Karat Packaging Inc logo

Karat Packaging Inc(KRT)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL RECENCY
2-STAR RATING
Consider higher Upturn Star rating
BUY for 84 days
PROFIT SINCE LAST BUY
+84.77% ▲
LAST CLOSE
$54.58
10/09/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
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Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for KRT

10/09/2026: KRT (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.

Karat Packaging Inc is a US-based, vertically integrated provider of disposable food service packaging that operates through both distribution and manufacturing channels. The company’s primary strength lies in its ability to manage supply chain costs and offer a wide range of products directly to food service operators. Its main growth opportunity centers on capturing market share through eco-friendly product innovation and operational efficiency. However, the company faces significant risks from price competition by larger industry incumbents, raw material cost volatility, and potential regulatory changes. The stock is best suited for growth-oriented investors willing to accept volatility, as it currently pays no dividends and requires consistent operational execution.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorMixed fitKarat shows potential for growth, but is subject to intense industry competition and margin pressures.
Momentum investorMixed fitThe stock is suitable only when current price trends show positive momentum or technical breakouts.
Value investorMixed fitThe valuation depends heavily on the company's ability to maintain margins amidst raw material cost volatility.
Dividend investorWeak fitKarat currently does not pay a dividend, making it unsuitable for income-focused portfolios.
Low-risk investorWeak fitThe stock exhibits high price volatility and sensitivity to economic cycles and input costs.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityHighThe stock can experience sharp fluctuations due to industry cycles and investor sentiment.
Valuation riskMediumCurrent valuations require consistent earnings growth to be justified.
Competition risk (Packaging majors)HighLarge scale competitors can pressure pricing and margins.
Business qualityMediumThe business model is solid but exposed to commodities and cyclical food service demand.
Dividend incomeLow / noneThere is no dividend payout, providing no income stream.
Execution riskMediumScaling manufacturing operations effectively is critical for long-term success.

Price Behavior

Hockey-Stick Growth
PRICE PATH

Hockey-Stick Growth

The stock demonstrates a Hockey-Stick Growth price path pattern.

Moderately Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Moderately Choppy

The stock has experienced noticeable price swings while retaining some directional structure.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit 35.09%
Avg. Invested days 37
Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 2.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 3.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 10/09/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
KRT receives a 3-star rating based on the available scored pillars. The rating is constrained by limited analyst upside.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
KRT has moderate overall fundamentals (3 stars), with moderate financial health, moderate growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, moderate earnings growth (+5.0%) and solid cash generation (FCF margin 6.3%) are partially offset by soft profitability (net margin 6.7%).

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
KRT's financial health is supported by solid liquidity, including working-capital and asset support (WC/assets 31.6%). Profitability is moderate (3 stars), which helps explain the 3-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Revenue growth is KRT's strongest growth driver at +10.7% FY2025 versus FY2024 (solid, 4 stars). By comparison, while free-cash-flow growth (-33.3%, negative) holds the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 38.0% and approximately 42.6% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 58.06% supports management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 2.97%
Acadian Asset Management LLC 2.08%
Vanguard Capital Management, LLC 1.96%
Ranger Investment Management LP 1.67%
Geode Capital Management, LLC 1.46%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
KRT generates approximately $368 of gross profit, $88 of operating income, and $63 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Soft margins and moderate cash conversion support a 3-star rating, while capital efficiency is solid.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 24.08%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
KRT has a high-quality, relatively low-volatility profile. No single quantitative factor dominates as a drawback.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Value-OrientedQuality TiltLow VolatilitySmall / Mid Cap RiskShort Squeeze Risk

Key Highlights

Company Size Small-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 1.07B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 21.52
1Y Target Price 46.5
Price to earnings Ratio 21.52
1Y Target Price 46.5
Volume (30-day avg) 171.6K shares
Beta 0.76
52 Weeks Range 19.60 - 55.36
Updated Date 10/09/2026
52 Weeks Range 19.60 - 55.36
Updated Date 10/09/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 3.37%
Basic EPS (TTM) 2.5

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
Product SalesCups, lids, containers, and cutlery sold to restaurants.Revenue comes from steady, recurring demand for essential restaurant supplies.
GeographyPrimary operations and revenue generation within the United States.Performance is tied directly to the health of the US food service industry.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

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Valuation

Trailing PE 21.52
Forward PE -
Enterprise Value 1.03B
Price to Sales(TTM) 2.17
Enterprise Value 1.03B
Price to Sales(TTM) 2.17
Enterprise Value to Revenue 2.09
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 13.81
Shares Outstanding 19.93M
Shares Floating 8.50M
Shares Outstanding 19.93M
Shares Floating 8.50M
Percent Insiders 58.06
Percent Institutions 37.98

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

Form CRS provides a relationship summary of our automated advisory services, flat subscription fees, and conflicts of interest. Form ADV Part 2A brochure contains complete details on services, billing, and disclosures. If any summary differs from our current regulatory filings, the filed Form ADV controls.