Kadant (KAI) Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
KAI - Kadant Inc.
$267.50
1.90 (0.72%)
â˛
5d:
+3.39%
30d:
-3.9%
90d:
-14.36%
WAIT
LOW Confidence
Analysis Updated: Oct 22, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Oct 27, 2026
3d
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
âšī¸ NEUTRAL: KAI is fairly priced but lacks strong directional signals. At -7.1% expected growth, valuation appears cheap. Wait for clearer setup or better entry on dips.
âšī¸ NEUTRAL: KAI is fairly priced but lacks strong directional signals. At -7.1% expected growth, valuation appears cheap. Wait for clearer setup or better entry on dips.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$492.91
Based on 8.2% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$306.06
12.6% 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 24.7x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: KAI is currently trading at $267.50, which is considered fair relative to its 30-day fair value range of $260.92 to $270.60. From a valuation perspective, the stock is trading at a discount (Forward PE: 19.8) compared to its historical average (24.7). Remarkably, the market is currently pricing in an annual earnings decline of 7.1% 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 strong downtrend. The price is approaching resistance at $268.97. A breakout above this level would be a bullish signal, while rejection here could lead to consolidation.
Market Sentiment: The stock scores a mixed 56/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge, with only partial signs of a stabilized entry point. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $361.67 (+35.2%). Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Technical Outlook: Technically, KAI is in a strong downtrend. The price is approaching resistance at $268.97. A breakout above this level would be a bullish signal, while rejection here could lead to consolidation.
Market Sentiment: The stock scores a mixed 56/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge, with only partial signs of a stabilized entry point. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $361.67 (+35.2%). Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
FAIR
Historical Trading Range
$260.92 -
$270.60
Company Quality Score
50/100
(HOLD)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
72.4%
All Signals
- NEUTRAL: Price in fair range
- NEUTRAL: Mixed technical signals (56/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- BULLISH: Trading 35.2% below Wall St target ($361.67)
- WARNING: Composite score 50/100 in the bottom quintile â this cohort historically lags the market
Trading Range Analysis
30-Day Trading Range
$260.92 -
$270.60
Current vs Trading Range
FAIR
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$253.89
Resistance Level
$268.97
Current Trend
Strong Downtrend
Technical data as of
Oct 22, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
19.80
Wall Street Target
$361.67
(+35.2%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
22.6%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
23.9%
Profit Margin
9.5%
Valuation Discount vs History
-7.1% cheaper
PE vs Historical
19.8 vs 24.7
CHEAP
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
-7.1%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$248.51
(-7%)
2-Year Target
$230.86
(-14%)
3-Year Target
$214.47
(-20%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 20â25)
$267.60
(0%)
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 19.9, Growth: 12.3%)
$379.59
(+42%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 19.8, Growth: 12.3%)
$378.37
(+41%)
Bear:
(PE: 16.8, Growth: 12.3%)
$321.62
(+20%)
đ
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: 28.47 | Current EPS (TTM): $9.33
Bull Case
$423.13
(+58%)
Analyst growth 44.8%, PE expands to 31.3
Base Case
$384.66
(+44%)
Market implied 44.8%, PE stable at 28.5
Bear Case
$180.61
(-33%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 24.2
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
đĄ
Upside Surprise Potential
If earnings stabilize (0% growth), PE could expand from 19.8 to 24.7
Stabilization Target:
$333.76
(+24.8%)
PE Expansion Potential:
+24.8%
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: October 23, 2026 5:14 AM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 6:14 AM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 6:14 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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