KAI trades 0.5% above Wall Street's consensus target of $303.00.
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 33.1x. 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 June 22, 2026, Kadant Inc. (KAI) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $303.00, based on estimates from 6 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $304.49, this represents a potential downside of -0.5%. The company has a market capitalization of $3.60B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $303.00 to a high of $303.00, representing a 0% spread in expectations. The median target of $303.00 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 35.2x and forward P/E of 33.1x. The forward PEG ratio of 2.62 reflects a premium valuation. Analysts expect EPS to grow +6.4% 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 | $207.99 | $193.81 | -6.8% | Buy | 29.9x | 37 |
FELEFranklin Electric Co., Inc. | $4.6B | $104.20 | $100.00 | -4.0% | Hold | 22.7x | 11 |
HLIOHelios Technologies, Inc. | $3.0B | $90.49 | $82.67 | -8.6% | Buy | 35.8x | 13 |
NNNextNav Inc. | $2.5B | $18.18 | $34.67 | +90.7% | Buy | — | 3 |
NDSNNordson Corporation | $16.5B | $295.92 | $323.80 | +9.4% | Buy | 25.5x | 21 |
TRMKTrustmark Corporation | $2.6B | $44.67 | $45.50 | +1.9% | Hold | 11.4x | 9 |
IPInternational Paper Company | $19.5B | $36.82 | $46.75 | +27.0% | Buy | 26.1x | 29 |
PKGPackaging Corporation of America | $20.4B | $229.02 | $251.60 | +9.9% | Hold | 22.1x | 26 |
CLWClearwater Paper Corporation | $271M | $16.79 | $15.50 | -7.7% | Buy | — | 10 |
SLVMSylvamo Corporation | $1.6B | $39.66 | $50.00 | +26.1% | Buy | 17.2x | 2 |
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying KAI stock.
Wall Street's consensus price target for KAI is $303, -0.5% from its current price of $304.49. The below-market target from 6 analysts suggests limited near-term appreciation.
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 $303 implies -0.5% downside from current levels.
KAI trades at a forward P/E of 33.1328x, representing a moderate valuation. With analysts targeting $303 (-0.5% implied move), the stock appears close to fair value.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $303 for KAI, while the most conservative target is $303. The consensus of $303 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 $303, with estimates ranging from $303 (bear case) to $303 (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 33.1x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 35.2x. 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.
Analysts are cautious on KAI, with 0 Sell ratings and a price target of $303 (-0.5% from current price). The "Hold" consensus suggests careful evaluation before buying. 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 $303 to $303, a 0% tight range reflecting strong analyst consensus. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $303 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $208-$434 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.
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