MetaCap

Kadant (KAI) vs Standex International (SXI)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.

Summary

Standex International (SXI) has outperformed Kadant (KAI) over the past year, gaining 35.1% versus a loss of 12.8%. Over five years, SXI leads with a +172.9% price change compared with +25.1% for KAI. Standex International is the larger company by market cap ($3.45 billion vs $3.08 billion), about 1.1 times the size.

On valuation, Kadant trades at a lower forward P/E (19.3x vs 23.7x for Standex International). Kadant offers the higher dividend yield (0.54% vs 0.48%). Standex International converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 11.7% versus 9.7%.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

KAI-13.48%SXI+35.13%
+72%+25%-21%
Oct 7, 20251 yearOct 7, 2026
KAI+26.08%SXI+176.71%
+239%+102%-35%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

KAI versus SXI key metrics
MetricKAISXI
Share price$260.55$281.06
Market cap$3.08B$3.45B
1-day change+1.04%-2.49%
YTD return-8.59%+32.66%
1-year return-12.81%+35.13%
5-year return+25.13%+172.89%
P/E ratio (TTM)28.0232.38
Forward P/E19.2823.69
EPS (TTM)$9.30$8.68
Dividend yield0.54%0.48%
Annual dividend$1.40$1.34
Revenue (latest FY)$1.05B$891.60M
Revenue growth (YoY)-0.11%+12.85%
Net income (latest FY)$101.97M$104.63M
Gross margin45.21%41.73%
Operating margin14.95%21.71%
Net margin9.69%11.74%
52-week high$354.07$363.89
52-week low$244.87$215.14
Distance from 52-week high-26.41%-22.76%
Analyst consensusbuynone
Avg. price target upside+38.81%+20.40%
Average volume141.39K137.50K
Shares outstanding11.81M12.28M
Employees4,0004,100
SectorIndustrialsIndustrials
IndustryIndustrial Machinery/ComponentsIndustrial 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

  • SXI has outperformed KAI by 47.9 percentage points over the past year.
  • Standex International grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+12.85% vs -0.11%).

About Kadant

KAI stock →

Kadant Inc. supplies technologies and engineered systems worldwide.

Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 4,000 employees

About Standex International

SXI stock →

Standex International Corporation, through it subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of products and services for commercial and industrial markets in the United States and internationally. It operates through Electronics, Aerospace & Defense, Scientific, Engraving & Hydraulics segments.

Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 4,100 employees

KAI vs SXI FAQ

Which is bigger, Kadant or Standex International?

Standex International (SXI) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.45B compared with $3.08B for Kadant (KAI).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, KAI or SXI?

SXI returned +35.13% over the past 12 months, compared with -12.81% for KAI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, KAI or SXI?

KAI has the lower trailing P/E at 28.0, versus 32.4 for SXI. 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, Kadant or Standex International?

Kadant has the higher yield at 0.54%, compared with 0.48% for Standex International.

Are Kadant and Standex International in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.

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