tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Craneware Plc (GB:CRW)
LSE:CRW

Craneware (CRW) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
31 Followers

Top Page

GB:CRW

Craneware

(LSE:CRW)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 61 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:61Neutral
Price Target:
1,614.00 p
▼(-27.62% Downside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/24/26
The score is driven primarily by solid financial performance (strong margins and a low-debt balance sheet), but it is meaningfully weighed down by weak technical momentum (price below key moving averages with negative MACD) and a relatively high P/E that limits valuation support despite the dividend yield.
Positive Factors
High gross margins
Gross margins above 85% reflect a software-centric cost structure and strong product economics. High gross margins create durable operating leverage, enabling reinvestment in R&D and sales, cushioning profitability versus pricing pressure and supporting long-term margin sustainability.
Conservative balance sheet
Very low leverage provides financial flexibility for strategic investments, M&A or weathering downturns without refinancing stress. A strong capital structure reduces default risk and supports multi-year planning, making the business resilient to cyclical swings in healthcare spending.
Recurring SaaS revenue
A subscription-based, recurring revenue model generates predictable cash flows and high customer switching costs through integration into revenue-cycle processes. This supports retention-led growth, easier forecasting and sustainable long-term margins as services scale.
Negative Factors
Declining free cash flow growth
A recent 13.4% drop in free cash flow growth signals weaker cash generation versus prior periods. If persistent, this reduces capacity to fund organic investment, acquisitions or dividends and may constrain strategic options that support longer-term growth.
Modest net profitability
Relatively modest net margins indicate that operating efficiency or non-operating costs limit conversion of high gross margins into owner returns. Lower net profitability and an implied weak ROE reduce the company’s ability to generate strong shareholder returns absent margin improvement or faster revenue growth.
Slow top-line growth
Single-digit revenue growth (~3.8% latest year) suggests a mature or niche market position with limited organic expansion. Slower top-line momentum makes long-term upside more dependent on margin expansion, cross-sell or acquisitions rather than rapid market-share gains.

Craneware (CRW) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Craneware Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCraneware (CRW) is a leading provider of revenue integrity solutions for the healthcare sector, primarily focusing on optimizing the financial performance of healthcare providers in the United States. The company specializes in software solutions that help hospitals and health systems manage their revenue cycles, ensuring accurate billing and compliance with complex regulations. Core products include Chargemaster Toolkit, Revenue Cycle Analytics, and other related services that streamline operations and enhance financial outcomes for healthcare organizations.
How the Company Makes MoneyCraneware generates revenue primarily through subscription-based software licenses, professional services, and ongoing support contracts. The company's key revenue streams include the sale of its software solutions, which are typically offered on a recurring subscription model, allowing for predictable revenue generation. Additionally, Craneware earns income from consulting services that assist healthcare providers in implementing and optimizing their software solutions. Strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations and technology firms also play a crucial role in driving sales and expanding its customer base. The continuous demand for improved revenue cycle management due to regulatory changes and the increasing complexity of healthcare billing further contributes to Craneware's earnings.

Craneware Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Solid fundamentals supported by strong gross margins (>85%) and steady revenue growth (+3.8%), plus a strong balance sheet with very low leverage (debt-to-equity 0.09). Score is tempered by modest net profitability and a recent decline in free cash flow growth (-13.4%).
Income Statement
75
Positive
Craneware has shown consistent revenue growth with a 3.8% increase in the latest year, supported by strong gross profit margins above 85%. However, net profit margins have been relatively modest, reflecting potential cost pressures or investment in growth. The EBIT and EBITDA margins indicate healthy operational efficiency, though there is room for improvement in net profitability.
Balance Sheet
80
Positive
The company's balance sheet is strong, with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, indicating conservative leverage. The equity ratio is solid, reflecting a stable capital structure. However, the return on equity is relatively low, suggesting that the company could enhance its profitability to better utilize shareholder equity.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
Operating cash flow has been robust, but free cash flow growth has declined by 13.4% recently, which could be a concern if it continues. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is healthy, indicating good cash conversion, but the free cash flow to net income ratio suggests a need for improved cash generation relative to earnings.
BreakdownTTMJun 2025Jun 2023Jun 2022Jun 2021Jun 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue211.84M205.66M174.02M165.54M75.58M71.49M
Gross Profit165.28M179.27M148.44M142.37M70.20M66.97M
EBITDA47.60M38.80M51.60M47.54M18.48M23.87M
Net Income22.52M19.66M9.23M9.41M12.90M16.84M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets525.76M551.06M576.98M568.79M311.60M115.76M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments40.96M55.92M78.54M47.16M235.62M47.85M
Total Debt26.91M31.65M86.69M115.52M2.20M2.96M
Total Liabilities186.25M213.50M249.13M235.77M51.32M47.36M
Stockholders Equity339.51M337.56M327.84M333.02M260.28M68.39M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow9.69M59.41M83.20M12.93M13.21M10.96M
Operating Cash Flow10.10M59.90M98.75M26.96M23.54M20.67M
Investing Cash Flow-15.94M-13.98M-15.34M-307.32M-10.32M-9.71M
Financing Cash Flow-25.44M-24.58M-53.28M91.90M174.55M-10.72M

Craneware Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price2230.00
Price Trends
50DMA
1667.80
Negative
100DMA
1881.89
Negative
200DMA
2053.12
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-42.19
Negative
RSI
38.50
Neutral
STOCH
49.41
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:CRW, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 2230 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 1466.25, above the 50-day MA of 1667.80, and above the 200-day MA of 2053.12, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -42.19 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 38.50 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 49.41 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GB:CRW.

Craneware Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
76
Outperform
£40.98M-13.4610.86%
61
Neutral
£506.14M22.566.00%1.66%5.74%63.23%
57
Neutral
£123.93M-5.17-3.95%31.83%46.59%
53
Neutral
£162.02M41.481.70%
52
Neutral
£18.39M-3.33-58.72%-30.77%-6.97%
51
Neutral
$7.86B-0.30-43.30%2.27%22.53%-2.21%
51
Neutral
£7.23M-7.18-15.57%13.32%55.07%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:CRW
Craneware
1,440.00
-311.87
-17.80%
GB:COG
Cambridge Cognition Holdings
39.50
0.00
0.00%
GB:IXI
IXICO plc
7.80
-1.95
-20.00%
GB:KOO
Kooth
113.00
-29.50
-20.70%
GB:DXRX
Diaceutics
146.50
15.50
11.83%
GB:OPT
Optima Health PLC
182.50
0.00
0.00%

Craneware Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackDividendsFinancial Disclosures
Craneware Posts Strong Interim Profit Growth and Launches $25m Buyback
Positive
Mar 2, 2026

Craneware reported unaudited interim results for the six months to 31 December 2025 showing solid top-line growth and stronger profitability, with revenue up 6% to $105.7m and double-digit increases in adjusted EBITDA, profit before tax and EPS. Annual recurring revenue rose 4% to $184.2m, margins remained above 30%, cash reserves stayed high while bank debt fell, and the interim dividend was raised by 11%, underscoring balance sheet strength and cash generation.

Operationally, the company accelerated innovation on its Trisus platform, including advanced AI developed with Microsoft and new functionality due to launch in the second half, and delivered the only fully integrated solution to address the evolving 340B rebate model before its pilot was postponed. Higher sales to new customers, strong net revenue retention at 103%, customer retention above 90% and an announced $25m share buyback support management’s confident outlook and signal ambitions to further strengthen its market position in U.S. healthcare finance technology.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CRW) stock is a Hold with a £1552.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Craneware stock, see the GB:CRW Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Craneware Delivers Solid H1 Growth and Cash Generation Despite US Rebate Programme Disruption
Positive
Jan 20, 2026

Craneware reported a solid first half for FY26, with revenue for the six months to 31 December 2025 rising 6% year-on-year to about $106m and adjusted EBITDA growing at a double-digit rate to roughly $33.4m, supported by sustained demand across its core markets and annual recurring revenue up around 4% to $184.3m. Strong cash generation enabled the group to reduce bank debt to $23.4m while maintaining cash reserves of $71.2m, and management said trading remains in line with expectations for the year to June 2026, underpinned by a robust sales pipeline and a high proportion of recurring revenue. Although the temporary halt of the US HRSA Rebate Model Pilot weighed on reported revenue and ARR in the period, Craneware’s rapid deployment of a rebate solution for affected customers highlighted the depth of its Trisus platform and reinforced its positioning as a key independent data and insights provider at the centre of the US healthcare market, supporting its ambition for near-term double-digit growth.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:CRW) stock is a Hold with a £2223.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Craneware stock, see the GB:CRW Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 24, 2026