KAI trades 20.4% below Wall Street's consensus target of $335.00.
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
The base valuation assumes KAI achieves its forward estimates and maintains a stable P/E multiple of 30.3x. This scenario reflects the blended consensus of 6 Wall Street analysts, balancing both positive catalysts and macroeconomic headwinds over the next 12 months.
As of September 24, 2026, Kadant Inc. (KAI) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $335.00, based on estimates from 6 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $278.35, this represents a potential upside of +20.4%. The company has a market capitalization of $3.29B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $335.00 to a high of $335.00, representing a 0% spread in expectations. The median target of $335.00 aligns closely with the consensus average. The tight target dispersion indicates high conviction among analysts.
The current analyst consensus rating is Hold, with 1 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,5 rating it Hold, and 0 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. The bearish sentiment suggests caution about the stock at current levels.
From a valuation perspective, KAI trades at a trailing P/E of 32.2x and forward P/E of 30.3x. The forward PEG ratio of 2.40 reflects a premium valuation. Analysts expect EPS to grow -1.0% over the next year.
Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $329.53, with bear and bull scenarios of $207.60 and $434.19 respectively. Model confidence stands at 53/100, reflecting moderate uncertainty in projections.
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside Potential | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 GTLSChart Industries, Inc. | $10.0B | $209.90 | $193.81 | -7.7% | Buy | 30.1x | 37 |
 FELEFranklin Electric Co., Inc. | $4.3B | $96.30 | $114.50 | +18.9% | Hold | 20.6x | 11 |
 HLIOHelios Technologies, Inc. | $2.3B | $69.52 | $91.67 | +31.9% | Buy | 21.8x | 13 |
 NNNextNav Inc. | $2.0B | $14.39 | $31.50 | +118.9% | Buy | — | 3 |
 NDSNNordson Corporation | $17.9B | $321.42 | $360.20 | +12.1% | Buy | 27.0x | 21 |
 TRMKTrustmark Corporation | $2.7B | $45.69 | $47.50 | +4.0% | Hold | 11.5x | 9 |
 IPInternational Paper Company | $18.9B | $35.70 | $50.14 | +40.4% | Buy | 26.2x | 29 |
 PKGPackaging Corporation of America | $21.5B | $240.98 | $272.86 | +13.2% | Hold | 22.9x | 26 |
 CLWClearwater Paper Corporation | $345M | $21.38 | $19.33 | -9.6% | Buy | — | 11 |
 SLVMSylvamo Corp | $1.5B | $36.64 | $48.67 | +32.8% | Buy | 23.9x | 2 |
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying KAI stock.
The consensus Wall Street price target for KAI is $335, representing 20.4% upside from the current price of $278.35. With 6 analysts covering the stock, this strong upside suggests significant value not yet reflected in today's share price.
KAI has a consensus rating of "Hold" based on 6 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is mixed, with 5 Hold ratings making up the largest segment. The consensus 12-month price target of $335 implies 20.4% upside from current levels.
KAI trades at a forward P/E of 30.2884x, representing a moderate valuation. With analysts targeting $335 (20.4% implied move), the stock appears reasonably valued with upside.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $335 for KAI, while the most conservative target is $335. The consensus of $335 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $434 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
KAI is moderately covered, with 6 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 1 have Buy ratings, 5 recommend Hold, and 0 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
The 12-month KAI stock forecast based on 6 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $335, with estimates ranging from $335 (bear case) to $335 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Hold". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $330, with bear/bull scenarios of $208/$434.
Our quantitative valuation model calculates KAI's fair value at $330 (base case), with a bear case of $208 and bull case of $434. The model uses discounted cash flow analysis, historical growth rates, and margin mean-reversion to project FY+2 earnings, then applies an appropriate P/E multiple. The model confidence score is 53/100.
KAI trades at a forward P/E ratio of 30.3x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 32.2x. The lower forward P/E indicates analysts expect earnings growth. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Wall Street analysts are very optimistic on KAI, with a "Hold" consensus rating and $335 price target (20.4% upside). 1 of 6 analysts rate it Buy or Strong Buy. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
KAI analyst price targets range from $335 to $335, a 0% tight range reflecting strong analyst consensus. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $335 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $208-$434 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.
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