CRANE CO /DE/
10-K405, 1999-03-04
LUMBER, PLYWOOD, MILLWORK & WOOD PANELS
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<PAGE>
 
                                   FORM 10-K
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

(x)  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934
                  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
                                            -----------------
                                 OR
( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

       For the transition period from _______________ to _______________

                         Commission file number 1-1657
                                                ------

                                    CRANE CO.
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                                        
                      Delaware                      13-1952290
       ----------------------------------------   ---------------
          (State or other jurisdiction of        (I.R.S. Employer
           incorporation or organization)        Identification No)

        100 First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT               06902
       ----------------------------------------      ---------------------
      (Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code   (203) 363-7300
                                                   -------------------

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                             Name of each exchange on
       Title of each class                      which registered
     -----------------------                 ------------------------
  Common Stock, par value $1.00              New York Stock Exchange
  Preferred Share Purchase Rights            New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                       7 1/4% senior notes due June, 1999
                      8 1/2% senior notes due March, 2004
                     6 3/4% senior notes due October, 2006
                                (Title of Class)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes    X      No ______
                                         -----             

Indicate by check mark if the disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.  (x )

Based on the average stock price of $27.53 on January 29, 1999 the aggregate
market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant was
$1,540,307,167.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock, $1.00 par
value was 68,452,529 at January 29, 1999.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
                      -----------------------------------

Portions of the annual report to shareholders for the year ended December 31,
1998 and portions of the proxy statement for the annual shareholders meeting to
be held on April 5, 1999 are incorporated by reference into Parts I, II, III and
IV of this Form 10-K Annual Report.
<PAGE>
 
                                     PART I
 Item 1.  Business
          --------

     Crane Co. ("Crane" or the "Company") is a diversified manufacturer of
engineered industrial products and the largest American distributor of doors,
windows and millwork. Founded in 1855, Crane employs over 12,500 people in North
America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

                                    STRATEGY

     The company's strategy is to grow the earnings of niche businesses with
high market share, build an aggressive and committed management team whose
interests are directly aligned to those of the shareholders, and maintain a
focused, efficient corporate structure.

                                  ACQUISITIONS
                                        
     In the past five years, the company has completed 19 acquisitions. During
1998 the company completed six acquisitions at a total cost of $224 million.  In
May, the company acquired Environmental Products USA, Inc.  This business
manufactures membrane-based water treatment systems for industrial, commercial
and institutional markets.  Also in May, the company acquired Number One Supply,
a building products distribution business based in Baltimore, MD and Raleigh,
NC.  In July, the company acquired Consolidated Lumber Company, a wholesale
distributor of lumber and millwork products in the greater Kansas City, MO area.
Number One Supply and Consolidated Lumber were integrated into the company's
Huttig Sash & Door Company ("Huttig") subsidiary.  In August, the company
acquired Sequentia Holdings, Inc., a manufacturer of fiberglass-reinforced
plastic panels for the construction and building products markets.  Sequentia
complements the company's Kemlite subsidiary, which provides fiberglass-
reinforced plastic panels for the transportation and recreational vehicle
markets.  In September, the company acquired Liberty Technologies, Inc. which
develops, manufactures, markets and sells valve, motor, engine and compressor
condition monitoring products and related services to the nuclear power
generation and industrial process markets worldwide.  Liberty complements the
company's nuclear valve business which provides valves, valve diagnostic
equipment and related services to the nuclear power industry, and its Dynalco
Controls business, which provides sensors, instrumentation, control products and
automation systems for use in industrial engine applications.  Also in
September, the company acquired the Plastic-Lined Piping Products ("PLPP")
division of The Dow Chemical Company.  PLPP was integrated with the company's
Resistoflex division, which supplies lined pipe and valves to the chemical
process and industrial markets.


     During 1997, the company completed five acquisitions at a total cost of $82
million, including assumed debt.  In March, the company acquired the
transportation products business of Sequentia, Incorporated.  This business,
which produces fiberglass-reinforced plastic panels for the truck body, trailer
and container market, has been integrated with the company's Kemlite subsidiary.
Also in March, the company acquired Polyvend Inc., a manufacturer of snack and
food vending machines.  Polyvend was completely integrated into Crane's National
Vendors division significantly expanding its sales distribution channels. In
April, the company acquired the Nuclear Valve Business of ITI MOVATS from
Westinghouse.  MOVATS is a leading supplier of valve diagnostic equipment and
valve services to the commercial nuclear power industry.  In July, through its
Huttig subsidiary, the company acquired MALLCO Lumber & Building Materials Inc.,
a leading wholesale distributor of lumber, doors and engineered wood products
serving Arizona and the surrounding region.  In December the company acquired
certain operations and product lines of Stockham Valves & Fittings, Inc.  The
acquired product lines and related manufacturing operations have been integrated
into the company's engineered valve business and its commercial bronze and iron
valve business.

                                                                               2
<PAGE>
 
                                     PART I
 Item 1.  Business  (continued)
          --------             

     During 1996, the company acquired two companies.  In mid-October, the
company acquired Interpoint Corporation in a tax-free merger in which the
company issued 1,094,312 shares of Crane  common stock and assumed $26 million
in debt.  Interpoint is a leader in the design and manufacture of standard and
custom miniature DC-to-DC power converters with applications in aerospace and
medical technology industries.  In late October the company acquired Grenson
Electronics Ltd. of Daventry, England. Grenson Electronics produces low voltage
power conversion electronics for aerospace, defense and industrial markets.

     During 1995, the company completed three acquisitions at a total cost of
$9.4 million.  In February the company, through its Barksdale Control Products
GmbH subsidiary, acquired Unimess GmbH, a German-based manufacturer of solid
state pressure switches and transducers, level switches and indicating systems,
and flow measurement and control components for specialized instrumentation.  In
the fourth quarter, the company, through its Crane Pumps & Systems subsidiary,
acquired Process Systems, Inc. based in Michigan.  Process Systems is a
manufacturer of vertical turbine pumps and accessories for industrial
applications.  In November 1995, the company acquired Kessel PTE Ltd., a
fluoropolymer plastic lined pipe manufacturer with facilities in Singapore and
Thailand.

     The company completed three acquisitions in 1994 at a total cost of $240
million.  The company, through its Huttig subsidiary, acquired a molding and
millwork manufacturing operation in Prineville, Oregon in May 1994.  In April,
1994, the company purchased Mark Controls Corporation, a manufacturer of
automatic and manually operated valves, and specialized instruments and
controls, for commercial and industrial   customers.  The company acquired ELDEC
Corporation in March 1994. ELDEC's products are used worldwide on all major
commercial and business aircraft and include: position indication and control
systems, proximity switches and components, true mass fuel flowmeters, and power
conversion components and systems.

                                  DIVESTITURES

     In the past five years, the company has divested six businesses. In 1998,
the company sold two foundry operations acquired as part of the Stockham Valves
and Fittings Inc. transaction.  Accu-Cast, Inc. in Chattanooga, TN and the
Aliceville Foundry in Aliceville, AL were sold for a total of $4.3 million. In
1997, the company sold its Valve Systems and Controls division for $7.5 million
in cash and $1.5 million in preferred stock.   In March of 1996, the company
sold Empire Foundry.  In December 1994, Huttig sold its window manufacturing
business for $2.4 million. The transaction excluded real estate and receivables.
In July 1994, the company sold Modulinc, the fiber optic channel product line of
ELDEC.

                              LONG-TERM FINANCING

     In September 1998 the company sold $100,000,000 of 6 3/4% notes that will
mature on October 1, 2006. During June 1994 the company sold $150,000,000 of 7
1/4% notes that will mature on June 15, 1999.  During April 1992 the company
sold $100,000,000 8 1/2% notes that will mature on March 15, 2004.

                               BUSINESS SEGMENTS
                                        
     See pages 20 and 21 of the Annual Report to Shareholders for year ended
December 31, 1998 for sales, operating profit and assets employed of each
business segment.

                                                                               3
<PAGE>
 
                                     PART I
                                        
Item 1.  Business  (continued)
         --------             

                                 FLUID HANDLING
                                        
     The Fluid Handling segment consists of valve, pump and water treatment
businesses.  The Crane Valve business with seven manufacturing facilities in
North America, as well as operations in the United Kingdom, Australia, Norway,
China and Indonesia, sells a wide variety of commodity and special purpose
valves and fluid control products for the chemical and hydrocarbon processing,
power generation, marine, general industrial and commercial construction
industries.  Products are sold under the Crane, Jenkins, Pacific, Westad,
Flowseal, Center Line,  Stockham, Triangle and Duo-Check brands. The 1998
acquisition of Liberty Technologies, Inc. which  manufactures condition
monitoring products and related services to the nuclear power generation market
worldwide complements the company's nuclear valve business which provides
valves, valve diagnostic equipment and related services to the nuclear power
industry.   Crane Pumps has eight manufacturing facilities in the United States.
Pumps are manufactured under the Deming, Weinman, Chempump, Burks, Chem/Meter,
Barnes, Sellers and Process Systems brand names.  Pumps are sold to a broad
customer base, which includes chemical and hydrocarbon process industries,
automotive, municipal, industrial and commercial wastewater, power generation,
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning industries and original
equipment manufacturers.  The water treatment business has manufacturing
facilities in Pennsylvania and Florida and serves the water and wastewater
treatment market.  Its products are sold under the Cochrane and Environmental
Products names.

     This group employs over 3,400 people and had assets of $355.5 million at
December 31, 1998.  Fluid Handling order backlog totaled $79.3 million.

     Products in this group are sold directly to end users through Crane's sales
organization and through independent distributors and manufacturers
representatives.
 
                                   AEROSPACE

     The Aerospace segment consists of ELDEC, Hydro-Aire, Lear Romec and
Interpoint.

     The group employs 2,500 people and had assets of $296.7 million at year-
end.  The order backlog totaled $281.2 million at December 31, 1998.

     ELDEC designs, manufactures and markets custom position indication and
control systems, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, true mass fuel flowmeters
and power conversion systems for the commercial, business and military aerospace
industries, and military marine and telecommunications markets.  These products
are custom designed for specific aircraft to meet technically demanding
requirements of the aerospace and telecommunication industry. ELDEC has two
international facilities one in England and one in France.

     ELDEC also has a 47% equity investment in Powec A/S, a Norwegian
manufacturer of power conditioning products and systems for the commercial
wireless telecommunications market, whose products are complementary to the
products and complex power systems engineering capabilities at ELDEC.

                                                                               4
<PAGE>
 
                                PART I (continued)
Item 1.  Business  (continued)
         --------             


     Hydro-Aire designs, manufactures and sells aircraft brake control and anti-
skid systems, including electro-hydraulic servo valves and manifolds, embedded
software and rugged electronic controls, hydraulic control valves, landing gear
sensors and fuel pumps as original equipment for the commercial transport,
business and commuter, military, government and general aviation aerospace
markets.  In addition, Hydro-Aire designs and manufactures systems similar to
those above for the retrofit of aircraft with improved systems and manufactures
replacement parts for systems installed as original equipment by the aircraft
manufacturer.  All of these products are largely proprietary to Hydro-Aire and,
to some extent, are custom designed to the requirements and specifications of
the aircraft manufacturer or program contractor.  These systems and replacement
parts are sold directly to airlines, governments, and aircraft maintenance and
overhaul companies.

     Lear Romec designs, manufactures and sells lubrication and fuel pumps for
aircraft, aircraft engines and radar cooling systems for the commercial and
military aerospace industries.  Lear Romec has a leading share of the non-
captive market for turbine engine lube and scavenge oil pumps.  Lear Romec also
manufactures fuel boost and transfer pumps for commuter and business aircraft.

     Interpoint designs, manufactures and sells standard and custom miniature
(hybrid) DC-to-DC power converters and custom miniature (hybrid) electronic
circuits for applications in commercial, space and military aerospace industries
and in the medical technology industry.


                              ENGINEERED MATERIALS

     The Engineered Materials segment consists of five businesses: Kemlite,
CorTec,  Resistoflex, Polyflon and Crane Plumbing.

     This group had assets of $263.6 million at December 31, 1998 and employed
1,600 people.  Order backlog at year-end 1998 was  $24.1 million.

     Kemlite manufactures fiberglass-reinforced plastic panels for use
principally by the transportation industry in refrigeration and dry van truck
trailers and recreational vehicles.  Kemlite products are also sold to the
commercial construction industry for food processing, fast food restaurant and
supermarket applications, to institutions where fire rated materials with low
smoke generation and minimum toxicity are required and to residential
construction.  Kemlite sells its products directly to the truck trailer and
recreational vehicle manufacturers. Sequentia manufacturers fiberglass-
reinforced plastic panels for the construction and building products markets.
Kemlite uses distributors to serve its commercial construction market and some
segments of the recreational vehicle market.  Sequentia's Grand Junction,
Tennessee and Houston, Texas plants were added to Kemlite's plants in Joliet,
Illinois and Jonesboro, Arkansas.

     CorTec manufactures fiberglass-reinforced laminated panels serving the
truck and truck trailer segment of the transportation industry.  CorTec markets
its products directly to the truck and truck trailer manufacturers.

                                                                               5
<PAGE>
 
                                PART I (continued)
Item 1.  Business  (continued)
         --------             

     Resistoflex is engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of corrosion-
resistant, plastic-lined steel pipes, fittings, tanks, valves, expansion joints
and hose used primarily by the pharmaceutical, chemical processing, pulp and
paper, ultra pure water and waste management industries.  It also manufactures
high-performance, separable fittings for operating pressures to 8,000 PSI used
primarily in the aerospace industry.  Resistoflex sells its industrial products
through distributors who provide stocking and fabrication services to industrial
users in the United States.  Its aerospace products are sold directly to the
aerospace industry.  Resistoflex also manufactures plastic-lined pipe products
at its Singapore plant serving the Asian chemical processing and the Asian
pharmaceutical industries.  In September 1998, the company acquired the Plastic-
Lined Piping Products ("PLPP") division of The Dow Chemical Company.
Manufacturing will continue at the acquired Bay City, Michigan plant.

     Polyflon manufactures microwave laminates, high voltage RF capacitors,
radomes and circuit processing for the wireless communication, magnetic
resonance imaging, microwave and radar system manufacturers.

     Crane Plumbing manufactures plumbing fixtures in Canada.  Its products are
sold through distributors in Canada and it has a large share of the Canadian
plumbing fixtures market.


                                 CRANE CONTROLS

     This segment includes five businesses: Barksdale, Powers Process Controls,
Dynalco Controls, Azonix, and Ferguson.  The companies in this segment design,
manufacture and market industrial and commercial products that control flows and
processes in various industries including the petroleum, chemical, construction,
food and beverage, power generation industries and transportation.  Crane
Controls had assets of $127.7 million at December 31, 1998, and employs 900
people. On December 31, 1998, Crane Controls had a backlog of $28.3 million.

     Barksdale manufactures solid state and electromechanical pressure switches
and transducers, level switches and continuous level indicators, temperature
switches, and directional control valves that serve a broad range of commercial
and industrial applications.  It has manufacturing and marketing facilities in
the United States and Germany.

     Powers Process Controls designs, manufactures and markets water mixing and
thermal shock protection shower systems, commercial and residential plumbing
brass, correctional water controllers, process controllers and instrumentation ,
process control valves and temperature regulators for industrial applications
and the commercial and institutional construction industry.

     Dynalco Controls designs and manufactures rotational speed sensors,
temperature and pressure instruments and monitors for rugged environments,
microprocessor based engine and mechanism controls. Dynalco's products are used
worldwide by industries in a variety of applications, including stationary
natural gas engines, power generation, oil and gas production and transmissions,
and agriculture equipment.

     Azonix manufactures operator interfaces and measurement and control systems
for hazardous and harsh applications, intelligent data acquisition products,
high-precision thermometers and calibrators for the oil and gas, petrochemical,
chemical, pharmaceutical and metal processing industries.

                                                                               6
<PAGE>
 
                               PART I (continued)

Item 1.  Business  (continued)
         --------             

                           CRANE CONTROLS (continued)
                                        
     Ferguson designs and manufactures in the United States and through Ferguson
Machine Co. S.A. in Europe, precision index and transfer systems for use on and
with machines that perform automatic forming, assembly, metal cutting, testing
and inspection operations.  Products include mechanical and electronic index
drives, pick-and-place robots, in line transfer machines, rotary tables, press
feeds and custom cams.

     The products in this segment are sold directly to end users, and
engineering contractors through the company's own sales forces and cooperatively
with sales representatives, stocking specialists and industrial distributors.

                             MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS

     The Merchandising Systems segment has two operating units: National
Vendors, the industry leader in the design and manufacture of a complete line of
vending merchandisers for the food/service vending market; and NRI, which
manufactures electronic coin validators in Buxtehude, Germany for the automated
merchandising and gambling/amusement markets in Europe.  National Vendors
products include electronic vending merchandisers for refrigerated and frozen
foods, hot and cold beverages, snack foods, single cup individually brewed hot
drinks and combination vendors/merchandisers, designed to vend both snack foods
and hot/cold drinks, or snacks and refrigerated/frozen foods in one machine.
National Vendors manufactures its products in a 463,000 sq. ft. state of the art
facility in Bridgeton, Missouri.  National Vendors' products are marketed to
customers in the United States and Europe by company sales and marketing
personnel as well as distributors, and in other international markets through
independent distributors.  Merchandising Systems employs 1,150 people and had
assets of $117.9 million at year-end 1998.

     Order backlog totaled $22.1 million at December 31, 1998.

                             WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION

     The company distributes millwork products through its wholly owned
subsidiary, Huttig Sash & Door Company ("Huttig").  These products include
doors, windows, moldings and related building products.  Huttig assembles
certain of these products to customer specification prior to distribution.  Its
principal customers are building material dealers, building contractors and home
remodelers that service the new construction and remodeling markets.  Wholesale
operations are conducted nationally through forty-six distribution centers
throughout the United States, in both major and medium-sized cities.  Huttig's
sales are made on both a direct shipment and out-of-warehouse basis entirely
through its own sales force.

     Huttig also manufactures specialty molding and millwork products at its
Prineville, Oregon facility.  The majority of the molding products are sold to
third parties but Huttig is the largest customer.  In 1996, Huttig closed its
manufacturing plant in Montana, where it produced certain of the above products
and other finished lumber.

     Crane Supply, a distributor of plumbing supplies, valves and piping in
Canada, maintains thirty-five branches throughout Canada and distributes Crane
manufactured products in that country.  Crane Supply also distributes products
that are both complementary to and competitive with Crane's own manufactured
products.

     Wholesale Distribution employs 2,800 people and had assets of $233.1
million at year end 1998.

                                                                               7
<PAGE>
 
                               PART I (continued)

Item 1.  Business  (continued)
         --------             


                                     OTHER

     The other segment consists of Crane Defense Systems, which is engaged in
the development and manufacture of specialized handling systems, elevators,
winches, ground support equipment, cranes and associated electronics.  These
products are sold directly to the government, defense contractors and commercial
shipbuilders.


                             COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS

     The company's lines of business are conducted under actively competitive
conditions in each of the geographic and product areas they serve.  Because of
the diversity of the classes of products manufactured and sold, they do not
compete with the same companies in all geographic or product areas.
Accordingly, it is not possible to estimate the precise number of competitors or
to identify the principal methods of competition.  Although reliable statistics
are not available, the company believes that it is an important supplier to a
number of market niches and geographic areas.

     The company's products have primary application in the industrial,
construction, aerospace, automated merchandising, transportation, and fluid
handling industries.  As such, they are dependent upon numerous unpredictable
factors, including changes in market demand, general economic conditions,
residential and commercial building starts, and capital spending.  Because these
products are also sold in a wide variety of markets and applications, the
company does not believe it can reliably quantify or predict the possible
effects upon its business resulting from such changes.

     Seasonality is a factor in Huttig and the Canadian operations.

     The company's engineering and product development activities are directed
primarily toward improvement of existing products and adaptation of existing
products to particular customer requirements.  While the company owns numerous
patents and licenses, none are of such importance that termination would
materially affect its business.  Product development and engineering costs
totaled approximately $72,400,000 in 1998, $56,800,000 in 1997, and $52,000,000
in 1995.  Included in these amounts were approximately $15,800,000, $9,500,000
and $10,300,000 received by the company in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively,
for customer sponsored research and development.

     The company is not dependent on any single customer nor are there any
issues at this time regarding available raw materials for inventory.

     Costs of compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations
involving the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating
to the protection of the environment are not expected to have a material effect
upon the company's capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

                                                                               8
<PAGE>
 
                               PART I (continued)

Item 1.  Business  (continued)
         --------             


                           Forward Looking Statements
                           --------------------------

     Throughout the Annual Report to Shareholders, particularly in the Letter to
Shareholders and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operations, the company
makes numerous statements about expectations of future performance and market
trends, and statements about plans and objectives and other matters, which
because they are not historical fact may constitute "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

     In addition, the company and its representatives may from time to time make
written or oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in
the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in its
reports to shareholders, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking
terminology such as "believes", "contemplates", "expects", "may", "will",
"could", "should", "would" or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or
comparable terminology.

     All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such
statements are made and involve risk and uncertainties that exist in the
company's operations and business environment and are not guarantees of future
performance.  The company assumes no obligation to update any of these forward-
looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events.  As
a responsibility to our investors, the company will make reasonable efforts at
timely disclosure of future facts and circumstances which may affect such
statements.

     Because the company wishes to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provision
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, readers are cautioned
to consider the following important risk factors that could affect the company's
businesses and cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.

General

     A substantial portion of the sales of the company's business segments are
concentrated in industries which are cyclical in nature.  Because of the
cyclical nature of these businesses, their results are subject to fluctuations
in domestic and international economies, as well as to currency fluctuations and
unforeseen inflationary pressures.  Reductions in the business levels of these
industries would impact negatively on the sales and profitability of the
affected business segments.

     While the company is a principal competitor in most of its markets, all of
its markets are highly competitive.  The company's competitors in many of its
business segments can be expected in the future to improve technologies, reduce
costs and develop and introduce new products, and the ability of the company's
business segments to achieve similar advances will be important to their
competitive positions.  Competitive pressures, including those discussed above,
could cause one or more of the company's business segments to lose market share
or could result in significant price erosion, either of which would have an
adverse effect on the company's results of operations.

     The company's acquisition program entails the potential risks inherent in
assessing the value, strengths, weaknesses, contingent or other liabilities and
potential profitability of acquisition candidates and in integrating the
operations of acquired companies.  There can be no assurance that suitable
acquisition opportunities will be available in the future, that the company will
continue to acquire businesses or that any business acquired will be integrated
successfully or prove profitable.

                                                                               9
<PAGE>
 
                               PART I (continued)

Item 1.  Business  (continued)
         --------             

Forward Looking Statements (continued)
- ---------------------------           

     The company has substantial operations and sales outside the United States.
Such operations and transactions entail the risks associated with conducting
business internationally, including the risk of currency fluctuations, slower
payment of invoices, adverse trade regulations and possible social and economic
instability.  While the full impact of this economic instability cannot be
predicted, it could have a material adverse effect on the company's revenues and
profitability.

     Certain of the company's business segments are dependent upon highly
qualified personnel, and the company generally is dependent upon the continued
efforts of key management employees.  Particularly in light of the current tight
labor market, the company's prospects would be adversely affected by an
inability to retain its key personnel.

     New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management
to predict all of such factors.  Further, management cannot assess the impact of
each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or
combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those
contained in any forward-looking statements.

Fluid Handling

     Results for the Fluid Handling segment could be affected in the event of
unanticipated difficulties in assimilating newly acquired valve businesses into
existing operations.  In addition, Crane's companies could face increased price
competition from larger competitors.  Asia's economic turmoil could reduce sales
and profits, particularly if major projects for which Crane companies are
suppliers or bidders are cancelled or delayed, or if the companies' ability to
source product from international sources is impeded.

Aerospace

     A significant fall-off in demand for air travel or a decline in airline
profitability generally could result in reduced aircraft orders, and could also
cause the airlines to scale back their purchases of repair parts from Crane
companies.  The companies could also be impacted if major aircraft manufacturers
encountered production problems, or if pricing pressure from aircraft customers
caused the manufacturers to press their suppliers to lower prices.  Sales and
profits could face erosion if pricing pressure from competitors increased, if
planned new products were delayed, if finding new aerospace-qualified suppliers
grew more difficult, or if required technical personnel became harder to hire
and retain.  Aerospace segment results could be below expectations if Asia's
economic problems lead to a decline in aircraft orders, particularly since the
new, long-range Boeing aircraft favored for many Asian routes contain a higher
value of Crane-supplied equipment than other aircraft from Boeing and other
manufacturers.

Engineered Materials

     In the Engineered Materials segment, sales and profits could fall if there
were a decline in demand for truck trailers, recreational vehicles or building
products, for which Crane companies produce fiberglass-reinforced panels.
Profits could be squeezed as well by unanticipated increases in resin and
fiberglass material costs, by unforeseen fluctuations in the Canadian dollar,
and by any inability on the part of Crane's companies to maintain their position
in product cost and functionality against competing materials.

                                                                              10
<PAGE>
 
                              PART I (continued)

Item 1.  Business  (continued)
         --------             

Forward Looking Statements (continued)
- ---------------------------           

Merchandising Systems

     Results at Crane's U.S.-based vending machine business could be reduced by
delays in launching or supplying new products or an inability to achieve new
product sales objectives.  Results at Crane's Germany-based coin validation
machine business could be affected by changes in demand stemming from the advent
of the Euro, the planned new European currency, as well as by unforeseen
fluctuations in the value of the Deutschemark versus the U.S. dollar.

Controls

     A number of factors could affect the Controls segment's results.  Lower
sales and earnings could result if Crane's companies can not maintain their cost
competitiveness, encounter delays in introducing new products, or fail to
achieve their new product sales objectives.  Results could decline because of an
unanticipated decline in demand for Crane products from the industrial
machinery, oil and gas, and heavy equipment industries, or from unforeseen
product obsolescence.

Wholesale Distribution

     Sales in the Wholesale Distribution segment are significantly affected by
the strength of the domestic housing market, and a decline in housing starts
could have a negative impact on results.  Decisions by some major suppliers to
change their distribution channels, bypassing Crane's wholesale distribution
network, could also diminish sales and profits.  At Crane's Canadian wholesale
distribution operation, reported results in U.S. dollar terms could be eroded by
an unanticipated weakening of Canada's currency.

Impact of the Year 2000

     The "Year  2000" issue concerns the potential exposures related to the
automated generation of business and financial misinformation resulting from the
application of computer programs which have been written using two digits,
rather than four, to define the applicable year of business transactions.
Suppliers, customers and creditors of the company also face Year 2000 issues.  A
failure to successfully address the Year 2000 issue could have a material
adverse effect on the company's business or results of operations.  The
discussion of the Impact of the Year 2000 contained on Pages 33 and 34 of the
company's 1998 Annual Report under Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Operations is incorporated herein by reference.

                                                                              11
<PAGE>
 
                              PART I (continued)

Item 2. Properties
        ----------
TOTAL MANUFACTURING FACILITIES   NUMBER               AREA
- ------------------------------   ------               ----
 Fluid Handling
     United States                 17           1,431,000 sq. ft.
     Canada                         2             140,000 sq. ft.
     International                 10           1,261,000 sq. ft.
 
 Aerospace
     United States                  6             653,000 sq. ft.
     International                  4              47,000 sq. ft.
 
 Engineered Materials
     United States                 10           1,235,000 sq. ft.
     Canada                         3             601,000 sq. ft.
     International                  1              10,000 sq. ft.
 
 Crane Controls
     United States                  7             412,000 sq. ft.
     International                  2              63,000 sq. ft.
 
 Merchandising Systems
     United States                  1             463,000 sq. ft.
     Other International            1              77,000 sq. ft.
 
 Wholesale Distribution             1             577,000 sq. ft.
 
 Other                              1             113,000 sq. ft.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

           Leased                                                                        Leases
        Manufacturing                                                                    Expiring
         Facilities                 Number                          Area                 Through
       -------------                ------                          ----                 -------
       <S>                          <C>                       <C>                        <C> 
       United States                 12                       560,000 sq. ft.               2006
       Canada                         1                        13,000 sq. ft.               2000
       Other International            7                        99,000 sq. ft.               2013
</TABLE>

 Other Facilities
 ----------------

Fluid Handling operates six valve service centers in the United States, of which
four are owned, and four distribution centers in the United States.  This
segment operates internationally five distribution and three service centers.

Crane Controls operates one distribution center internationally.

Merchandising Systems operates eight distribution centers in the United States
and seven internationally.

Engineered Materials operates eight distribution centers in the United States,
of which one is owned, and three internationally. This segment operates three
service centers internationally.

Wholesale Distribution has forty-eight Huttig branch warehouses in the United
States, of which twenty-one are owned.  The Canadian wholesale operation
maintains thirty-five distribution branch warehouses in Canada, of which twelve
are owned.

In the opinion of management, these properties have been well maintained, are in
sound operating condition, and contain all necessary equipment and facilities
for their intended purposes.

                                                                              12
<PAGE>
 
                               PART I (continued)
                                        
 Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

     Neither the company, nor any subsidiary of the company has become a party
to, nor has any of their property become the subject of, any material legal
proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to their
businesses.
 
     The following proceedings are not considered by the company to be material
to its business or financial condition and are reported herein because of the
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the
descriptions of administrative or judicial proceedings by governmental
authorities arising under federal, state or local provisions regulating the
discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the
protection of the environment.

     On July 12, 1985 the company received written notice from the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA")  that the EPA believes the company
may be a potentially responsible party ("PRP")  under the Federal Comprehensive
Environmental Response Compensation and Liability  Act of 1980 ("CERCLA")  to
pay for investigation and corrective measures which may be required to be taken
at the Roebling Steel Company site in Florence Township, Burlington County, New
Jersey (the "Site") of which its former subsidiary, CF&I Steel Corporation
("CF&I") was a past owner and operator prior to the enactment of CERCLA.  The
stated ground for the EPA's position was the EPA's belief that the company had
owned and/or operated the Site.  The company had advised the EPA that such was
not the case and does not believe that it is responsible for any testing or
clean-up at the Site based on current facts.

     The EPA has identified sources and areas of contamination at the Roebling
Site which must be examined for potential environmental damage.  The EPA has
disclosed that two surface clean-ups have been performed at a cost in excess of
$19 million.  IN July 1996, the EPA completed a third Focused Feasibility Study
which defined the nature of the contaminants and evaluated appropriate remedial
alternatives, and the EPA estimated the cost of its preferred clean-up
alternative at $38 million.

     On November 7, 1990  CF&I  filed a petition for reorganization and
protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.  In the
bankruptcy proceeding of CF&I, the EPA was allowed an unsecured claim against
CF&I for $27.1 million related to the EPA's environmental investigations and
remediation at the Roebling Site.

     In June 1996 the company received a Section 104 request issued by the EPA
under CERCLA seeking information about the company's (and CF&I's) connection to
the Roebling Site.  On August 26, 1996, the company filed its response to the
Section 104 Request and, to date, has received no further communications from
the EPA concerning the Roebling Site.  Based on the facts and circumstances
summarized above, the company does not believe it is responsible for any portion
of the Roebling Site clean-up.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

  No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 1998.

                                                                              13
<PAGE>
 
                               PART I (continued)

                      EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
    The executive officers of the registrant are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             Officer
Name               Position            Business Experience                    Age             Since
- ----               --------            -------------------                    ---            -------
<S>                <C>                 <C>                            <C>              <C>
Robert S. Evans    Chairman and Chief  Chairman and Chief                      54             1974
                   Executive Officer   Executive Officer of the company                       
                                       since 1984 and previously                              
                                       President of the company                               
                                                                                              
L. Hill Clark      President and       President and Chief Operating           54             1994
                   Chief Operating     Officer, previously Executive Vice                     
                   Officer             President of the company,                              
                                       President of Lear Romec,                               
                                       and previously held                                    
                                       various positions within                               
                                       Allied Signal Inc., a diversified                      
                                       manufacturing company                                  
                                                                                              
Augustus I. duPont Vice President,     Vice President and General              47             1996
                   General Counsel     Counsel and Secretary of                               
                   and Secretary       the company, previously Vice                           
                                       President, General Counsel and                         
                                       Secretary of Reeves Industries, Inc.,*              
                                       a manufacturer of apparel textiles                     
                                       and industrial coated fabrics, from                    
                                       May 1994 to December 1995; Vice                        
                                       President, General Counsel and                         
                                       Secretary of Sprague Technologies,                     
                                       Inc., a manufacturer of electronic                     
                                       components, from May 1987 to                           
                                       December 1993                                          
                                                                                              
Bradley L. Ellis   Vice President-     Vice President-Chief                    30             1997
                   Chief information   Information Officer of the                             
                   Officer             company, previously with the                           
                                       Business systems consulting group                      
                                       of Arthur Andersen LLP.                                
                                                                                              
Anthony D.                                                                                    
Pantaleoni         Vice President      Vice President - Environment,           44             1989
                   Environment,        Health & Safety of the company                         
                   Health & Safety                                                            
                                                                                              
John R.                                                                                       
Packard (1)        Vice President      Vice President - Human                  44             1999
                   Human Resources     Resources of the company,                              
                                       Previously Human Resources                             
                                       Director for Fortune Brands, Inc.                      
                                                                                              
David S. Smith     Vice President-     Vice President - Finance                41             1991
                   Finance and         and Chief Financial Officer
                   Chief Financial     of the company, previously
                   Officer             Vice President - Corporate
                                       Development of the company

</TABLE> 

(1) Effective January 25, 1999

                                                                              14
<PAGE>
 
                               PART I (continued)
                EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT(continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    Officer
Name                  Position    Business Experience                  Age            Since
- ----                  --------    -------------------                  ---            ------
<S>                   <C>         <C>                        <C>            <C>
Michael L. Raithel    Controller  Controller of the company             51             1985
 
Gil A. Dickoff        Treasurer   Treasurer of the company,             37             1992
                                  previously Assistant Treasurer
                                  of the company
</TABLE> 

Certain Proceedings
- -------------------
*    Reeves Industries, Inc., a corporation which Mr.duPont served as Vice
     President, General Counsel and Secretary from May 1994 to December 1995,
     filed a petition and Plan of Reorganization for a consensual debt
     restructuring under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on
     November 21, 1997.


                                    PART II

Item 5.  Market for the registrant's common stock and related stockholder
         matters.
The information required by Items 5 is hereby incorporated by reference to Pages
35 through 37 of the 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders.

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.
The information required by Items 6 is hereby incorporated by reference to Pages
35  of the 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders.

Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of financial condition and
         results of operations.
The information required by Items 7 is hereby incorporated by reference to Pages
23 through 34 of the 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative disclosures about market risks.
The company's cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations from changes
in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The company manages its
exposures to these markets risks through internally established policies and
procedures and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of interest rate swap
agreements and forward exchange contracts. Long term debt outstanding of
$359,877 at December 31,1998 was generally at fixed rates of interest ranging
from 6 3/4% to 8 1/2%. At December 31,1998 no interest rate swap agreements
were outstanding and the amounts outstanding for forward exchange contracts were
not material. The company does not enter into derivatives or other financial
instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and supplementary data.
The information required by Items 8 is hereby incorporated by reference to Pages
9 through 35 of the 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with accountants on Accounting and
         Financial Disclosure
    None

                                    PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

   The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference to the
definitive proxy statement dated February 23, 1999, which the company has filed
with the Commission pursuant to Regulation l4A except that such information with
respect to Executive Officers of the Registrant is included, pursuant to
Instruction 3, paragraph (b) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K, under Part I.

                                                                              15
<PAGE>
 
                              PART III (continued)

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

     The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the
definitive proxy statement dated February 23, 1999, which the company has filed
with the Commission pursuant to Regulation l4A.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

     The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the
definitive proxy statement dated February 23, 1999, which the company has filed
with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

     The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the
definitive proxy statement dated February 23, 1999, which the company has filed
with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A.

                                     PART IV

Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule, and Reports on Form 8-K
 
(a)(1) The consolidated balance sheets of Crane Co. and subsidiaries as of
       December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the related consolidated statements of
       income, changes in common shareholders' equity and cash flows for the
       years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 and the report thereon of
       Deloitte & Touche LLP dated January 20, 1999 appearing on Pages 9 through
       22 of Crane Co.'s 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders which will be
       furnished with the company's proxy statement as required by Regulation
       14A, Rule 14a-3(c), are incorporated herein by reference
 
 (2)   Financial statement schedules for which provision is made in the
       applicable regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been
       omitted because they are not required under related instructions or are
       inapplicable, or the information is shown in the financial statements and
       related notes.

 (3)   Exhibits:

            Exhibit 10:    Material Contracts:
                           The Crane Co. Stock Option Plan, as amended through
                           April 20,1998
            Exhibit 11:    Computation of net income per share.
            Exhibit 13     Annual Report to shareholders for the year ended
                           December 31, 1998.
            Exhibit 21:    Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
            Exhibit 23:    Independent auditors' consent.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

        Form 8-K filed 12/15/98 regarding reaffirming offer to shareholders of
        Coltec Industries Inc.
 

                                                                              16
<PAGE>
 
                         PART IV (continued)

Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
(continued)

(c) Exhibits to Form 10-K:

        (3) There is incorporated by reference herein:
            (a)  The company's Certificate of Incorporation contained in Exhibit
                 D (Certificate of Designation)  to the company's Annual Report
                 on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1987.

            (b)  The company's By-laws contained in Exhibit A to the company's
                 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 
                 31, 1995.
        (4) Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, including
            Indentures:
            (a) There is incorporated by reference herein:
                (1)   Preferred Share Purchase Rights Agreement contained in
                      Exhibit 1 to the company's Report on Form 8-K filed with
                      the Commission on July 6, 1998.

 
            (b) There is incorporated by reference herein:
                 1)   Indenture dated as of April 1,1991 between the Registrant
                      and the Bank of New York contained in Exhibit 4.1 to the
                      company's report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on
                      September 16, 1998.
 
        (10)  Material Contracts:
              (iii)Compensatory Plans
              There is incorporated by reference herein:
              (a) The Crane Co. Restricted Stock Award Plan as amended through
                  May 6, 1996, contained in Exhibit A to the company's Form 10-Q
                  for the quarter ended March 31, 1996.
              (b) The forms of Employment/Severance Agreement between the
                  company and certain executive officers (form I) and (form II)
                  which provide for the continuation of certain employee
                  benefits upon a change of control as contained in Exhibit C of
                  the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
                  ended December 31, 1994.
              (c) The E.V.A. incentive compensation plan contained in Exhibit B
                  to the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
                  year December 31, 1994.
              (d) The Crane Co. Non-Employee Directors Restricted Stock Award
                  Plan as amended through May 10, 1993 contained in Exhibit B to
                  the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
                  ended December 31, 1993.
              (e) The indemnification agreements entered into with each director
                  and executive officer of the company, the form of which is
                  contained in Exhibit C to the company's definitive proxy
                  statement filed with the Commission in connection with the
                  company's April 27, 1987 Annual Meeting.
              (f) The Crane Co. Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors
                  contained in Exhibit E to the company's Annual Report on Form
                  10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988.
                  

                                                                              17
<PAGE>
 
                              PART IV (continued)

            (g)  The Crane Co. 1998 Stock Option Plan contained in Exhibit 4.1
                 to the company's Registration Statement No. 333-50489 on Form
                 S-8 filed with the Commission on April 20, 1998.
            (h)  The Crane Co. 1998 Restricted Stock Award Plan contained in
                 Exhibit 4.1 to the company's Registration Statement No. 333-
                 50487 on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on April 20, 1998.

            (i)  The Crane Co. 1998 Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Award
                 Plan contained in Exhibit 4.1 to the company's Registration
                 Statement No. 333-50495 on Form S-8 filed with the Commission
                 on April 20, 1998.

 
        All other exhibits are omitted because they are not applicable or the
required information is shown elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

                                                                              18
<PAGE>
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section l3 or l5(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of l934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                   CRANE CO.
                                 -------------------
                                  (Registrant)

                          By     /s/ D. S. Smith
                               -------------------------
                                  D. S. Smith
                           Vice President-Finance and
                             Chief Financial Officer
                                 Date  2/22/99
                                       -------

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of l934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


                                    OFFICERS
                                        
                  /s/ R. S. Evans
                  -------------------------
                  R. S. Evans
                  Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
                  Date  2/22/99
                        -------


        /s/ D. S. Smith                      /s/ M. L. Raithel
        -------------------------------      ------------------------------
        D. S. Smith                          M. L. Raithel
        Vice President-Finance and                 Controller
         Chief Financial Officer             Principal Accounting Officer
        Date  2/22/99                        Date          2/22/99
              -------                                      -------


                                   DIRECTORS


                        /s/     E. T. Bigelow, Jr.         /s/ R.S. Forte
                        ------------------------------     ----------------
                                E. T. Bigelow, Jr.         R.S. Forte
                        Date        2/22/99             Date    2/22/99
                                    -------                     -------


/s/     D.R. Gardner                                 /s/     D. C. Minton    
- ------------------------------  -----------------    --------------------------
        D.R. Gardner              W.E. Lipner                D. C. Minton      
Date    2/22/99                                      Date    2/22/99
        -------                                              -------


/s/    C.J. Queenan, Jr.       /s/    J.L.L.Tullis
- ---------------------------    ----------------------          ---------------
       C.J. Queenan, Jr.              J.L.L.Tullis                B. Yavitz
Date    2/22/99                Date        2/22/99
        -------                            -------

                                                                              19

<PAGE>
 
                                   Exhibit 10


                        THE CRANE CO. STOCK OPTION PLAN
                                (as of 4/20/98)

1. Full power and authority to construe, interpret and administer this Plan
   shall be vested in the Organization and Compensation Committee of the Board
   of Directors of Crane Co. ("Committee"), which shall consist of not less than
   three nonemployee Directors appointed by the Board of Directors; provided,
   however, if any member of the Committee does not meet the qualifications for
   an "outside director" established from time to time by Section 162(m) of the
   Internal Revenue Code and any proposed or future regulations thereunder
   ("Section 162(m)"), the remaining members of the Committee (but not less than
   two) shall administer the Plan. No member of the Committee shall be eligible
   to receive stock options. Decisions of the Committee shall be final,
   conclusive and binding upon all parties including the Company, the
   shareholders and the employees.

2. The stock which may be issued and sold under this Plan will be common shares
   of Crane Co., a Delaware corporation (herein called the "Company"), of a
   total number not exceeding 500,000 shares (hereinafter the "stock," "Common
   Shares," "Common Stock" or "shares") together with an additional 750,000
   Common Shares of the Company authorized by the 1987 Amendment to this Plan,
   together with an additional 1,000,000 common shares authorized by the 1991
   Amendment to this Plan, together with an additional 1,000,000 common shares
   authorized by the 1995 amendments to this Plan which may be either authorized
   and unissued shares or issued shares reacquired by the Company. The Committee
   may in its discretion, from time to time, grant options to purchase stock to
   persons who are key employees of the Company or any subsidiary in which the
   Company owns directly or indirectly a majority of the voting stock. The term
   "key employees" shall mean officers as well as other employees (including
   officers and other employees who are also directors of the Company or of any
   subsidiary) determined to be such by the Committee in its discretion upon the
   recommendation of management, but shall not include any employee who, after
   the grant of such option, owns more than 10% of the combined voting power of
   all classes of stock of the Company or any subsidiary. The maximum number of
   shares for which options may be granted under the Plan to any single
   individual in any year shall not exceed 200,000 shares. Options under the
   Plan may be incentive stock options ("Incentive Stock Options") within the
   meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as the same may
   be amended from time to time (the "Code"), or nonqualified stock options.
   Except as provided in paragraph 5, any shares subjected to an option under
   the Plan which, for any reason, expire or are terminated without having been
   exercised, shall continue to be available for future options under the Plan.
   Options granted hereunder shall be evidenced by agreements in such form as
   the Committee shall approve, which agreements shall comply with and be
   subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan.

3. The price per share of options granted hereunder shall in no instance be less
   than 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the date options are
   granted. Fair market value as of any day shall, for all purposes in this
   Plan, be determined by the average of the high and low prices of the stock on
   the New York Stock Exchange-Consolidated Trading on that day, or if no sale
   of stock has been recorded on such day, then on the next preceding day on
   which a sale was so made ("Fair Market Value"). In the event that there is an
   increase in the number of issued common shares of the Company by reason of
   stock dividends or stock split-ups, the total number of shares which may be
   optioned and the number of shares remaining subject to purchase under each
   outstanding option shall be increased and the price per share in such
   outstanding options shall be decreased, in proportion to such increase in
   issued shares. Conversely, in case the issued common shares of the Company
   shall be combined into a smaller number of shares, the total number of shares
   which may be optioned and the number of shares remaining subject to purchase
   under each outstanding option shall be decreased and the price per share in
   such outstanding options shall be increased, in proportion to such decrease
   in issued shares. In the event of any merger, consolidation, reorganization
   or liquidation in part or in whole, the Committee may make such adjustment in
   the shares which may be optioned and the shares previously optioned and the
   price thereof as the Committee in its reasonable discretion, deems
   appropriate. In

                                                                              20
<PAGE>
 
   the event of an exchange of shares, or other securities of the Company
   convertible into common shares, for the stock or securities of another
   corporation, the Committee may, in the exercise of its discretion, equitably
   substitute such new stock or securities for a portion or all of the option
   shares.

4. Each option granted under this Plan shall be exercisable in whole or in part
   (in lots of ten shares or any multiple thereof) from time to time beginning
   from the date the option is granted, subject to the provision that an option
   may not be exercised by the optionee, except as provided in paragraphs 7 and
   9 hereof, (a) more than three months after the termination of his employment
   by the Company or a subsidiary, or (b) more than ten years from the date the
   option is granted, whichever period is shorter, or (c) prior to the
   expiration of one year from the date the option is granted, and provided
   further that options may not be exercised in excess of 50% of the total
   shares optioned to him during the second year after the date of grant, 75%
   during the third year, and 100% thereafter. The purchase price of the shares
   purchased upon the exercise of an Option shall be paid in full at the time of
   exercise in cash or in whole or in part with Common Shares. The value of each
   share delivered in payment of all or part of the purchase price upon the
   exercise of an Option shall be the Fair Market Value of a Common Share on the
   date the Option is exercised.

5. The Committee, upon such terms and conditions as it shall deem appropriate,
   may (but shall not be obligated to) authorize on behalf of the Company the
   acceptance of the surrender of the right to exercise an Option or a portion
   thereof (but only to the extent and in the amounts that such Option shall
   then be exercisable) and the payment by the Company therefor of an amount
   equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value on the date of surrender of the
   Shares covered by such Option or portion thereof over the option price of
   such Shares. Such payment shall be made in Common Shares (valued at such Fair
   Market Value), or in cash, or partly in cash and partly in Common Shares, as
   the Committee shall determine. The Common Shares covered by any Option or
   portion thereof, as to which the right to exercise shall have been so
   surrendered, shall not again be available for the purposes of the Plan.

6. Each option granted under the plan to an employee shall not be transferable
   by him otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and
   shall be exercisable, during his lifetime, only by him. Notwithstanding the
   foregoing, from and after April 20, 1998 non-qualified stock options may be
   transferred, without payment of consideration, to immediate family members of
   the optionee or to trusts or partnerships for the benefit of such family
   members.

7. If an optionee shall retire or if he shall cease to be employed by the
   Company or by a subsidiary by reason of permanent disability or after a
   change in control as defined in paragraph 8 hereof, such optionee may
   exercise such Option in whole or in part, and/or the Committee may authorize
   the acceptance of the surrender of the right to exercise such Option or any
   portion thereof as provided in paragraph 5 hereof, at any time within three
   months after such retirement, termination by reason of permanent disability,
   or termination after a change in control, but not after the expiration of the
   term of the Option.

8. For purposes of this Plan, the term "change in control" shall mean (i) the
   first purchase of shares pursuant to a tender offer or exchange (other than a
   tender offer or exchange by the Company) for all or part of the Company's
   Common Stock or any securities convertible into such Common Stock, (ii) the
   receipt by the Company of a Schedule 13D or other advice indicating that a
   person is the "beneficial owner" (as that term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under
   the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of 20% or more of the Company's Common
   Stock calculated as provided in paragraph (d) of said Rule 13d-3, (iii) the
   date of approval by stockholders of the Company of an agreement providing for
   any consolidation or merger of the Company in which the Company will not be
   the continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which shares of Common
   Stock of the Company would be converted into cash, securities or other
   property, other than a merger of the Company in which the holders of Common
   Stock of the Company immediately prior to the merger would have the same
   proportion of ownership of common stock of the surviving corporation
   immediately after the merger, (iv) the date of the approval by stockholders
   of the Company of any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one

                                                                              21
<PAGE>
 
    transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all
    the assets of the Company or (v) the adoption of any plan or proposal for
    the liquidation (but not a partial liquidation) or dissolution of the
    Company.

9.  If an optionee shall die while employed by the Company or by a subsidiary or
    within three months of the cessation or termination of such employment, all
    options theretofore granted to him may be exercised in whole or in part,
    and/or the Committee may authorize the acceptance of the surrender of the
    right to exercise such option or any portion thereof as provided in
    Paragraph 5 hereof, by the estate of such optionee (or by a person who shall
    have acquired the right to exercise such option by bequest or inheritance),
    at any time within one year after the death of such optionee but only to the
    extent the optionee was entitled to exercise the option on the date of his
    death, and not after the expiration of the term of the option.

10. Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Board nor the submission of the Plan
    to the stockholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as
    creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other
    incentive arrangements as it may deem desirable, and such arrangements may
    be either applicable generally or only in specific cases.

11. Incentive Stock Options shall be subject to the following provisions:

    (i) With respect to each Incentive Stock Option granted prior to February 1,
    1987, to the extent required by Section 422 of the Code and the rules and
    regulations of the Internal Revenue Service (a) each such option (x) shall
    not be exercisable or surrenderable by the employee to whom it was granted
    while there is outstanding any other Incentive Stock Option (including any
    option or portion thereof that the Committee elects to treat as an Incentive
    Stock Option) that was previously granted to such employee by the Company or
    a subsidiary (determined at the time of granting of such option) or a
    predecessor of any of such corporations and (y) shall be surrenderable only
    when the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock which may be purchased upon
    exercise of the Incentive Stock Option exceeds the option price (an
    Incentive Stock Option shall be treated as outstanding for the purpose of
    clause (x) above until it is exercised or surrendered in full or has expired
    by reason of lapse of time); (b) The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined
    as of the time each Incentive Stock Option is granted) of the Common Stock
    for which any employee may be granted Incentive Stock Options in any
    calendar year (under all plans of the Company and its subsidiaries which
    provide for the granting of Incentive Stock Options) shall not exceed
    $100,000 plus any unused limit carryover to such year, determined in
    accordance with Section 422 of the Code.


    (ii) Incentive stock options granted after the effective date of the 1987
    amendment to the 1984 plan ("1987 Incentive Options") may be granted without
    limitation as to amount or market value provided however that the aggregate
    Fair Market Value of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options
    are exercisable for the first time during any calendar year as determined as
    of the date of grant may not exceed $100,000. Any material variations or
    ambiguities between this Plan and said Code and the rules and regulations
    shall be resolved in favor of the latter.

    (iii) If Section 422 of the Code is amended or the rules and regulations
    thereunder are changed, the Committee may, subject to the provisions of
    Paragraph 13, revise the terms of the Incentive Stock Options previously
    granted or thereafter granted to comply with or to the extent permitted by
    such amendments or changes. Provided, however, it is intended that this Plan
    fulfills and shall fulfill at all times, the requirements of Section 422A of
    the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or subsequent amendments thereto and the
    rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same relate to
    Incentive Stock Options.

12. The obligation of the Company to sell and deliver shares under the options
    shall be subject to, as deemed necessary or appropriate by counsel for the
    Company, (i) all applicable laws, rules and regulations and such approvals
    by any governmental agencies as may be required, including, without
    limitation, the effectiveness of a registration statement under the
    Securities Act of 1933, and (ii) the condition that such shares shall have
    been duly listed on such stock exchanges as the Company's Common Shares are
    then listed.

                                                                              22
<PAGE>
 
13. The Plan may be abandoned or terminated at any time by the Board of
    Directors except with respect to any options then outstanding under the
    Plan, and any option granted under this Plan may be terminated at any time
    by the optionee. The Board of Directors may make such changes in and
    additions to the Plan as it may deem proper and in the best interest of the
    Company, provided, however, that no such action shall impair any option
    theretofore granted under the Plan, and provided further that (1) the total
    number of shares for which options may be granted under this Plan shall not
    be increased, and (2) the minimum purchase price shall not be changed.
    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors may amend or revise
    this Plan to comply with applicable laws or governmental regulations. In no
    event shall any option be granted under the Plan after May 1, 1999.

14. Anything in this Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, it is expressly
    agreed and understood that if any one or more provisions of the Plan shall
    be illegal or invalid such illegality or invalidity shall not invalidate the
    Plan or any other provisions thereof, but the Plan shall be effective in all
    respects as though the illegal or invalid provisions had not been included.

15. This Plan, as amended by the 1995 amendment thereto, shall be subject to
    ratification and approval by the Company's shareholders, not later than at
    the next annual meeting of shareholders, by the affirmative vote of the
    holders of a majority of the Company's stock outstanding and entitled to
    vote.

16. The Company shall have the right to require an Optionee to pay to the
    Company the cash amount of any taxes which the Company is required to
    withhold upon the exercise of an option granted hereunder, provided that
    anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Committee
    may, in accordance with such rules as it may adopt, accept Common Stock
    received in connection with the exercise of the option being taxed or
    otherwise previously acquired in satisfaction of any withholding
    requirements or up to the entire tax liability arising from the exercise of
    such option.

                                                                              23

<PAGE>
 
                           CRANE CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                            Exhibit 11 to FORM 10-K
               Annual Report for the Year Ended December 31, 1998
                                        
                      Computation of Net Income Per Share*
                      (In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
Basic                                    1998      1997      1996      1995      1994
- -----                                  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                                    <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
 
 Net Income                            $138,438  $112,771   $92,110   $76,337   $55,933
                                       ========  ========   =======   =======   =======
 
   Net income per share                $   2.02  $   1.64   $  1.35   $  1.12   $   .83
                                       ========  ========   =======   =======   =======
 
   Weighted Average number of
     basic shares                        68,555    68,565    68,034    68,096    67,500
 
 
 Diluted
 -------
   Net Income                          $138,438  $112,771   $92,110   $76,337   $55,933
 
   Net income per share                $   2.00  $   1.63   $  1.34   $  1.11   $   .82
                                       ========  ========   =======   =======   =======
 
   Weighted average number of
     Basic shares                        68,555    68,565    68,034    68,096    67,500
   Add:
   Adjustment to basic shares
     for dilutive stock options             813       819       566       384       201
 
     Shares reserved for conversion
     of debentures                            -         -         -         -       203
                                       --------  --------   -------   -------   -------
   Total weighted average number of
     shares                              69,368    69,384    68,600    68,480    67,904
                                       ========  ========   =======   =======   =======
 
</TABLE>


 *All share and per share data have been retroactively restated to reflect the
  three-for-two splits of common stock effected in the form of a 50% stock
  dividend in 1998 and 1996.

                                                                              24

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 13

Crane Co.                                                                   1998
================================================================================
                                                                   Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                                    Our Credo

          o    We strive for a dominant presence in niche markets.

          o    We generate solid rates of return on invested capital and high
               levels of cash flow.

          o    We use our cash effectively to grow and strengthen our existing
               businesses, and to acquire new businesses.

          o    We acquire businesses that fit with our existing businesses and
               strengthen our position in niche markets.

          o    We maintain an incentive compensation plan specifically designed
               to align the interests of management and shareholders.

          o    We do this with one goal in mind: To build shareholder value.

- ---------------------------

Table of Contents

Financial Highlights      1

Letter to Shareholders    2

Crane at a Glance         6

Consolidated Financial
  Statements              9

Notes to Consolidated
  Financial Statements   13

Management's
  Responsibility for
  Financial Reporting    22

Independent
  Auditors` Report       22

Management's Discussion
  and Analysis of
  Operations             23

Directors and Officers   36

Shareholder Information  37

- ---------------------------
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                              Financial Highlights

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      ($ and shares in thousands except per share data)        1998         1997  % Change
==========================================================================================================
<S>                                                                      <C>          <C>            <C>  
Summary of Operations  Net Sales                                         $2,268,505   $2,036,831     11.4%
                       EBITDA(a)                                            303,918      255,054     19.2%
                       Operating Profit                                     238,932      196,601     21.5%
                       Income Before Taxes                                  214,641      175,837     22.1%
                       Net Income                                           138,438      112,771     22.8%
                       Cash Flow(b)                                         199,896      168,171     18.9%
                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Share Data         Basic                                             
                          Net Income                                     $     2.02   $     1.64     23.2%
                          Cash Flow                                            2.92         2.45     19.2%
                       Diluted                                           
                          Net Income                                           2.00         1.63     22.7%
                          Cash Flow                                            2.88         2.42     19.0%
                       Dividends                                                .37          .33
                       Average Basic Shares                                  68,555       68,565
                       Average Diluted Shares                                69,368       69,384
                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Position at                                                    
December 31,           Assets                                            $1,454,674   $1,185,893     22.7%
                       Net Debt                                             394,369      284,966     38.4%
                       Shareholders' Equity                                 643,234      532,544     20.8%
                       Market Value of Equity(c)                          2,067,206    1,975,376      4.6%
                       Market Capitalization(c)                           2,461,575    2,260,342      8.9%
                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key Statistics         Sales per Employee                                $      185   $      184
                       Operating Profit as a % of Sales                        10.5%         9.7%
                       Net Income as a % of Sales                               6.1%         5.5%
                       Return on Average Assets                                10.4%         9.9%
                       Return on Average Shareholders' Equity                  23.8%        22.8%
                       Net Debt to Capital                                     38.0%        34.9%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>                                                             

                   (a) EBITDA is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation 
                       and amortization.
                   (b) Cash flow is net income plus depreciation and 
                       amortization.
                   (c) Market value of equity is number of shares of common 
                       stock outstanding times closing stock price. Market 
                       capitalization is market value of equity plus net debt.

Diluted EPS

[GRAPHIC]

EBITDA (in millions)

[GRAPHIC]

Net Income (in millions)

[GRAPHIC]

================================================================================
                                                Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report   1
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                        Chairman's Letter to Shareholders

I am pleased to report that Crane Co. turned in another outstanding performance
in 1998, setting sales, earnings and cash flow records for the sixth consecutive
year, with earnings growth exceeding 20% for the fourth straight year.

All six of our business segments reported increased sales, with solid
contributions from 1997 and 1998 acquisitions. Four segments had higher earnings
and the gains -- particularly in aerospace -- were more than enough to establish
a new profit record. Margins also improved.

Sales, Earnings Rise

Our sales exceeded the $2 billion mark for the second year, rising 11% to $2.3
billion. Net earnings climbed faster, reaching $138.4 million, a 23% increase
over 1997's $112.8 million. Net earnings per share, adjusted for our 3-for-2
stock split in 1998, were $2.00, diluted, a gain of nearly 23% over the 1997
figure of $1.63.

Strong Acquisition Program

A vigorous and continuing acquisition program is a cornerstone of our growth
strategy, and 1998 was an excellent year. Our acquisition effort is underpinned
by -- and in turn reinforces -- our profitability, growing cash flow and strong
balance sheet. Our standards are high: we look for sound, complementary
businesses that can be bought at realistic prices. While we sometimes purchase
stand-alone businesses, most often we make add-on acquisitions, strengthening or
expanding our existing businesses by adding complementary businesses, product
lines or brands.

     In 1998, we made six add-on acquisitions -- all complementary to our
existing businesses -- at a cost of $224 million. This brings our acquisition
investment since 1992 to 24 companies and $725 million, including the five
acquired in 1997 at a cost of $82 million.

More than half of our 1998 investment, $125 million, went for Kemlite's purchase
of Sequentia Holdings, also a manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced plastic
panels, whose focus is construction and building products applications. Kemlite,
which had acquired Sequentia's transportation product lines in 1997, is the
leader in transportation and recreational vehicle markets, and is now the market
leader in building products as well, adding balance to the business and
permitting a variety of manufacturing, purchasing, technical and management
synergies. Also in our Engineered Materials segment, Resistoflex acquired Dow
Chemical's Plastic-Lined Piping Products division, becoming the global market
leader for a broader line of fluoropolymer and thermoplastic-lined piping
systems for chemical processing, high purity, defense and water treatment
applications. Again, there will be a number of opportunities for manufacturing,
marketing and technical synergies. These are great examples of the types of
acquisitions on which Crane is focused.

     In the Fluid Handling segment, we acquired Liberty Technologies, whose
nuclear valve monitoring products and repair capabilities were added to Crane
Nuclear (our Nuclear Valve business). Liberty's motor, engine and compressor
monitoring products were added to Dynalco Controls. Also in Fluid Handling, we
acquired Environmental Products, a maker of packaged, membrane-based water
purification systems expanding our Cochrane unit's offerings to the water
treatment industry. In Wholesale Distribution, Huttig Building Products, our
largest single business, was expanded by the acquisition of Consolidated Lumber
of 


================================================================================
2  Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

Kansas City and Number One Supply of Baltimore, adding both geographic reach and
enhanced marketing focus on large builders and other end user, "one-step"
customers.

     Overall, these acquisitions added slightly to earnings and significantly to
sales in 1998 and will make larger contributions in the future. We are
continuing our energetic pursuit of attractive acquisition candidates.

Cash Flows
(Net income plus depreciation and
amortization) (in millions)

[GRAPHIC]

A Growth Company

Although Crane is viewed by some as a cyclical company, the combination of
diversification, continuing acquisitions and constant attention to strengthening
the performance of our approximately 30 operating businesses has given us many
of the characteristics of a growth company. Chief among these is vigorous,
continuing earnings growth. Because our businesses operate in so many different
industries, market niches and regions, their differing cycles tend to smooth our
earnings growth patterns. Acquisitions typically enhance growth in the year they
are bought and in the following years. We expect to maintain the double-digit
earnings growth we have enjoyed since 1992.

Running More Efficiently

In our businesses, there are no simple ways to improve performance. The climate
we operate in is both global and increasingly competitive, requiring us to
search unceasingly for ways to improve our products, distribution and cost
structure and, indeed, all our manufacturing and business processes. We
constantly invest in new equipment and systems -- $54.3 million in 1998,
compared with $40.6 million in 1997.

     That is only part of the story, of course. Margin and profit improvements
tend to come in small increments that add up over time. Typically they result
from the focus and skill of the people in our operating companies, which we
encourage in various ways. As noted in previous reports, executive compensation
is geared to our Economic Value Added (EVA) program, which rewards real
achievements, not just progress toward arbitrary goals. We are also making gains
through our Six Sigma program, described in last year's report. Virtually all of
our companies now have one or more trained "black belts," who are focusing on
improving manufacturing or business processes and training their colleagues to
do the same. Such efforts, coupled with volume growth at most of our businesses,
increased our overall operating profit margin from 9.7% to 10.5%, a significant
gain with a direct and positive impact on our bottom line.

Progress in All Segments

More detail on our business performance is elsewhere in this Annual Report. I
encourage you to read it closely, but will comment briefly here. All six of
Crane's business segments made progress during 1998. Most notable was Aerospace,
three of whose four companies had handsome profit gains, fueled largely by
continued strong demand from Boeing and other aircraft equipment OEMs.
Hydro-Aire, ELDEC and Interpoint showed impressive growth in sales and profits.
Margins and profits declined modestly on higher sales at Lear Romec but were
still very strong.

     The Engineered Materials segment also performed well overall. Our companies
improved their strong positions in the markets for fiberglass reinforced
transportation and building products, with Kemlite and CorTec increasing both
sales and profits and Kemlite's 1998 Sequentia acquisition making a solid profit
contribution. Profits were flat at Resistoflex, on higher sales, and at
Polyflon, on lower sales. Crane Plumbing, struggling in weak Canadian markets,
ran at a small loss on lower sales.

     In our Merchandising Systems segment, National Vendors' sales and earnings
rose in the U.S., assisted by its 1997 Polyvend acquisition, and 


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report  3
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

in the United Kingdom and Germany. Germany-based National Rejectors improved
margins and earnings on slightly lower sales.

     In Wholesale Distribution, profits improved as Huttig enhanced margins
slightly and made sales and earnings gains with the help of 1997 and 1998
acquisitions. Crane Supply had slightly lower sales and earnings, but maintained
margins.

     Our Fluid Handling businesses had mixed results, with a solid increase in
sales but slightly lower profits. Sales and earnings increases in engineered
valves were offset by a loss in commercial valves, largely the result of miscues
in absorbing our 1997 Stockham acquisition, higher legal costs, and
restructuring expenses in the U.K. Our pump businesses had flat results.

     Crane Controls reported flat sales and slightly lower earnings as a result
of weak export markets and increasing price competition. All but one of our five
businesses had lower earnings, although all remained solidly profitable.

Crane's Financial Strength

Crane ended 1998 in excellent financial condition, and we have ample ability to
invest in our businesses and make further acquisitions. Although our long-term
debt rose from $260.7 million in 1997 to $359.1 million, our
debt-to-capitalization ratio at year-end remained a moderate 38%, compared with
34.9% at the end of 1997. We have ready access to credit on favorable terms, but
our best source of funding, of course, is the cash that our businesses generate.
Our businesses are profitable, increasingly so, as our 1998 margin increase
attests.

     Cash flow, our first priority, set a new record of $2.88 per diluted share
versus $2.42 in 1997. Our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization (EBITDA) advanced from $255.1 million to $303.9 million. We
invested $11.3 million in repurchasing 402,000 shares of Crane stock on the open
market during the year, at an average cost of $28.22 per share. We have always
been willing to repurchase shares when the market price, compared to our
prospects, recommends we do so.

     On August 17, 1998, we announced a three-for-two stock split and a 20%
increase in our quarterly dividend.

A Bright Outlook

Predicting worldwide business and economic conditions a year out is a dicey
exercise, but our companies are well prepared to adjust as circumstances change.
Accordingly, we expect another good year for Crane in 1999, with the help of a
full year's results from our 1998 acquisitions. Continued strength in the
domestic economy and the growth expected in Europe should help all our
businesses. Russia and Brazil are major question marks and commercial air
transport orders may have peaked, but there are signs of recovery in Asia, the
semiconductor industry and even the oil patch.

     Meanwhile, we are working hard to fix our problems in the commercial valve
business, and believe that our global approach, already successful in our
engineered valve businesses, will succeed there as well. In all our businesses,
we constantly strive to become more efficient, reduce costs and improve margins,
thereby strengthening our ability to compete.

     Thus Crane is well positioned to continue its profitable growth, an
enviable circumstance that is the result of careful planning, initiative,
dedication and extremely hard work by a great many people throughout this
company. I wish to express my gratitude to them, on behalf of the shareholders,
and to thank our customers and suppliers for their loyalty and good will. I also
want to thank our shareholders for their continuing support, which we hope will
continue to be merited and well rewarded.

Sincerely,


/s/ R. S. Evans

R. S. Evans
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
February 12, 1999


================================================================================
4  Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                                   1998 Review

   Crane's more than thirty businesses report their results in six segments:

                            o Fluid Handling
                            o Aerospace
                            o Engineered Materials
                            o Controls
                            o Merchandising Systems
                            o Wholesale Distribution

   In the pages that follow, we discuss these results, along with the events,
    trends, market dynamics and management initiatives that influenced them.

                                    ----------
                                     CRANE(R)
                                    ----------


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report  5
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                                Crane at a Glance

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluid Handling              Business Unit                 Products                             Markets Served
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                   <C>   <C>                           <C>                                  <C>  
(dollars in millions) 1998  Crane Valves                  Gate, globe, check and ball valves   Hydrocarbon processing: refining, 
- --------------------------  Long Beach, CA                made from bronze, cast iron, steel,  petrochemical, oil and gas produc-
                            North America                 stainless steel, titanium and        tion and distribution and chemical
Sales               $454.7  Crane                         special corrosion-resistant alloys   processing                        
Operating Profit      27.9  Pacific                                                                                              
Operating Margins     6.1%  Flowseal                      Wedge plug, non-lubricated plug      Power generation including nuclear
- --------------------------  Jenkins                       valves                               applications                      
                            Center Line                                                                                          
                            Stockham                      HF acid valves                       Industrial, municipal, commercial 
                            Triangle                                                           and institutional construction,   
                            Duo-Check                     Dual disc wafer check valves         water and sewage, building and    
                                                                                               engineering services              
                            Crane Nuclear, Inc.           High performance and resilient                                         
                            Kennesaw, GA                  seat butterfly valves                Pulp and paper                    
                                                                                                                                 
                            Crane Ltd.                    Cryogenic valves                     Commercial heating, ventilation   
                            Ipswich, U.K.                                                      and air conditioning (HVAC)       
                                                          Valve diagnostics, repair,                                             
                            Crane Australia Pty., Ltd.    contract maintenance and             Marine, cryogenic applications    
                            Sydney, Australia             "in-line" services                   
                                                                                               
                            Stockham Valves, Ltd.         Pipe fittings                        
                            Belfast, N. Ireland                                                
                            Wigan, U.K.                   
                                                         
                            Stockham Australia Pty., Ltd.
                            Thomastown, Australia        
                                                         
                            Westad Industri A/S          
                            Geithus, Norway              

                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Crane Pumps & Systems, Inc.   Submersible wastewater and           Municipal, industrial and com-   
                            Piqua, OH                     dewatering centrifugal, self-        mercial water and wastewater,    
                            Barnes Pumps                  priming centrifugal, regenerative    specialty industrial markets, 
                            Burks Pumps                   turbine, horizontal and vertical     original equipment manufacturers 
                            Deming Pump                   turbine, sealed and sealless end     (OEM), power and construction,   
                            Weinman                       suction and in-line centrifugal,     government contracts, commer-    
                            Chempump                      split case, air operated             cial HVAC, chemical processing,  
                            Chem/Meter                    diaphragm, metering pumps and        pharmaceutical, pulp and paper,  
                            Process Systems               pumping systems                      and hydrocarbon processing       
                            Sellers                                                            
                                                          Rotary tank cleaners, steam 
                                                          injectors                   

                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Cochrane Inc.                 Water and wastewater treatment       Power/steam generation, potable   
                            King of Prussia, PA           units and systems                    water, industrial/commercial feed-
                                                                                               water/ water recycle              

                            =====================================================================================================
</TABLE>


================================================================================
6  Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aerospace                   Business Unit                  Products                             Markets Served
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                   <C>   <C>                            <C>                                  <C>                 
(dollars in millions) 1998  ELDEC Corporation              Position indication and control      Commercial, business and military   
- --------------------------  Lynnwood, WA                   systems, proximity sensors, pre-     aerospace, defense, electronics, and
Sales               $394.5                                 ssure sensors, mass fuel flowme-     telecommunications                  
Operating Profit     118.2                                 ters, power conversion systems       
Operating Margins    30.0%                                 and equipment                     
- --------------------------                                 
                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Hydro-Aire, Inc.               Aircraft brake control and anti-     Commercial transport, business  
                            Burbank, CA                    skid systems, including electro-     and commuter, general aviation, 
                                                           hydraulic servo valves and mani-     military and government aero-   
                                                           folds, embedded software and         space, repair and overhaul      
                                                           redundant, rugged electronic         
                                                           controls, hydraulic control    
                                                           valves and landing gear sensors, 
                                                           fuel pumps 
                                                           
                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Lear Romec                     Lubrication and fuel pumps for       Commercial and military aero- 
                            Elyria, OH                     aircraft, aircraft engines and       space, defense industry       
                                                           radar cooling systems                      
                                                           
                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Interpoint                     Standard and custom miniature        Commercial, space and military      
                            Redmond, WA                    (hybrid) DC-to-DC power con-         aerospace, defense industry, medical
                                                           verters and custom miniature         industries including implantable 
                                                           (hybrid) electronic circuits         medical devices and industrial 
                                                                                                markets  

==================================================================================================================================
Engineered Materials
- --------------------------  Kemlite Company, Inc.          Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (frp)  Recreational vehicle, truck 
(dollars in millions) 1998  Joliet, IL                     panels used as sidewalls and         trailer and commercial and  
- --------------------------                                 roofs for recreational vehicles,     residential construction    
Sales               $279.0                                 interior wall liners and roofs       
Operating Profit      39.7  Sequentia, Inc.                for truck trailers, and wall and    
Operating Margins    14.2%  Strongsville, OH               ceiling systems for commercial      
- --------------------------                                 and residential construction        

                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            CorTec
                            Washington Court House, OH     Fiberglass-reinforced laminated      Trucks and truck trailers, special- 
                                                           composite panels for                 purpose trailers, marine house-     
                                                           transportation, construction and     boats and general construction      
                                                           marine applications                  

                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Resistoflex                    Corrosion resistant plastic-lined    Pharmaceutical, chemical            
                            Marion, NC                     pipe, fittings, tanks, valves,       processing, pulp and paper, ultra   
                                                           expansion joints and hose            pure water, waste management        
                            Plastic-Lined Piping Products  assemblies, high performance         industries, military and aerospace  
                            Warren, MI                     aerospace fittings for operating     contractors                         
                                                           pressures to 8,000 psi               

                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Crane Plumbing                 Plumbing and sanitary fixtures       Residential, industrial, commercial
                            Montreal, Quebec                                                    and institutional construction and 
                                                                                                renovation markets in Canada       
                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Polyflon                       Microwave laminates, circuit         Wireless communications,    
                            Norwalk, CT                    processing, high voltage RF          magnetic resonance imaging, 
                                                           capacitors, radomes                  microwave and radar system  
                                                                                                manufacturers               

                            ======================================================================================================
</TABLE>

================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report  7
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                                Crane at a Glance

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Controls                    Business Unit             Products                             Markets Served
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                   <C>   <C>                       <C>                                  <C>                              
(dollars in millions) 1998  Barksdale, Inc.           Solid state and electromechanical    Manufacturers of compressors,    
- --------------------------  Los Angeles, CA           pressure switches and transducers,   machine tools, trucks, oil and   
Sales               $132.3                            level switches and continuous level  gas exploration, spa heaters,    
Operating Profit       8.9                            indicators, temperature switches     compactors, bailers and heat     
Operating Margins     6.7%                            and directional control valves       tracing equipment                
- --------------------------                                                                 

                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Powers Process Controls   Thermostatically controlled          Light commercial and institutional      
                            Skokie, IL                shower systems, fluid temperature    facilities, chemical processing, food   
                                                      and pressure regulating systems,     processing, pharmaceuticals, water      
                                                      process controllers and instrumen-   and wastewater treatment                
                                                      tation, process control valves,  
                                                      light commercial plumbing brass      

                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Dynalco Controls          Rotational speed sensors,            Industrial engine manufacturers   
                            Ft. Lauderdale, FL        instruments and monitors for         and users, oil and gas pipelines, 
                                                      rugged environments, micro-          utilities, petrochemical, marine, 
                                                      processor based engine controls,     construction and agricultural     
                                                      engine and compressor analyzers,     equipment manufacturers           
                                                      machinery controls                   
                                                      
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Azonix Corporation        Operator interfaces and measure-     Oil and gas service, petrochem- 
                            Billerica, MA             ment and control systems for         ical, pharmaceutical, primary   
                                                      hazardous and harsh applications,    metal processing, compressor    
                                                      intelligent data acquisition prod-   manufacturers, rail transport,  
                                                      ucts, high-precision thermometers    semiconductor production equip- 
                                                      and calibrators                      ment, military ship control     

                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Ferguson                  Mechanical and electronic index      Assembly, packaging, processing      
                            St. Louis, MO             drives, rotary tables, pick-and-     and metal working machinery          
                                                      place robots, precision synchronous  manufacturers for the automotive,    
                                                      in-line transfer machines, press     beverage, food, health care, and     
                                                      feeds, clutches and custom cams      electronic industries                

================================================================================================================================
Merchandising Systems
- --------------------------  National Vendors          Electronic vending merchandis-       Automated merchandising, office  
(dollars in millions) 1998  Bridgeton, MO             ers for refrigerated and frozen      coffee service                   
- --------------------------                            foods, hot and cold beverages,       
Sales               $191.9                            snack foods, coin and currency    
Operating Profit      33.5                            changers                          
Operating Margins    17.5%                            
- --------------------------
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            National Rejectors, Inc.  Electronic coin validators and       Automated merchandising
                            GmbH (NRI)                changers, chip card cashless    
                            Buxtehude, Germany        payment systems                 

================================================================================================================================
Wholesale Distribution
- --------------------------  Huttig Building Products  Distributor of doors, windows,       Building supply dealers, home 
(dollars in millions) 1998  Chesterfield, MO          millwork, specialty construction     centers, contractors, home    
- --------------------------                            materials and related products       builders and home remodelers  
Sales               $816.3                                                                 
Operating Profit      34.1  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Margins     4.2%   
- --------------------------  Crane Supply              Distributor of pipe, valves,         Industrial, municipal, commercial   
                            Montreal, Quebec          fittings and plumbing and hydronic   and institutional construction,    
                                                      heating related products             industrial, MRO markets and        
                                                                                           fabricators                        

================================================================================================================================
Other                       
- --------------------------  Crane Defense             Specialized material handling sys-   Military and commercial shipbuild-     
                            Conroe, TX                tems, elevators, winches, ground     ing, offshore oil rigs, commercial     
                                                      support equipment, cranes and        and industrial precision fabrication   
                                                      related electronics and hydraulic                                           
                                                      control systems                                                             

                            ====================================================================================================
</TABLE>


================================================================================
8  Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                        Consolidated Statements of Income

For Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands except per share data)           1998          1997          1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Sales                               $ 2,268,505   $ 2,036,831   $ 1,847,732
Operating Costs and Expenses:
   Cost of sales                          1,624,667     1,477,048     1,344,745
   Selling, general and administrative      343,448       307,782       287,432
   Depreciation and amortization             61,458        55,400        49,402
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          2,029,573     1,840,230     1,681,579
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Profit                            238,932       196,601       166,153
Other Income (Expense):
   Interest income                            2,774         3,072         2,527
   Interest expense                         (27,819)      (23,817)      (23,420)
   Miscellaneous-net                            754           (19)         (240)
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            (24,291)      (20,764)      (21,133)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Taxes                         214,641       175,837       145,020
Provision for Income Taxes                   76,203        63,066        52,910
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                              $   138,438   $   112,771   $    92,110
================================================================================
Net Income Per Share:
   Basic                                $      2.02   $      1.64   $      1.35
   Diluted                              $      2.00   $      1.63   $      1.34
Average diluted shares outstanding           69,368        69,384        68,600
Dividends Per Common Share              $       .37   $       .33   $       .33
================================================================================

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report  9
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                           Consolidated Balance Sheets

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Balance December 31,
(in thousands except per share data)                                        1998          1997
==============================================================================================
<S>                                                                  <C>           <C>        
Assets
Current Assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents                                         $    15,909   $     6,982
   Accounts receivable                                                   303,245       272,262
   Inventories
      Finished goods                                                     146,898       113,496
      Finished parts and subassemblies                                    58,644        46,351
      Work in process                                                     38,743        51,345
      Raw materials                                                       86,059        79,892
      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total inventories                                                     330,344       291,084
   Other current assets                                                   49,468        37,425
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Assets                                                     698,966       607,753
Property, Plant and Equipment at Cost:
   Land                                                                   36,964        34,485
   Buildings and improvements                                            171,143       159,811
   Machinery and equipment                                               437,276       388,408
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Gross Property, Plant and Equipment                                   645,383       582,704
   Less accumulated depreciation                                         337,816       308,947
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net Property, Plant and Equipment                                     307,567       273,757
Other Assets                                                              32,964        31,913
Intangibles                                                               50,073        51,907
Cost in Excess of Net Assets Acquired                                    365,104       220,563
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     $ 1,454,674   $ 1,185,893
==============================================================================================

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
   Current maturities of long-term debt                              $       787   $       992
   Loans payable                                                          50,401        30,240
   Accounts payable                                                      132,376       122,616
   Accrued liabilities                                                   148,938       128,794
   U.S. and foreign taxes on income                                       18,660        13,170
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Liabilities                                                351,162       295,812
Long-Term Debt                                                           359,090       260,716
Other Liabilities                                                         28,235        25,618
Accrued Postretirement Benefits                                           40,814        41,838
Accrued Pension Liabilities                                                5,955         6,559
Deferred Income Taxes                                                     26,184        22,806
Preferred Shares, par value $.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized                 --            --

Common Shareholders' Equity:
   Common shares, par value $1.00; 80,000,000 shares authorized               --            --
       Outstanding 68,495,894 shares(68,312,730 in 1997) after
         deducting 3,930,245 shares in treasury (4,113,658 in 1997)       68,496        68,313
   Capital surplus                                                        17,977        20,099
   Retained earnings                                                     574,797       460,682
   Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)                         (18,036)      (16,550)
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Common Shareholders' Equity                                        643,234       532,544
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     $ 1,454,674   $ 1,185,893
==============================================================================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


================================================================================
10 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)                                                     1998        1997        1996
===============================================================================================
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>         <C>      
Operating Activities:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net income                                                 $ 138,438   $ 112,771   $  92,110
   Depreciation                                                  38,563      36,995      35,122
   Amortization                                                  22,895      18,405      14,280
   Deferred income taxes                                          4,178       4,816       3,105
   Cash used for operating working capital                       (5,036)    (16,529)    (13,783)
   Other                                                         (7,164)     (6,684)     (8,678)
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total Provided From Operating Activities               191,874     149,774     122,156
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing Activities:
   Capital expenditures                                         (54,260)    (40,642)    (50,471)
   Proceeds from disposition of capital assets                   10,503       4,747      11,759
   Payments for acquisitions net of cash, and liabilities
      assumed of $17,397 in 1998, $34,400 in 1997,
         and $1,126 in 1996                                    (224,143)    (81,665)     (2,523)
   Proceeds from divestitures                                     4,276       7,453       1,554
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total Used for Investing Activities                   (263,624)   (110,107)    (39,681)
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing Activities:
   Equity:
      Dividends paid                                            (25,199)    (22,870)    (22,710)
      Reacquisition of shares - open market                     (11,329)    (20,529)    (24,596)
      Reacquisition of shares - stock incentive program         (10,895)     (4,448)     (2,087)
      Stock options exercised                                     9,250       7,382       5,042
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                (38,173)    (40,465)    (44,351)
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Debt:
      Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                  143,565          --          --
      Repayments of long-term debt                               (5,692)     (3,458)    (12,987)
      Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt                (19,928)      1,099     (18,996)
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                117,945      (2,359)    (31,983)
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total Provided from (Used for) Financing Activities     79,772     (42,824)    (76,334)
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents                905      (1,440)        (38)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents                  8,927      (4,597)      6,103
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                    6,982      11,579       5,476
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year                      $  15,909   $   6,982   $  11,579
===============================================================================================
Detail of Cash Used for Operating
Working Capital (Net of Effects of Acquisitions):
   Accounts receivable                                        $  (1,535)  $ (25,358)  $    (733)
   Inventories                                                   (9,019)      2,476      (2,878)
   Other current assets                                          (7,872)      2,090        (327)
   Accounts payable                                              (1,240)      5,702       2,134
   Accrued liabilities                                            7,763       2,683      (8,235)
   U.S. and foreign taxes on income                               6,867      (4,122)     (3,744)
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total                                                $  (5,036)  $ (16,529)  $ (13,783)
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
   Interest paid                                              $  25,142   $  22,865   $  22,790
   Income taxes paid                                          $  59,893   $  48,825   $  48,017
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report 11
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

        Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders' Equity

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 Accumulated
                                               Common                                                  Other   Total Common
                                           Shares, at  Comprehensive     Capital     Retained  Comprehensive  Shareholders'
(In thousands except share data)            Par Value         Income     Surplus     Earnings  Income (Loss)         Equity
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>            <C>     
Balance January 1, 1996                       $67,782                    $12,860     $304,096      $(10,009)      $374,729
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                                   $92,110                   92,110                       92,110
Cash dividends                                                                        (22,710)                     (22,710)
Issuance of 1,641,468 shares for
   Interpoint acquisition                       1,641                     31,175                                    32,816
Reacquisition of 1,622,642 shares              (1,623)                   (29,945)                                  (31,568)
Exercise of stock options, 460,886 shares         461                      7,548                                     8,009
Tax benefit - Exercise of stock options                                    2,967                                     2,967
Restricted stock awarded, 229,142 shares - net    229                      5,240       (1,794)                       3,675
Currency translation adjustment                                2,641                                  2,641          2,641
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive Income                                          94,751
===========================================================================================================================
Balance December 31, 1996                     $68,490                    $29,845     $371,702       $(7,368)      $462,669
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                                   112,771                  112,771                      112,771
Cash dividends                                                                        (22,870)                     (22,870)
Reacquisition of 981,455 shares                  (981)                   (23,996)                                  (24,977)
Exercise of stock options, 652,523 shares         653                      6,729                                     7,382
Tax benefit - Exercise of stock options                                    3,541                                     3,541
Restricted stock awarded, 151,873 shares - net    151                      3,980         (921)                       3,210
Currency translation adjustment                               (9,182)                                (9,182)        (9,182)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive Income                                         103,589
===========================================================================================================================
Balance December 31, 1997                     $68,313                    $20,099     $460,682      $(16,550)      $532,544
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                                   138,438                  138,438                      138,438
Cash dividends                                                                        (25,199)                     (25,199)
Reacquisition of 702,276 shares                  (702)                   (21,522)                                  (22,224)
Exercise of stock options, 780,902 shares         780                      8,470                                     9,250
Tax benefit - Exercise of stock options                                    6,638                                     6,638
Restricted stock awarded, 104,787 shares - net    105                      4,292          876                        5,273
Currency translation adjustment                               (1,486)                                (1,486)        (1,486)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive Income                                         136,952
===========================================================================================================================
Balance December 31, 1998                     $68,496                    $17,977     $574,797      $(18,036)      $643,234
===========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


================================================================================
12 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                   Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation -- The consolidated financial statements include all
majority-owned subsidiaries. Investments in affiliates owned 50% or less are
accounted for under the equity method. All intercompany items have been
eliminated. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with
the 1998 presentation. All share and per share data have been retroactively
restated to reflect the three-for-two splits of common stock effected in the
form of a 50% stock dividend in 1998 and 1996.

General -- The company's financial statements are prepared in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. These require management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ
from those estimated..

Revenue Recognition -- Revenues are recorded generally when title passes to the
customer.

Income Taxes -- Income tax expense is based on reported earnings before income
taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between
assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such
amounts recognized for tax purposes using currently enacted tax rates.

Net Income Per Share -- The company's basic earnings per share calculations are
based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted
earnings per share include all stock options. The company has no stock warrants
or convertible securities.

(In thousands, except per share data)                1998        1997       1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income available to
  common shareholders                            $138,438    $112,771    $92,110
Basic shares outstanding                           68,555      68,565     68,034
Effect of dilutive stock options                      813         819        566
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted shares outstanding                         69,368      69,384     68,600
Earnings per share:
  Basic                                          $   2.02    $   1.64    $  1.35
  Diluted                                        $   2.00    $   1.63    $  1.34
================================================================================

Cash Equivalents -- Marketable securities with original maturities of three
months or less are included in cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable -- Receivables are carried at net realizable value.

A summary of the allowance for doubtful accounts, cash discounts, returns and
allowances activity at December 31, follows:

(In thousands)
for years ended December 31,                     1998         1997         1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at beginning of year                 $  6,864     $  6,563     $  5,436
Provisions                                     18,022       19,627       18,104
Deductions                                    (17,469)     (19,326)     (16,977)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at end of year                       $  7,417     $  6,864     $  6,563
================================================================================

Inventories -- Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market principally
on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of inventory valuation. The reduction of
inventory quantities has resulted in a liquidation of LIFO inventories acquired
at lower costs prevailing in prior years. Liquidations have reduced cost of
sales by $3.7 million in 1998, $4.5 million in 1997, and $4.4 million in 1996.
Replacement cost would have been higher by $42.8 million and $46.6 million at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment -- Depreciation is provided primarily by the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets
which range from three to twenty-five years.

Intangibles -- Intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis
over their estimated useful lives which range from five to twenty years. The
accumulated amortization was $21.8 million and $18.5 million at December 31,
1998 and 1997, respectively.

Cost in Excess of Net Assets Acquired -- Cost in excess of net assets acquired
is being amortized on a straight-line basis ranging from fifteen to forty years.
The accumulated amortization was $50.9 million and $37.4 million at December 31,
1998 and 1997, respectively.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets -- The company periodically evaluates the
carrying value of long-lived assets, including goodwill and other intangible
assets, when events and circumstances warrant such a review. The carrying value
of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the anticipated undiscounted
cash flow from such asset is separately identifiable and is less than its
carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which
the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset. Fair
market value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows discounted
at a rate commensurate with the risk involved.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans -- The company records compensation expense for
its stock-based employee compensation plans in accordance with the
intrinsic-value method prescribed by APB No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees." Intrinsic value is the amount by which the market price of the
underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock option or award on the
measurement date, generally the date of grant.

Currency Translation -- Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries that prepare
financial statements in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated at the
rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date; income and expense are
translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. The
related translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) in a separate component of shareholders' equity.

Financial Instruments -- The company periodically enters into interest rate swap
agreements to moderate its exposure to interest rate changes and to lower the
overall cost of borrowings. The differential to be paid or received is accrued
as interest rates change and is recognized in income over the life of the
agreements. No agreements were outstanding at December 31, 1998. In addition,
the company periodically uses forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge firm
purchase and sales commitments. Gains and losses on such contracts are deferred
and recognized as part of the related transactions. Amounts outstanding at
December 31, 1998 for such contracts were not material. 


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report 13
<PAGE>
 
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
================================================================================

Recently Issued Accounting Standards -- In June 1998, Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities" was released. The company is required to implement the
statement in the first quarter of fiscal 2000. The company has historically made
limited use of derivative instruments and financial hedges and believes any
impact of the new accounting pronouncement on the financial statements will be
immaterial.

Research and Development

Product development and engineering costs were approximately $72.4 million,
$56.8 million and $52.0 million in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. Included
in these amounts were approximately $15.8 million, $9.5 million and $10.3
million received in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, for customer-sponsored
research and development.

Miscellaneous--Net

(In thousands)
For Years Ended December 31,              1998           1997           1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gain on capital assets                 $ 2,326          $ 509         $3,242
Other                                   (1,572)(a)       (528)        (3,482)(a)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       $   754          $ (19)        $ (240)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(a) Includes $1.0 million in 1998 and $4.0 million in 1996 for legal costs
related to a previously discontinued operation.

Supplementary Cash Flow Information

In a noncash transaction, the company acquired Interpoint in 1996 by issuing
stock of $32.8 million and assuming liabilities of $37.9 million. The fair value
of assets acquired totaled $32.2 million for an excess purchase price over net
assets acquired of $38.5 million.

Income Taxes

Income before taxes is as follows:

(In thousands)
For Years Ended December 31,                      1998         1997         1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. operations                               $197,882     $157,242     $128,666
Non-U.S. operations                             16,759       18,595       16,354
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              $214,641     $175,837     $145,020
================================================================================

The provision for income taxes consists of:

(In thousands)
For Years Ended December 31,                      1998         1997         1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current:
  U.S. federal tax                             $61,992      $47,991      $39,793
  State and local tax                            4,112        4,943        6,199
  Non-U.S. tax                                   5,921        5,316        3,813
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                72,025       58,250       49,805
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred:
  U.S. federal tax                               2,952        4,143        1,683
  State and local tax                              350          290          397
  Non-U.S. tax                                     876          383        1,025
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 4,178        4,816        3,105
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income taxes                             $76,203      $63,066      $52,910
================================================================================

Reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal rate to effective tax rate is as
follows:

(In thousands)
For Years Ended December 31,                1998           1997           1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statutory U.S. federal
  tax at 35%                            $ 75,124       $ 61,543       $ 50,757
Increase (reduction) from:
  Non-U.S. taxes                             200         (1,001)        (1,065)
  State and local taxes                    2,900          3,401          4,287
  Non-deductible goodwill                  3,397          2,732          1,992
  Foreign Sales Corporation               (3,035)        (3,021)        (2,106)
  Other                                   (2,383)          (588)          (955)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provision for income taxes               $ 76,203       $ 63,066       $ 52,910
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective tax rate                           35.5%          35.9%          36.5%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At December 31, 1998, the company had unremitted earnings of foreign
subsidiaries of $103 million. Because these earnings, which reflect full
provision for non-U.S. income taxes, are indefinitely reinvested in non-U.S.
operations or can be remitted substantially free of additional tax, no provision
has been made for taxes that might be payable upon remittance of such earnings.

The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities included on the balance
sheet at December 31 are as follows:

(In thousands)                                               1998           1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax assets:
Postretirement benefits                                   $15,928        $16,404
Inventory                                                   5,632          4,944
Insurance                                                  11,355         10,530
Environmental                                               4,037          5,253
Tax loss and credit carryforwards                           7,395          3,483
Deferred compensation                                       8,318          7,083
Other                                                      11,091          4,641
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                      63,756         52,338
  Less valuation allowance on tax
   loss and credit carryforwards                            3,086          3,483
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred tax assets, net                            $60,670        $48,855
================================================================================
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation                                              $17,213        $15,767
Difference between book basis
  and tax basis of assets                                  13,235         10,152
Intangibles                                                13,489         14,547
Pension                                                     5,769          4,606
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred liabilities                                $49,706        $45,072
================================================================================
Net deferred asset                                        $10,964        $ 3,783
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance sheet classification:
  Current assets:
   Other current assets                                   $37,148        $26,589
  Long-term liabilities:
   Deferred income taxes                                   26,184         22,806
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          $10,964        $ 3,783
================================================================================


================================================================================
14 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

As of December 31, 1998, the company had net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards
and U.S. tax credit carryforwards which will expire, if unused, as follows:

                               Non-U.S.   Non-U.S.      U.S.       U.S      U.S.
(In thousands)                 National  Municipal     State   Federal       R&D
Year of Expiration                  NOL        NOL       NOL       NOL    Credit
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999-2002                          $988     $    -   $     -   $   802       $25
After 2002                          150          -     2,975    10,376        18
Indefinite                        1,854      4,728    46,672         -         -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                            $2,992     $4,728   $49,647   $11,178       $43
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax asset on
  tax carryforwards              $1,046     $  415   $ 1,978   $ 3,913       $43
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Of the total $7.4 million deferred tax asset on tax carryforwards, $3.1 million
has been offset by the valuation allowance because of the uncertainty of
ultimately realizing these future benefits.

Accrued Liabilities

(In thousands) December 31,                                1998             1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Employee-related expenses                              $ 72,460         $ 62,950
Insurance                                                13,965           12,418
Environmental                                             4,232            5,619
Warranty                                                 11,415            8,282
Professional fees                                         3,462            5,551
Sales allowances                                          5,196            3,805
Customer advanced payments                                3,911            2,410
Interest                                                  5,421            3,609
Taxes other than income                                   2,945            3,017
Pensions                                                  3,243            2,795
Other                                                    22,688           18,338
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       $148,938         $128,794
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other Liabilities

(In thousands) December 31,                                 1998            1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Environmental                                            $10,105         $11,319
Insurance                                                  7,793           7,215
Minority interest                                          3,669           3,040
Other                                                      6,668           4,044
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         $28,235         $25,618
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pension and Postretirement Benefits

The company and most of its subsidiaries have defined benefit pension plans for
their employees. The company also has a defined benefit plan for its directors.
The plans generally provide benefit payments using a formula based on length of
service and final average compensation, except for some hourly employees for
whom the benefits are a fixed amount per year of service. The company's policy
is to fund at least the minimum amount required by the applicable governmental
regulations.

Postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits are provided for certain
domestic and non-U.S. employees hired before January 1, 1990 who meet minimum
age and service requirements. The company does not pre-fund these benefits and
has the right to modify or terminate the plan.

The following table sets forth the amounts recognized in the company's balance
sheet at December 31, for company sponsored defined benefit pension and
post-retirement benefit plans:

                                             Pension             Postretirement
                                             Benefits              Benefits
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(in thousands)                           1998        1997       1998       1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in
  benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at
  beginning of year                 $ 296,433   $ 258,304   $ 27,847   $ 29,712
Service cost                           11,062      10,293        420        439
Interest cost                          18,860      17,186      1,878      1,978
Plan participants'
  contributions                         1,509       1,476      1,720      2,024
Amendments                                565         647         --         --
Actuarial (gain) loss                  16,386      18,362        383     (1,514)
Benefits paid                         (15,297)    (14,827)    (4,072)    (4,792)
Foreign currency exchange
  rate (gain) loss                     (1,636)     (3,765)        --         --
Business combinations                   2,550       8,757         --         --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benefit obligation at
  end of year                       $ 330,432   $ 296,433   $ 28,176   $ 27,847
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets
  at beginning of year              $ 409,638   $ 347,163
Actual return on
  plan assets                          43,250      70,171
Foreign currency exchange
  rate gain (loss)                     (3,062)     (6,665)
Employer contributions                    641       3,079
Plan participants'
  contributions                         1,509       1,476
Benefits paid                         (15,297)    (14,827)
Business combinations                   2,321       9,241
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of plan assets
  at end of year                    $ 439,000   $ 409,638
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funded status                       $ 108,568   $ 113,205   $(28,176)  $(27,847)
Unrecognized actuarial
  (gain) loss                         (91,317)    (95,475)   (12,638)   (13,991)
Unrecognized prior
  service cost                          3,145       2,918         --         --
Unrecognized transition
  (asset)/obligation                   (4,101)     (4,996)        --         --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prepaid (accrued)
  benefit cost                      $  16,295   $  15,652   $(40,814)  $(41,838)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report 15
<PAGE>
 
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
================================================================================

                                               Pension          Postretirement
                                               Benefits            Benefits
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                      1998      1997      1998      1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average assumptions 
  as of December 31:
Discount rate                               6.68%     6.73%     6.75%     7.25%
Expected rate of return
  on plan assets                            8.27%     8.31%         -         -
Rate of compensation increase               4.81%     4.86%     4.00%     4.50%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Components of net periodic 
  benefit cost:
Service cost                             $11,062   $10,293    $  420    $  439
Interest cost                             18,860    17,186     1,878     1,978
Expected rate of return
  on plan assets                         (30,833)  (26,321)        -         -
Amortization of prior
  service cost                               283       282         -         -
Recognized net actuarial
  loss (gain)                             (2,122)   (1,341)     (969)     (975)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net periodic benefit cost                $(2,750)  $    99    $1,329    $1,442
================================================================================

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value
of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess
of plan assets were $5.2 million, $4.9 million and $4.6 million, respectively as
of December 31, 1998, and $6.8 million, $6.2 million and $5.7 million,
respectively, as of December 31,1997.

At December 31, 1998, substantially all plan assets are invested in listed
stocks and bonds. These investments include common stock of the company which
represents 5% of plan assets.

The company participates in several multi-employer pension plans, which provide
benefits to certain employees under collective bargaining agreements. Total
contributions to these plans were approximately $1.4 million in 1998 and $1.5
million in each of 1997 and 1996.

Crane subsidiaries ELDEC Corporation and Interpoint Corporation have a money
purchase plan to provide retirement benefits for all eligible employees. The
annual contribution is 5% of each eligible participant's gross compensation. The
contributions for 1998, 1997 and 1996 were $2.2 million, $1.7 million and $1.4
million, respectively.

The company and its subsidiaries sponsor savings and investment plans which are
available to eligible employees of the company and its subsidiaries. The company
made contributions to the plans of approximately $6.5 million, $5.4 million and
$4.7 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

For the purpose of estimating the postretirement liability, the cost of covered
benefits was assumed to increase 8.5% for 1998, and then to decrease gradually
to 4.75% by 2005 and remain at that level thereafter. In 1997, the cost of
covered benefits was assumed to increase 9.4%, and then to decrease gradually to
5.0% by 2007 and remain at that level thereafter.

                                                1 Percentage        1 Percentage
                                              Point Increase      Point Decrease
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect on total of
  service and interest
  cost components                                       $216               $ 187
Effect on postretirement
  benefit obligation                                   2,097               1,839
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Short-Term Financing

The weighted average interest rate for loans payable, consisting of short-term
bank borrowings, at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was 6.4% and 6.3%, respectively.
As of December 31, 1998, the company had unused domestic lines of credit
totaling $198.0 million and unused foreign lines of credit totaling $35.0
million. These lines of credit are typically available for borrowings up to 364
days and are renewable at the option of the lender. Short-term obligations of
$150 million at December 31,1998 were classified as long-term debt since the
company had entered into finance agreements that permit it to refinance
short-term obligations on a long-term basis.

Long-Term Financing

(In thousands) December 31,                              1998              1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crane Co. 
  Senior debt:
  7 1/4% notes due 1999                             $ 150,000         $ 150,000
  Original issue discount                                 (29)              (99)
  Deferred financing costs                               (205)             (651)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      149,766           149,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  8 1/2% notes due 2004                               100,000           100,000
  Original issue discount                                (436)             (519)
  Deferred financing costs                               (358)             (426)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       99,206            99,055
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  6 3/4% notes due 2006                               100,000
  Original issue discount                                (290)
  Deferred financing costs                               (998)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       98,712
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Crane Co.                                       347,684           248,305
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subsidiaries
  Industrial revenue bonds                              2,105             2,513
  Capital lease obligations                             1,271             1,512
  Various loans                                         8,817             9,378
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Subsidiaries                                     12,193            13,403
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total long-term debt                                359,877           261,708
  Less current portion                                    787               992
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Long-term debt net of
    current portion                                 $ 359,090         $ 260,716
================================================================================

At December 31, 1998, the principal amounts of long-term debt repayments
required for the next five years are $.8 million in 1999, $9.2 million in 2000,
$.6 million in 2001, $.9 million in 2002, and $150.1 million in 2003.


================================================================================
16 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

At December 31, 1998, the company had a $300 million contractually committed
domestic long-term bank credit facility under which the company can borrow,
repay, or to the extent permitted by the agreement, prepay loans and reborrow at
any time prior to the termination date of November 2003. Proceeds may be used
for general corporate purposes or to provide financing for acquisitions. The
agreement contains certain covenants, including limitations on indebtedness and
liens. No loans were outstanding under this agreement at year end. Under a $300
million shelf registration filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
$50 million in unissued debt securities remains registered.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of investments and short-term debt approximates the fair
value. Long-term debt rates currently available to the company for debt with
similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value for
debt issues that are not quoted on an exchange. The estimated fair value of
long-term debt at December 31, 1998 was $376 million compared to a carrying
value of $359 million.

Leases

The company leases certain facilities, vehicles and equipment under capital and
operating leases with various terms. Certain leases contain renewal or purchase
options. Future minimum payments, by year, and in the aggregate, under leases
with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following
at December 31, 1998:

                                                            Minimum
                                  Capital     Operating    Sublease
(In thousands)                     Leases        Leases      Income        Net
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999                               $  218       $13,563      $1,490    $12,291
2000                                  204        10,462       1,086      9,580
2001                                  204         8,282         744      7,742
2002                                  204         6,015         664      5,555
2003                                  161         3,901         522      3,540
Thereafter                            554         4,321          89      4,786
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total minimum                                                         
  lease payments                    1,545       $46,544      $4,595    $43,494
                                               =================================
Interest                             (274)                            
- -----------------------------------------
Present value                      $1,271                             
=========================================

The weighted average interest rate for capital leases is 7.95%.

Rental expense for all operating leases was $14.5 million, $14.9 million and
$15.6 million for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

The cost of assets capitalized under leases at December 31 is as follows:

(In thousands)                                              1998            1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buildings and improvements                               $ 5,844         $ 6,336
Machinery and equipment                                    7,345           7,158
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          13,189          13,494
Less accumulated depreciation                             11,520          11,829
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         $ 1,669         $ 1,665
================================================================================

Contingencies

The company has established insurance programs to cover product and general
liability losses. These programs have deductible amounts of $5 million per
claim, $10 million aggregate per policy year before coverage begins, with the
exception of aircraft products, and non-U.S. claims, which have first dollar
coverage. The company does not deem its deductible exposure to be material.

As of December 31, 1998, the company is involved in various claims and legal
actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of
management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material
effect on the company's financial condition and results of operations.

The company continues to be involved in various remediation actions to clean up
hazardous wastes as required by federal and state laws. Estimated future
environmental remediation cost was $13.0 million at December 31, 1998, which was
fully accrued. In certain of these actions, the company is one of several
potentially responsible parties ("PRPs"). As a PRP, the company could be liable
for all clean up cost despite the involvement of other PRPs. Given the financial
stability of the other PRPs, the company believes this is unlikely and the
accrual represents management's best estimate, based on current facts and
circumstances, with respect to the ultimate liability that will be apportioned
to the company. The company spent $2.9 million on environmental costs in 1998,
and expects to pay remediation costs of approximately $4 million in 1999. The
annual level of future remediation expenditures is difficult to estimate because
of the many uncertainties relating to conditions of individual sites as well as
uncertainties about the status of environmental laws and regulations and
developments in remedial technology. In addition, the company is a minor/de
minimis potentially responsible party (PRP) at certain third party environmental
remediation sites where remediation obligations are joint and several, and the
company, as part of its estimate of potential liability, periodically reviews
whether the major PRPs have the ability to fulfill their portion of such
remediation obligation. The company is not aware of any significant additional
liability that would result from the inability of other PRPs to fulfill their
obligation. Overall, the company's liability for 


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report 17
<PAGE>
 
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
================================================================================

the required remedial actions being implemented or engineered is not,
individually or in the aggregate, expected to be material.

Crane Co. is a defendant in a class action arising out of the contamination of a
creek in eastern Ohio by a chemical pesticide sold under the trade name Mirex.
This chemical was not manufactured or sold by Crane but was manufactured by
another company, also a defendant, at a site adjacent to a Crane facility. The
complaint seeks an unliquidated amount of compensatory and punitive damages
against Crane, and compensatory and punitive damages against the manufacturer.
Crane asserted cross-claims for contamination of its property and for
indemnification against any liability to the plaintiffs against the manufacturer
and its foreign parent company. In December 1998, the company entered into a
settlement agreement with the manufacturer and its foreign parent company
pursuant to which, among other things, (i) the other parties agreed to indemnify
the company against the class action claims for compensatory damages and other
third party claims, (ii) the other parties agreed to remediate the soils and
groundwater at the company's facility, and in that connection the company sold
the facility to the manufacturer with a leaseback and an option to repurchase
the facility when the soil remediation is completed, and (iii) the company and
the other parties released their claims against each other. Accordingly, the
company believes that these actions are not likely to have a material effect on
its results of operations or financial condition.

The company's Crane Canada, Inc. subsidiary is the defendant in a class action
pending in British Columbia, Canada alleging damages to property from water
escaping from toilet tanks manufactured by Crane Canada. Crane Canada has
settled past claims for property damage arising from water escaping from cracked
toilet tanks on a case by case basis, and has entered into claims handling
agreements with a number of property insurers to process such claims pursuant to
agreed claim procedures and reimbursement formulas. Although the class certifica
tion order has been upheld on appeal, Crane Canada continues to settle property
damage claims in accordance with the claims handling agreements and to enter
into such agreements with additional insurers. Accordingly, the company believes
that the pending legal action will not have a material impact on its
liabilities. Based on the historical trends for claims related to cracked toilet
tanks and the experience of Crane Canada in resolving such claims, the company
believes that pending and reasonably anticipated future claims are not likely to
have a material effect on its results of operations or financial condition. 

As of December 31, 1998, Crane Co. was a defendant (among a number of
defendants, typically 15 to 40) in approximately 1,408 actions filed in various
state and federal courts alleging injury or death as a result of exposure to
asbestos in products allegedly manufactured or sold by the company. Because of
the unique factors inherent in each case and the fact that most are in
preliminary stages, the company lacks sufficient information upon which
judgments can be made as to their validity or ultimate disposition. Based on the
information available to the company and its experience in the disposition of
lawsuits of this type, the company believes that pending and reasonably
anticipated future asbestos actions are not likely to have a material effect on
its results of operations or financial condition.

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Investments

The company reviews potential acquisition candidates with market and technology
positions that provide meaningful opportunities in the markets in which it
already has a presence, or which afford significant financial reward, and may
dispose of operations when consistent with its overall goals and strategies.

During 1998 the company completed six acquisitions at a total cost of $224
million. In May, the company acquired Environmental Products USA, Inc. This
business manufactures membrane-based water treatment systems for industrial,
commercial and institutional markets. Also in May, the company acquired Number
One Supply, a building products distribution business based in Baltimore, MD and
Raleigh, NC. In July, the company acquired Consolidated Lumber Company, a
wholesale distributor of lumber and millwork products in the greater Kansas
City, MO area. Number One Supply and Consolidated Lumber were integrated into
the company's Huttig Building Products subsidiary. In August, the company
acquired Sequentia Holdings, Inc., a manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced
plastic panels for the construction and building products markets. Sequentia
complements the company's Kemlite subsidiary, which provides
fiberglass-reinforced plastic panels for the transportation and recreational
vehicle markets. In September, the company acquired Liberty Technologies, Inc.
which develops, manufactures, markets and sells valve, motor, engine and
compression condition monitoring products and related services to the nuclear
power generation and industrial process markets worldwide. Liberty complements
the company's nuclear valve business which provides valves, valve diagnostic
equipment and related services to the nuclear power industry, and with its
Dynalco Controls business, which provides sensors, instrumentation, control
products and automation systems for use in industrial engine applications. Also
in September, the company acquired the Plastic-Lined Piping Products ("PLPP")
division of The Dow Chemical Company. PLPP was integrated with the company's
Resistoflex division, which supplies lined pipe and valves to the chemical
process and industrial markets.


================================================================================
18 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

In May of 1998, the company sold two foundry operations acquired as part of the
Stockham Valves & Fittings, Inc. transaction. Accu-Cast, Inc. in Chattanooga, TN
and the Aliceville Foundry in Aliceville, AL were sold for a total of $4.3
million.

During 1997, the company completed five acquisitions at a total cost of $82
million. In March, the company acquired the transportation products business of
Sequentia, Inc. This business, which produces fiberglass-reinforced plastic
panels for the truck body, trailer and container market, has been integrated
with the company's Kemlite subsidiary. Also in March, the company acquired
Polyvend Inc., a manufacturer of snack and food vending machines. Polyvend was
completely integrated into National Vendors modern St. Louis facility by the end
of the third quarter of 1997, significantly expanding distribution sales
channels. In April, the company acquired the Nuclear Valve business of ITI
MOVATS from Westinghouse. MOVATS is a leading supplier of valve diagnostic
equipment and valve services to the commercial nuclear power industry. In July,
through its Huttig Building Products subsidiary, the company acquired MALLCO
Lumber & Building Materials Inc., a leading wholesale distributor of lumber,
doors and engineered wood products serving Arizona and the surrounding region.
In December the company acquired certain operations and product lines of
Stockham Valves & Fittings, Inc. The acquired product lines and related
manufacturing operations were integrated into the company's engineered valve and
commercial bronze and iron valve businesses.

Also in 1997, the company sold its Valve Systems and Controls division for $7.5
million in cash and $1.5 million in preferred stock.

During 1996, the company completed two acquisitions. The company acquired
Interpoint Corporation in a tax-free merger in which the company assumed $26
million of Interpoint debt and issued 1.6 million shares of Crane common stock
for all the outstanding shares of Interpoint. Interpoint designs and
manufactures high density power converters with applications in the aerospace
and medical technology industries. The company also acquired Grenson Electronics
of Daventry, England for a cash payment of $2.7 million. Grenson Electronics
produces low voltage power conversion electronics for the aerospace, defense and
industrial markets. The company sold Empire Foundry in 1996.

All acquisitions were accounted for by the purchase method. The results of
operations for all acquisitions have been included in the financial statements
from their respective dates of purchase. The following unaudited pro forma
financial information presents the combined results of operations of the company
and Environmental Products, Number One Supply, Consolidated Lumber, Sequentia,
Liberty Technologies and Plastic-Lined Piping Products as if the acquisitions
had taken place at the beginning of 1997. The pro forma amounts give effect to
certain adjustments including the amortization of goodwill and intangibles,
increased interest expense and income tax effects. This pro forma information
does not necessarily reflect the results of operations as it would have been if
the businesses had been managed by the company during these periods and is not
indicative of results that may be obtained in the future. Pro forma 1998 and
1997 results are as follows: net sales of $2.39 and $2.25 billion, net income of
$135.2 and $107.7 million and diluted net income per share of $1.95 and $1.55,
respectively.

Preferred Share Purchase Rights

On June 27, 1998, the company adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan to replace the
existing Plan which expired on that date. The company distributed one preferred
share purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock. The preferred
rights were not exercisable when granted and may only become exercisable under
certain circumstances involving actual or potential acquisitions of the
company's common stock by a person or affiliated persons. Depending upon the
circumstances, if the rights become exercisable, the holder may be entitled to
purchase shares of the company's Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock,
or shares of common stock of the acquiring person. Preferred shares purchasable
upon exercise of the rights will not be redeemable. Each preferred share will be
entitled to preferential rights regarding dividend and liquidation payments,
voting power, and, in the event of any merger, consolidation or other
transaction in which common shares are exchanged, preferential exchange rate.
The rights will remain in existence until June 27, 2008, unless they are earlier
terminated, exercised or redeemed. The company has authorized five million
shares of $.01 par value preferred stock of which 500,000 shares have been
designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

The company has three stock-based compensation plans: the Stock Option Plan, the
Restricted Stock Award Plan and the Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Plan.
In accounting for its stock-based compensation plans, the company applies the
intrinsic value method prescribed by APB No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees." Intrinsic value is the amount by which the market price of the
underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock option or award on the
measurement date, generally the date of grant. No compensation expense is
recognized for the company's stock option plan. Compensation expense recognized
for its restricted stock award plans was $7.2 million in 1998, $8.8 million in
1997, and $4.6 million in 1996. The pro forma net income and earnings per share
listed below reflect the impact of measuring compensation expense for options
granted in 1998, 1997 and 1996 in accordance with the fair-value-based method
prescribed by SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. " These
amounts may not be representative of future years' amounts as options vest over
a three-year period and generally additional awards are made each year.


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report 19
<PAGE>
 
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
================================================================================

(In thousands
except per share data)                              1998        1997        1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income As reported                          $138,438    $112,771     $92,110
           Pro forma                             133,071     110,339      90,616
Net income per share                           
  Basic    As reported                              2.02        1.64        1.35
           Pro forma                                1.94        1.61        1.33
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Diluted  As reported                              2.00        1.63        1.34
           Pro forma                                1.92        1.59        1.32
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The weighted average fair value of options granted was $11.01 per share in 1998,
$10.33 per share in 1997 and $8.01 per share in 1996. These estimates were based
on the Black-Scholes multiple option-pricing model with the following weighted
average assumptions:

                                               1998          1997          1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend yield                                 .92%         1.48%         1.81%
Volatility                                   24.22%        24.98%        26.89%
Risk-free interest rates                      5.60%         6.76%         6.53%
Expected lives in years                       5.29          5.10          4.75
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Options are granted under the Stock Option Plan to officers and other key
employees at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares on
the date of grant. Options become exercisable at a rate of 50% the first year,
75% the second year and 100% the third year after the date of grant, and expire
ten years after the date of grant. A summary of stock option activity follows:

                                                                        Weighted
                                                        Number of        Average
(Shares in thousands)                                      Shares          Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Options outstanding at beginning of year                    3,146       $ 12.06
Granted                                                       722         18.36
Exercised                                                    (461)        11.09
Canceled                                                      (90)        15.35
Options outstanding at end of year                          3,317         13.50
Options exercisable at end of year                          2,124         11.75

1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Granted                                                       803         22.60
Exercised                                                    (653)        11.32
Canceled                                                     (144)        19.06
Options outstanding at end of year                          3,323         15.91
Options exercisable at end of year                          2,130         13.24

1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Granted                                                     1,367         36.26
Exercised                                                    (781)        11.89
Canceled                                                      (26)        25.07
Options outstanding at end of year                          3,883         23.80
Options exercisable at end of year                          2,014         16.00
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A summary of information regarding stock options outstanding at December 31,
1998 follows:

(Shares in thousands)                 Options Outstanding    Options Exercisable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Weighted   Weighted               Weighted
                                       Average    Average                Average
       Range of          Number of   Remaining   Exercise   Number of   Exercise
Exercise Prices             Shares        Life      Price      Shares      Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   $27.79-36.37              1,378        9.30     $36.14          11     $27.79
    14.81-28.59              1,342        7.83      20.38         836      19.81
     7.82-15.31              1,163        5.23      13.16       1,167      13.16
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Restricted Stock Award Plan provides for awards of common stock to officers
and other key employees, subject to resale restrictions. The restrictions on
outstanding awards are scheduled to lapse upon the achievement of certain
performance objectives or over time. The company awarded 113,250 shares with a
weighted average fair value of $36.37 in 1998. As of December 31, 1998, there
were available for future awards a total of $1,500,000 shares.

Under the Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Plan, directors who are not
full-time employees of the company receive the portion of their annual retainers
which exceeds $15,000 in shares of common stock. The shares are issued each year
after the company's annual meeting, are forfeitable if the director ceases to
remain a director until the company's next annual meeting, and may not be sold
for a period of five years, or until the director leaves the Board. As a group,
non-employee directors received 2,280 shares with a weighted average fair value
of $36.37 in 1998.

Segment Information

The Company's reportable segments are strategic business units that offer
different products and services. They are managed separately because each
business requires different technology and marketing strategies.

The Company has six reportable segments: Fluid Handling, Aerospace, Engineered
Materials, Controls, Merchandising Systems and Wholesale Distribution.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the
summary of significant accounting policies. The Company accounts for
intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third
parties at current market prices.


================================================================================
20 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

Information by industry segments follows:

(In thousands)                                    1998         1997         1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluid Handling
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Sales - Outside                         $445,355     $386,209     $351,374
  Net Sales - Intersegment                       9,298        7,942       12,594
  Operating Profit                              27,908       29,977       25,735
  Assets                                       355,485      322,488      255,093
  Capital Expenditures                          16,810        6,835        7,888
  Depreciation and Amortization                 12,520       10,381       10,666

Aerospace
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Sales - Outside                         $394,401     $343,900     $246,637
  Net Sales - Intersegment                          65           --           37
  Operating Profit                             118,175       90,055       65,914
  Assets                                       296,668      277,704      251,716
  Capital Expenditures                          17,515       13,496        8,325
  Depreciation and Amortization                 12,563       12,785       10,126

Engineered Materials
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Sales - Outside                         $275,969     $222,789     $203,592
  Net Sales - Intersegment                       2,985        2,771        3,606
  Operating Profit                              39,655       30,093       25,666
  Assets                                       263,576      109,578      102,035
  Capital Expenditures                           6,094        8,210        4,252
  Depreciation and Amortization                  9,633        6,178        5,537

Crane Controls
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Sales - Outside                         $131,052     $130,284     $128,149
  Net Sales - Intersegment                       1,265        1,237        1,527
  Operating Profit                               8,927       11,640       11,256
  Assets                                       127,702      121,432      125,433
  Capital Expenditures                           4,264        2,538        4,170
  Depreciation and Amortization                  6,555        6,502        6,495

Merchandising Systems
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Sales - Outside                         $191,927     $179,905     $172,847
  Net Sales - Intersegment                          --           --           --
  Operating Profit                              33,548       31,034       24,810
  Assets                                       117,858      109,190       91,529
  Capital Expenditures                           2,815        5,089        7,900
  Depreciation and Amortization                  7,201        6,426        5,664

Wholesale Distribution
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Sales - Outside                         $816,305     $760,608     $734,546
  Net Sales - Intersegment                          --           --           39
  Operating Profit                              34,088       26,273       29,492
  Assets                                       233,055      186,633      199,622
  Capital Expenditures                           5,902        4,146        3,368
  Depreciation and Amortization                  6,128        5,210        6,362

(In thousands)                                 1998          1997          1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Sales
  Other                                 $    13,496   $    13,136   $    10,587
  Intersegment Elimination                  (13,613)      (11,950)      (17,803)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Net Sales                       $ 2,268,505   $ 2,036,831   $ 1,847,732
===============================================================================
  Operating Profit
  Other                                 $      (424)  $       850   $       470
  Corporate                                 (22,937)      (23,425)      (17,311)
  Intersegment Elimination                       (8)          104           121
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Operating Profit                $ 238,932     $   196,601   $   166,153
===============================================================================
  Assets
  Other                                 $    13,003   $    12,266   $     7,100
  Corporate                                  47,327        46,602        56,327
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Assets                          $ 1,454,674   $ 1,185,893   $ 1,088,855
===============================================================================
  Capital Expenditures
  Other                                 $       810   $       245   $       221
  Corporate                                      50            83        14,347
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Capital Expenditures            $    54,260   $    40,642   $    50,471
===============================================================================
  Depreciation and
    Amortization
  Other                                 $       269   $       259   $       325
  Corporate                                   6,589         7,659         4,227
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Depreciation and
   Amortization                         $    61,458   $    55,400   $    49,402
===============================================================================

Information by geographic segments follows:

(In thousands)                           1998             1997             1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Sales
  United States                   $ 1,685,037      $ 1,490,186      $ 1,332,844
  Canada                              194,723          197,039          189,197
  Europe                              260,607          213,681          200,636
  Other International                 128,138          135,925          125,055
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Net Sales                   $ 2,268,505      $ 2,036,831      $ 1,847,732
===============================================================================

Operating Profit
  United States                   $   189,771      $   154,595      $   129,638
  Canada                               14,673           15,773           12,477
  Europe                               37,715           32,016           29,875
  Other International                  19,710           17,642           11,474
  Corporate                           (22,937)         (23,425)         (17,311)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Profit            $   238,932      $   196,601      $   166,153
===============================================================================
Assets
  United States                   $ 1,154,054      $   899,852      $   812,832
  Canada                               81,570           83,510           88,912
  Europe                              151,950          141,011          114,981
  Other International                  19,773           14,918           15,803
  Corporate                            47,327           46,602           56,327
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets                      $ 1,454,674      $ 1,185,893      $ 1,088,855
===============================================================================


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report 21
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

               Management's Responsibility for Financial Reporting

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Crane Co. and subsidiaries
have been prepared by management in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles and, in the judgment of management, present fairly and
consistently the company's financial position and results of operations and cash
flows. These statements by necessity include amounts that are based on
management's best estimates and judgments and give due consideration to
materiality.

The accounting systems and internal accounting controls of the company are
designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial records are reliable
for preparing consolidated financial statements and maintaining accountability
for assets and that, in all material respects, assets are safeguarded against
loss from unauthorized use or disposition. Qualified personnel throughout the
organization maintain and monitor these internal accounting controls on an
ongoing basis. In addition, the company's internal audit department
systematically reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls and
reports thereon. The consolidated financial statements have been audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, whose report appears on this page.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, composed solely of outside
directors, meets periodically with management and with the company's internal
auditors and independent auditors to review matters relating to the quality of
financial reporting and internal accounting control and the nature, extent and
results of their audits. The company's internal auditors and independent
auditors have free access to the Audit Committee.


/s/ R. S. Evans

R. S. Evans
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


/s/ David Smith

D. S. Smith
Vice President--Finance and Chief Financial Officer

================================================================================

                          Independent Auditors' Report
[LOGO]

To The Shareholders of Crane Co.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Crane Co. and
its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated
statements of income, cash flows and changes in common shareholders' equity for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Crane Co. and its subsidiaries at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Stamford, Connecticut
January 20, 1999


================================================================================
22 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

               Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operations

Results of Operations 1998

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluid Handling 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluid Handling Profits Dip Despite Sales Gain

(dollars in millions)                                    1998               1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales                                                 $ 454.7            $ 394.2
Operating Profit                                         27.9               30.0
Operating Margins                                        6.1%               7.6%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sales increased 15% in the Fluid Handling segment in 1998, but operating profits
declined by 7%, as markets for many of its products -- valves, pumps and water
treatment systems -- worsened as the year progressed. The increase was derived
from acquisitions and strong first-half sales for many of the businesses in the
group. The gain was smaller than expected as a result of Asia's economic
problems and plunging oil prices, which constrained capital goods purchases and
intensified price competition worldwide. Losses in commercial valves and profit
declines in water treatment systems more than offset solid gains in engineered
valves. Order backlog totaled $79 million, down $34 million from the prior year.

Valve Businesses Mixed

In spite of difficult markets, Crane made important progress in 1998 in
organizing its growing valve businesses to compete more profitably in an
increasingly global marketplace. In both engineered and commercial valves,
Crane's businesses are moving toward common global sourcing, largely from Asia,
and the use of common designs to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Most
finished products will be assembled locally, maximizing each business's ability
to meet customers' needs and preferences.

In the engineered valve group, most of the cast steel, butterfly and check valve
businesses performed well, with solid sales gains and modest profit increases
fueled in part by the addition of the Stockham businesses, acquired in December,
1997. Crane Australia, which makes steel valves for the oil and gas and
petrochemical industries, had slightly lower sales and earnings. Crane's
manufacturing joint venture in Ningjin, China, had a strong year, increasing
shipments 95% over the prior year. Westad, Crane's marine valve manufacturer in
Norway, increased its sales and earnings in 1998, but sales are expected to drop
sharply in 1999 as a result of the decline in Korean ship building. In Crane's
nuclear valve servicing business, which varies with utilities' nuclear plant
outages, sales and profits declined as expected after an exceptionally strong
1997. Significant gains are projected for 1999 because of increased market
demand and the benefits of the September 1998 acquisition of Liberty
Technologies.

In commercial valves, difficulties in absorbing Stockham's bronze production led
to supply shortages and lost business, contributing to a loss for the year. As
part of the global approach, Crane U.K. closed its bronze foundry, shifting its
bronze casting business to the Brantford, Ontario facility, which is ramping up
its manufacturing operations. Crane U.K., which also produces malleable iron
fittings, will open its new electric melting shop in January 1999, improving
efficiency while complying with environmental regulations. Crane U.K. is in the
process of installing new business systems, and is also right-sizing the
business for market conditions and Crane's commercial valve global sourcing
strategy. As a result, $3.2 million of restructuring costs were incurred in
1998.

Mixed Results at Pump Businesses

Sales and earnings were up slightly at Crane Pumps & Systems. Individual brands'
results varied as the company's products serve major municipal, military and
industrial markets. Barnes commercial pumps and pressure sewer products
performed well. Burks Pumps, which serves the original equipment machinery
market, was impacted by the reduction in capital spending in the semiconductor
industry, and sales of Weinman's HVAC pumps were constrained by depressed high
rise construction in the Far East. Deming benefited from a large order for pumps
used in hazardous material destruction. Government orders generally were down as
military spending continued to decline. Deferral of major project awards in the
chemical process and automotive industries affected sales and profits at
Chempump and Process Systems, though not their market share.

Shift in Water Treatment Business

The May 1998 acquisition of Environmental Products USA, a manufacturer of
state-of-the-art, membrane-based water treatment systems, helped Cochrane
reposition its business away from heavy industrial filtration markets toward
light industrial, beverage and other potable water treatment systems. With the
acquisition, overall sales rose but profits were off sharply from 1997 as
Cochrane's important Asia markets weakened and industry pricing pressures
intensified.


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report 23
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

               Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operations

Outlook

Crane's fluid handling businesses expect flat sales and operating profits in
1999, as weak Asian demand, depressed oil prices and widespread pressure on
corporate profits may constrain capital purchases and intensify global
competition. A strong year is expected for Crane's nuclear services business
which should help the engineered valve segment to continue to perform well and a
turnaround anticipated in commercial valves should return that sector to
profitability. Crane Pumps & Systems is again likely to show solid results.
Cochrane will benefit from a full year of its acquisition's results and an
improved cost structure, facilitating a solid sales gain and a profit rebound to
1997 levels.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aerospace 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aerospace Segment Shows Strong Growth

(dollars in millions)                                     1998             1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales                                                  $ 394.5          $ 343.9
Operating Profit                                         118.2             90.1
Operating Margins                                        30.0%             26.2%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crane's aerospace businesses were extremely strong in 1998, increasing their
combined operating profits by 31% on a 15% gain in sales. All four businesses in
the segment reported higher sales, and three had higher earnings fueled by
strong commercial, business and general aviation markets. Order backlog totaled
$281 million at year-end, compared to $297 million in 1997.

Record Results for Hydro-Aire

Hydro-Aire, the world market leader in aircraft anti-skid brake control systems,
turned in a record performance, with operating profits up 23% on a 19% increase
in sales. Every Boeing airplane uses its high performance brake control systems,
and many use its fuel pumps. For instance, the high volume Boeing 737-700 series
incorporates many Hydro-Aire products, including brake control units, wheelspeed
transducers, anti-skid control valves, jettison pumps and boost pumps.
After-market sales of parts and repair and overhaul services also grew
substantially.

With its brake control systems on all Embraer and many Bombardier aircraft,
Hydro-Aire further strengthened its position in regional jets in 1998, winning
the brake control systems on the Dornier 528, 728 and 928. It also won the brake
control systems for a new Raytheon Beech business jet.

A new Enterprise Resource Planning system that went on line in early October
should further reduce costs and working capital needs, improving profits as
sales are expected to flatten in 1999. Improved focus on the aftermarket and
repair and overhaul OEM market will continue to underpin profitability.

Strong Performance at ELDEC

ELDEC, Crane's largest aerospace business, also set sales and earnings records
in 1998, increasing its operating profits by 41% on a sales gain of 15%. Strong
OEM sales, particularly to Boeing, fueled the increases. ELDEC is a market
leader in proximity sensing systems, battery systems, transformer rectifiers and
fuel flowmeters. During 1998, both Rolls Royce and Pratt & Whitney chose ELDEC's
new solid state pressure transducers, designed for high accuracy under harsh
conditions, for their new aircraft engines.

In its power supply business, ELDEC has developed strong relationships with such
major aerospace equipment suppliers as the U.K.'s Smiths Industries, positioning
the company to provide power supplies for products such as avionics on the
planned Eurofighter.

After successfully implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning system in 1997,
ELDEC improved its internal operations in 1998, increasing its on-time
deliveries to customers.

Major Profit Gain at Interpoint

In its second full year as a Crane company, Interpoint had record results, with
operating profits rising 55% on a 10% increase in sales, as the company cut
costs while increasing output, reorganized and refocused on growth opportunities
in the custom, medical and space markets. Interpoint makes proprietary, high
density power converters and microelectronic hybrid devices and is the only
Class K, space-qualified supplier of dc-to-dc power converters. Satellites
typically use scores of these highly reliable, lightweight devices. In addition,
Interpoint has a small but growing share in the expanding markets for medical
electronic devices included in products such as pacemakers, defibrillators,
heart assist pumps, surgical saws and insulin pumps.

With renewed market focus on custom, medical and aerospace applications, and
operational improvements reducing product delivery times to its customers,
Interpoint should have a strong year.


================================================================================
24 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

Sales Gains for Lear Romec

Significant up front engineering investments on recent development programs,
critical to sustaining the business, modestly reduced Lear Romec's margins and
operating profits, despite a 10% increase in sales. Commercial OEM markets for
Lear Romec's lubrication and scavenge pumps and centrifugal fuel pumps were
strong, as were general aviation, regional and business jet markets, while
military sales were flat. Aftermarket sales, including civilian and military
spares and repair and overhaul contracts, increased substantially. Sales of
parts manufactured for Hydro-Aire also increased. Continuing cost reductions
and productivity improvements, including cell manufacturing, helped Lear Romec
compete successfully in price-sensitive markets.

Outlook

For 1999, Crane's aerospace businesses anticipate continuing -- but smaller --
gains in sales and profits, as production of commercial aircraft peaks,
especially at Boeing. Regional, commuter and business aircraft markets should
continue to perform well in the near term, but a pickup in production of
military aircraft is not expected before 2001. Aftermarket sales will remain a
strong underpinning of profitability. Interpoint anticipates improved profits
on its electronic products, with flat sales beginning to pick up by year-end.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engineered Materials
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sales and Profits Accelerate in Engineered Materials

(dollars in millions)                                    1998              1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales                                                 $ 279.0           $ 225.6
Operating Profit                                         39.7              30.1
Operating Margins                                        14.2%             13.3%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operating profit rose 32% on a 24% increase in sales in the Engineered Materials
segment, reflecting substantial growth at Kemlite and the acquisition of
Sequentia. Strong transportation and building supply markets benefited Kemlite,
Sequentia, and CorTec, which all manufacture fiberglass reinforced plastic (frp)
materials. Partly offsetting their results were a small loss at Crane Plumbing
and modestly lower earnings at Resistoflex. Order backlog was $24 million at
year-end compared to $29 million in 1997.

Kemlite Improves Volume, Margins, Profits

Increasing use of lightweight, thermally efficient frp roofs for refrigerated
trucks and trailers and translucent frp roofs in dry van trailers and trucks,
along with strong markets for truck and trailer liner panels, recreational
vehicle panels and building panels, boosted Kemlite's sales in 1998. The
increased volume, coupled with successful cost reduction efforts, led to
improved margins and record operating profits.

The substitution of translucent frp roofs for aluminum on dry van trailers
appeared to plateau, but the use of non-translucent frp roofs on refrigerated
trucks and trailers increased. In addition, Korean container manufacturers
increased their purchases of Kemlite frp panels in 1998.

Crane's $125 million acquisition of Sequentia Holdings in August 1998,
significantly expanded Kemlite's penetration of the corrugated, translucent and
flat embossed building products markets, particularly in the home center chains.
Crane bought Sequentia's transportation product line in early 1997.

Kemlite added Sequentia's Grand Junction, Tennessee and Houston, Texas plants to
its own plants in Joliet, Illinois and Jonesboro, Arkansas, and will keep
Sequentia's Structoglas(R) brand as a separate product line. Kemlite doubled
production capacity at Jonesboro by adding a second wide line, and now operates
10 of the 14 frp panel production lines in the U.S. Kemlite is the world's
largest producer of frp panels.

Kemlite expects to improve margins, particularly at Sequentia, through increased
production and savings achieved primarily by volume purchasing of raw materials,
along with Six Sigma and other continuing cost reduction programs.

Sales and Profits Rise at CorTec

CorTec reported a profit gain on increased sales, consistent with strong medium
truck and dry van trailer markets. The company made significant progress in
commercializing its new, proprietary Encor(R) product, a fiberglass reinforced
panel with a core of tough composite foam rather than plywood. Encor(R) sales
have grown rapidly since its introduction two years ago, with further gains
expected in 1999. More than 5,000 Encor(R) body units will be used for one-way
rental trucks to be built during the first half of the year. The company
anticipates a flat truck market and a decline in its trailer market segment in
1999.

Acquisition Boosts Resistoflex Sales

Resistoflex modestly increased sales of its corrosion resistant plastic-lined
pipes and fittings,


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report 25
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

               Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operations

despite lagging demand from the chemical process industry and soft export
markets. The September acquisition of Plastic-Lined Piping Products (PLPP), a
competitor, for $23 million boosted sales, but overall margins and operating
profits were moderately lower. The company's primarily military aerospace
fittings business was strong in 1998, with profitability enhanced by new
machining centers, but competition for new military contracts intensified.

Resistoflex integrated the administration of PLPP at its Marion, North Carolina
headquarters in late 1998, with sales and customer service to follow in early
1999. Manufacturing will continue at the acquired Bay City, Michigan plant.
Resistoflex anticipates that savings and synergies in marketing, distribution,
production and raw materials purchasing will improve margins in 1999. Scheduled
for introduction in 1999 is a new PLPP-developed flangeless fluoropolymer piping
system that eliminates leaks and emissions from flange connections.

Lower Results at Crane Plumbing

Marginally profitable in 1997, Crane Plumbing operated at a small loss on an 8%
decline in revenues in 1998, prompting a management change. The Montreal-based
company makes china, steel and acrylic plumbing fixtures for new construction,
repair and renovation, serving residential, industrial, commercial and
institutional markets, primarily in Canada. In spite of well received new
lavatory products, wholesale demand dipped on a nationwide decline in housing
starts, particularly in Quebec and in British Columbia. Retail sales, however,
rose 21%, as Crane gained major home centers and hardware chains as customers.
The company expects a modest sales gain and a return to profitability in 1999 as
it expands its retail efforts in the northeastern U.S.

Profits Flat at Polyflon

Polyflon, which provides proprietary materials and circuit processing services
to the microwave industry, had level profits on slightly lower sales, as a
better business mix strengthened margins.

Outlook

Despite some risk in truck and trailer markets in 1999, the Engineered Materials
segment should enjoy solid sales gains, largely from full-year results of the
Sequentia and PLPP acquisitions. Margins and profits should improve on higher
volumes, purchasing economies and further cost reductions.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Controls
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Profits Dip in Controls Segment

(dollars in millions)                                    1998              1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales                                                 $ 132.3           $ 131.5
Operating Profit                                          8.9              11.6
Operating Margins                                         6.7%              8.9%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sales increased marginally in the Controls segment in 1998, but operating
profits fell by 23% as Crane's businesses faced weak export markets and
stiffening price competition. Order backlog totaled $28 million at year-end,
compared to $32 million in 1997.

Barksdale Reports Profit Decline

Barksdale continued to win acceptance in domestic and European markets for its
unique air suspension valves, but operating profits dropped on flat sales. In
oil and gas markets, traditionally Barksdale's most profitable, demand fell
sharply as oil prices sank. The costs of implementing an Enterprise Resource
Planning system offset positive initial results from Six Sigma cost reduction
projects, which, like the Enterprise Resource Planning system, should improve
margins in 1999.

Ferguson Profits Lower

Ferguson's domestic and European businesses felt the ripple effect of lagging
machinery exports to Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe which led to
softening of capital equipment markets in the U.S. and Europe. Overall sales and
operating profits declined, as did bookings, except in automotive assembly
equipment. Ferguson supplies machinery manufacturers with products and devices
ranging from indexers and pick-and-place robots to rotary tables and custom
cams. A fall-off in sales of large indexers, typically used in large
installations, stemmed from both the Asian downturn and the long General Motors
strike. Lower overall volume and a less favorable product mix resulted, reducing
margins and operating profits.

Sales and Profits Dip at Powers Process Controls

A moderate decline in sales and bookings and a larger drop in operating profits
marked 1998 for Powers Process Controls. Shipments of Powers' core products --
water-mixing and thermal shock protection shower systems, water and process
controls, valves and temperature regulators -- slipped in the face of stiffening
price competition and newer technology. Powers' Canadian plumbing brass
operation encountered supply chain 


================================================================================
26 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

problems in the second half of the year, reducing sales and profits, and
regaining lost business will be the goal in 1999. Overall commercial and
industrial bookings are expected to remain flat in 1999 amid increasing
competition, but cost reductions should improve margins and profitability.

Acquisition and Market Gains Boost Dynalco Profits

Acquisition of a new product line and strong sales to agricultural equipment
OEMs increased Dynalco's volume, while improved margins led to a solid gain in
profits. Dynalco acquired Liberty Technologies' Beta line of engine and
compressor analyzers in September, when the rest of Liberty was acquired by
Crane Nuclear. These products serve essentially the same markets as Dynalco's
speed, temperature and pressure sensors and controls for rugged environments.
For 1999, a full year of Beta sales should produce substantially higher sales,
with profit gains from increased volume, process improvements and continued
expense reductions.

Harsh Environment Products Boost Azonix Sales

Azonix Corporation, whose man-machine interface (MMI) products for hazardous
environments are already dominant in domestic oil and gas exploration, increased
sales by expanding into focused harsh environment applications. Operating
profits were level with strong 1997 results, largely because of a lower-margin
product mix. Sales of higher-margin measurement and control products also gained
in 1998, but overall bookings fell, primarily reflecting the oil industry
downturn. For 1999, Azonix expects modestly improved results on the strength of
increased MMI sales, new products, cost reductions and a gradual pickup in the
oil industry.

Outlook

Crane's controls businesses project modest sales gains and profit increases in
1999, particularly if oil and gas markets begin to rebound. Any significant
recovery in troubled Asian and Latin American markets that benefits capital
equipment manufacturers could further improve results in the segment.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merchandising Systems
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Solid Sales and Profit Growth in Merchandising Systems

(dollars in millions)                                    1998              1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales                                                 $ 191.9           $ 179.9
Operating Profit                                         33.5              31.0
Operating Margins                                        17.5%             17.3%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Merchandising Systems segment turned in a solid overall performance in 1998,
with increased sales and operating profits that reflected both energetic sales
efforts and successful cost-cutting. National Vendors, the larger of the
segment's two businesses, reported moderate sales gains and maintained its
strong margins and profits, while the other business, National Rejectors,
improved its margins and profits on slightly lower sales. Order backlog totaled
$22 million at December 31, 1998, up 20% over 1997.

National Vendors Extends Its Reach, Improves Results

National Vendors moved ahead briskly on several fronts in 1998, achieving
increased sales and higher profits domestically and in Europe. National Vendors'
UMC unit in the U.K. had its best year ever and the company's German operation
also improved its performance, as corporate downsizing and cost-cutting resulted
in substitution of vending machines for employee cafeterias. Focusing on the
future, National Vendors also began selling in China, a promising market, and
strengthened its Latin American operations by establishing three distributors in
Mexico and expanding its operations in Chile and Colombia.

National Vendors reduced from 58 to 26 the number of distributors for its "GPL"
brand of machines, intended as a lower-cost solution for smaller operators. The
network now includes only one GPL distributor in most major metropolitan markets
in order to avoid overlaps with other GPL distributors or with National Vendors'
direct sales. The use of exclusivity is aimed at sharpening the distributor's
focus on GPL products. Internationally, GPL sales expanded in Canada and the
U.K., contributing to record National Vendors shipments in both countries.


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report 27
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

               Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operations

National Rejectors Prepares for the Euro

National Rejectors' shipments of coin validation machines were down modestly
from 1997. Weakness in the amusement industry and stiffer competition in the
U.K. and Spain, two major markets, offset continuing strong sales of validators
for outdoor cigarette machines in Germany. Cost reductions, product redesign and
productivity improvements strengthened NRI's margins, resulting in a solid gain
in profits.

In the past two years, NRI has upgraded many of Germany's estimated 800,000
mechanical outdoor cigarette machines with new electronic validators that can be
programmed to accept Euro coins when those are introduced in 2002. However, many
more cigarette machines, and several hundred thousand other vending machines,
remain to be refitted, promising strong sales of NRI products in Germany and
Europe in coming years. NRI derives some 57% of its revenue from Germany and 40%
from other European markets, including Spain and the U.K., where its German-made
validators compete with locally made products. NRI also sells to other
international markets, supplying validators for Canada's lottery machines, for
example, and validators and coin-changers for South American markets.

The growing demand for NRI's new four-tube changer will positively affect sales
to the vending industry in 1999. Continuing Six Sigma process cost reduction
projects are expected to generate ongoing margin improvements.

Outlook

The Merchandising Systems segment anticipates gains in sales and operating
profits in 1999. National Vendors expects to increase its penetration of
European, U.S. and Latin American markets with its Millenia-styled products,
while expanding its GPL line in those markets as well. NRI also anticipates
higher sales throughout Europe, despite rising competition, on the strength of
its product mix for the cigarette, telephone, ticketing, amusement and vending
markets, and the operators' compelling need to upgrade their machines to accept
multiple versions of the Euro from 15 mints. At both National Vendors and NRI,
margins and operating earnings should continue to improve.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wholesale Distribution
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wholesale Distribution

(dollars in millions)                                    1998              1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales                                                 $ 816.3           $ 760.6
Operating Profit                                         34.1              26.3
Operating Margins                                         4.2%              3.5%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crane's Wholesale Distribution segment recorded higher operating profits on a
solid sales increase driven primarily by acquisitions. Huttig Building Products,
Crane's largest business, had a strong profit gain that reflected acquisition
results, same-store increases and process improvements.

Huttig Expands Reach, Boosts Profits

Huttig's sales benefited substantially from strong housing markets and from the
full-year results of its 1997 acquisition of MALLCO Lumber in Phoenix and its
mid-1998 acquisitions of Consolidated Lumber of Kansas City and Number One
Supply, based in Baltimore and Raleigh. The 1998 acquisitions advanced Huttig's
multi-channel strategy for further expanding its nationwide penetration as one
of the nation's largest distributors of lumber and millwork. Number One Supply
specializes in installed sales for large contractors, an approach Huttig plans
to introduce in selected markets. Consolidated Lumber is a one-step wholesaler
of lumber and millwork products with a strong position among single-family home
builders in the Kansas City vicinity.

Huttig continued to consolidate its traditional two-step wholesale distribution
operations to improve efficiency and profitability. In the Midwest, the Oklahoma
City and Des Moines branches are being closed, their territories each divided
among two other branches, with a single general manager for each of the two
expanded districts. In the South, branches in Roanoke, Virginia and Orangeburg,
South Carolina were closed, with territories divided among Fredericksburg,
Charlotte and Macon. In California, the Benicia branch was closed in December,
with Sacramento retaining its sales. The Louisville and Lexington branches were
combined into a single Kentucky territory, with Louisville serving the one-step
market in the area and Lexington distributing on a two-step basis statewide.


================================================================================
28 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

Housing starts have been strong nationally and in Huttig's markets during 1998,
fueled by low interest rates and a vigorous economy, but activity will decline
if the economy begins to slow down. Declining raw material prices for lumber and
millwork reduced sales at Huttig's 45 branches and at its Prineville wood
moulding manufacturing operation. Despite the possibility of a somewhat weaker
market, Huttig expects an increase in volume, driven primarily by full-year
sales from the 1998 acquisitions, and increased penetration in other markets.

Operating profits increased strongly in 1998, largely because of full-year
results from the MALLCO acquisition and an immediate profit contribution from
Consolidated Lumber. In 1999, margins and profits should benefit from a full
year of earnings from Consolidated Lumber and Number One Supply, along with
savings from branch consolidations and other cost reductions.

Improved Sales and Profits at Crane Supply

Canadian-based Crane Supply sales and operating profits were down slightly in
U.S. dollar terms but it was able to maintain its operating margins at 6.2% of
sales. In Canadian dollars, Crane Supply achieved modestly higher profits on a
solid sales increase that reflected share gains in generally flat Canadian
markets. The company, Canada's leading distributor of pipe, valves and fittings,
sells to mechanical contractors, industrial plants, fabricators and EPC
(engineering procurement and construction) companies through 34 locations across
the country. Crane Supply began operations in British Columbia in 1997 and plans
to expand in markets where it has existing contracts in the pulp and paper,
mining or petroleum industries. The western region had the strongest gain in
sales and second strongest in profits during 1998, despite the weakening in
British Columbia's resource-based economy caused by slack sales to Asia. The
central region also gained in sales and profits, but the eastern region declined
in both measures.

More efficient use of working capital was a prime focus for Crane Supply in
1998, and with the help of Six Sigma process improvement projects, the company
increased inventory turns significantly. The company continued to emphasize the
industrial market, and particularly valve sales, achieving sales growth of 12%.

Crane Supply does not expect sales to be affected immediately by a projected
slowdown in institutional construction starts, and will focus its National
Business Solutions program on growing the industrial market. Although markets in
British Columbia and Alberta are expected to be soft in 1999, the Ontario and
Quebec markets should compensate for this shortfall and the Atlantic market
should benefit from investment in large offshore oil and gas projects. Operating
profits should grow on the strength of further cost reductions and market share
gains.

Outlook

A projected decline in housing starts in the U.S. and weakness in some parts of
Canada's economy, including institutional construction, will limit volume growth
on the part of Crane's distribution businesses in 1999. However, the accretive
effects of acquisitions, start-up operations in new markets for both companies,
and a sharp, ongoing focus on cost reductions and productivity improvements
should improve operating profits at both Huttig and Crane Supply.

Sales Gain, Profits Dip at Crane Defense Systems

Crane Defense Systems, primarily a defense contractor that designs and builds
heavy shipboard equipment, such as cranes, elevators, hangar doors and torpedo
handling systems, had higher sales but lower operating profits in 1998. Profits
were impacted by one-time MIS costs, higher spending stemming from delayed
contract awards, and high proposal expenses incurred in competing for contracts
on the first of the Navy's new landing craft. Increased sales and profits are
expected in 1999.


================================================================================
                                                           1998 Annual Report 29
<PAGE>
 
                                   blank page
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

               Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operations

Results of Operations 1997

Fluid Handling

Fluid Handling operating profit increased 16% in 1997 on an 8% gain in sales.
The sales and earnings gains were derived principally from strong results at
Crane Pumps & Systems and from the Crane Valve Group's April 1 acquisition of
Movats, a provider of valve diagnostic products and services to the nuclear
power industry.

Operating profits of $30.0 million were $4.3 million above the 1996 level. Sales
were $394.2 million, an increase of $30.2 million. Overall operating margins
improved to 7.6% of sales in 1997 from 7.1% in 1996. The backlog of $113 million
was $24 million over 1996.

At Crane Valves significant margin improvements in cast steel and butterfly
valves and the continued ramp-up of the valve manufacturing joint venture in
China contributed to the profit gains, as did increased sales of hydrofluoric
acid valves.

In the United Kingdom, Crane Ltd.'s domestic valve sales were depressed by
consolidation among major customers, partially offset by new business. Export
sales were hurt by the strength of the British pound and a lack of new orders
from certain existing customers in Europe and the Middle East. Margins and
operating profits also declined, in part because of costs associated with the
company's continuing re-engineering program.

Crane Australia enjoyed strong gains in sales and operating profits in 1997,
primarily because of increased exports to Southeast Asia. Gains in market share
in Indonesia and Malaysia and higher sales of cast steel valves more than offset
a softening of the Australian market and declines in sales of forged steel,
alloy and cast iron valves. Indonesia's currency devaluation reduced Crane's
manufacturing operation there to break-even status.

Westad reported higher sales but operating profits declined, reflecting the cost
of ramping up for increased volume, as well as a less-favorable product mix and
higher warranty expenses. Orders for high-value titanium valves for special
industrial applications and a series of contracts from shipbuilders for LNG
valves increased Westad's sales, as did the overall strength of the marine
market.

Crane Pumps & Systems translated a small sales gain into a second year of record
profits as a result of a more favorable product mix, price increases and higher
margins derived from outsourcing and continuous improvement activities. While
total bookings increased modestly, total backlog enjoyed substantial growth.

Chempump had lower sales and earnings in 1997 after a record year in 1996. The
sales decline reflected an industry shift from standard pumps to more
customer-specific engineered pumps, which require longer lead times. However,
bookings and backlog increased in 1997, primarily in engineered pumps.

Cochrane, Inc. had flat earnings in 1997 on slightly higher sales. Cochrane
reported significant gains in bookings and backlog.

Aerospace

Aerospace segment operating profits improved 37% on a 39% increase in sales. The
strength of the commercial air transport industry in 1997 was the driving force
in this performance, along with a full year's results from Interpoint, acquired
in October, 1996. Segment sales were $343.9 million, up from $246.7 in 1996,
while operating profits rose from $65.9 million to $90.1 million.

Operating profit margins declined slightly to 26.2% as 1997 results included
Interpoint for the whole year. Interpoint's margins are historically lower than
the other Aerospace businesses. The backlog increased to $297.4 million, up
$28.5 million from 1996.

ELDEC, the segment's largest business, reported strong growth in sales and
operating profits, maintaining its solid margins despite investing heavily in R
& D and implementing a new Enterprise Resource Planning system. Total bookings
and year-end backlog were well above 1996.

ELDEC won orders for its proximity sensing systems or power systems on almost
all of the new aircraft launched during 1997. The company won proximity sensing
systems business on the Raytheon Hawker Horizon business jet, the Boeing MD-10
upgrade for Federal Express, and the Canadair RJ-700, a new 70-seat regional
jet, as well as a battery system for the MD-95. The company has also completed
development of a new battery system that is now being installed in all new
generation Boeing 737 and 747 aircraft. ELDEC's sales of power conversion
products for avionics systems dipped in 1997 as several military programs ended.

Hydro-Aire posted strong commercial OEM sales driven primarily by sales of
braking systems for Boeing aircraft, including the latest derivatives in
Boeing's 737 series, which continue to gain market share. Aftermarket sales
showed strong growth, as did sales of repair and overhaul services. Military
sales, mainly braking systems for the C-17 and Lockheed C-130J transports, also
increased.

Strength in the business and commuter jet market where Hydro-Aire has a strong
market position and demand for Hydro-Aire offerings of centrifugal pumps also
contributed to the improved results.

Lear Romec achieved a solid profit gain on essentially flat sales. Bookings
gained 10% despite a sharp drop in government spares orders after a strong 1996.
Increased marketing and support efforts boosted sales in the repair and overhaul
business, and higher sales of pumps for Hawk missile systems and initial
provisioning sales to airlines increased after market sales. Sales of
engineering services also gained but overall OEM unit sales declined because of
lower military sales.


================================================================================
30 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
Lear Romec improved its overall margins by aggressively cutting costs and by
improving its production efficiency with automated equipment and cell
manufacturing techniques. The company is also applying engineering and
manufacturing resources to support Hydro-Aire's line of high performance
centrifugal fuel pumps.

Interpoint had strong sales and earnings gains in its first full year as a Crane
company. Operating profits were affected by integration costs, a new wage
structure, and the expense of implementing new systems for materials
requirements planning and cost accounting. Bookings and year-end backlog
increased significantly.

Engineered Materials

The Engineered Materials segment achieved 17% higher profits in 1997 on a 9%
increase in sales. Strong sales and earnings gains at Kemlite, the segment's
largest business, and improved profitability at Crane Plumbing were the
principal elements in this result.

Operating profit margins improved to 13.3% of sales compared to 12.4% in 1996.
Backlog increased to $29 million at December 31, 1997 compared to $23 million in
1996.

Stronger market conditions helped three of Kemlite's four market segments to
increase sales and earnings.

In the transportation segment, Kemlite's market-leading fiberglass-reinforced
plastic liner panels (frp) and translucent roof panels for truck trailers and
trucks turned in a 28% increase in sales. More than half of the increase stemmed
from the March acquisition of a competitor's transportation product line which
helped increase Kemlite's market share. Kemlite also benefited from the
continuing trend toward substitution of translucent fiberglass-reinforced
plastic for aluminum in truck and trailer roof applications. In addition, a 20%
increase in the dry van truck trailer market boosted roof panel sales.

Kemlite's sales of frp panels for sidewalls and roofs on motorhomes and
recreational trailers increased by 10%, largely because of OEMs' shift away from
aluminum.

International sales rose by 25% on increased sales to several large accounts,
and in international markets generally, the company's business continued to
expand. The widespread growth of fast food franchising increased opportunities
for Kemlite's building products and growing truck/trailer markets proved
receptive to frp liner and roof panels.

Cor Tec reported a 7% sales gain but start-up costs on a new product resulted in
flat earnings. Shipments into Canada more than doubled and panel sales to truck
body manufacturers also increased sharply. Demand for longer trailer panels fell
by 10%, reflecting lower frp production at Cor Tec's largest customer.

Resistoflex reported flat earnings on lower sales in 1997, as a fall-off in
project business in economically troubled Southeast Asia squeezed the company's
fledgling operations there and domestic markets for the company's plastic-lined
pipe and fittings were soft. Its aerospace business, primarily domestic military
sales, increased significantly, however, and overall margins improved, making
possible an earnings performance level with 1996 results.

Crane Plumbing improved its profitability on a 6% sales increase, essentially
breaking even after a loss in 1996. A slowdown in commercial construction,
coupled with a shift in demand towards lower priced residential bathware
products, led to a net decline in prices in 1997. The company showed an
improvement in earnings over 1996 as a result of a turnaround of the Acrylics
operation and the automation of a number of operations at its Steelware
facility.

Polyflon increased its sales, sharply raising margins and operating profits.

Controls

The Controls Segment had a modest increase in operating profits in 1997 on a
small sales increase. The five companies in the segment reported combined sales
of $131.5 million, up 1%, and operating earnings of $11.6 million, a gain of 3%
that reflected slightly improved operating margins.

Barksdale increased its penetration of the market for truck and bus ride
leveling systems and expanded its presence in the U.S. "oil patch," but
operating profits were flat despite a 6% sales gain. Backlog and bookings rose
in 1997.

Sales and profits declined in 1997 at Ferguson. Despite product margin gains,
profits slipped as a result of reduced project business in 1997, the cost of
closing its Detroit manufacturing plant and other reorganization expenses.
Year-end backlog in the U.S. rose 11%. Ferguson's European operation in Brussels
increased profits through margin improvements and new sales and marketing
efforts.

Powers Process Controls had lower sales and earnings, primarily because of weak
commercial markets in Canada and increased expenses that offset gains in the
company's commercial non-residential plumbing business in the U.S.

Azonix turned in an especially strong performance in 1997, aided by an expanding
oil exploration industry. Profits more than doubled on a 33% sales increase.
Strong engineering capabilities have enabled Azonix to attain a leadership
position with man machine interface (MMI) products in the oil and gas
exploration industries. The company's rugged MMI products, specifically designed
for hazardous or harsh environments, were the largest gainer for Azonix in 1997.

Dynalco Controls had higher sales and bookings in 1997, both setting new
records. A less favorable product mix resulted in slightly lower margins and
operating profits.


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report 31
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

               Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operations

Sales of Dynalco's instruments and controls to equipment OEMs were strong,
offsetting a small decline in the agricultural OEM sector that reflected a
cyclical dip in agricultural equipment sales.

Merchandising Systems

The Merchandising Systems segment reported a 25% increase in profits for 1997 on
the strength of a modest sales gain and a strong increase in margins. Sales were
$179.9 million, up 4% from 1996 sales. Operating profits rose to $31.0 million,
up $6.2 million from the prior year. Operating profit margins improved to 17.3%
compared to 14.4% in 1996. Backlog of $19 million was up slightly from the prior
year.

National Vendors continued as the market leader in 1997, posting a 9% sales gain
attributable primarily to the March, 1997 acquisition of Polyvend, Inc., a
manufacturer of lower-priced vending equipment sold through distributors to
smaller operators. Operating income increased by 20%. Margins improved on a more
favorable product mix and manufacturing cost improvement.

National Rejectors, Inc., GmbH sharply improved margins in 1997. Generally good
market conditions in Europe, coupled with accelerating demand for NRI's
battery-operated validator for outdoor cigarette machines, particularly in
Germany, drove NRI's improved results. The company's branches in France, Spain
and the U.K. were profitable in local currency terms. Margins benefited from
continuing improvements in design and manufacturing processes, reduced raw
material costs and a small price increase.

Wholesale Distribution

Wholesale Distribution, Crane's largest segment measured by sales, reported
increased sales but lower earnings for 1997. Sales of $760.6 million were up
3.5% for the year but operating profits fell by just under 11% to $26.3 million.

Huttig Building Products had 1997 sales of $625.5 million, a gain of $30.4
million that essentially resulted from the June, 1997 acquisition of MALLCO
Lumber Co., a Phoenix lumber and millwork dealer. MALLCO's sales added $32.3
million to the total. Operating profits declined 10%.

Distribution sales increased slightly in 1997, excluding MALLCO, even though
housing starts declined throughout most of the country, and fell 1.1% in the
markets served by Huttig. Solid housing gains in California and Florida and
modest improvement in the Northeast contributed to the improved results. Other
areas, particularly in the Midwest, but also in the Northwest, Central and
Southern regions, experienced generally softer housing markets. In some areas,
Huttig branches attempted to regain lost volume by pursuing a one-step approach,
shipping to contractors instead of to dealers. Huttig's international sales also
declined as a result of the strength of the dollar versus the Japanese yen.

Sales, margins and operating profits fell significantly at Prineville because of
higher lumber prices throughout 1997, resulting in lower profits for Huttig as a
whole. The 1996 closure of another manufacturing unit, Missoula White Pine &
Sash, improved overall manufacturing profits.

Crane Supply had essentially flat sales of the pipe, valves, fittings and
plumbing fixtures it distributes in Canadian markets, as operating profits
dipped slightly on lower margins. Strong growth in the industrial sector boosted
sales sharply in the Atlantic region and increased oil and gas activity in
Alberta was the main ingredient in a solid gain in that province. The company
improved its profitability in underperforming markets outside central Canada in
1997 and found ways to cut inventories to reduce working capital needs. It also
established electronic data interchange links with many of its best customers,
speeding order handling.

In October, the third company in the segment, Valve Systems and Controls, was
sold for $7.5 million in cash and $1.5 million in convertible preferred stock.
Valve Systems reported a small loss on sales of nearly $25 million through
September 30. In 1996, it had modest profits on sales of $27 million.

Crane Defense Systems combined a 24% sales increase with improved margins in
1997 to generate a gain in operating profit.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Operating activities in 1998 generated $192 million in cash flow, allowing the
company to invest $224 million expanding its core businesses by making six
acquisitions, invest $54 million in capital equipment and return $47 million to
shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. This represents the fifth
consecutive year that Crane has generated cash in excess of $100 million from
operations.

Net cash used for investing activities increased compared to the prior year,
mainly because of the six acquisitions made in 1998. Capital expenditures in
1998 totaled $54 million and primarily funded manufacturing and business process
system projects. The company expects to invest approximately $55 million per
year on similar capital projects over the next two years with capital
expenditures dropping to $40 million in 2001. These projects are designed to
reduce business process and manufacturing cycle times, increasing the company's
ability to respond to customer needs. In 1999, Crane plans to continue to seek
acquisition opportunities that complement existing businesses, have leading
positions in niche markets and can generate cash returns greater than the cost
of capital.

Net cash used for financing activities in 1998 includes $22 million for the
repurchase of more than 700,000 shares of Crane common stock and $25 million for
the payment of dividends. Debt repayments totaled $26 million.


================================================================================
32 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

Capital Structure

The following table sets forth the company's capitalization:

(Dollars in thousands) December 31,                         1998           1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term debt                                       $   51,188       $ 31,232
Long-term debt                                           359,090        260,716
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total debt                                               410,278        291,948
Less cash                                                 15,909          6,982
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net debt                                           394,369        284,966
Shareholders' equity                                     643,234        532,544
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total capitalization                                  $1,037,603       $817,510
% of net debt to shareholders' equity                      61.3%          53.5%
% of net debt to total capitalization                      38.0%          34.9%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At December 31, 1998, the company had unused lines of credit in support of
short-term borrowings of $231.9 million. Domestic lines of credit, which were
uncommitted and unsecured, totaled $205.0 million. Foreign lines of credit
totaled $78.3 million, of which $41.5 million was contractually committed and
$36.8 million was uncommitted. All available short-term lines of credit are for
borrowings up to 364 days and are renewable at the option of the lender.

At December 31, 1998, the company had a $300 million contractually committed
multi-currency long-term bank credit facility under which the company can
borrow, repay, or to the extent permitted by the agreement, prepay loans and
reborrow at any time prior to the termination date of November 2003. Proceeds
may be used for general corporate purposes or to provide financing for
acquisitions. The agreement contains certain covenants, including limitations on
indebtedness and liens. No loans were outstanding under this agreement at year
end. Under a $300 million shelf registration filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, $50 million in unissued debt securities remains registered.

Crane is a party to a contractually committed off-balance sheet chattel paper
financing facility which enables its National Vendors operation to offer various
sales support financing programs to its customers. Recourse to Crane for all
uncollectible loans made to National Vendors' customers by the banks under this
agreement is limited.

In addition, the company's U.K. subsidiary was also party to a contractually
committed long-term line of credit in the U.K. This facility permits borrowing
up to $8.3 million, all of which was outstanding at December 31, 1998.

As of December 31, 1998, the company's senior unsecured debt was rated BBB+ by
Standard and Poor's and Baa1 by Moody's Investors Service. The company believes
it has adequate access to both public and private credit markets to meet all of
its operating and strategic objectives.

Environmental

The company continues to be involved in various remediation actions to clean up
hazardous wastes as required by federal and state laws. Estimated future
environmental remediation cost was $13.0 million at December 31, 1998, which was
fully accrued. In certain of these actions, the company is one of several
potentially responsible parties ("PRPs"). As a PRP, the company could be liable
for all clean up cost despite the involvement of other PRPs. Given the financial
stability of the other PRPs, the company believes this is unlikely and the
accrual represents management's best estimate, based on current facts and
circumstances, with respect to the ultimate liability that will be apportioned
to the company. The company spent $2.9 million on environmental costs in 1998,
and expects to pay remediation costs of approximately $3.5 million in 1999. The
annual level of future remediation expenditures is difficult to estimate because
of the many uncertainties relating to conditions of individual sites as well as
uncertainties about the status of environmental laws and regulations and
developments in remedial technology. In addition, the company is a minor/de
minimis potentially responsible party (PRP) at certain third party environmental
remediation sites where remediation obligations are joint and several, and the
company, as part of its estimate of potential liability, periodically reviews
whether the major PRPs have the ability to fulfill their portion of such
remediation obligation. The company is not aware of any significant additional
liability that would result from the inability of other PRPs to fulfill their
obligation. Overall, the company's liability for the required remedial actions
being implemented or engineered is not, individually or in the aggregate,
expected to be material.

Impact of the Year 2000

The Year 2000 Issue relates to most computer software programs using two digits,
rather than four, to define the applicable year for dates. Any of the company's
information technology (IT) and non-information technology (non-IT) systems and
its products may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900, rather than the
year 2000. This could result in system failures or miscalculations, causing
disruptions in operations, including the inability to process transactions and
engage in similar normal business activities within the company and with third
parties.

Crane has implemented a Year 2000 program for its IT and non-IT systems and its
products consisting of four phases: 1) awareness, formation, planning and
management, 2) inventory, analysis, compliance testing, prioritization and
planning, 3) implementation and validation, and 4) Year 2000 compliance. The
company's senior management and Board of Directors receive regular updates on
the status of the company's Year 2000 program.


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report 33
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

               Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operations

In addition, the company has contacted significant vendors and customers in
order to determine the risks to the company from a third party's failure to
remediate its own Year 2000 issues. While information obtained from these
contacts will be used to mitigate these risks, there can be no assurance that
any third party systems or products will be Year 2000 compliant on a timely
basis or that non-compliance by such third parties will not have a material
adverse effect on the company.

The company's Year 2000 program was initiated in 1997. Virtually all
mission-critical systems, including IT and non-IT systems, are in the
implementation phase or are compliant. Non mission-critical systems are in
various phases of the program. It is expected that all mission-critical systems
will be implemented, tested and validated by September of 1999.

Year 2000 costs incurred to date are approximately $16.8 million, of which $4.8
million was expensed and $12.0 was capitalized. Estimated future costs to
complete the Year 2000 program are $11.3 million, of which $5.6 million will be
expensed as incurred and the remaining $5.7 million will be capitalized. These
costs have been, and will continue to be, funded from normal operating cash
flows of the business. No other information technology projects have been or are
being delayed by this program.

The company believes that completed and planned modifications and conversions of
its software and hardware systems, its products and its efforts to verify the
readiness and compliance of material third parties will allow it to meet its
Year 2000 compliance schedule. However, the success of the Year 2000 compliance
program is based on the availability of a variety of technical experts, expected
successful software modifications being performed by third parties, timely
delivery of new software and hardware systems, and other factors. A deficiency
with respect to any of these factors could cause a failure in the company's Year
2000 program, in whole or in part. The failure to correct a material Year 2000
program could result in an interruption in, or a failure of, certain normal
business activities or operations, which could have a material adverse effect on
the company's results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. Due to
the inherent uncertainty in the Year 2000 problem, particularly in regard to
third party vendor and customer Year 2000 readiness, the company is unable to
determine at this time whether the consequences of any Year 2000 disruptions or
failures will have a material adverse effect on the company's results of
operations, liquidity or financial condition. However, based on current
information, the most reasonably likely worst case scenario would involve the
temporary disruption of the company's ability to fulfill customer orders and no
material adverse effect on the company's financial condition is expected from
this specific scenario.

Risk Factors

Throughout this Annual Report to shareholders, particularly in
the Chairman's Letter to Shareholders on pages 2-4 and in the sections of
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operation on pages 23-34 the company
makes numerous statements about expectations of future performance and market
trends, and statements about plans and objectives and other matters, which
because they are not historical fact may constitute "forward looking statements"
within the meaning of the Private Securities and Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Similar forward looking statements are made periodically in reports to the
Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, reports, and documents and
in written and oral presentations to investors, shareholders, analysts and
others, regarding future results or expected developments. Because the company
wishes to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, readers are cautioned to consider,
among others, the risk factors which will be described in the company's Form
10-K for the period ended December 31, 1998 to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission before March 31, 1999, when evaluating such forward looking
statements about future results or developments.

Copies of the company's Form 10-K can be obtained after it is filed by writing
to the company at the address on the back cover, from the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or through the Internet at the company's web site at
http:/www.shareholder.com/crane.


================================================================================
34 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                  Five Year Summary of Selected Financial Data

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands except per share data)
Years Ended December 31,                   1998        1997        1996        1995        1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>       
Net Sales                            $2,268,505  $2,036,831  $1,847,732  $1,782,310  $1,653,466
Depreciation and Amortization            61,458      55,400      49,402      48,765      44,691
Operating Profit                        238,932     196,601     166,153     142,948     109,889
Interest Expense                         27,819      23,817      23,420      26,913      24,171
Income Before Taxes                     214,641     175,837     145,020     121,468      91,227
Provision for Income Taxes               76,203      63,066      52,910      45,131      35,294
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from Operations               $  138,438  $  112,771  $   92,110  $   76,337  $   55,933
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted Net Income Per Common Share  $     2.00  $     1.63  $     1.34  $     1.11  $      .82
Cash Dividends Per Common Share             .37         .33         .33         .33         .33
Assets                                1,454,674   1,185,893   1,088,855     998,411   1,008,045
Long-Term Debt                          359,090     260,716     267,795     281,093     331,289
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                         Quarterly Results for the Year

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands except per share data)                              Quarter        Year
Years Ended December 31,              First    Second     Third    Fourth
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       
1998
Net Sales                          $526,817  $563,399  $595,438  $582,851  $2,268,505
Cost of Sales                       379,989   403,838   426,946   413,894   1,624,667
Depreciation and Amortization (a)    11,292    11,285    13,014    14,003      49,594
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Profit                       $135,536  $148,276  $155,478  $154,954  $  594,244
Net Income                           29,899    36,557    36,775    35,207     138,438
Diluted Net Income Per Share            .43       .53       .53       .51        2.00
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997
Net Sales                          $467,333  $518,763  $534,818  $515,917  $2,036,831
Cost of Sales                       338,614   376,298   391,503   371,300   1,477,715
Depreciation and Amortization (a)    10,113    10,515    10,502    10,713      41,843
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Profit                       $118,606  $131,950  $132,813  $133,904  $  517,273
Net Income                           22,645    29,222    31,400    29,504     112,771
Diluted Net Income Per Share            .33       .42       .45       .43        1.63
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(a) amount included in cost of sales.

             Market and Dividend Information-Crane Co. Common Shares

         New York Stock Exchange Composite Price Per Share   Dividends Per Share
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  1998                   1997       1998    1997
Quarter                High        Low       High         Low
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First             $35 1/2     $26 3/4   $22 15/16    $18 5/16     $.0825  $.0825
Second             37 9/16     31        28 15/16     20 7/16      .0825   .0825
Third              35 43/64    23 5/16   31 1/2       27 3/8       .1000   .0825
Fourth             32 3/4      21 3/4    31 5/16      26 9/16      .1000   .0825
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 $ .3650  $.3300
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The company effected a three-for-two split of its common stock on September 14,
1998 and December 12, 1996. 

All per share data prior to the splits have been restated
 
On December 31, 1998 there were approximately 5,300 holders of record of Crane
Co. common stock.


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report 35
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                              Corporate Information

Directors

E. Thayer Bigelow, Jr. (1,2)
Senior Advisor, Time Warner, Inc.
Media and Entertainment

Robert S. Evans (1)
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
of the Company

Richard S. Forte (2)
President, Dawson Forte Cashmere Company
Importer

Dorsey R. Gardner (2,3)
President, Kelso Management Company, Inc.
Investment Management

William E. Lipner
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
NFO Worldwide, Inc.
Marketing Information / Research Services Worldwide

Dwight C. Minton (1,3)
Chairman, Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
Manufacturer of Consumer and Specialty Products

Charles J. Queenan, Jr. (2)
Senior Counsel, Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP
Attorneys at Law

James L. L. Tullis (3)
Chairman, Tullis-Dickerson & Co.
Venture Capital to Health Care Industry

Boris Yavitz (1,3)
Dean Emeritus, Columbia University
Graduate School of Business

Corporate Officers

Robert S. Evans
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

L. Hill Clark
President and Chief Operating Officer

Gil A. Dickoff
Treasurer

Augustus I. duPont
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Bradley L. Ellis
Vice President, Chief Information Officer

John R. Packard
Vice President, Human Resources

Anthony D. Pantaleoni
Vice President, Environment, Health and Safety

Michael L. Raithel
Controller

David S. Smith
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

(1) Member of the Executive Committee
(2) Member of the Audit Committee
(3) Member of the Organization and Compensation Committee


================================================================================
36 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                             Shareholder Information

Crane Co. Shareholder Direct(R)

Copies of Crane Co.'s report on Form 10-K for 1998 as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission as well as other financial reports and news from Crane
Co. are available by calling 1-888-CRANE-CR (1-888-272-6327), 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. Visit Crane Co. on the Internet at
http://www.shareholder.com/crane.

Annual Meeting

The Crane Co. annual meeting of shareholders will be held at 10:00 A.M. on
Monday, April 5, 1999 at the Westin Stamford Hotel, One First Stamford Place,
Stamford, CT 06902.

Stock Listing

Crane Co. common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, listed under
the symbol "CR".

Auditors

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Stamford Harbor Park
Stamford, CT 06902

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Crane Co. is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the company to
recruit, hire, promote and transfer to all job classifications without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or national origin.

Environment, Health & Safety Policy

Crane Co. is committed to protecting the environment and will strive to protect
the biosphere by taking responsibility to prevent serious or irreversible
environmental degradation through efficient operations and activities. Crane Co.
recognizes environmental management among its highest priorities throughout the
corporation, and has established policies and programs which are integral and
essential elements of the business plan of each of the business units.
Additionally, Crane Co. has established the position of Vice
President-Environment, Health and Safety, which is responsible for assuring
compliance, measuring environmental performance and conducting regular
environmental audits in order to provide appropriate information to the Crane
Co. management team and to regulatory authorities.

Stock Transfer Agent and Registrar of Stock

First Chicago Trust Company,
a division of EquiServe
Customer Service: 1-201-324-1225
Non-Postal Deliveries
525 Washington Blvd.
Jersey City, NJ 07310

Dividend Reinvestment & Optional Payments

P.O. Box 13531
Newark, NJ 07188-0001

General Correspondence & Changes of Address

P.O. Box 2500
Jersey City, NJ 07303-2500

Transfer of Stock Certificates

P.O. Box 2506
Jersey City, NJ 07303-2506

Bond Trustee and Disbursing Agent

The Bank of New York
Corporate Trust Department:
1-800-438-5473
101 Barclay Street - 7 East
New York, NY 10286

Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan

Crane offers shareholders the opportunity to participate in a Dividend
Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan. The plan provides two convenient methods
for increasing your investment in Crane Co. common shares, without paying fees
and commissions.

Dividend Reinvestment: for all or part of your dividends on Crane common shares;
and

Voluntary Cash Payments: of any amount from $10 to a maximum of $5,000 a month.

Under terms of the Plan, First Chicago Trust Company, a division of EquiServe
will act as agent for shareholders interested in purchasing additional Crane
common shares automatically, on a regular basis. The details of this plan and
its benefits to you as a Crane shareholder are described in a brochure available
by writing to:

First Chicago Trust Company,
a division of EquiServe

Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Crane Co.
P.O. Box 2598
Jersey City, NJ 07303-2598

Design: Robert Webster Inc


================================================================================
                                                 Crane Co. 1998 Annual Report 37
<PAGE>
 
- ----------
 CRANE(R)
- ----------

Crane Co.
Executive Offices

100 First Stamford Place
Stamford, CT 06902
(203)363-7300

<PAGE>
 
                                   CRANE CO.
                            Exhibit 21 to FORM 10-K
               Annual Report for the Year Ended December 31, 1998

                                        

                           Subsidiaries of Registrant
                                        

      The following is a list of active subsidiaries of the registrant and their
    jurisdictions of incorporation. Except as noted, all of these subsidiaries
    are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, and all are included in the
    consolidated financial statements.  The names of several other subsidiaries
    have been omitted as they would not, if considered in the aggregate as a
    single subsidiary, constitute a significant subsidiary.


            Cochrane, Inc                        Delaware
            Crane Australia Pty., Ltd.           Australia
               P.T. Crane Indonesia (51%)        Indonesia
            Crane GmbH                           Germany
               National Rejectors, Inc. GmbH     Germany
               NRI Iberica, S.A.                 Spain
            Crane International Holdings, Inc.   Delaware
               Crane Canada, Inc.                Canada
               Crane Capital Corporation, LLC    Delaware
               Crane Center-Line Valve Co.       Delaware
                  Crane Ningjin Valve Co., Ltd. (70%)  China
               Crane FSC Corporation             Barbados
               Crane Ltd.                        England
                  Crane Europe Ltd.              Scotland
                  Grenson Electronics Ltd.       England
                  Stockham Valve Ltd.            England
                  UMC Industries Ltd.            England
               Crane Pumps & Systems, Inc.       Delaware
                  Barnes Pumps, Inc.             Ohio
                  Barnes Pumps Canada, Inc.      Ontario
               Dyrotech Industries, Inc.         Delaware
               ELDEC Corporation                 Washington
                  ELDEC France S.A.R.L.          France
               Huttig Sash & Door Company        Delaware
                  CIPCO Inc.                     Illinois
                  Rondel's, Inc.                 Washington
               Ferguson Machine Co. S.A.         Belgium
               Hydro-Aire, Inc.                  California
                  Interpoint Corporation         Washington
                  Interpoint GmbH                Germany
                  Interpoint S.A.R.L.            France
                  Interpoint Taiwan Corporation  Republic of China
                  Interpoint U.K. Ltd.           England
                                  (continued)

                                                                              25
<PAGE>
 
                     Subsidiaries of Registrant (continued)
                                        
               Kemlite Company, Inc.             Delaware
                  Sequentia Incorporated         Ohio
               Mark Controls Corporation         Delaware
                  Azonix Corporation             Massachusetts
                  Azonix S.A.R.L.                France
                  Barksdale, Inc.                Delaware
                  Barksdale Control Products GmbH  Germany
                  Dynalco Controls Corporation   Delaware
                  Mark Controls Norway A/S       Norway
                      Westad Industri A/S        Norway
               Powers Process Controls, Ltd.     Ontario
               Resistoflex (Asia) Pte., Ltd.     Singapore
                  Kessel (Thailand) Pte., Ltd. (49%)  Thailand
                  Resistoflex Sdn. Bhd.          Malaysia
               UniDynamics/Phoenix, Inc.         Delaware
               UniDynamics/St. Louis, Inc.       Delaware
            Crane Nuclear, Inc.                  Delaware
            Stockham Valve Australia Pty., Ltd.  Australia


                                                                              26

<PAGE>
 
                                                     EXHIBIT 23



    INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



    We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
    333-50489 on Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 333-50487 on Form S-8 and
    Registration Statement No. 333-50495 on Form S-8, Registration Statement No.
    33-53709 on Form S-3, Registration Statement No. 33-36735 on FormS-8, Post-
    Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-59389 on Form S-
    8, Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-59475 on
    Form S-8 and Registration Statement No. 333-16555 on Form S-8 of our report
    dated January 20, 1999, appearing in and incorporated by reference in this
    Annual Report on Form 10-K of Crane Co. for the year ended December 31,
    1998.



    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
    Stamford, Connecticut
    February 26, 1999

                                                                              27

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM CRANE CO.'S
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT DECEMBER 31, 1998, CRANE'S CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR 1998 AND THE RELATED NOTES TO THESE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, THAT ARE CONTAINED IN CRANE'S 1998 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM
10-K. THE SCHEDULE IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
        
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                          15,909
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  303,245
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    330,344
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               698,966
<PP&E>                                         645,383
<DEPRECIATION>                                 337,816
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,454,674
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          351,162
<BONDS>                                        359,090
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        68,496
<OTHER-SE>                                     574,738
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,454,674
<SALES>                                      2,268,505
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,268,505
<CGS>                                        1,674,261
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,029,573
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   754
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              25,045
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                214,641
<INCOME-TAX>                                    76,203
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            138,438
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   138,438
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.02
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.00

        

</TABLE>


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