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Kadant Inc (KAI)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/14/2025: KAI (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
1 Year Target Price $343.33
1 Year Target Price $343.33
1 | Strong Buy |
1 | Buy |
2 | Hold |
0 | Sell |
0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 14.14% | Avg. Invested days 40 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Company Size Mid-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 4.01B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 37.94 | 1Y Target Price 343.33 |
Price to earnings Ratio 37.94 | 1Y Target Price 343.33 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 4 | Beta 1.25 | 52 Weeks Range 281.01 - 428.60 | Updated Date 08/14/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 281.01 - 428.60 | Updated Date 08/14/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 0.37% | Basic EPS (TTM) 8.98 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Geography revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date 2025-07-29 | When - | Estimate 1.94 | Actual 2.31 |
Profitability
Profit Margin 10.34% | Operating Margin (TTM) 15.79% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 7.05% | Return on Equity (TTM) 12.2% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 37.94 | Forward PE 40.65 | Enterprise Value 4350384590 | Price to Sales(TTM) 3.92 |
Enterprise Value 4350384590 | Price to Sales(TTM) 3.92 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 4.25 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 20.46 | Shares Outstanding 11777500 | Shares Floating 11647090 |
Shares Outstanding 11777500 | Shares Floating 11647090 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.86 | Percent Institutions 120.76 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Kadant Inc

Company Overview
History and Background
Kadant Inc. was founded in 1991, evolving from a division of Thermo Electron Corporation. It has grown through organic growth and acquisitions, focusing on technologies for process industries.
Core Business Areas
- Flow Control Systems: Develops and manufactures rotary joints, syphon systems, doctoring systems, and related equipment used in the paper, packaging, and other process industries. Key components for transferring fluids or gases from stationary to rotating machinery.
- Industrial Technologies: Provides systems and components for various industrial applications, including wood processing, recycling, and food processing. Includes screening and separation equipment, material handling systems, and fluid handling solutions.
- Fibrous Composites: Develops and manufactures composite materials used in a variety of applications, including papermaking fabrics and doctor blades.
Leadership and Structure
Kadant is led by a CEO and a senior management team. The organizational structure is based on business segments, with functional departments supporting these segments.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Rotary Joints and Syphons: These products are used in the paper industry to transfer steam and remove condensate from rotating dryer drums. Market share is estimated at 20%. Competitors: Deublin, Maier Heidenheim.
- Doctoring Systems: Doctor blades and systems that clean rolls and remove contaminants in paper machines. Market share is estimated at 15%. Competitors: BTG Group, AstenJohnson.
- Wood Processing Equipment: Equipment used to process logs into lumber and other wood products. Competitors: USNR, Bruks Klu00f6ckner.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The process industry equipment market is competitive and driven by technological innovation, regulatory compliance, and the need for improved efficiency and sustainability.
Positioning
Kadant holds a strong position in niche markets within the process industries, known for its specialized technologies and customer service. It competes based on innovation, quality, and application expertise.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The TAM for Kadant's combined markets is estimated to be over $10 billion. Kadant's market position gives it access to a significant portion of this, but is only a small single digit percentage
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong brand reputation
- Specialized technology and expertise
- Global presence
- Diverse product portfolio
- Strong aftermarket service and support
Weaknesses
- Dependence on cyclical industries
- Exposure to currency fluctuations
- High R&D expenses
- Relatively small compared to larger industrial conglomerates
Opportunities
- Growing demand for sustainable technologies
- Expansion into new geographic markets
- Acquisitions of complementary businesses
- Increasing automation in process industries
Threats
- Economic downturns
- Increased competition
- Technological disruptions
- Raw material price volatility
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- VOITH.DE
- BTG.ST
Competitive Landscape
Kadant competes effectively through technological innovation and customer service, but faces challenges from larger, more diversified competitors with greater resources.
Major Acquisitions
Balancing Automation
- Year: 2021
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 44
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded Kadant's offerings in precision dispensing solutions and broadened its industrial technology segment.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Requires analysis of historical revenue and profit growth rates.
Future Projections: Based on analyst consensus estimates which can be found on finance websites.
Recent Initiatives: Includes strategic acquisitions, new product development, and expansion into new markets.
Summary
Kadant is a solid company with specialized technologies and a global presence. Its strengths lie in its brand reputation and diverse product portfolio but cyclical industries create headwinds. Future growth depends on capitalizing on sustainability trends and strategic acquisitions. Kadant must watch for economic downturns and increased competition.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Kadant Inc. Investor Relations
- Company Filings (SEC)
- Industry Reports
- Analyst Reports
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Market conditions and company performance can change rapidly.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Kadant Inc
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters Westford, MA, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1992-11-03 | President, CEO & Director Mr. Jeffrey L. Powell | ||
Sector Industrials | Industry Specialty Industrial Machinery | Full time employees 3500 | Website https://www.kadant.com |
Full time employees 3500 | Website https://www.kadant.com |
Kadant Inc. supplies technologies and engineered systems worldwide. It operates in three segments: Flow Control, Industrial Processing, and Material Handling. The Flow Control segment develops, manufactures, and markets fluid-handling systems and equipment, such as rotary joints, syphons, turbulator bars, expansion joints, and engineered steam and condensate systems; and doctoring, cleaning, and filtration systems and related consumables consisting of doctor systems and holders, doctor blades, cleaning shower and fabric-conditioning systems, forming systems and wear surfaces, and water-filtration systems. The Industrial Processing segment develops, manufactures, and markets ring and rotary debarkers, stranders, chippers, engineered knife systems, industrial automation and control, recycling and approach flow systems, and virgin pulping process equipment for use in the packaging, tissue, wood products, and alternative fuel industries. The Material Handling segment offers conveying and vibratory equipment, and baling products; and manufactures and sells biodegradable and absorbent granules for carriers in agricultural, home lawn and garden, professional lawn, turf, and ornamental applications, as well as for oil and grease absorption. The company markets and sells its products, services, and systems through direct sales, independent sales agents, and distributors. The company was formerly known as Thermo Fibertek, Inc. and changed its name to Kadant Inc. in July 2001. Kadant Inc. was incorporated in 1991 and is headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts.

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