Kadant Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Kadant Inc. (NYSE: KAI) reports record revenue and cash flow in FY 2023, with notable increases in operating cash flow, free cash flow, and net income. Despite a decrease in net income for the fiscal year, adjusted EPS reached a record $10.04. The company anticipates achieving record revenue, cash flow, and adjusted EBITDA in 2024.

Positive

• Record revenue and cash flow in FY 2023 for Kadant Inc. (NYSE: KAI)
• Operating cash flow increased 61% to a record $166 million
• Free cash flow increased 80% to $134 million
• Adjusted EPS reached a record $10.04 for the fiscal year
• Anticipated record revenue, cash flow, and adjusted EBITDA in 2024

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Reviewing Kadant Inc.'s financial performance for FY 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends. The operating cash flow and free cash flow figures are particularly impressive, with increases of 61% and 80% respectively. These metrics are critical indicators of a company's financial health, suggesting Kadant has enhanced its ability to generate cash from its core business operations. This may be attractive to investors looking for companies with strong cash generation capabilities.

However, the net income decrease of 4% alongside an increase in adjusted EPS suggests a more complex financial landscape. The decrease in net income could be a red flag, but the rise in adjusted EPS indicates that, from an earnings perspective, the company is becoming more profitable on a per-share basis. It's important to analyze the components that led to the adjustments in EPS to understand the underlying business performance better.

Lastly, the decrease in bookings by 4% could be seen as a concern for future revenue growth. Bookings represent future sales and a decline might indicate a potential slowdown in the market demand for Kadant's products and services. Investors should closely monitor the company's order intake in subsequent quarters for signs of recovery or further decline.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, Kadant's performance in the material handling segment stands out, with record capital equipment revenue contributing to the company's overall growth. This suggests Kadant is successfully capitalizing on market opportunities within this segment. The material handling industry is often linked with broader economic activity, as it is essential for logistics and supply chain operations. The strong performance in this area could indicate Kadant's alignment with current market demands and its potential resilience to macroeconomic headwinds.

Moreover, the company's adjusted EBITDA margin reaching a record 21.0% of revenue is notable as it implies operational efficiency and the ability to convert sales into profits. This metric is significant for investors as it helps in comparing profitability with competitors and industry benchmarks. A higher EBITDA margin can signal a competitive advantage and better cost management.

Economist

Analyzing the company's financial results in the context of the broader economy, the mention of macroeconomic headwinds could be interpreted as Kadant's acknowledgment of challenges such as fluctuating currency rates, trade tensions, or other global economic uncertainties. Despite these challenges, the company's solid financial performance indicates robust business strategies and operational resilience.

The company's outlook for 2024, with expectations of achieving record revenue, cash flow and adjusted EBITDA, suggests confidence in its business model and market position. However, the forecasted weaker first quarter of 2024 due to the timing of capital projects could signal variability in revenue streams, which is a common occurrence in industries with large capital projects.

Investors should consider the potential impacts of rising borrowing costs and non-cash intangible amortization expenses due to recent acquisitions. These factors could affect net income and EPS in the short term but may also reflect strategic investments that could drive long-term growth.

Record Revenue and Cash Flow in FY 2023

WESTFORD, Mass., Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kadant Inc. (NYSE: KAI) reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 30, 2023.

Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights  

• Revenue increased 3% to $239 million  
• Operating cash flow increased 68% to $59 million
• Free cash flow increased 114% to $49 million
• Net income increased 5% to $27 million
• GAAP EPS increased 4% to $2.33
• Adjusted EPS increased 3% to $2.41
• Adjusted EBITDA decreased 2% to $48 million and represented 20.3% of revenue
• Bookings increased 1% to $218 million

Fiscal Year Financial Highlights  

• Revenue increased 6% to a record $958 million  
• Operating cash flow increased 61% to a record $166 million
• Free cash flow increased 80% to $134 million
• Net income decreased 4% to $116 million
• GAAP EPS decreased 4% to $9.90 compared to 2022 which included a $1.30 gain on sale of a facility
• Adjusted EPS increased 9% to a record $10.04
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 6% to a record $201 million and represented a record 21.0% of revenue
• Bookings decreased 4% to $917 million
• Ending backlog was $310 million
  

Note: Percent changes above are based on comparison to the prior year period. All references to earnings per share (EPS) are to our EPS as calculated on a diluted basis. Free cash flow, adjusted EPS, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, and changes in organic revenue are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain items as detailed later in this press release under the heading “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Management Commentary
“The fourth quarter was a solid finish to a record-setting year,” said Jeffrey L. Powell, president and chief executive officer for Kadant. “Despite macroeconomic headwinds in certain regions, we had another well-executed quarter. Growth in our material handling segment was particularly notable led by record capital equipment revenue. This contributed to strong adjusted EBITDA performance and healthy cash flow in the fourth quarter.

“Strong capital project activity in the first half of the year and sustained high aftermarket demand led to the record-setting revenue for the year. For the full year 2023, our adjusted EPS reached a record $10.04, our adjusted EBITDA was a record $201 million, and our operating cash flow was a record $166 million.”

Fourth Quarter 2023 Compared to 2022
Revenue increased three percent to $238.7 million compared to $232.1 million in 2022. Organic revenue increased one percent, which excludes a two percent increase from the favorable effect of foreign currency translation. Gross profit margin decreased to 42.7 percent compared to 43.1 percent in 2022.

Net income increased five percent to $27.4 million compared to $26.1 million in 2022. GAAP EPS increased four percent to $2.33 compared to $2.23 in 2022. Adjusted EPS increased three percent to $2.41 compared to $2.33 in 2022. Adjusted EPS excludes $0.10 of acquisition costs, $0.05 of other income related to the manufacturing facility project in China, $0.02 of restructuring costs, and $0.01 of relocation costs in 2023. Adjusted EPS excludes $0.09 of restructuring and impairment costs and $0.01 of acquisition costs in 2022.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased two percent to $48.5 million and represented 20.3 percent of revenue compared to $49.5 million and 21.3 percent of revenue in the prior year quarter. Operating cash flow increased 68 percent to $59.2 million compared to $35.2 million in 2022. Free cash flow increased 114 percent to $49.5 million compared to $23.2 million in 2022.

Bookings increased one percent to $218.0 million compared to $215.3 million in 2022, including a one percent increase from the favorable effect of foreign currency translation.

Fiscal Year 2023 Compared to 2022
Revenue increased six percent to a record $957.7 million compared to $904.7 million in 2022 and organic revenue also increased six percent. Gross profit margin increased to 43.5 percent compared to 43.1 percent in 2022.

Net income was $116.1 million decreasing four percent compared to $120.9 million in 2022. GAAP EPS decreased four percent to $9.90 compared to $10.35 in 2022. Adjusted EPS increased nine percent to a record $10.04 compared to $9.24 in 2022. Adjusted EPS excludes $0.10 of acquisition costs, $0.05 of relocation costs and $0.05 of other income both related to the manufacturing facility project in China, and $0.04 of restructuring costs in 2023. Adjusted EPS excludes a $1.30 gain on the sale of a Chinese facility, $0.11 of restructuring and impairment costs, and $0.08 of acquisition-related costs in 2022.

Adjusted EBITDA increased six percent to a record $201.3 million and represented a record 21.0 percent of revenue compared to $189.1 million and 20.9 percent of revenue in the prior year. Operating cash flow increased 61 percent to a record $165.5 million compared to $102.6 million in 2022. Free cash flow increased 80 percent to $133.7 million compared to $74.4 million in 2022.

Bookings decreased four percent to $917.4 million compared to $958.2 million in 2022.

Summary and Outlook
“While still facing economic uncertainties around the world, we expect to achieve record revenue, cash flow, and adjusted EBITDA in 2024,” continued Mr. Powell. “Our earnings performance will be affected by increased borrowing costs and non-cash intangible amortization expense associated with our recently announced acquisitions. We are experiencing healthy demand in our key end markets, however, our first quarter will be weaker than the remaining quarters of 2024 due to the timing of capital projects. For 2024, we expect revenue of $1.040 billion to $1.065 billion, GAAP EPS of $9.55 to $9.85, and adjusted EPS of $9.75 to $10.05. The 2024 adjusted EPS guidance excludes $0.20 of amortization expense associated with acquired inventory and backlog. For the first quarter of 2024, we expect revenue of $238 to $246 million, GAAP EPS of $1.76 to $1.86, and, after excluding $0.14 of amortization expense associated with acquired inventory and backlog, adjusted EPS of $1.90 to $2.00.”

Conference Call
Kadant will hold a webcast with a slide presentation for investors on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. eastern time to discuss its fourth quarter and full-year financial performance, as well as future expectations. To listen to the call live and view the webcast, go to the “Investors” section of the Company’s website at www.kadant.com. Participants interested in joining the call’s live question and answer session are required to register by clicking here or selecting the Q&A link on our website to receive a dial-in number and unique PIN. It is recommended that you join the call 10 minutes prior to the start of the event. A replay of the webcast presentation will be available on our website through March 15, 2024.

Prior to the call, our earnings release and the slides used in the webcast presentation will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and will be available at www.sec.gov. After the webcast, Kadant will post its updated general investor presentation incorporating the fourth quarter and full-year results on its website at www.kadant.com under the “Investors” section.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we use certain non-GAAP financial measures, including increases or decreases in revenue excluding the effect of acquisitions and foreign currency translation (organic revenue), adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, adjusted EPS, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, and free cash flow.

We use organic revenue to understand our trends and to forecast and evaluate our financial performance and compare revenue to prior periods. Organic revenue excludes revenue from acquisitions for the four quarterly reporting periods following the date of the acquisition and the effect of foreign currency translation. Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023 included a favorable foreign currency translation effect of $3.7 million. Revenue in 2023 included an unfavorable foreign currency translation effect of $2.0 million. Our other non-GAAP financial measures exclude relocation costs, restructuring and impairment costs, acquisition costs, amortization expense related to acquired profit in inventory and backlog, and other income or expense, as indicated. Collectively, these items are excluded as they are not indicative of our core operating results and are not comparable to other periods, which have differing levels of incremental costs, expenditures or income, or none at all. Additionally, we use free cash flow in order to provide insight on our ability to generate cash for acquisitions and debt repayments, as well as for other investing and financing activities.

We believe these non-GAAP financial measures, when taken together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of our core business, operating results, or future outlook. We believe that the inclusion of such measures helps investors gain an understanding of our underlying operating performance and future prospects, consistent with how management measures and forecasts our performance, especially when comparing such results to previous periods or forecasts and to the performance of our competitors. Such measures are also used by us in our financial and operating decision-making and for compensation purposes. We also believe this information is responsive to investors' requests and gives them an additional measure of our performance.

The non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release are not meant to be considered superior to or a substitute for the results of operations prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release have limitations associated with their use as compared to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, in that they may be different from, and therefore not comparable to, similar measures used by other companies.

Fourth Quarter

Adjusted operating income, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margin exclude:

• Pre-tax other income of $0.8 million in 2023.
• Pre-tax acquisition costs of $1.4 million in 2023 and $0.2 million in 2022.
• Pre-tax indemnification asset reversal of $0.7 million in 2022.
• Pre-tax relocation costs of $0.2 million in 2023.
• Pre-tax restructuring and impairment costs of $0.3 million in 2023 and $1.1 million in 2022.
  

Adjusted net income and adjusted EPS exclude:

• After-tax other income of $0.6 million ($0.8 million net of tax of $0.2 million) in 2023.
• After-tax acquisition costs of $1.2 million ($1.4 million net of tax of $0.2 million) in 2023 and $0.2 million in 2022.
• After-tax relocation costs of $0.1 million ($0.2 million net of tax of $0.1 million) in 2023.
• After-tax restructuring and impairment costs of $0.2 million ($0.3 million net of tax of $0.1 million) in 2023 and $1.1 million in 2022.

Free cash flow is calculated as operating cash flow less:

• Capital expenditures of $9.8 million in 2023 and $12.0 million in 2022.
  
  

Fiscal Year

Adjusted operating income, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margin exclude:

• Pre-tax other income of $0.8 million in 2023.
• Pre-tax gain on the sale of a facility of $20.2 million in 2022.
• Pre-tax acquisition-related costs of $1.4 million in 2023 and $1.2 million in 2022.
• Pre-tax indemnification asset reversals of $0.1 million in 2023 and $1.3 million in 2022.
• Pre-tax relocation costs of $0.8 million in 2023.
• Pre-tax restructuring and impairment costs of $0.8 million in 2023 and $1.3 million in 2022.

Adjusted net income and adjusted EPS exclude:

• After-tax other income of $0.6 million ($0.8 million net of tax of $0.2 million) in 2023.
• After-tax gain on the sale of a facility of $15.1 million ($20.2 million net of tax of $5.1 million) in 2022.
• After-tax acquisition-related costs of $1.2 million ($1.4 million net of tax of $0.2 million) in 2023 and $0.9 million ($1.2 million net of tax of $0.3 million) in 2022.
• After-tax relocation costs of $0.6 million ($0.8 million net of tax of $0.2 million) in 2023.
• After-tax restructuring and impairment costs of $0.5 million ($0.8 million net of tax of $0.3 million) in 2023 and $1.3 million in 2022.
  

Free cash flow is calculated as operating cash flow less:

• Capital expenditures of $31.9 million in 2023 and $28.2 million in 2022.
  
  

Reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are set forth in this press release.

Financial Highlights (unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts and percentages)
				Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
Consolidated Statement of Income				December 30, 2023				December 31, 2022				December 30, 2023				December 31, 2022
Revenue				$	238,679			$	232,100			$	957,672			$	904,739
Costs and Operating Expenses:
	Cost of revenue				136,695				132,150				541,366				515,184
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses				59,823				56,765				236,264				224,405
	Research and development expenses				3,460				3,150				13,562				12,724
	Gain on sale and other (income) costs, net (b)				(320	)			1,080				723				(18,856	)
					199,658				193,145				791,915				733,457
Operating Income					39,021				38,955				165,757				171,282
Interest Income					705				254				1,758				904
Interest Expense					(1,676	)			(2,157	)			(8,398	)			(6,478	)
Other Expense, Net					(39	)			(12	)			(101	)			(72	)
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes					38,011				37,040				159,016				165,636
Provision for Income Taxes					10,449				10,831				42,210				43,906
Net Income					27,562				26,209				116,806				121,730
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest					(166	)			(130	)			(737	)			(802	)
Net Income Attributable to Kadant				$	27,396			$	26,079			$	116,069			$	120,928
Earnings per Share Attributable to Kadant:
		Basic		$	2.34			$	2.24			$	9.92			$	10.38
		Diluted		$	2.33			$	2.23			$	9.90			$	10.35
Weighted Average Shares:
		Basic			11,707				11,664				11,700				11,654
		Diluted			11,759				11,708				11,729				11,688

				Three Months Ended								Three Months Ended
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted EPS (a)				December 30, 2023				December 30, 2023				December 31, 2022				December 31, 2022
Net Income and Diluted EPS Attributable to Kadant, as Reported				$	27,396			$	2.33			$	26,079			$	2.23
Adjustments, Net of Tax:
	Other Income				(631	)			(0.05	)			—				—
	Acquisition Costs				1,194				0.10				159				0.01
	Relocation Costs				142				0.01				—				—
	Restructuring and Impairment Costs				226				0.02				1,080				0.09
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted EPS (a)				$	28,327			$	2.41			$	27,318			$	2.33
				Twelve Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
				December 30, 2023				December 30, 2023				December 31, 2022				December 31, 2022
Net Income and Diluted EPS Attributable to Kadant, as Reported				$	116,069			$	9.90			$	120,928			$	10.35
Adjustments, Net of Tax:
	Gain on Sale and Other Income (b)				(631	)			(0.05	)			(15,143	)			(1.30	)
	Acquisition-Related Costs				1,194				0.10				881				0.08
	Relocation Costs				599				0.05				—				—
	Restructuring and Impairment Costs				521				0.04				1,287				0.11
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted EPS (a)				$	117,752			$	10.04			$	107,953			$	9.24

								Three Months Ended																	Increase (Decrease) Excluding Acquisition and FX (a,e)
Revenue by Segment								December 30, 2023						December 31, 2022							Increase (Decrease)
Flow Control								$	87,403					$	91,181						$	(3,778	)		$	(5,806	)
Industrial Processing									86,974						90,126							(3,152	)			(3,894	)
Material Handling									64,302						50,793							13,509				12,539
								$	238,679					$	232,100						$	6,579			$	2,839
Percentage of Parts and Consumables Revenue									60		%				60		%
								Twelve Months Ended													Increase				Increase Excluding Acquisition and FX (a,e)
								December 30, 2023						December 31, 2022
Flow Control								$	363,451					$	349,107						$	14,344			$	12,375
Industrial Processing									354,703						353,698							1,005				6,419
Material Handling									239,518						201,934							37,584				36,173
								$	957,672					$	904,739						$	52,933			$	54,967
Percentage of Parts and Consumables Revenue									62		%				63		%
								Three Months Ended													Increase (Decrease)				Increase (Decrease) Excluding Acquisition and FX (e)
Bookings by Segment								December 30, 2023						December 31, 2022
Flow Control								$	85,354					$	78,753						$	6,601			$	4,785
Industrial Processing									84,130						84,081							49				(419	)
Material Handling									48,535						52,507							(3,972	)			(4,656	)
								$	218,019					$	215,341						$	2,678			$	(290	)
Percentage of Parts and Consumables Bookings									64		%				62		%
								Twelve Months Ended													Increase (Decrease)				Increase (Decrease) Excluding Acquisition and FX (e)
								December 30, 2023						December 31, 2022
Flow Control								$	361,216					$	361,113						$	103			$	(685	)
Industrial Processing									330,136						378,186							(48,050	)			(41,564	)
Material Handling									226,017						218,915							7,102				6,194
								$	917,369					$	958,214						$	(40,845	)		$	(36,055	)
Percentage of Parts and Consumables Bookings									64		%				62		%
								Three Months Ended													Twelve Months Ended
Business Segment Information								December 30, 2023						December 31, 2022							December 30, 2023				December 31, 2022
Gross Profit Margin:
			Flow Control						50.4		%				51.3		%					51.8	%			52.0	%
			Industrial Processing						41.2		%				40.3		%					40.2	%			39.2	%
			Material Handling						34.4		%				33.1		%					35.7	%			34.4	%
			Consolidated						42.7		%				43.1		%					43.5	%			43.1	%
Operating Income:
			Flow Control					$	20,993					$	22,636						$	95,249			$	89,942
			Industrial Processing (b)						17,313						18,760							69,281				89,754
			Material Handling						10,686						6,154							40,692				27,644
			Corporate						(9,971		)				(8,595		)					(39,465	)			(36,058	)
								$	39,021					$	38,955						$	165,757			$	171,282
Adjusted Operating Income (a,f):
			Flow Control					$	21,301					$	23,873						$	95,991			$	91,505
			Industrial Processing						17,727						19,344							70,304				70,905
			Material Handling						11,061						6,336							41,194				28,543
			Corporate						(9,971		)				(8,595		)					(39,465	)			(36,058	)
								$	40,118					$	40,958						$	168,024			$	154,895
Capital Expenditures:
			Flow Control					$	2,031					$	2,001						$	5,920			$	4,425
			Industrial Processing (h)						6,061						8,458							22,068				20,137
			Material Handling						1,664						1,494							3,834				3,575
			Corporate						—						55							28				62
								$	9,756					$	12,008						$	31,850			$	28,199
								Three Months Ended													Twelve Months Ended
Cash Flow and Other Data								December 30, 2023						December 31, 2022							December 30, 2023				December 31, 2022
Operating Cash Flow								$	59,234					$	35,163						$	165,545			$	102,625
Less: Capital Expenditures (h)									(9,756		)				(12,008		)					(31,850	)			(28,199	)
Free Cash Flow (a)								$	49,478					$	23,155						$	133,695			$	74,426
Depreciation and Amortization Expense								$	8,380					$	8,549						$	33,297			$	34,936
Balance Sheet Data																			December 30, 2023						December 31, 2022
Assets
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash																			$	106,453					$	79,725
Accounts Receivable, net																				133,929						130,297
Inventories																				152,677						163,672
Contract Assets																				8,366						14,898
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net																				140,504						118,855
Intangible Assets																				159,286						175,645
Goodwill																				392,084						385,455
Other Assets																				82,366						81,334
																			$	1,175,665					$	1,149,881
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Accounts Payable																			$	42,104					$	58,060
Debt Obligations																				109,086						199,219
Other Borrowings																				1,789						1,942
Other Liabilities																				246,446						235,089
		Total Liabilities																		399,425						494,310
		Stockholders' Equity																		776,240						655,571
																			$	1,175,665					$	1,149,881

				Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation (a)				December 30, 2023				December 31, 2022				December 30, 2023				December 31, 2022
Consolidated
		Net Income Attributable to Kadant		$	27,396			$	26,079			$	116,069			$	120,928
		Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest			166				130				737				802
		Provision for Income Taxes			10,449				10,831				42,210				43,906
		Interest Expense, Net			971				1,903				6,640				5,574
		Other Expense, Net			39				12				101				72
		Operating Income			39,021				38,955				165,757				171,282
		Gain on Sale and Other Income (b)			(841	)			—				(841	)			(20,190		)
		Acquisition Costs			1,442				182				1,442				668
		Indemnification Asset (Provision) Reversal (g)			(25	)			741				102				1,316
		Relocation Costs			189				—				798				—
		Restructuring and Impairment Costs			332				1,080				766				1,334
		Acquired Backlog Amortization (c)			—				—				—				703
		Acquired Profit in Inventory Amortization (d)			—				—				—				(218		)
		Adjusted Operating Income (a)			40,118				40,958				168,024				154,895
		Depreciation and Amortization			8,380				8,549				33,297				34,233
		Adjusted EBITDA (a)		$	48,498			$	49,507			$	201,321			$	189,128
		Adjusted EBITDA Margin (a,i)			20.3	%			21.3	%			21.0	%			20.9		%
Flow Control
		Operating Income		$	20,993			$	22,636			$	95,249			$	89,942
		Acquisition Costs			—				—				—				472
		Indemnification Asset (Provision) Reversal (g)			(24	)			741				(24	)			741
		Restructuring and Impairment Costs			332				496				766				568
		Acquired Profit in Inventory Amortization (d)			—				—				—				(218		)
		Adjusted Operating Income (a)			21,301				23,873				95,991				91,505
		Depreciation and Amortization			2,262				2,306				9,047				9,179
		Adjusted EBITDA (a)		$	23,563			$	26,179			$	105,038			$	100,684
		Adjusted EBITDA Margin (a,i)			27.0	%			28.7	%			28.9	%			28.8		%
Industrial Processing
		Operating Income		$	17,313			$	18,760			$	69,281			$	89,754
		Gain on Sale and Other Income (b)			(841	)			—				(841	)			(20,190		)
		Acquisition Costs			1,066				—				1,066				—
		Indemnification Asset Reversal (g)			—				—				—				575
		Relocation Costs			189				—				798				—
		Restructuring and Impairment Costs			—				584				—				766
		Adjusted Operating Income (a)			17,727				19,344				70,304				70,905
		Depreciation and Amortization			2,975				3,099				11,798				12,575
		Adjusted EBITDA (a)		$	20,702			$	22,443			$	82,102			$	83,480
		Adjusted EBITDA Margin (a,i)			23.8	%			24.9	%			23.1	%			23.6		%
Material Handling
		Operating Income		$	10,686			$	6,154			$	40,692			$	27,644
		Acquisition Costs			376				182				376				196
		Indemnification Asset (Provision) Reversal (g)			(1	)			—				126				—
		Acquired Backlog Amortization (c)			—				—				—				703
		Adjusted Operating Income (a)			11,061				6,336				41,194				28,543
		Depreciation and Amortization			3,125				3,120				12,379				12,382
		Adjusted EBITDA (a)		$	14,186			$	9,456			$	53,573			$	40,925
		Adjusted EBITDA Margin (a,i)			22.1	%			18.6	%			22.4	%			20.3		%
Corporate
		Operating Loss		$	(9,971	)		$	(8,595	)		$	(39,465	)		$	(36,058		)
		Depreciation and Amortization			18				24				73				97
		EBITDA (a)		$	(9,953	)		$	(8,571	)		$	(39,392	)		$	(35,961		)
(a)		Represents a non-GAAP financial measure.
(b)		Includes a $20.2 million pre-tax gain on the sale of a manufacturing facility in China in the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 in our Industrial Processing segment pursuant to a relocation plan.
(c)		Represents intangible amortization expense associated with acquired backlog.
(d)		Represents income within cost of revenue associated with amortization of acquired profit in inventory.
(e)		Represents the increase (decrease) excluding an acquisition and resulting from the conversion of current period amounts reported in local currencies into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of the prior period compared to the U.S. dollar amount reported in the prior period.
(f)		See reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure under "Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation."
(g)		Represents the provision for or reversal of indemnification assets related to tax reserves associated with uncertain tax positions.
(h)		Includes $1.6 million and $7.4 million in the three and twelve months ended December 30, 2023, respectively, and $5.0 million and $10.4 million in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2022, respectively, related to the construction of a new manufacturing facility in China.
(i)		Calculated as adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue in each period.

About Kadant
Kadant Inc. is a global supplier of technologies and engineered systems that drive Sustainable Industrial Processing. The Company’s products and services play an integral role in enhancing efficiency, optimizing energy utilization, and maximizing productivity in process industries. Kadant is based in Westford, Massachusetts, with approximately 3,400 employees in 20 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.kadant.com. 

Safe Harbor Statement
The following constitutes a “Safe Harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including forward-looking statements about our future financial and operating performance, demand for our products, and economic and industry outlook. These forward-looking statements represent our expectations as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in Kadant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These include risks and uncertainties relating to adverse changes in global and local economic conditions; the variability and difficulty in accurately predicting revenues from large capital equipment and systems projects; health epidemics and pandemics; our acquisition strategy; levels of residential construction activity; reductions by our wood processing customers of their capital spending or production of oriented strand board; changes to the global timber supply; development and use of digital media; cyclical economic conditions affecting the global mining industry; demand for coal, including economic and environmental risks associated with coal; failure of our information systems or breaches of data security and cybertheft; implementation of our internal growth strategy; supply chain constraints, inflationary pressure, price increases and shortages in raw materials; competition; changes in our tax provision or exposure to additional tax liabilities; our ability to successfully manage our manufacturing operations; disruption in production; future restructurings; loss of key personnel and effective succession planning; protection of intellectual property; climate change; adequacy of our insurance coverage; global operations; policies of the Chinese government; the variability and uncertainties in sales of capital equipment in China; currency fluctuations; changes to government regulations and policies around the world; compliance with government regulations and policies and compliance with laws; environmental laws and regulations; environmental, health and safety laws and regulations impacting the mining industry; our debt obligations; restrictions in our credit agreement and note purchase agreement; soundness of financial institutions; fluctuations in our share price; and anti-takeover provisions.

Contacts
Investor Contact Information:
Michael McKenney, 978-776-2000
IR@kadant.com 
or
Media Contact Information:
Wes Martz, 269-278-1715
media@kadant.com 

 

FAQ

What were the financial highlights for Kadant Inc. in the fourth quarter of FY 2023?

In the fourth quarter of FY 2023, Kadant Inc. reported a 3% increase in revenue to $239 million, a 68% increase in operating cash flow to $59 million, and a 114% increase in free cash flow to $49 million.

How did Kadant Inc.'s net income change in FY 2023 compared to FY 2022?

Kadant Inc.'s net income decreased by 4% to $116 million in FY 2023 compared to $120.9 million in FY 2022.

What is the adjusted EPS for Kadant Inc. in FY 2023?

The adjusted EPS for Kadant Inc. in FY 2023 reached a record $10.04.

What is the company's outlook for 2024?

Kadant Inc. expects to achieve record revenue, cash flow, and adjusted EBITDA in 2024, with revenue projected to be between $1.040 billion to $1.065 billion.

When will Kadant Inc. hold a webcast to discuss its financial performance?

Kadant Inc. will hold a webcast with a slide presentation for investors on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. eastern time.