Kadant (KAI) Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
KAI - Kadant Inc.
$268.83
5.31 (2.02%)
▲
5d:
-1.85%
30d:
-8.9%
90d:
-14.29%
HOLD
LOW Confidence
Analysis Updated: Oct 2, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Oct 27, 2026
23d
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
📊 HOLD: KAI shows mixed signals. Fine to hold existing positions. Not urgent to buy or sell.
📊 HOLD: KAI shows mixed signals. Fine to hold existing positions. Not urgent to buy or sell.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$498.89
Based on 8.2% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$309.77
13.2% Margin of Safety
How this is calculated: We use a Growth Decay Model: starting with analyst consensus growth (adjusted above) and gradually slowing it down to a long-term terminal rate (4%) by Year 5. This provides a more realistic valuation than assuming constant hyper-growth. We then apply a 25.0x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: KAI is currently trading at $268.83, which is considered slightly low relative to its 30-day fair value range of $265.82 to $296.63. From a valuation perspective, the stock is trading at a discount (Forward PE: 19.9) compared to its historical average (25.1). Remarkably, the market is currently pricing in an annual earnings decline of 7.4% over the next few years. This pessimistic expectation contrasts with the company's recent 23.9% earnings growth, suggesting potential undervaluation if the company simply maintains stability.
Technical Outlook: Technically, KAI is in a downtrend. Immediate support is located at $258.13, while resistance sits at $280.13.
Market Sentiment: KAI scores 78/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge — the chart has corrected and is stabilizing (RSI reset, momentum turning up), historically a favorable entry zone. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $361.67 (+34.5%). The stock is fairly positioned - fine to hold existing positions or accumulate slowly on dips, but not an urgent buy.
Technical Outlook: Technically, KAI is in a downtrend. Immediate support is located at $258.13, while resistance sits at $280.13.
Market Sentiment: KAI scores 78/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge — the chart has corrected and is stabilizing (RSI reset, momentum turning up), historically a favorable entry zone. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $361.67 (+34.5%). The stock is fairly positioned - fine to hold existing positions or accumulate slowly on dips, but not an urgent buy.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
SLIGHTLY LOW
Historical Trading Range
$265.82 -
$296.63
Company Quality Score
56/100
(HOLD)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
90.5%
All Signals
- BULLISH: Price oversold vs 30-day range
- BULLISH: Strong technical setup (78/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- BULLISH: Trading 34.5% below Wall St target ($361.67)
- CAUTION: Bottoming setup, but lagging the sector by 24% over 20 days — wait for relative strength
Trading Range Analysis
30-Day Trading Range
$265.82 -
$296.63
Current vs Trading Range
SLIGHTLY LOW
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$258.14
Resistance Level
$280.13
Current Trend
Downtrend
Technical data as of
Oct 2, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
19.89
Wall Street Target
$361.67
(+34.5%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
22.6%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
23.9%
Profit Margin
9.5%
Valuation Discount vs History
-7.4% cheaper
PE vs Historical
19.9 vs 25.1
CHEAP
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
-7.4%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$248.94
(-7%)
2-Year Target
$230.52
(-14%)
3-Year Target
$213.46
(-21%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 20→25)
$269.30
(+0%)
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 20.4, Growth: 12.3%)
$389.91
(+45%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 19.9, Growth: 12.3%)
$380.26
(+41%)
Bear:
(PE: 16.9, Growth: 12.3%)
$323.22
(+20%)
📈
Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (28x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (20x PE) as earnings recover.
Trailing PE: 28.09 | Current EPS (TTM): $9.38
Bull Case
$417.58
(+55%)
Analyst growth 44.1%, PE expands to 30.9
Base Case
$379.62
(+41%)
Market implied 44.1%, PE stable at 28.1
Bear Case
$179.19
(-33%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 23.9
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
💡
Upside Surprise Potential
If earnings stabilize (0% growth), PE could expand from 19.9 to 25.1
Stabilization Target:
$339.16
(+26.2%)
PE Expansion Potential:
+26.2%
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: October 03, 2026 3:38 AM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 4:38 AM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 4:38 AM
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Technical Signals Check
Is KAI showing a specific setup today?
Insider Activity (6 Months)
0
Buys
0
Sells
0
Net
NEUTRAL
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