Kadant Management
Management criteria checks 4/4
Kadant's CEO is Jeffrey Powell, appointed in Apr 2019, has a tenure of 7.25 years. total yearly compensation is $5.52M, comprised of 17.6% salary and 82.4% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.52% of the company’s shares, worth $18.83M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 8 years and 12 years respectively.
Key information
Jeffrey Powell
Chief executive officer
US$5.5m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 17.59% |
| CEO tenure | 7.3yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.5% |
| Management average tenure | 8yrs |
| Board average tenure | 12yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Jun 23
KAI: Buybacks And Acquisition Integration Will Support A Balanced Outlook
Kadant's latest narrative update keeps the analyst price target steady at $306, with analysts highlighting slightly adjusted assumptions around discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E to reflect a more refined view of the stock's risk and earnings profile. What's in the News Kadant's board authorized a new share buyback plan on May 21, 2026, indicating approval for future repurchases of the company's stock.Narrative Update • Jun 05
KAI: Buybacks And Dividend Growth Will Support A Steady Outlook
Analysts now see Kadant's fair value steady at $306, with minor adjustments to discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions informing this updated price target estimate. What's in the News Kadant's Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase plan on May 21, 2026, allowing the company to buy back its stock.Narrative Update • May 22
KAI: Share Repurchases And Dividend Increase Will Support A Balanced Outlook
Analysts have raised their price target on Kadant from $275.00 to $306.00, citing updated assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins, and a lower expected future P/E multiple as key drivers of the revised outlook. What's in the News The Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase plan on May 21, 2026.Seeking Alpha • Apr 28
Kadant: Getting Acquisitive In 2026
Summary Kadant shows improving momentum with organic growth signs and two significant acquisitions, yet trades at a demanding mid-twenties earnings multiple. 2025 results were flat, but 2026 guidance is solid, projecting $1.16–$1.185 billion sales and $10.40–$10.75 adjusted EPS, excluding recent acquisitions. Recent M&A, including the $157 million voestalpine deal, adds ~5% to pro forma sales, but profit contribution details remain unclear. While leverage rises toward 2x EBITDA and organic growth is modest, I remain watchful for setbacks or unexpected dips to reconsider entry. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Jan 29
A Look At The Fair Value Of Kadant Inc. (NYSE:KAI)
Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Kadant fair value estimate is US$272 Current share price of...Analysis Article • Dec 15
Kadant (NYSE:KAI) Has A Pretty Healthy Balance Sheet
Howard Marks put it nicely when he said that, rather than worrying about share price volatility, 'The possibility of...Analysis Article • Oct 31
Kadant Inc. Just Beat Earnings Expectations: Here's What Analysts Think Will Happen Next
Kadant Inc. ( NYSE:KAI ) just released its third-quarter report and things are looking bullish. Results were good...Analysis Article • Oct 20
Why Kadant Inc. (NYSE:KAI) Could Be Worth Watching
Kadant Inc. ( NYSE:KAI ), is not the largest company out there, but it saw a decent share price growth of 11% on the...Analysis Article • Sep 12
Some Confidence Is Lacking In Kadant Inc.'s (NYSE:KAI) P/E
When close to half the companies in the United States have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") below 19x, you may...Analysis Article • Jul 11
Here's Why Kadant (NYSE:KAI) Can Manage Its Debt Responsibly
Warren Buffett famously said, 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk.' When we think about how risky a company...Analysis Article • May 25
There's Reason For Concern Over Kadant Inc.'s (NYSE:KAI) Price
With a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 32.4x Kadant Inc. ( NYSE:KAI ) may be sending very bearish signals at the...Analysis Article • May 07
This Is Why Kadant Inc.'s (NYSE:KAI) CEO Compensation Looks Appropriate
Key Insights Kadant to hold its Annual General Meeting on 14th of May CEO Jeffrey Powell's total compensation includes...Analysis Article • May 04
At US$300, Is Kadant Inc. (NYSE:KAI) Worth Looking At Closely?
Kadant Inc. ( NYSE:KAI ), might not be a large cap stock, but it received a lot of attention from a substantial price...Analysis Article • Apr 18
Returns Are Gaining Momentum At Kadant (NYSE:KAI)
What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term...Analysis Article • Apr 05
Kadant Inc.'s (NYSE:KAI) Intrinsic Value Is Potentially 24% Below Its Share Price
Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Kadant fair value estimate is US$232 Kadant's US$306 share...Analysis Article • Mar 22
Is Kadant (NYSE:KAI) Using Too Much Debt?
David Iben put it well when he said, 'Volatility is not a risk we care about. What we care about is avoiding the...Seeking Alpha • Mar 17
Kadant: A Great, Yet Expensive Business
Summary Kadant's shares have sold off 15% from their highs, yet the valuation remains demanding given recent mixed performance and expanding multiples. Despite strong long-term growth, its softer recent performance and elevated valuation multiples make me cautious about investing in Kadant stock at current levels. Kadant's impressive revenue growth and margin expansion are overshadowed by a high P/E ratio of 35, making the stock appear overvalued. I recommend staying on the sidelines until a more compelling valuation emerges, despite Kadant's solid long-term track record and business positioning. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Feb 03
When Should You Buy Kadant Inc. (NYSE:KAI)?
While Kadant Inc. ( NYSE:KAI ) might not have the largest market cap around , it saw a decent share price growth of 16...Analysis Article • Jan 07
Kadant (NYSE:KAI) Is Looking To Continue Growing Its Returns On Capital
Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Ideally, a business...Analysis Article • Dec 24
Estimating The Fair Value Of Kadant Inc. (NYSE:KAI)
Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Kadant fair value estimate is US$294 Kadant's US$349 share...Analysis Article • Dec 10
Kadant (NYSE:KAI) Seems To Use Debt Quite Sensibly
The external fund manager backed by Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger, Li Lu, makes no bones about it when he says...Analysis Article • Nov 22
Kadant Inc.'s (NYSE:KAI) 28% Price Boost Is Out Of Tune With Earnings
Kadant Inc. ( NYSE:KAI ) shareholders have had their patience rewarded with a 28% share price jump in the last month...Seeking Alpha • Nov 08
Kadant: Favorable Outlook But Share Price Lacks Margin Of Safety (Rating Downgrade)
Summary Kadant’s 3Q24 revenue grew 11% to $272 million, driven by acquisitions and strong aftermarket demand. North America remains a key growth driver, bolstered by robust demand. On the other hand, European and Asian markets face economic headwinds impacting project activity. Strength in aftermarket demand supports stable margins and long-term growth potential across all segments. Despite strong results and a favorable outlook, KAI’s current share price lacks margin of safety. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Nov 01
Results: Kadant Inc. Beat Earnings Expectations And Analysts Now Have New Forecasts
It's been a good week for Kadant Inc. ( NYSE:KAI ) shareholders, because the company has just released its latest...Analysis Article • Oct 02
Kadant Inc.'s (NYSE:KAI) Share Price Could Signal Some Risk
Kadant Inc.'s ( NYSE:KAI ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 34.1x might make it look like a strong sell right now...CEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 04 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$103m |
| Jan 03 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$102m |
| Sep 27 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$102m |
| Jun 28 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$106m |
| Mar 29 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$111m |
| Dec 28 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$112m |
| Sep 28 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$115m |
| Jun 29 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$114m |
| Mar 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$113m |
| Dec 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$116m |
| Sep 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$115m |
| Jul 01 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$111m |
| Apr 01 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$108m |
| Dec 31 2022 | US$5m | US$845k | US$121m |
| Oct 01 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$119m |
| Jul 02 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$112m |
| Apr 02 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$109m |
| Jan 01 2022 | US$6m | US$832k | US$84m |
| Oct 02 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$76m |
| Jul 03 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$70m |
| Apr 03 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$59m |
| Jan 02 2021 | US$4m | US$810k | US$55m |
| Sep 26 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$48m |
| Jun 27 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$49m |
| Mar 28 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$54m |
| Dec 28 2019 | US$3m | US$567k | US$52m |
Compensation vs Market: Jeffrey's total compensation ($USD5.52M) is about average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD6.91M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Jeffrey's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Jeffrey Powell (67 yo)
7.3yrs
Tenure
US$5,519,261
Compensation
Mr. Jeffrey L. Powell serves as President at Kadant Inc. since April 1, 2019 and also its Chief Executive Officer & Director since July 1, 2019. Mr. Powell had been an Executive Vice President of Kadant In...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 7.3yrs | US$5.52m | 0.52% $ 18.8m | |
| Executive VP & CFO | 11.1yrs | US$2.01m | 0.13% $ 4.6m | |
| Senior VP | 8yrs | US$1.46m | 0.012% $ 421.1k | |
| Senior Vice President | 1.6yrs | US$1.38m | 0.033% $ 1.2m | |
| Vice President | 4.7yrs | US$1.47m | 0.026% $ 963.3k | |
| Senior VP & Chief Accounting Officer | 11.1yrs | no data | 0.18% $ 6.5m | |
| Senior Vice President of Corporate Development | 10.3yrs | no data | 0.017% $ 602.4k | |
| Vice President of Marketing | 19.3yrs | no data | no data | |
| President of Kadant Solutions | no data | no data | no data | |
| Treasurer | 7.5yrs | no data | no data | |
| President of Kadant PAAL Holding GmbH | no data | no data | no data | |
| Commercial Director of Syntron Material Handling | no data | no data | no data |
8.0yrs
Average Tenure
60yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: KAI's management team is seasoned and experienced (8 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 7yrs | US$5.52m | 0.52% $ 18.8m | |
| Independent Director | 25.1yrs | US$252.47k | 0.067% $ 2.5m | |
| Independent Chairman of the Board | 16.5yrs | US$324.97k | 0.075% $ 2.7m | |
| Independent Director | 7.5yrs | US$249.97k | 0.028% $ 1.0m | |
| Independent Director | 21.1yrs | US$254.97k | 0.039% $ 1.4m | |
| Independent Director | 4.2yrs | US$249.97k | 0.012% $ 432.7k |
12.0yrs
Average Tenure
67yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: KAI's board of directors are seasoned and experienced ( 12 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/07/06 20:03 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/07/02 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/04/04 |
| Annual Earnings | 2026/01/03 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Kadant Inc. is covered by 8 analysts. 4 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Gary Prestopino | Barrington Research Associates, Inc. |
| Eric Prouty | Canaccord Genuity |
| Kurt Yinger | D.A. Davidson & Co. |