their demand while also managing our inventory levels very closely.

For the full year CPI core sales grew at 2% in line with our expectations and we delivered adjusted margin expansion of 190 basis points, driven by continued disciplined pricing, which more than offset inflation.

Moving to crane currency the quarter was well ahead of our expectations with core sales growth of 29% driven by strength in the international currency business adjusted segment operating margin improved 230 basis points year over year, reflecting favorable mix.

Cristina Cristiano: Moving to Crane Currency, the quarter was well ahead of our expectations, with core sales growth of 29%, driven by strength in the international currency business. Adjusted segment operating margin improved 230 basis points year over year, reflecting favorable mix. Backlog was up 26% from the prior year as we continue to see new orders in our international business. This includes a significant multi-year banknote order secured in the fourth quarter, which will contribute to elevated backlog levels through. For the full year, Crane Currency had exceptional performance, with 8% core sales growth. Adjusted segment operating margin of 26% declined 240 basis points year-over-year, reflecting an unfavorable mix in the U.S. business, where production was more heavily skewed toward lower-denomination banks. Moving on, to our balance sheet. Our adjusted free cash flow was $65 million in the quarter. Given this strong free cash flow, we repaid another $70 million of our term loan during the fourth quarter, reducing our net leverage ratio to approximately 1.1 times. In total, in 2023, we paid down $245 million of our $350 million in term loans.

Backlog was up 26% from the prior year as we continue to see new orders in our international business. This includes a significant multiyear banknote order secured in the fourth quarter, which will contribute to elevated backlog levels through 2026.

For the full year of Crane currency had exceptional performance with 8% core sales growth adjusted segment operating margin of 26% declined 240 basis points year over year, reflecting unfavorable mix in the U S business, where production was more heavily skewed towards lower denomination banknote.

Moving onto our balance sheet, our adjusted free cash flow was $65 million in the quarter given the strong free cash flow, we repaid another $70 million of our term loan during the fourth quarter, reducing our net leverage ratio to approximately one one times in total in 2023, we paid down $245 million.

Of our 350 million term loan.

Cristina Cristiano: We now have over $1 billion of M&A capacity and substantial flexibility to deploy capital toward acquisition opportunities that meet our strategic and financial criteria. Additionally, we announced an increase to our annual dividend of 14% based on our strong cash flow, continuing our commitment to deliver value to our shareholders. Moving to 2024 guidance, we expect to deliver full-year adjusted EPS in the range of $4.10 to $4.35, with core sales growth between minus 1% to plus 2%. The midpoint of this range assumes that gaming orders return to growth in the fourth quarter for CPI and that in Crane Currency, we stay on track to return to normal operations after the planned shutdown of our paper-making equipment for upgrades related to the new U.S. Bank Note series.

We now have over 1 billion of M&A capacity and substantial flexibility to deploy capital toward acquisition opportunities that meet our strategic and financial criteria.

Additionally, we announced an increase to our annual dividend of 14% based on our strong cash flow continuing our commitment to deliver value to our shareholders.

Moving to 2024 guidance, we expect to deliver full year adjusted EPS in the range of $4.10 to $4.35 with core sales growth between minus 1% to plus 2%.

The midpoint of this range assumes the gaming orders returned to growth in the fourth quarter for CPI and that and Crane currency. We stay on track to return to normal operations. After the planned shutdown of our paper, making equipment for upgrades related to the new U S Bank notes series.

Cristina Cristiano: Given these dynamics, I want to point out that the phasing of revenue in 2024 will be more heavily weighted toward the second half of the year versus our historical performance. Additionally, we see opportunity for upside to our guidance based on the potential acceleration of projects in CPI's retail end market, order flow resuming earlier than expected in the gaming market, and additional wins in the international currency market. We are guiding to segment margins in the range of 27% to 29%, reflecting continued discipline pricing and driving productivity through the Crane business system. Corporate expenses are expected to be approximately $53 million, an increase from 2023, reflecting a full year run rate of cost for employees that were hired last year. Additionally, we expect non-operating expenses of approximately $37 million, reflecting lower interest expense due to the paydown of debt.

Given these dynamics I want to point out that the phasing of revenue in 2024 will be more heavily weighted toward the second half of the year versus our historical performance.

We see opportunity for upside to our guidance based on the potential acceleration of projects in Cpi's retail end market order flow resuming earlier than expected in the gaming market and additional wins in the international currency market.

We are guiding to segment margins in the range of 27% to 29%, reflecting continued disciplined pricing and driving productivity through the crane business system.

<unk> expenses are expected to be approximately $53 million, an increase from 2023, reflecting a full year run rate of costs for employees that were hired last year.

Additionally, we expect non operating expenses of approximately $37 million, reflecting lower interest expense due to the pay down of debt.

Aaron Saik: Similar to 2023, we expect to convert our adjusted free cash flow at approximately 100%. Let me now hand it back to Aaron for additional details on key drivers impacting our outlook within each sector. Thanks, Christina.

Similar to 2023, we expect to convert our adjusted free cash flow at approximately 100% let.

Let me now hand, it back to Aaron for additional details on key drivers impacting our outlook within each segment.

Thanks Christina.

Aaron Saik: Moving on to slide 13, I want to highlight some of the dynamics we see playing out in 2024. At Crane Currency, we delivered an outstanding performance in 2023 with 8% core sales growth and increased our international market share driven by further adoption of our micro-optics technology. Now, as a reminder, the international business is approximately half of Crane Currency's revenue. And in this business, we added 17 new denominations designed using our micro-optics technology in 23 to bring our total to 150.

Moving on to slide 13, I want to highlight some of the dynamics, we see playing out in 2024 at.

At Crane currency, we delivered an outstanding performance in 2023, with 8% core sales growth and increased our international market share driven by further adoption of our micro optics technology.

Now as a reminder of the international business is approximately half of Crane currency's revenue.

And in this business, we added 17, new denomination designed using our micro optics technology in 'twenty three to bring our total to 150 and this was a 14% growth rate from 2018, when we acquired the business through 2023.

Aaron Saik: And this is a 14% growth rate from 2018, when we acquired the business, through 2022. Additionally, we now provide our technology to 48 countries, an increase of approximately 12% year over year. The launch of Rapid Vision, the world's first multi-color micro-optics technology, has generated significant interest from our international customers and will provide growth opportunities in the years to come as new denominations are currently being designed that specify this technology.

Also we now provide our technology to 48 countries and increase of approximately 12% year over year.

The launch of rapid vision, the world's first multi color micro optics technology has generated significant interest from our international customers and we will provide growth opportunities in the years to come as new denomination are currently being designed that specified this technology.

And so we ended 2023 with a backlog growth of approximately 26% and this positions us very well for 2024.

Aaron Saik: And so we ended 2023 with a backlog growth of approximately 26%, and this positions us very well for 2023. Now, the other half of revenue from Crane Currency comes from the U.S. government, a very important and long-standing customer. And I want to remind everyone about the work we're doing to prepare for the new U.S. currency program and the impact it will have on the currency business in 24 and beyond. As previously discussed, this is a tremendous long-term tailwind for the business as the U.S. redesigns Spain. Starting with the $10 note, expected to be released to the public in 2026, this will be followed by a new note every two years, culminating with the new $100 bill in 2034.

Now the other half of revenue from Crane currency comes from the U S government are very important and longstanding customer and.

I want to remind everyone about the work we're doing to prepare for the new U S currency program and the impact it will have on the currency business in 'twenty four and beyond.

As previously discussed this is a tremendous long term tailwind to the business as the U S. Redesigned spanked notes starting with the $10 note expected to be released to the public in 2026, and this will be followed by a new node every two years, culminating with the new $100 Bill.

In 2034.

Aaron Saik: This program remains on track, and we continue to be very optimistic about our position with the U.S. government as their sole supplier of currency paper, a relationship we've held since 1879. Additionally, we are very optimistic that the U.S. government will continue to be a leader in technology and banknotes, incorporating additional security features in their new design. Today, only the U.S. $100 bill contains our micro-optics technology, so we see opportunities for additional technology to be incorporated in these new banknotes going forward.

This program remains on track and we continue to be very optimistic about our position with the U S government as their sole supplier of currency paper a relationship we've held since $18 79.

Additionally, we are very optimistic that the U S government will continue to be a leader in technology and banknotes incorporating additional security features in their new designs today only the U S. $100 Bill contains our micro optics technology, So we see opportunities for additional.

Technology to be incorporated in these new bank notes going forward.

Aaron Saik: As part of this program, and in very close coordination with the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, we stopped production in one of our papermaking facilities in late Q4 2023 for approximately four months to complete necessary equipment upgrades to accommodate the new currency technology. As a reminder, we recognize revenue for this business when we produce paper for the U.S. government. So given the shutdown and our revenue recognition policy, we expect currency sales to be flat year over year in the first half of 24, and then gradually increasing throughout the year as we produce products in advance of the next scheduled shutdown to begin in late Q4 of 24. Overall, we're very excited to continue to be a trusted partner with the U.S. government for this very important program and look forward to the future growth it will bring Crane Currency, both with new technology for paper Now moving to slide 15.

As part of this program and in very close coordination with the U S Bureau of engraving and printing we stopped production in one of our paper, making facilities in late Q4 2023 for approximately four months to complete necessary equipment upgrades to accommodate the new currency technology.

As a reminder, we recognize revenue for this business when we produce the paper for the U S government.

So given the shutdown and our revenue recognition policy, we expect currency sales to be flat year over year in the first half of 'twenty four and then gradually increasing throughout the year as we produce products in advance of the next scheduled shutdown to begin in late Q4 of 'twenty four.

Overall, we're very excited to continue to be a trusted partner with U S. Government for this very important program and look forward to the future growth that will bring crane currency, both with new technology for paper and the opportunities for increased use of micro optics.

Now moving to slide 15 in 2024, we expect CPI to grow mid single digits, excluding the gaming vertical.

Aaron Saik: In 2024, we expect CPI to grow in the mid-single digits, excluding gaming. We see strength in our vending business, growing in the mid-single digits, coming off COVID lows. We also see momentum in the financial services vertical, particularly with our field service business, where we continue to expand our offerings and grow recurring revenue, and in our retail in market, we're seeing positive momentum from our OEM As Christina mentioned, we're still seeing slower new orders in gaming as our customers are working down heightened levels of inventory due to the pandemic.

We see strength in our vending business growing at mid single digits coming off Covid lows. We also see momentum in the financial services vertical, particularly with our field service business, where we continue to expand our offerings and grow recurring revenue.

And in our retail end market, we're seeing positive momentum from our OEM customers coming out of 2023.

As Kristina mentioned, we're still seeing slower new orders in gaming as our customers are working down heightened levels of inventory due to the pandemic.

Aaron Saik: We've been in very close communication with these customers and now forecast that their inventory positions will return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of Q3. This will result in gaming orders returning to growth in Q4. The underlying gaming market is healthy, and we continue to maintain our strong leadership position in hardware, software, and services. Based on the underlying drivers of CPI's end markets, including labor scarcity and the need for increased automation, we continue to believe that our business is well-positioned to deliver mid-single-digit growth in the long term as we navigate through the transitory headwinds in gaming. We're on track to execute our five-year roadmap to significantly grow Crane NXT and diversify the portfolio. This includes our continued reinvestment in our core businesses, execution of the Crane business system to drive productivity, simplification, and cash conversion, along with disciplined M&A.

We've been in very close communication with these customers and now forecast their inventory positions will return to pre pandemic levels by the end of Q3.

This will result in gaming orders returning to growth in Q4.

The underlying gaming market is healthy and we continue to maintain our strong leadership position in hardware software and services.

Based on the underlying drivers of Cpi's end markets, including labor scarcity and the need for increased automation. We continue to believe that our business is well positioned to deliver mid single digit growth in the long term as we navigate through the transitory headwinds in gaming.

As we look ahead we're.

We're on track to execute our five year roadmap to significantly grow cranium, XT and diversified the portfolio. This includes our continued reinvestment in our core businesses.

Execution of our Crane business system to drive productivity simplification and cash conversion along with disciplined M&A.

Aaron Saik: And in terms of MNA, we believe that the strength of our pipeline and the strategic fit of the targets will enable us to execute on a transaction in 2024 as planned. We are actively cultivating companies with a focus on differentiated technologies and services that secure, detect, and authenticate our customers' most valuable assets. These markets are aligned to secular tailwinds that will drive long-term, durable growth above mid-single digits and enable us to achieve a ROIC of greater than 10% by year five, utilizing CVS to drive value. There is certainly more to come in this area, and I look forward to providing an update at the appropriate time. Moving on to our final page, 2023 was the start of our journey as Crane NXT.

And in terms of M&A, we believe that the strength of our pipeline and the strategic fit of the targets will enable us to execute on a transaction in 2024 as planned.

We are actively cultivating companies with a focus on differentiated technologies and services that secure detect and authenticate our customers most valuable assets.

These markets are aligned to secular tailwind that will drive long term durable growth above mid single digits and enable us to achieve our ROIC of greater than 10% by year, five utilizing CBS to drive value.

Certainly more to come in this area and I look forward to providing an update at the appropriate time.

Moving onto our final page 2023 was the start of our journey as Crane NXT, we launched the company deliver.

Aaron Saik: We launched the company, delivered on our financial commitments, and established a long-term strategy for growth that we believe will drive significant value creation for our shareholders. In 2024, it will be the year we accelerate this strategy, building off the technology leadership in our currency business and investing in the new U.S. banknote series, returning to mid-single-digit growth and CPI as we work through inventory normalization with our gaming customers and continuing to drive strong free cash flow conversion, allowing us to increase our dividend while also providing ample liquidity to execute our first M&A transaction. Taken together, I'm confident in our ability to achieve our long-term objectives, drive profitable growth, and create substantial value for our stakeholders. So thank you again for your time this morning, and we're ready to take our first question. Thank you. At this time, we will be conducting a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star 2 to remove your question from the queue.

<unk> delivered on our financial commitments and established a long term strategy for growth that we believe will drive significant value creation for our shareholders.

In 2024, it will be the year, we accelerate this strategy building off the technology leadership in our currency business and investing for the new U S. Banknote series returning to mid single digit growth in CPI as we worked through inventory normalization with our gaming customers and continuing to drive strong free.

Cash flow conversion, allowing us to increase our dividend, while also providing ample liquidity to execute our first M&A transaction.

Taken together I am confident in our ability to achieve our long term objectives drive profitable growth and create substantial value for our stakeholders. So thank you again for your time this morning, and we're ready to take our first question.

Thank you at this time, we will be conducting a question and answer session I would like to ask a question. Please press star one on your telephone keypad, a confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You May press star two to remove your question from the queue for participants using speaker equipment. It may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys.

Operator: For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys. We ask that you please limit yourself to one question and one follow-up. One moment, please, while we poll for your question. Our first questions come from the line of Matt Summerville with DA Davidson. Please proceed with your question. Thanks, morning.

We ask that you please limit yourself to one question and one follow up question. One moment. Please while we poll for your questions.

Our first questions come from the line of Matt Summerville with D. A Davidson. Please proceed with your questions.

Thanks, Good morning.

Aaron Saik: With respect to the comments you made regarding kind of the first half, second half weighting, CPI totally makes sense, very intuitive given the gaming dynamic. Walk through in a little bit more detail that currency dynamic, the shutdown impact, and, at the end of the day, trying to understand how much of revenue and earnings is likely to be weighted first half, second half, and how we should kind of think about that cadence. And then I will follow up. Sure. Hey, good morning, Matt.

With respect to the comments you made regarding kind of a first half second half weighting CPI totally make sense very intuitive given the gaming dynamic.

Walked through it a little bit more detail that currency dynamic the shutdown impact and at the end of the day.

Trying to understand how much of revenue and earnings is likely to be weighted first half second half and how we should kind of think about that cadence and then I have a follow up thank you.

Sure Hey, good morning, Matt Good to hear your voice.

Aaron Saik: Good to hear your voice. So, again, the shutdown in the first half is material for us in the U.S. government business, just, again, how we recognize revenue. As I mentioned in the prepared remarks, we recognize that revenue at the time of production. So a shutdown, a part of our papermaking operation, obviously impacts that.

Oh, just centering in on currency so.

Again, the shutdown in the first half is material for us in the U S government business just to get into how we recognize revenue as I mentioned in the prepared remarks, we recognize that revenue at the time of production.

So a shutdown of part of our paper, making operation obviously impacts that so when you think about currency overall, then for the year into your point on phasing.

Cristina Cristiano: So when you think about currency overall then for the year and to your point on phasing, that's obviously creating a headwind for us in the first half, where we expect currency to be roughly flat. And then back to growth in the second half, which when we take that in total as our guidance suggests, we're in the range of that low single digits for the full year. And then maybe a finer point on for CXT overall, how much of the revenue and earnings weight is front half versus back half for you guys. And then I think a simple guide here, it's going to be roughly 40 60, Matt. That's going to be both the top line and the bottom line. Okay, and then maybe I was wondering if you could maybe elaborate a little bit on what sounds like a pretty sizable, if it's going to carry the backlog, multi-year win you notched in Crane Currency internationally, as well as maybe talk a little bit about the number of denominations that may be in the design phase with respect to RAPID. Great Well, I'll start, and then maybe Aaron can jump in at the end.

That's obviously, creating a headwind for us in the first half, where we expect currency to be roughly flat and then back to.

Growth in the second half, which when.

When we take that in total as our guidance suggest.

We're in the range of that low single digits for the full year.

And then maybe a finer point on for CST overall, how much of the revenue and earnings weight is front half versus back half for you guys. I mean, yes, I think a simple guide here, it's going to be roughly 40 60, Matt that's going to be both topline and bottomline.

Sure.

Okay.

And then maybe I was wondering if you could.

Maybe elaborate a little bit on what sounds like a pretty sizable it's going to carry the backlog multiyear win you notched in crane currency internationally as well as maybe talk a little bit about the number of denomination that may be in a design phase with respect to rapid vision. Thank you.

Great well I'll start and then maybe Eric can jump in at the end. So we can't give any specifics on any one customer or amounts there, but there was a multiyear order in Q4 that will have a meaningful impact on the revenue over the next three years and we're really excited about that the team continues to do great in winning new new.

Cristina Cristiano: So, you know, we can't give any specifics on any one customer or amounts there, but there was a multi-year order in Q4 that'll have a meaningful impact on revenue over the next three years. And we're really excited about that. The team continues to do great in winning new contracts internationally.

New contracts internationally, so really great job, there and as you as Arne said earlier 17 wins in the year.

Cristina Cristiano: So, really great job there. And, as Aaron said earlier, 17 wins in the year, which really just reflects our leading technology, our ability to deliver what our customers need, and our commitment to quality. So, really great all around.

Which really just reflects our leading technology, our ability to deliver what our customers need and our commitment to quality. So just really great all around there.

Cristina Cristiano: Just in terms of the denominations, you know, so 150 in the portfolio right now, and it's been accelerating over the last few years. So, just again, really strong story for the international currency business. Yeah, you know, I think it's positive on many fronts. Matt, you know, it's been broad-based. That's, to Christina's point of 14, you know, new denominations.

Just in terms of the domination.

150 in the portfolio right now and.

It's been accelerating over the last few years. So just again really strong story for the international currency business.

Yes, I think it's positive on many fronts, Matt it's been broad based that's to Christina point of 14, new denomination. So while we did.

Aaron Saik: So while we did win a materially significant order in the fourth quarter, that's where you see the backlog growing up to 26%. As we exited the year, we had a lot of wins through the course of the year. And that's where currency in the international business really exceeded our expectations. Particularly as we exited the year. You know, I think Rapid Vision is just an outstanding story for us.

In a materially significant order in the fourth quarter, that's where you see the backlog growing up to 26% as we exited the year with.

Had a lot of wins through the course of the year and Thats, where currency in the international business really exceeded our expectations.

Particularly as we exited the year I think rapid vision, just an outstanding story for us it talks to our technology leadership. The continued evolution of this portfolio.

Aaron Saik: It talks to our technology leadership, the continued evolution of this portfolio. And when we think about new currencies getting designed with the technology, just a reminder that I know, you know, and many others that it takes several months to years to go through the design process for new currencies. So that started for us at adding slightly before the launch of the product; we have a few central banks evaluating that technology and looking to potentially design it into their next currency. And obviously, we have to wait and let them announce that at the appropriate time. But again, that design to launch period is months to, you know, years, depending on a particular central bank. Shade to Color.

And when we think about new currencies getting designed with the technology. Just just a reminder, that I know you know and many others that it takes several months to years to go through the design process for new currencies. So that started for us at adding slightly before the launch of the product.

We have a.

A few central banks evaluating that technology and looking to potentially designed it in to their to their next currency and obviously, we have to wait and let them announce that at the appropriate time, but again that designed to launch period as months too.

Years, depending on particular central bank.

I appreciate the color I'll get back in queue. Thanks, Thanks, Matt.

Aaron Saik: I'll get back to you. Thanks, Matt. Thank you. Our next questions come from the line of Damian Karras with UBS. Please proceed with your question. Hey, good morning, everyone. Morning Damian, how are you?

Thank you our next questions come from the line of Jamie in Paris with UBS. Please proceed with your questions.

Hey, good morning, everyone.

Good morning, Damian how are you.

Operator: I'll do well. Thank you. I have a follow-up question on currency.

I'm doing well thank you.

I have a follow up question on currency.

Cristina Cristiano: You talked about, you know, nice momentum in international and potential upside to your guidance. Could you tell us what the kind of like year-over-year growth that you have baked into your guidance for the international currency business? Yeah, I'll take that one.

You talked about.

Momentum in international and potential upside to your guidance could you tell us what.

What is the kind of like year over year growth.

Do you have baked into your guidance for the international currency business.

Yeah, I'll take that one so its mid single digit growth for international and really just based on the high visibility we have into our pipeline. So we feel very confident about delivering on that this year. Now remember this is a project based business and the timing of our shipments impacts our revenue recognition so that could be.

Cristina Cristiano: So it's mid single-digit growth for international and really just based on the high visibility we have into our pipeline. So we feel very confident about delivering on that this year. Now remember, this is a project-based business, and the timing of our shipments impacts our revenue recognition, so that could vary. But overall, based on our pipeline, we feel confident in mid single-digits. Okay, that's really helpful.

Barry, but overall based on our pipeline, we feel confident in mid single digits.

Okay. That's really helpful. Thank you.

Aaron Saik: Thank you, and then just looking at the overall company guidance, Flat to Up Slightly sales is your expectation for the year, the margin guys, you know, kind of at the midpoint, maybe down modestly versus where you were in 2023. Is there any way you could maybe just give us a bridge, a way to think about these various, you know, headwinds and tailwinds, thinking about the productivity, price, and then the mixed impact. Anything else? Yeah, sure, Damian. Let me take a few moments on that. And Christina can add in as well.

And then just looking at the overall comp.

Company guidance flat.

Up slightly sales is your expectation for the year.

The margin guide you know kind of at the midpoint, maybe down modestly.

Versus where you were in 2023.

Is there a way you could maybe just give us a bridge.

A way to think about these various.

Headwind to tailwind thinking about that.

Productivity price and then the mix impacts or anything else.

Yeah sure David Let me, let me take a few.

A few moments on that and Christina can add in as well again I think as I said in my remarks, a few minutes ago.

Aaron Saik: Again, I think when, as I said in my remarks a few minutes ago, we believe the four-year guidance is appropriately risk-adjusted, and we're very confident with that. And I think the way you asked the question is appropriate. You've got to break down the analysis into some of the constituent parts.

We believe our full year guidance is appropriately risk adjusted and we're very confident with that and I think the way you asked the question as appropriate if you got to break down the analysis into some of the constituent parts. So when I think of the currency business as Christina just mentioned, we're looking at mid single digit growth there again the margin rate of.

Aaron Saik: So when I think of the currency business, as Christina just mentioned, we're looking at mid-single-digit growth there. Again, the margin rate of that business is a little bit less, so that creates a natural mix, a headwind inside of currency, you know, alluding to the question you've raised. So you can think of it as just as international is growing at mid-single-digits, there's a mix-down effect naturally in currency, where the U.S. government, given the shutdown and what we see in terms of their volume forecast, we're assuming that we have flat volumes and a similar mix that we had last year in terms of the denominations. So that's really the story in currency.

That business, a little bit less so that creates a natural mix headwind inside of currency.

Alluding to the question you've raised so you can think of it as just as international is growing at mid single digits.

As a mixed down affect naturally in currency, where the U S government given the shutdown and what we see in terms of their volume forecast, we're assuming that we have flat volumes and a similar mix that we had last year in terms of the denomination. So so that's really the story in currency again long term.

Aaron Saik: Again, long-term on the U.S. government as we exit 24 and get to the launch of 26, a fantastic story for the business. Now, in CPI, as I mentioned, we expect all parts of the portfolio X gaming to be growing in mid-single digits. Now, again, gaming, with that said, is typically a higher-margin part of our portfolio. So we do have, you know, a mixed headwind there, and that's what's really driving the margin question that you alluded to and the range we've set in the guidance. But again, we see gaming with the visibility we have into our customers with a lot of confidence that the natural inventory burndown is going to complete the cycle in Q3, orders will return, and we exit at mid-single digit growth in gaming, which should, you know, give us some improvements as we look ahead into 2025. So that's really the mix.

On the U S government as we exit 'twenty four and get to the launch of <unk> 26, a fantastic story for the business now in CPI as I mentioned, we expect all parts of the portfolio ex gaming in aggregate to be growing in mid single digits now again gaming with that said as a typically are higher.

Margin part of our portfolio. So we do have a mix headwind there and thats whats really driving the margin question that you alluded to in the range. We've set in the guidance, but again, we see gaming with the visibility we have into our customers.

With a lot of confidence that the natural inventory burn downs going to complete the cycle in Q3 orders returned back and we exited at mid single digit growth in gaming, which should give us some improvements as we look ahead into 25. So so that's really the mix I would just reiterate to the.

Aaron Saik: I would just reiterate the question Matt asked that because of these phenomena with the U.S. government and gaming in 2024, the phasing of our revenue will be a little bit different than we normally see in the company. And again, I think that 40-60 is a good high-level guide. So hopefully that helps.

Question, Matt asked that because of these.

[noise] phenomenon with the U S government in gaming in 2020 for the phasing of our revenue will be a little bit different than we normally see in the company and again I think that 40 60 is a good high level guide so hopefully that helps Damian.

Aaron Saik: Thank you very much for all that color, Aaron. I will pass it along. Thank you. Thank you. Our next questions come from the line of Bob Labick with CJS Securities. Please proceed with your questions. Good morning, and congratulations on a great year.

It does thank you very much for all that color Aaron I will pass it along.

Thank you.

Thank you our next questions come from the line of Bob <unk> with CJS Securities. Please proceed with your questions.

Good morning, and congratulations on a great year and quarter.

Operator: Thanks, Paul. Yeah, I kind of wanted to just follow up on I guess your last comment there, Aaron, because you mentioned visibility in gaming. Could you just, you know, talk about, I feel like you guys played out exactly as you've said, you know, to this point and obviously coming down off of higher backlogs from COVID supply chain disruptions and whatnot. So maybe just talk about your relationships in gaming and in retail and the visibility that you have to the underlying demand and the inventory corrections, and that gives you the confidence that we should see resumed growth in the back half of the Sure, Bob, and gaming. Why don't I, again, break these down, as you've asked the question market by market, because there are some important differences.

Thanks, Thank you.

I wanted to just follow up on I guess your last comment there arent because.

You mentioned visibility in gaming could you just talk about I feel actually you guys played out exactly as you've said to this point and obviously coming down off of higher backlogs from Covid supply chain disruptions and whatnot. So maybe just talk about your relationships in gaming and in retail and the visibility that you have to the underlying demand and the inventory.

Sorry correction and that gives you the confidence that we should see resumed growth in the back half of this year.

Sure Bob.

In gaming one on again break these down as you've asked the question market by market.

Because there are some important differences.

Aaron Saik: You know, gaming, again, from a forecast perspective or an outlook, we believe this is appropriately risk-adjusted, again, so that we can continue to do exactly what we say we're going to do each quarter and through the course of 24. I want to bring it back to the gaming market, which is an important part here of our thesis, which is that it's very healthy. You know, casinos continue to be healthy, and our OEM customers continue to be healthy. We see this as a market that's growing, even in 24, anywhere between low single-digit to mid-single-digit plus, highly dependent on the geography, and of course, we serve as a global market. So that gives us a lot of confidence that this underlying market is healthy, and we see that in both, again, the casinos all the way through the OEMs.

Gaming again, I would say from a forecast perspective or an outlook. We believe this is appropriate Lee risk adjusted again, so that we can continue to do exactly what we say, we're going to do each quarter and through the course of 'twenty four.

I want to bring it back at least to the gaming market, which is an important part here of Rfps. This which is it's very healthy.

Casinos continue to be healthy and our OEM customers continue to be healthy we see this as a market that's growing even in 'twenty for any anywhere between low single digit to mid single digit plus highly dependent on the geography and of course, we service a global market. So that gives us a lot of confidence that.

This underlying market is healthy and we see that in both again the casinos all the way through the Oems now we've also done a lot of channel checking Bob as you can imagine and we are very confident we're maintaining strong market share both in our hardware software and services offering.

Aaron Saik: Now, we've also done a lot of channel checking, Bob, as you can imagine, and we are very confident we're maintaining strong market share, both in our hardware, software, and services offering. Just as a reminder, we had a major competitor that lacked certifications and was largely out of this market in 22 and for a good part of 23. We're back in the market, but I think, as a testament to our team at CPI, we gained market share through this period, and so we have a very sticky customer base and a higher set of installations on the floors of these casinos.

Just as a reminder, we had a major competitor that lack certifications and was largely out of this market in 'twenty two and for a good part of 'twenty three theyre back in the market.

I think as a testament to our team at CPI, we gained market share through this period and so we have a very sticky customer base and a higher set of installations on the floors of these casinos. So again, we feel confident in our market position now when he gets into the visibility to our customers inventory. We spent a lot of work here both in December.

Aaron Saik: So again, we feel confident in our market position. Now, when it gets to visibility into our customers' inventory, we do a lot of work here, both in December and in January, reassessing as we exit the year and as customers have started the new year on what their order forecasts are going to be. You know, we sell the vast majority of our equipment through OEMs, and there are only a few OEMs globally at scale, so it's a short list of customers that we have very close relationships with, and that allows us to get very deep into their inventory levels, customer by customer, and that's where I'd say, on average, we see six months of inventory above the normal holding that they would ascribe to.

<unk> in January reassessing, as we exited the year and as customers have started the new year on what their order forecast are going to be we sell the vast majority of our equipment through Oems and there is only a few Oems globally at scale. So it is a short list of customers that we have very close relationship.

With and that allows us to get very deep into their inventory levels customer by customer and Thats, where I would say on average we see six months of.

Inventory above the normal holding that they would ascribe too. So so again I think we have a very good visibility into that and knowing their order rates and their forecast for the year, how theyre going to draw down that inventory. That's what gives us confidence that we're going to see a return to order rates as we get into Q4.

Aaron Saik: So again, I think we have very good visibility into that, and knowing their order rates and their forecast for the year, how they're going to draw down that inventory, that gives us confidence that we're going to see a return to order rates as we get into Q4 and exit their year back in a mid-single-digit growth dynamic in gaming. So, Bob, I'll pause there on gaming, and then I'm happy to talk retail as well. Yeah, perfect. Great Yeah, let me go do that.

And exit the year back in mid single digit growth dynamic and gaming.

So so Bob I'll pause there on gaming and then I'm happy to to talk retail as well.

Perfect.

Yes, let me go to that I think retail.

Aaron Saik: I think retail, retail, you know, a different market, but a dynamic where we're seeing improvements as we exited last year and as we're already starting off here in 2024. Again, I'd go back to the thesis on the underlying market, which we see is very healthy, driven by our customers needing increased automation and still battling issues with labor scarcity. And so we don't think that will change in the next months or years ahead, and that gives a tailwind to this market. And when you put that in context, right? 23 had a few items that are not repeatable that we expect will play out in 24.

Retail or.

A different market dynamic, where we're seeing improvements as we exited last year and as we're already starting off here in 2024 again I'd go back to the thesis on the underlying market, which we see as very healthy driven by our customers meeting.

Increased automation and still battling issues with labor labor scarcity and so.

So we don't think those change in the next months or years ahead and that gives the tailwind of this market.

And when you put that in context, right 23 had a few.

The items that are not repeatable.

That we expect will play out in 'twenty four it starts with our OEM business, which was softer than we expected in 'twenty three but remember some of these Oems were going through their own transitions very significant transitions in 'twenty, three managing cost and inventory and we see improvement already in that.

Aaron Saik: It starts with our OEM business, which was softer than we expected in 23. But remember, some of these OEMs were going through their own transitions, very significant transitions in 23, managing cost and inventory. And we see improvement already in that OEM business as we start 24, and it's meeting our expectations. We also saw some push-out of projects in the second half of 23.

OEM business as we started 24 and it's meeting our expectations. We also saw some push out of projects in the second half of 'twenty three and in discussions with customers. We believe and have confidence those are going to be coming back in 24. So I think a different dynamic for us in the retail market in 'twenty four.

Aaron Saik: And in discussions with customers, we believe and have confidence those are going to be coming back in 24. So I think a different dynamic for us in the retail market in 24, and already meeting our expectations as we start the year, and that gives us confidence in this outlook. And then, shifting gears and jumping over to the current situation, you gave us a good color on how this year is going to play out, but maybe just in general, if you could talk about, because you kind of have this decade of visibility, how does the rollout of the Catalyst Series play out for you? What will the cycle be like?

And already meeting our expectations as we start the year and that gives us confidence in this outlook.

Okay Super Thank you and then shifting gears and jumping over to currency.

Just you gave us.

Color on how this year is going to play out, but maybe just in general if you could talk about because you kind of have this decade visibility how does the rollout of the catalyst series play out for you what will the cycle there.

Aaron Saik: Will there be like, you know, shut down? When do revenues benefit from, you know, the... and Matt Zaffino, Matt Summerville, Rima Hyder, Crane NXT, Co. Yeah, thanks, Bob. I think we're on the, you know, early stages here of this, as you said, it's a decade plus program, right? It's going to take 10 years just to launch the new bills.

Would be like.

Shut down when the revenues benefit from the enhanced security or whatever we think is going to be and.

Shutdown every year, then boosting revenue has it become a little bit more cyclical as it comes out how should we think about it yes.

Yeah. Thanks, Bob I think we're on the early stages here of this as you said, it's a decade plus program right its going to take 10 years just to launch the new bills, but we've been already actively working on it as you know with the Bep. So 24 has this.

Aaron Saik: But we've already been actively working on it, as you know, with the BEP. So 24 has this, again, very well planned set of shutdowns that we've been planning for with the BEP for well over a year. We're in the middle of one now, and we'll institute the next one at the end of the fourth quarter, again, just to allow both us and the BEP time to make their necessary upgrades and our upgrades, qualify the new product coming off of that papermaking equipment, and, of course, in Q2 through 3Q, produce the product that they need to satisfy their demand. So that's going as expected, on track, on target, on budget. What that means for 24, as I alluded to earlier, is a headwind, particularly in the first half of the year, but that'll moderate.

Again, very well planned.

Set of shutdowns that we've been planning for with the Bep for well over a year. We're in the middle of of one now and we will Institute. The next one at the end of the fourth quarter again, just to allow both us and the B P time to make their necessary upgrades in our upgrades qualify the new product coming off of that paper, making equipment.

And of course in Q2 through <unk> produce the product that they need to satisfy their demand. So that's going as expected on track on target on budget.

What that means for 'twenty four as as I alluded to earlier is a headwind, particularly in the first half of the year and that will moderate and then again, we will have a shut down likely in the latter part of Q4, we don't really see the benefit then Bob of the new series until we get into production full production.

Aaron Saik: And then again, we'll have a shutdown, likely in the latter part of Q4. We don't really see the benefit of the new series then, Bob, until we get into production, full production of that product. And that first one is the $10 that goes into public circulation sometime in 2026. So I think, you know, I would frame it and model it as we start to see, assuming, again, increased technology density on those bills and an uplift in margins that starts to occur more in the 26 timeframe. Again, we can't, and we're in no position now to announce any significant announcements on the design of the currency. That's left to the U.S. Department of Treasury to make those announcements, and they'll do that at the appropriate time.

<unk> of that product in that first one is the 10 dollar that goes into public circulation sometime in 2026, So I think.

I would frame it and model it as we start to see assuming again increased technology density on those bills and uplift in margins that starts to occur more in the 26 timeframe.

Again, we can't and we are in no position now to announce any any significant.

<unk> on the design of the currency that's left to the U S Department of Treasury to make those announcements and they'll do that at the appropriate time, but I think if you go back to that slide that I referenced earlier in the presentation today only the U S $100 Bill has art, leading micro optics technology.

Aaron Saik: But I think if you go back to that slide that I referenced earlier in the presentation, today, only the U.S. $100 bill has our leading micro-optics technology, and we believe that's an opportunity, as each of these new bills gets introduced, to increase, generally, all types of new technology on U.S. government notes. And so I wouldn't think that this is modeled then episodically, as I think the term you used, but more continuously, as new bills get released; we naturally mix up the business starting in 26 through 34. Thank you. Our next questions come from the line of Ian Zaffino with Oppenheimer. Please proceed with your question. Hey, good morning. This is Isaac Salazan on for Ian.

And we believe that's an opportunity as each of these new bills gets introduced.

<unk> increased generally all types of new technology.

On the U S government notes and so I wouldn't think that this is model then.

Episodically.

The term you used but more continuously as new builds get released we naturally mix up the business.

Starting in 26 through 34.

Thank you our next questions come from the line of Ian Zaffino with Oppenheimer. Please proceed with your questions.

Hey, Good morning. This is Alex on for Ian Thanks for taking my questions.

Operator: Thanks for taking our questions. You know, the first is on CPI and the guidance. I'm not sure how detailed you can get. But maybe if you could just talk about, you know, CPI, core sales growth, and what guidance assumes as far as volume and price mix are concerned, and then maybe just a broader discussion about pricing in general, and how you think about that through the year. Well, I'll just start at the end of your question in terms of pricing. Our teams do such a great job here, Isaac, and we're continuing to more than offset costs with revenue. And that's really just based on our great business system, the Crane business system, and the operating discipline that our teams have.

First of all on CPI and the guidance I'm not sure how detailed you can get.

Maybe if you could just talk about <unk>.

<unk> core sales growth and what guidance assumes as far as volume and price mix.

Then maybe just a broader discussion on pricing in general and how do you think about that through the year.

Yeah, well I'll just start at the end of your question in terms of pricing. Our teams did such a great job here, Isaac and we're continuing to more than offset cost with pricing and Thats really just based on our great business system Crane business system and the operating discipline that our teams have so really a great job there.

Cristina Cristiano: So really great job there, and we expect that to continue. In terms of the CPI verticals, just looking ahead in our guidance, we're assuming mid-single-digit growth in all the verticals outside of gaming. So, as Aaron said, the underlying markets are healthy, and we're expecting to see continued strength. We have some tough comparisons in some of the markets, but overall, I feel very confident. And gaming, as we said, by Q4, should return to mid-single-digit growth once our major OEM customers primarily work through their inventory levels, which we expect to start happening in Q2. Okay, great.

And we expect that to continue.

In terms of the CPI verticals.

Just looking ahead in our guidance, we're assuming mid single digit growth in all of the verticals outside of gaming. So as Aaron said the underlying markets are healthy and we're expecting to see continued strength.

Had some tough comparisons and some of the markets, but overall.

Feeling very confident and gaming as we said by Q4 should return to mid single digit growth once our major OEM customers, primarily worked through their inventory levels, which we expect to start happening in Q2.

Okay, Great and then just as a follow up on currency could you touch on the product authentication business and maybe trends youre seeing within that market.

Cristina Cristiano: And then just as a follow-up on currency, could you touch on the product authentication business and maybe trends you're seeing within that market? You know, you mentioned the M&A sales pipeline and have previously expressed interest in expanding, you know, within product authentication. So maybe any higher level comments on potential M&A targets?

You mentioned the M&A sales pipeline and have previously expressed interest in expanding within product authentication. So maybe any high level comments on potential M&A targets. Thanks.

Aaron Saik: Thanks. Yeah, thanks, Isaac. I really appreciate that question. So, you know, we continue to be very optimistic and confident in the position we have in product authentication. We see that as a market, in general, that's growing at a mid single-digit plus rate, and it's very global in its growth rate. And we think those are the core drivers of the need for more anti-counterfeiting protection, whether that's in physical products or digital products, will continue for the foreseeable future.

Yes, Thanks, Isaac I really appreciate that question. So we continue to be very optimistic and confident in the position we have in product authentication, we see that as a market in.

In general.

Thats growing at.

Mid single digit plus.

And it's very global in its growth rate and we think those core drivers of the need for more anti counterfeiting protection, whether that's in physical products are digital products will continue for the foreseeable future I think thats as we'd say, it's a pretty straightforward got to believe in this market in terms.

Aaron Saik: I think that's, as we'd say, a pretty straightforward gotta believe in this market. In terms of our own business, again, we continue to win new accounts, you know, leading with our micro-optics technology. But with that said, and to the question you raised, we really see M&A in this area as an accelerator of our strategy, where we can leverage our very strong technology leadership in the physical products with other capabilities that grow Crane NXT. So, as I mentioned in my prepared remarks, our pipeline has grown significantly over the last year. It's matured also in terms of where we are in that cultivation stage, and we feel very confident and on track as we exit 23 that we will be in a position to announce our first acquisition in 2024. As I've said many times, that first acquisition is more important than any.

Of our own business.

Again, we continue to.

When new accounts, leading with our micro optics technology.

With that said.

To the question you raised we really see M&A in this area as an accelerator of our strategy, where we can leverage our very strong technology leadership in the physical products with other capabilities that grow crane NXT. So.

As I mentioned in my prepared remarks, our pipeline has grown significantly over the last year, it's matured.

So in terms of where we're at in that cultivation status.

And we feel very confident and on track as we exit 'twenty three that we will be in a position to announce our first acquisition in 2024 as I've said many times that first acquisition is more important than any we want to make sure. It's on strategy focus on secure detect and authenticate.

Aaron Saik: We want to make sure it's on strategy, focused on secure, detect, and authenticate. We want to make sure we're good owners of the business and we can add value, particularly through the deployment of CBS, and we want to generate a strong return, and nothing has changed there from what I've said over the last several quarters. That's a double-digit ROIC by year five, and making sure we're maintaining our leverage below three, or if it's above three, we're able to draw that down very, very quickly based on our strong free cash flow. So again, feel on track and very confident we're in a good position as we head into 24. Okay, very helpful. Thanks so much.

We want to make sure. We're good owners of the business and we can add value, particularly through the deployment of CBS and we want to generate a strong return and nothing thats changed there from what I've said over the last several quarters Thats, a double digit ROIC by year, five and making sure we're maintaining our leverage.

Below three or if above three were able to draw that down very very quickly based on our strong free cash flow. So again feel on track.

And very confident we're in a good position as we head into 'twenty four.

Okay very helpful. Thanks, so much.

Operator: Thank you all. Thank you. Thank you. Our next questions come from the line of Damian Karras with UBS. Please proceed with your questions. Damian, could you check if you're muted? Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. I was muted.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Jamie in Paris with UBS. Please proceed with your questions.

Jamie could you check if you're muted please.

Yeah, I'm, sorry, I was muted.

Operator: Thanks. Thanks, guys. I've got a few follow-up questions.

Thanks, Thanks, guys I've got a few follow.

Operator: First, I just want to make sure I heard you correctly. Did you say that you are expecting the currency business to be kind of flat in the first half of the year and then you will get some pickup in the back half, or did I mishear you there? No, that's directionally correct, that's, you know, can, you know, I'd say, mid-single-digit growth, as Christine alluded to in the international business, but then the headwind in the first half due to the shutdown of the U.S. government. Okay, all right.

Follow up questions.

First I just want to make sure I heard correctly.

Did you say that you are expecting the turnkey business to be.

Kind of flat in the first half of the year and then you get some pick up in the back half or did I mishear you there.

Now that's Directionally correct Damian that's yes.

I would say.

Mid single digit growth as Christine alluded to in the international business, but then the headwind in the first half due to the shutdown from the U S government.

Okay, Alright. So then I guess I'm just trying to piece together kind of like that 40 60.

Aaron Saik: So then I guess I'm just trying to piece together kind of like that 40 60 first half, second half, which would, I guess, more or less suggest like 15 to 20% declines year over year in the first half, and then you kind of get this step back in the second half. If I'm interpreting correctly, then it seems like kind of like the D stocking and CPI is expected to be significantly worse at the outset of the year and then really snaps back in the back half. I think you have that right. Exactly, Damian.

First half second half, which would I guess more or less suggests like 15%, 20% declines year over year in the first half and then you kind of get the snapback in the second half.

If I'm interpreting correctly then so then.

Like kind of like the Destocking in PPI is expected to be significantly worse kind of.

The absence of the year and then.

Really snaps back in the back half.

I think you have that right exactly Damian we're going to hit tougher comps year over year in the first half on CPI, where gaming was still at a very.

Aaron Saik: You know, we're going to hit tougher comps year over year in the first half on CPI, where gaming was still at a very elevated level in the first half of last year. So your logic there is correct. Okay, appreciate you clarifying that. And then, sorry, if I, if you guys alluded to this earlier, but I was just curious thinking about these, you know, the denomination redesign cycle here in the US.

Elevated level in the first half of last year. So your logic there is correct.

Okay I appreciate you clarifying that.

And then sorry, if I if you guys alluded to this earlier, but I was just curious thinking about these.

The denomination redesign cycle here in the U S.

Aaron Saik: When do you think you might have a better sense whether the $10 redesign will involve micropayments? I would answer that, you know, we feel very confident in our, in our longstanding relationship with the BEP. But, but as I said before, we're not going to be in any position to comment on the new redesign until after the Treasury has announced that redesign. And I would expect that'll come, you know, sometime in late 25. Again, that's more their timeline than ours for the announcement. But I think you can appreciate we can't comment on that until it's actually announced by the US government.

When do you think you might have a better sense, whether the 10 dollar redesign will involve micro optics.

Oh.

I would answer that.

We feel very.

Confidence in our in our longstanding relationship with the Bep, but as I said before we're not going to be in any position to comment on the new redesign.

Until after the Treasury has announced that redesign and I would expect that will come sometime in late.

25.

Again, thats more of their timeline than ours on the announcement, but I think you can appreciate we can't comment on that until it's actually announced by the U S government.

Aaron Saik: Thank you. Our final questions will come from the line of Matt Summerville with DA Davidson. Please proceed with your question. Yeah, you sort of answered it with respect to the prior questions, but I want to just put a finer point on it. I mean, CPI organic is going to be down based on what you said very substantially in the first half. How should we think about margins in that context?

Thank you our final question will come from the line of Matt Summerville with D. A Davidson. Please proceed with your questions.

Yes, you sort of answered it with respect to.

Prior questions, but I wanted to put a finer point on it I mean.

CPI organic is going to be down based on what you've said very substantially in the first half of the year. How should we think about margins in that context, how bad will this business Delever and are you doing anything in.

Matt J. Summerville: How bad will this business de-lever? And are you doing anything in the near term to adjust the cost structure in that business? I just want to make sure I'm not taking this, you know, getting over my skis and my assumptions. Yeah. The CPI is going to kind of get hammered, for lack of a better word.

In the near term to adjust the cost structure in that business. So I just want to make sure I'm not taking this.

Getting over my skis in my assumptions.

CPI is going to kind of get hammered lack of a better word there.

Aaron Saik: Well, I think you need to look at the balance of it, too, Matt. I think, directionally, we're going to have a tough comp and, with these headwinds on orders in gaming, that's roughly 25% of the portfolio offset by the other 75%. That's, you know, still growing at roughly mid single digits. So, you know, that's the balance of the math now. I would tell you the first half of CPI, when you put that together and balance it together, probably isn't quite as dire as you alluded to.

Well I think look at the balance of it to Matt I think directionally, we're going to have a tough comp and these headwinds on orders and gaming that's roughly 25% of the portfolio offset by the other 75% that's still growing at roughly mid <unk>.

<unk> digits.

That's the balance of the math now.

Aye.

We would tell you the first half of CPI, when you put that and balance it together probably isn't quite.

As dire.

As you alluded to.

Aaron Saik: And then, of course, the second half, we come back on track with this mid single-digit growth for the second half of the year. I think you can rest assured, and it's true to our culture and how we've operated the business, that we're obviously taking action, and we've already taken some of those actions to fortify the margins of the business so that, of course, we maintain a good, healthy cost discipline, and we invest as we grow, and we've adjusted some of the cost structure of CPI to reflect these headwinds. So certainly, I wouldn't think it's quite as drastic as maybe you're thinking.

Of course, the second half we come out back on track with this mid single digit growth for the second half of the year.

I think you can rest assured and I think it is true to our culture and how we've operated the business that we're obviously taking actions and we've already taken some of those actions to fortify the margins of the business.

So that that of course.

We maintain a good healthy cost discipline, and we invest as we grow and we've adjusted some of the cost structure of CPI to reflect these headwinds so.

Certainly I wouldn't think it's quite as drastic as maybe you were thinking.

Matt J. Summerville: Okay, great. Thanks, Aaron. That's it for me.

Okay, great. Thanks, and that's it for me Thanks, Matt.

Aaron Saik: Thanks, Matt. Thank you. There are no further questions at this time. I'd now like to hand the call back over to Aaron Shaikh for closing remarks. All right. Thank you, operator. Well, it's hard to believe, but we are just 50 days away from the first anniversary of the launch of Crane NXT. It's been a year that has flown by and been filled with enormous accomplishments by our team.

Thank you there are no further questions at this time I would now like to hand, the call back over to Aaron <unk> for closing remarks.

Alright, thanks, Thank you operator.

It's hard to believe but we are just 50 days away from the first anniversary of the launch of <unk>. It's a year that has flown by and bid been filled with enormous accomplishments by our team and so I want to again, thank all of the NXP team members from across the world for their hard work.

Aaron Saik: And so I want to again thank all the NXT team members from across the world for their hard work in 23 to make the launch of Crane NXT so successful, and I am extremely confident that 2024 will be an equally exciting year for the company as we start our second year as a public company. So thank you again to everyone who joined us today with their questions, and I hope you all have a great rest of your week. Thank you. That does conclude today's teleconference. We appreciate your participation. You may disconnect at this time. Enjoy the rest of your day; subs by www.zeoranger.co.uk Rhea Ripley, Matt Summerville, Jason Feldman, Rima Hyder, Crane NXT, Matt Summerville, Jason, nzc.com. https://www.youtube.com.ac, Subs by www.zeoranger.co.uk

<unk> 23 to make the launch of Crane NXT so successful.

And I am extremely confident that 2024 will be an equally exciting year for the company as we start our second year as a public company. So thank you again to everyone who joined US today for your questions and I Hope you all have a great rest of your week.

Thank you that does conclude today's teleconference. We appreciate your participation you may disconnect at this time and enjoy the rest of your day.

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