Kadant Inc.

NYSE:KAI Stock Report

Market Cap: US$3.6b

Kadant Past Earnings Performance

Past criteria checks 2/6

Kadant has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 5.4%, while the Machinery industry saw earnings growing at 8% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 8.4% per year. Kadant's return on equity is 10.4%, and it has net margins of 9.4%.

Key information

5.38%

Earnings growth rate

5.00%

EPS growth rate

Machinery Industry Growth8.77%
Revenue growth rate8.36%
Return on equity10.44%
Net Margin9.45%
Last Earnings Update04 Apr 2026

Recent past performance 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 Alpha
Analysis 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 Alpha
Analysis 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 Alpha
Analysis 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...

Revenue & Expenses Breakdown

How Kadant makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.


Earnings and Revenue History

NYSE:KAI Revenue, expenses and earnings (USD Millions)
DateRevenueEarningsG+A ExpensesR&D Expenses
04 Apr 261,09510330816
03 Jan 261,05210229715
27 Sep 251,02410228815
28 Jun 251,02410628314
29 Mar 251,04411127914
28 Dec 241,05311227714
28 Sep 241,03411526514
29 Jun 241,00711425514
30 Mar 2497711324514
30 Dec 2395811623514
30 Sep 2395111523313
01 Jul 2393111122813
01 Apr 2390810822313
31 Dec 2290512122413
01 Oct 2289111922412
02 Jul 2286611222212
02 Apr 2284110921612
01 Jan 227878420511
02 Oct 217367619611
03 Jul 216917018811
03 Apr 216485918411
02 Jan 216355518211
26 Sep 206494818211
27 Jun 206684918611
28 Mar 206925418911
28 Dec 197055219211
28 Sep 196866218710
29 Jun 196786418310
30 Mar 196566018010
29 Dec 186346017711
29 Sep 186194317911
30 Jun 186063717711
31 Mar 185613316610
30 Dec 175153115510
30 Sep 17466381439
01 Jul 17419341358
01 Apr 17420341368
31 Dec 16414321347
01 Oct 16421351327
02 Jul 16408341287
02 Apr 16394341237
02 Jan 16390341237
03 Oct 15388331267

Quality Earnings: KAI has high quality earnings.

Growing Profit Margin: KAI's current net profit margins (9.4%) are lower than last year (10.6%).


Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis


Past Earnings Growth Analysis

Earnings Trend: KAI's earnings have grown by 5.4% per year over the past 5 years.

Accelerating Growth: KAI's has had negative earnings growth over the past year, so it can't be compared to its 5-year average.

Earnings vs Industry: KAI had negative earnings growth (-6.5%) over the past year, making it difficult to compare to the Machinery industry average (2.2%).


Return on Equity

High ROE: KAI's Return on Equity (10.4%) is considered low.


Return on Assets


Return on Capital Employed


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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status

DataLast Updated (UTC time)
Company Analysis2026/07/06 08:02
End of Day Share Price 2026/07/02 00:00
Earnings2026/04/04
Annual Earnings2026/01/03

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.

PackageDataTimeframeExample US Source *
Company Financials10 years
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet
Analyst Consensus Estimates+3 years
  • Forecast financials
  • Analyst price targets
Market Prices30 years
  • Stock prices
  • Dividends, Splits and Actions
Ownership10 years
  • Top shareholders
  • Insider trading
Management10 years
  • Leadership team
  • Board of directors
Key Developments10 years
  • Company announcements

* 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.

AnalystInstitution
Gary PrestopinoBarrington Research Associates, Inc.
Eric ProutyCanaccord Genuity
Kurt YingerD.A. Davidson & Co.