Badger Meter (BMI) vs Kadant (KAI)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Kadant (KAI) has outperformed Badger Meter (BMI) over the past year, losing 13.5% versus a loss of 30.6%. Over five years, KAI leads with a +25.1% price change compared with +19.7% for BMI. Badger Meter is the larger company by market cap ($3.60 billion vs $3.05 billion), about 1.2 times the size.
On valuation, Kadant trades at a lower forward P/E (19.1x vs 25.0x for Badger Meter). Badger Meter offers the higher dividend yield (1.29% vs 0.54%). Badger Meter converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 15.5% versus 9.7%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | BMI | KAI |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $124.07 | $257.86 |
| Market cap | $3.60B | $3.05B |
| 1-day change | +0.27% | -2.20% |
| YTD return | -28.86% | -9.53% |
| 1-year return | -30.63% | -13.48% |
| 5-year return | +19.70% | +25.13% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 28.99 | 27.73 |
| Forward P/E | 24.97 | 19.08 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.28 | $9.30 |
| Dividend yield | 1.29% | 0.54% |
| Annual dividend | $1.60 | $1.40 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $916.66M | $1.05B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.90% | -0.11% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $141.63M | $101.97M |
| Gross margin | 41.68% | 45.21% |
| Operating margin | 20.01% | 14.95% |
| Net margin | 15.45% | 9.69% |
| 52-week high | $204.00 | $354.07 |
| 52-week low | $112.09 | $244.87 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -39.18% | -27.17% |
| Analyst consensus | none | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +26.28% | +40.26% |
| Average volume | 414.07K | 141.39K |
| Shares outstanding | 28.99M | 11.81M |
| Employees | 2,477 | 4,000 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Industrial Machinery/Components | Industrial Machinery/Components |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- KAI has outperformed BMI by 17.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Badger Meter is more profitable, keeping 15.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 9.7 cents for Kadant.
- Badger Meter grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+10.90% vs -0.11%).
About Badger Meter
BMI stock →Badger Meter, Inc. manufactures and markets flow measurement, quality, control, and communication solutions worldwide.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 2,477 employees
About Kadant
KAI stock →Kadant Inc. supplies technologies and engineered systems worldwide.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 4,000 employees
BMI vs KAI FAQ
Which is bigger, Badger Meter or Kadant?
Badger Meter (BMI) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.60B compared with $3.05B for Kadant (KAI).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, BMI or KAI?
KAI returned -13.48% over the past 12 months, compared with -30.63% for BMI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, BMI or KAI?
KAI has the lower trailing P/E at 27.7, versus 29.0 for BMI. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Badger Meter or Kadant?
Badger Meter has the higher yield at 1.29%, compared with 0.54% for Kadant.
Are Badger Meter and Kadant in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.