Kadant (KAI) 10-Q 6 Nov 24 2024 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover

Cover - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Oct. 25, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 28, 2024
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-11406
Entity Registrant Name	KADANT INC
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	52-1762325
Entity Address, Address Line One	One Technology Park Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Westford
Entity Address, State or Province	MA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	01886
City Area Code	978
Local Phone Number	776-2000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $.01 par value
Trading Symbol	KAI
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,745,324
Entity Central Index Key	0000886346
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-28
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2024
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 88,407	$ 103,832
Restricted cash	1,327	2,621
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $4,888 and $4,090	154,965	133,929
Inventories	169,252	152,677
Contract assets	14,534	8,366
Other current assets	41,065	38,757
Total Current Assets	469,550	440,182
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $145,901 and $132,846	174,559	140,504
Other Assets	59,915	43,609
Intangible Assets, Net (Notes 1 and 2)	292,211	159,286
Goodwill (Notes 1 and 2)	493,105	392,084
Total Assets	1,489,340	1,175,665
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term obligations (Note 6)	3,263	3,209
Accounts payable	50,536	42,104
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	43,250	41,855
Customer deposits	46,208	62,641
Advanced billings	9,548	12,194
Other current liabilities	52,422	52,406
Total Current Liabilities	205,227	214,409
Long-Term Obligations (Note 6)	323,169	107,666
Long-Term Deferred Income Taxes	41,397	36,398
Other Long-Term Liabilities	56,761	40,952
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 14,624,159 shares issued	146	146
Capital in excess of par value	127,486	124,940
Retained earnings	839,422	763,131
Treasury stock at cost, 2,878,835 and 2,915,978 shares	(70,543)	(71,453)
Accumulated other comprehensive items (Note 8)	(44,778)	(43,062)
Total Kadant Stockholders' Equity	851,733	773,702
Noncontrolling interests (Note 2)	11,053	2,538
Total Stockholders' Equity	862,786	776,240
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 1,489,340	$ 1,175,665

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Stockholders' Equity:
Allowance for credit losses	$ 4,888	$ 4,090
Accumulated depreciation	$ 145,901	$ 132,846
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	14,624,159	14,624,159
Treasury stock (in shares)	2,878,835	2,915,978

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue (Notes 1 and 11)	$ 271,614	$ 244,182	$ 795,354	$ 718,993
Costs and Operating Expenses:
Cost of revenue	150,175	138,456	441,066	404,671
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	69,043	57,889	209,352	176,441
Research and development expenses	3,409	3,324	10,621	10,102
Other costs (Note 3)	0	969	0	1,043
Total Costs and Operating Expenses	222,627	200,638	661,039	592,257
Operating Income	48,987	43,544	134,315	126,736
Interest Income	407	438	1,386	1,053
Interest Expense	(5,516)	(2,107)	(15,386)	(6,722)
Other Expense, Net	(16)	(20)	(48)	(62)
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes	43,862	41,855	120,267	121,005
Provision for Income Taxes (Note 5)	11,964	10,816	31,810	31,761
Net Income	31,898	31,039	88,457	89,244
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	(312)	(175)	(891)	(571)
Net Income Attributable to Kadant	$ 31,586	$ 30,864	$ 87,566	$ 88,673
Earnings per Share Attributable to Kadant (Note 4)
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.69	$ 2.64	$ 7.46	$ 7.58
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.68	$ 2.63	$ 7.44	$ 7.57
Weighted Average Shares (Note 4)
Basic (in shares)	11,745	11,706	11,737	11,697
Diluted (in shares)	11,780	11,740	11,763	11,719

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 31,898	$ 31,039	$ 88,457	$ 89,244
Other Comprehensive Items:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	13,643	(9,104)	(1,781)	(3,931)
Post-retirement liability adjustments, net (net of tax of $2, $1, $3 and $(2))	4	5	7	(3)
Deferred (loss) gain on cash flow hedges (net of tax of $—, $(3), $13 and $(35))	0	(9)	38	(107)
Other comprehensive items	13,647	(9,108)	(1,736)	(4,041)
Comprehensive Income	45,545	21,931	86,721	85,203
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	(378)	(111)	(871)	(543)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Kadant	$ 45,167	$ 21,820	$ 85,850	$ 84,660

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
Other Comprehensive Items:
Post-retirement liability adjustments, net, tax	$ 2	$ 1	$ 3	$ (2)
Deferred gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, tax	$ 0	$ (3)	$ 13	$ (35)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
Operating Activities
Net Income Attributable to Kadant	$ 87,566	$ 88,673
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	891	571
Net Income	88,457	89,244
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	36,505	24,917
Stock-based compensation expense	7,926	7,243
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	893	543
Other items, net	2,834	1,803
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(10,409)	(10,676)
Contract assets	(4,180)	2,465
Inventories	10,196	(1,461)
Other assets	(512)	667
Accounts payable	8,695	(12,913)
Customer deposits	(21,556)	(1,463)
Other liabilities	(15,474)	5,942
Net cash provided by operating activities	103,375	106,311
Investing Activities
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 2)	(302,024)	277
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(15,430)	(22,094)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	1,320	535
Other investing activities	263	1,222
Net cash used in investing activities	(315,871)	(20,060)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term obligations (Note 6)	305,211	0
Repayment of short- and long-term obligations	(91,378)	(71,868)
Tax withholding payments related to stock-based compensation	(5,881)	(3,915)
Dividends paid	(10,914)	(9,825)
Proceeds from issuance of Company common stock	1,605	0
Dividend paid to noncontrolling interest	(1,346)	0
Acquisition of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest (Note 2)	(523)	0
Other financing activities	0	(63)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	196,774	(85,671)
Exchange Rate Effect on Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	(997)	(1,252)
Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	(16,719)	(672)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period	106,453	79,725
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at End of Period	$ 89,734	$ 79,053

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items	Noncontrolling Interests
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Treasury stock (in shares)					2,949,997
Common stock, beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022		14,624,159
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2022	$ 655,571	$ 146	$ 119,924	$ 660,644	$ (72,287)	$ (54,578)	$ 1,722
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	89,244			88,673			571
Dividend declared – Common Stock	(10,184)			(10,184)
Activity under stock plans (in shares)					(32,934)
Activity under stock plans	3,327		2,520		$ 807
Other comprehensive items	(4,041)					(4,013)	(28)
Common stock, ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2023		14,624,159
Treasury stock, ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2023					2,917,063
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2023	733,917	$ 146	122,444	739,133	$ (71,480)	(58,591)	2,265
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Treasury stock (in shares)					2,918,261
Common stock, beginning balance (in shares) at Jul. 01, 2023		14,624,159
Beginning balance at Jul. 01, 2023	713,025	$ 146	120,117	711,664	$ (71,509)	(49,547)	2,154
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	31,039			30,864			175
Dividend declared – Common Stock	(3,395)			(3,395)
Activity under stock plans (in shares)					(1,198)
Activity under stock plans	2,356		2,327		$ 29
Other comprehensive items	(9,108)					(9,044)	(64)
Common stock, ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2023		14,624,159
Treasury stock, ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2023					2,917,063
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2023	$ 733,917	$ 146	122,444	739,133	$ (71,480)	(58,591)	2,265
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Treasury stock (in shares)					2,917,063
Treasury stock (in shares)	2,915,978				2,915,978
Common stock, beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2023		14,624,159
Beginning balance at Dec. 30, 2023	$ 776,240	$ 146	124,940	763,131	$ (71,453)	(43,062)	2,538
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	88,457			87,566			891
Dividend declared – Common Stock	(11,275)			(11,275)
Activity under stock plans (in shares)					(37,143)
Activity under stock plans	3,650		2,740		$ 910
Noncontrolling interests acquired (Note 2)	9,319						9,319
Acquisition of subsidiary shares (Note 2)	(523)		(194)				(329)
Dividend paid to noncontrolling interest	(1,346)						(1,346)
Other comprehensive items	$ (1,736)					(1,716)	(20)
Common stock, ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 28, 2024		14,624,159
Treasury stock, ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 28, 2024	2,878,835				2,878,835
Ending balance at Sep. 28, 2024	$ 862,786	$ 146	127,486	839,422	$ (70,543)	(44,778)	11,053
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Treasury stock (in shares)					2,879,638
Common stock, beginning balance (in shares) at Jun. 29, 2024		14,624,159
Beginning balance at Jun. 29, 2024	818,386	$ 146	124,892	811,595	$ (70,563)	(58,359)	10,675
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	31,898			31,586			312
Dividend declared – Common Stock	(3,759)			(3,759)
Activity under stock plans (in shares)					(803)
Activity under stock plans	2,614		2,594		$ 20
Other comprehensive items	$ 13,647					13,581	66
Common stock, ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 28, 2024		14,624,159
Treasury stock, ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 28, 2024	2,878,835				2,878,835
Ending balance at Sep. 28, 2024	$ 862,786	$ 146	$ 127,486	$ 839,422	$ (70,543)	$ (44,778)	$ 11,053
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Treasury stock (in shares)	2,878,835				2,878,835

Condensed Consolidated Statem_6

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividend declared – Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.29	$ 0.96	$ 0.87

Nature of Operations and Summar

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Operations Kadant Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in November 1991 and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "KAI." Kadant Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the Company) is a global supplier of technologies and engineered systems that drive Sustainable Industrial Processing ® . Its products and services play an integral role in enhancing efficiency, optimizing energy utilization, and maximizing productivity in process industries while helping customers advance their sustainability initiatives with products that reduce waste or generate more yield with fewer inputs, particularly fiber, energy, and water. Producing more while consuming less is a core aspect of Sustainable Industrial Processing and a major element of the strategic focus of the Company's three reportable operating segments: Flow Control, Industrial Processing, and Material Handling. Interim Financial Statements The interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes presented have been prepared by the Company, are unaudited, and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the Company's financial position at September 28, 2024, its results of operations, comprehensive income, and stockholders' equity for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, and its cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year or for any other interim period. The condensed consolidated balance sheet presented as of December 30, 2023 has been derived from the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 (Annual Report). The condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes are presented as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for Form 10-Q and do not contain certain information included in the annual consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company. The condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Annual Report. Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although the Company makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of its condensed consolidated financial statements or in the application of accounting policies, if business conditions were different, or if the Company were to use different estimates and assumptions, it is possible that materially different amounts could be reported in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the Annual Report describes the significant accounting estimates and policies used in preparation of the consolidated financial statements. There have been no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies during the nine months ended September 28, 2024. Supplemental Cash Flow Information Nine Months Ended (In thousands) September 28, September 30, Cash Paid for Interest $ 15,034 $ 6,341 Cash Paid for Income Taxes, Net of Refunds $ 33,288 $ 34,037 Non-Cash Investing Activities (Note 2) : Fair value of assets acquired (adjusted) $ 360,021 $ (270) Fair value of liabilities assumed $ 35,575 $ 7 Fair value of noncontrolling interest acquired $ 9,319 $ — Fair value of contingent consideration $ 1,785 $ — Purchases of property, plant, and equipment in accounts payable $ 590 $ 749 Nine Months Ended (In thousands) September 28, September 30, Non-Cash Financing Activities: Issuance of Company common stock upon vesting of restricted stock units $ 5,364 $ 4,951 Dividends declared but unpaid $ 3,759 $ 3,395 Restricted Cash The Company's restricted cash generally serves as collateral for bank guarantees associated with providing assurance to customers that the Company will fulfill certain customer obligations entered into in the normal course of business and for certain banker's acceptance drafts issued to vendors. The majority of these restrictions will expire over the next twelve months. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet that are shown in aggregate in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of cash flows: (In thousands) September 28, September 30, December 30, December 31, Cash and cash equivalents $ 88,407 $ 76,793 $ 103,832 $ 76,371 Restricted cash 1,327 2,260 2,621 3,354 Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash $ 89,734 $ 79,053 $ 106,453 $ 79,725 Inventories The components of inventories are as follows: September 28, December 30, (In thousands) Raw Materials $ 69,672 $ 66,738 Work in Process 37,767 32,147 Finished Goods (includes $804 and $5,182 at customer locations) 61,813 53,792 $ 169,252 $ 152,677 Intangible Assets, Net Acquired intangible assets by major asset class are as follows: (In thousands) Gross Accumulated Currency Net September 28, 2024 Definite-Lived Customer relationships $ 333,966 $ (122,730) $ (5,558) $ 205,678 Product technology 92,535 (47,816) (2,157) 42,562 Tradenames 16,579 (4,860) (380) 11,339 Other 24,721 (20,129) (571) 4,021 467,801 (195,535) (8,666) 263,600 Indefinite-Lived Tradenames 29,059 — (448) 28,611 Acquired Intangible Assets $ 496,860 $ (195,535) $ (9,114) $ 292,211 (In thousands) Gross Accumulated Currency Net December 30, 2023 Definite-Lived Customer relationships $ 218,959 $ (108,519) $ (5,562) $ 104,878 Product technology 67,576 (43,786) (2,367) 21,423 Tradenames 7,039 (4,262) (388) 2,389 Other 20,320 (17,715) (604) 2,001 313,894 (174,282) (8,921) 130,691 Indefinite-Lived Tradenames 29,059 — (464) 28,595 Acquired Intangible Assets $ 342,953 $ (174,282) $ (9,385) $ 159,286 Intangible assets are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Subsequent impairment charges are reflected as a reduction in the gross balance, as applicable. Definite-lived intangible assets are stated net of accumulated amortization and currency translation in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company amortizes definite-lived intangible assets over lives that have been determined based on the anticipated cash flow benefits of the intangible asset. Intangible assets recorded in connection with the Company's 2024 acquisitions totaled $153,895,000. See Note 2 , Acquisitions, for further details. Goodwill The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment are as follows: (In thousands) Flow Control Industrial Processing Material Handling Total Balance at December 30, 2023 Gross balance $ 120,782 $ 212,732 $ 144,108 $ 477,622 Accumulated impairment losses — (85,538) — (85,538) Net balance 120,782 127,194 144,108 392,084 2024 Activity Acquisitions (Note 2) 16,018 36,405 47,808 100,231 Measurement period adjustment for 2023 acquisition — (22) — (22) Currency translation 767 (680) 725 812 Total 2024 activity 16,785 35,703 48,533 101,021 Balance at September 28, 2024 Gross balance 137,567 248,435 192,641 578,643 Accumulated impairment losses — (85,538) — (85,538) Net balance $ 137,567 $ 162,897 $ 192,641 $ 493,105 Warranty Obligations The Company's contracts covering the sale of its products include warranty provisions that provide assurance to its customers that the products will comply with agreed-upon specifications during a defined period of time. The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time of sale based on historical occurrence rates and repair costs, as well as knowledge of any specific warranty problems that indicate projected warranty costs may vary from historical patterns. The Company negotiates the terms regarding warranty coverage and length of warranty depending on the products and applications. The Company's liability for warranties is included in other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The changes in the carrying amount of product warranty obligations are as follows: Nine Months Ended (In thousands) September 28, September 30, Balance at Beginning of Year $ 8,154 $ 7,283 Provision charged to expense 4,463 4,879 Usage (2,972) (3,391) Acquisitions 473 — Currency translation 37 (90) Balance at End of Period $ 10,155 $ 8,681 Revenue Recognition Most of the Company’s revenue relates to products and services that require minimal customization and is recognized at a point in time for each performance obligation under the contract when the customer obtains control of the goods or service. The remaining portion of the Company’s revenue is recognized over time based on an input method that compares the costs incurred to date to the total expected costs required to satisfy the performance obligation. Contracts are accounted for on an over time basis when they include products which have no alternative use and an enforceable right to payment over time. Most of the contracts recognized on an over time basis are for large capital equipment projects. These projects are highly customized for the customer and, as a result, would include a significant cost to rework in the event of cancellation. The following table presents revenue by revenue recognition method: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 28, September 30, September 28, September 30, (In thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Point in Time $ 238,971 $ 216,956 $ 701,199 $ 643,430 Over Time 32,643 27,226 94,155 75,563 $ 271,614 $ 244,182 $ 795,354 $ 718,993 The Company disaggregates its revenue from contracts with customers by reportable operating segment, product type and geography as this best depicts how its revenue is affected by economic factors. The following table presents the disaggregation of revenue by product type and geography: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 28, September 30, September 28, September 30, (In thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue by Product Type: Parts and consumables $ 176,961 $ 149,564 $ 520,836 $ 454,209 Capital 94,653 94,618 274,518 264,784 $ 271,614 $ 244,182 $ 795,354 $ 718,993 Revenue by Geography (based on customer location): North America $ 172,186 $ 133,780 501,220 401,618 Europe 57,309 66,491 176,289 181,273 Asia 26,724 27,393 74,248 88,030 Rest of world 15,395 16,518 43,597 48,072 $ 271,614 $ 244,182 $ 795,354 $ 718,993 See Note 11 , Business Segment Information, for information on the disaggregation of revenue by reportable operating segment. The following table presents contract balances from contracts with customers: September 28, December 30, (In thousands) Contract Assets $ 14,534 $ 8,366 Contract Liabilities $ 58,324 $ 79,397 Contract assets represent unbilled revenue associated with revenue recognized on contracts accounted for on an over time basis, which will be billed in future periods based on the contract terms. Contract liabilities consist of short- and long-term customer deposits, advanced billings, and deferred revenue. Deferred revenue is included in other current liabilities, and long-term customer deposits are included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. Contract liabilities will be recognized as revenue in future periods once the revenue recognition criteria are met. The majority of the contract liabilities relate to advance payments on contracts accounted for at a point in time. These advance payments will be recognized as revenue when the Company's performance obligations have been satisfied, which typically occurs when the product has shipped and control of the asset has transferred to the customer. The Company recognized revenue of $8,897,000 in the third quarter of 2024 and $9,613,000 in the third quarter of 2023, and $66,036,000 in the first nine months of 2024 and $56,841,000 in the first nine months of 2023 that was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of 2024 and 2023, respectively. The majority of the Company's contracts for capital equipment have an original expected duration of one year or less. Certain capital equipment contracts require longer lead times and could take up to 24 months to complete. For contracts with an original expected duration of over one year, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations was $25,268,000 as of September 28, 2024. The Company will recognize revenue for these performance obligations as they are satisfied, approximately 56% of which is expected to occur within the next twelve months and the remaining 44% thereafter. Banker's Acceptance Drafts Included in Accounts Receivable The Company's Chinese subsidiaries may receive banker's acceptance drafts from customers as payment for their trade accounts receivable. The drafts are non-interest bearing obligations of the issuing bank and generally mature within six months of the origination date. The Company's Chinese subsidiaries may sell the drafts at a discount to a third-party financial institution or transfer the drafts to vendors in settlement of current accounts payable prior to the scheduled maturity date. These drafts, which totaled $6,707,000 at September 28, 2024 and $10,826,000 at December 30, 2023, are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet until the subsidiary sells the drafts to a bank and receives a discounted amount, transfers the banker's acceptance drafts in settlement of current accounts payable prior to maturity, or obtains cash payment on the scheduled maturity date. Income Taxes In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740), the Company recognizes deferred income taxes based on the expected future tax consequences of differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, calculated using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which these differences are expected to reverse. A tax valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In the period in which it becomes more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized, the valuation allowance will be adjusted. It is the Company's policy to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management's assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. At September 28, 2024, the Company believes that it has appropriately accounted for any liability for unrecognized tax benefits. To the extent the Company prevails in matters for which a liability for an unrecognized tax benefit is established, the statute of limitations expires for a tax jurisdiction year, or the Company is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, its effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected. In December 2021, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released model rules introducing a new 15% global minimum tax for large multinational enterprises with an annual global revenue exceeding 750,000,000 euros (Pillar Two Rules). Since the release of the Pillar Two Rules, the OECD has issued four tranches of administrative guidance, as well as guidance on transitional safe harbor relief. Various countries, including the member states of the European Union, have adopted the Pillar Two Rules into their domestic laws, with certain rules coming into effect for fiscal years beginning in 2024. Some countries are in the process of drafting legislation for adoption in future years. While the Pillar Two Rules serve as a framework for implementing the minimum tax, countries may enact domestic laws that vary slightly from the Pillar Two Rules and may also adjust domestic tax incentives to align with the Pillar Two Rules on different timelines. The Company continues to monitor developments of the Pillar Two Rules and evaluate the potential impact they may have on the jurisdictions in which it operates, including eligibility to qualify for transitional safe harbor relief. The Company does not expect the Pillar Two Rules to have a material impact on its effective tax rate or consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 28, 2024. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted Segment Reporting - Improving Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic 280). In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant expenses. Under this ASU, a company is required to enhance its segment disclosures to include significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and any additional measures of a segment's profit or loss used by the CODM when deciding how to allocate resources. This ASU also requires all annual disclosures currently required by Topic 280 to be included in interim periods. This ASU is effective for the Company's fiscal year ending December 28, 2024, and interim periods beginning in fiscal 2025, with early adoption permitted, and requires retrospective application to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. This ASU will result in the Company including the additional disclosures in its consolidated financial statements when adopted. Income Taxes - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740) . In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, to improve income tax disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures related to the income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. This ASU is effective for fiscal 2025, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions The Company’s acquisitions have been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and the results of the acquired businesses are included in its condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Historically, acquisitions have been made at prices above the fair value of identifiable net assets, resulting in goodwill. Acquisition costs were $469,000 in the third quarter of 2024 and $2,533,000 in the nine months ended September 28, 2024 and are included in selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of income. The Company expects several synergies in connection with the acquisitions described below, including expansion of product sales into new markets by leveraging its global sales network and relationships, broadening its product portfolio, and strengthening its position in each segment's markets. The Company funded the acquisitions primarily through borrowings under its revolving credit facility. Key Knife, Inc. On January 1, 2024, the Company acquired Key Knife Inc. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, Key Knife) pursuant to a securities purchase agreement dated December 22, 2023, for $153,386,000, net of cash acquired. Key Knife is a global supplier of engineered knife systems for custom chipping, planing, and flaking solutions for wood products industries, with revenue of approximately $65,000,000 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2023, and is part of the Company's Industrial Processing segment. Goodwill from the Key Knife acquisition was $36,203,000, of which $29,479,000 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes over 15 years. In addition, separately identifiable intangible assets acquired were $91,620,000, of which $77,400,000 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes over 15 years. As part of the acquisition, the Company acquired a 45% interest in two of Key Knife's subsidiaries, increasing its noncontrolling interest liability by $9,319,000 based on the income valuation approach. Under a put and purchase option as outlined in the securities purchase agreement, the seller can demand the Company purchase, or the Company can demand that the seller sell to the Company, the remaining interest in these subsidiaries at any time after December 31, 2027. The purchase price would be based on a total enterprise value as defined in the original purchase agreement. See Other Acquisitions below for additional information. KWS Manufacturing Company, Ltd. On January 24, 2024, the Company acquired all of the outstanding equity securities of KWS Manufacturing Company, Ltd. (KWS) for $81,247,000, subject to a post-closing adjustment. The Company paid $81,009,000 at closing and assumed a $238,000 bank overdraft. KWS is a leading manufacturer of conveying equipment for the bulk material handling industry, with revenue of approximately $45,000,000 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2023, and is part of the Company's Material Handling segment. Goodwill from the KWS acquisition was $38,207,000 and separately identifiable intangibles assets were $28,500,000, both of which are expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes over 15 years. Dynamic Sealing Technologies LLC On May 31, 2024, the Company acquired all of the outstanding equity securities of Dynamic Sealing Technologies LLC and affiliates (collectively, DSTI) for $53,661,000, net of cash acquired and subject to a post-closing adjustment. DSTI is a leading manufacturer of engineered fluid sealing and transfer solutions for rotating applications, with revenue of approximately $25,000,000 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2024, and is part of the Company's Flow Control segment. Goodwill from the DSTI acquisition was $15,580,000, of which $15,251,000 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes over 15 years. In addition, separately identifiable intangible assets acquired were $24,290,000, all of which are expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes over 15 years. Other Acquisitions On May 2, 2024, the Company acquired a service business in Germany, which is included in the Company's Material Handling segment, for $3,352,000, net of cash acquired and subject to a post-closing adjustment. On May 6, 2024, the Company acquired the remaining outstanding shares of a Key Knife subsidiary in which the Company previously held a noncontrolling interest for $523,000 in cash. On August 21, 2024, the Company acquired a technology company as part of its Material Handling segment. The total purchase price was approximately $11,829,000, which included cash paid at closing of $8,623,000 net of cash acquired, an estimated post-closing adjustment of $1,421,000 to be paid within 18 months of closing, and contingent consideration with a fair value of $1,785,000. The contingent consideration is payable upon the achievement of certain revenue performance targets earned between June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2027. The maximum future value of the contingent consideration subject to payment is approximately $12,068,000, calculated using the foreign currency spot rate at September 28, 2024. The valuation of the contingent consideration is dependent on the following assumptions: the probability of successful achievement of certain revenue targets, forecasted revenue, revenue volatility, and discount rate. These assumptions were estimated based on a review of historical and projected results. See Note 10 , Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for additional information related to the fair value of the contingent consideration assumed in the acquisition. In August 2024, the Company acquired certain other assets for a total of $1,755,000 in cash. Purchase Price Allocation The following table summarizes the aggregate purchase price and estimated fair values of the net assets and noncontrolling interests acquired related to the 2024 acquisitions: (In thousands) Total Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 11,509 Accounts Receivable 12,143 Inventories 27,461 Other Current Assets 3,472 Property, Plant, and Equipment 37,061 Other Assets 14,249 Definite-Lived Intangible Assets Customer relationships 114,995 Product technology 24,959 Tradenames 9,540 Other 4,401 Goodwill 100,231 Total assets acquired 360,021 Accounts Payable 3,316 Customer Deposits 3,275 Other Current Liabilities 9,895 Long-Term Deferred Income Taxes 5,455 Other Long-Term Liabilities 13,634 Total liabilities assumed 35,575 Noncontrolling interests acquired 9,319 Net assets and noncontrolling interests acquired $ 315,127 Purchase Price: Cash Paid $ 313,533 Fair Value of Contingent Consideration ( Note 10) 1,785 Estimated Remaining Post-closing Adjustments, Net (191) $ 315,127 The final purchase accounting and purchase price allocations remain subject to change as the Company continues to refine its preliminary valuation of certain acquired assets and liabilities assumed, which may result in adjustments to the assets and liabilities, including goodwill. The Company expects purchase price allocation adjustments will relate to the valuation of acquired intangibles, inventory, and deferred income taxes primarily associated with its acquisitions made in the second and third quarters of 2024. Measurement period adjustments were not material to the Company's financial position or results of operations in the third quarter and first nine months of 2024. The weighted-average amortization period for the definite-lived intangible assets related to the 2024 acquisitions is 17 years, including weighted-average amortization periods of 18 years for customer relationships, 12 years for product technology, and 20 years for tradenames. Revenue and operating income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2024 associated with the 2024 acquisitions from their respective acquisition dates, are as follows: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 28, 2024 Nine Months Ended September 28, 2024 Revenue $ 30,477 $ 82,075 Operating Income (a) $ 1,651 $ 4,258 (a) Includes amortization expense associated with acquired profit in inventory and backlog of $1,892,000 in the three months ended September 28, 2024 and $6,246,000 in the nine months ended September 28, 2024. Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Information Had the Key Knife, KWS, and DSTI acquisitions been completed as of the beginning of 2023, the Company’s pro forma results of operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023 would have been as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands, except per share amounts) September 28, September 30, September 28, September 30, Revenue $ 271,614 $ 278,202 $ 806,946 $ 821,052 Net Income Attributable to Kadant $ 33,497 $ 28,973 $ 92,264 $ 80,131 Earnings per Share Attributable to Kadant Basic $ 2.85 $ 2.48 $ 7.86 $ 6.85 Diluted $ 2.84 $ 2.47 $ 7.84 $ 6.84 The historical consolidated pro forma financial information of the Company, Key Knife, KWS, and DSTI above has been adjusted to give effect to pro forma events that are (i) directly attributable to the acquisitions and related financing arrangements, (ii) expected to have a continuing impact on the Company, and (iii) factually supportable. Pro forma results include the following non-recurring pro forma adjustments: • Pre-tax charge to cost of revenue of $1,181,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2023 and $4,745,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and reversal of $1,181,000 in the three months ended September 28, 2024 and $4,041,000 in the nine months ended September 28, 2024 for the sale of inventory revalued at the date of acquisition. • Pre-tax charge to SG&A expenses of $412,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2023 and $2,535,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and reversal of $680,000 in the three months ended September 28, 2024 and $1,855,000 in the nine months ended September 28, 2024 for intangible asset amortization related to acquired backlog. • Pre-tax charge to SG&A expenses of $2,533,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and reversal of $469,000 in the three months ended September 28, 2024 and $2,533,000 in the nine months ended September 28, 2024 for acquisition costs. • Estimated tax effects related to the pro forma adjustments. These pro forma results of operations have been prepared for comparative purposes only, and they do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations that would have resulted had the acquisitions occurred as of the beginning of 2023, or that may result in the future.

Other Costs

Other Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Other Costs	Other Costs Relocation Costs The Company incurred costs of $535,000 in the third quarter of 2023 and $609,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 within its Industrial Processing segment related to the write-down of certain fixed assets that were not moved to a new manufacturing facility in China and facility moving costs. Restructuring and Impairment Costs The Company initiated a restructuring plan within its Flow Control segment in the third quarter of 2023 to consolidate a small manufacturing operation into a larger facility in Germany. As part of this restructuring plan, the Company incurred restructuring and impairment costs totaling $434,000 in the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023, including severance costs of $369,000 for the termination of 10 employees, asset write-downs of $36,000, and facility and other closure costs of $29,000. The Company also incurred restructuring costs within its Flow Control segment of $366,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023 related to the termination of a contract at one of its operations in Germany. A summary of the changes in accrued restructuring costs included in other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet is as follows: (In thousands) Severance Costs Contract Termination Costs Total 2023 Restructuring Plan Balance at December 30, 2023 $ 201 $ 313 $ 514 Usage (195) (303) (498) Currency translation (6) (10) (16) Balance at September 28, 2024 $ — $ — $ —

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share Basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) were calculated as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands, except per share amounts) September 28, September 30, September 28, September 30, Net Income Attributable to Kadant $ 31,586 $ 30,864 $ 87,566 $ 88,673 Basic Weighted Average Shares 11,745 11,706 11,737 11,697 Effect of Restricted Stock Units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares 35 34 26 22 Diluted Weighted Average Shares 11,780 11,740 11,763 11,719 Basic Earnings per Share $ 2.69 $ 2.64 $ 7.46 $ 7.58 Diluted Earnings per Share $ 2.68 $ 2.63 $ 7.44 $ 7.57 The effect of outstanding and unvested restricted stock units (RSUs) of the Company’s common stock totaling 5,000 shares in the third quarter of 2024, 5,000 shares in the third quarter of 2023, 21,000 in the first nine months of 2024 and 23,000 in the first nine months of 2023 were not included in the computation of diluted EPS for the respective periods as the effect would have been antidilutive or, for unvested performance-based RSUs, the performance conditions had not been met as of the end of the respective reporting periods.

Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for Income Taxes	Provision for Income Taxes The provision for income taxes was $31,810,000 in the first nine months of 2024 and $31,761,000 in the first nine months of 2023. The effective tax rate of 26% in the first nine months of 2024 was higher than the Company’s statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the distribution of the Company’s worldwide earnings, nondeductible expenses, state taxes, and the cost of repatriating the earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries. These items were offset in part by foreign tax credits.

Long-Term Obligations

Long-Term Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Obligations	Long-Term Obligations Long-term obligations are as follows: September 28, December 30, (In thousands) Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027 $ 314,467 $ 98,761 Senior Promissory Notes, due 2024 to 2028 8,330 8,330 Finance Leases, due 2024 to 2029 1,931 1,789 Other Borrowings, due 2024 to 2028 1,704 1,995 Total 326,432 110,875 Less: Current Maturities of Long-Term Obligations (3,263) (3,209) Long-Term Obligations $ 323,169 $ 107,666 See Note 10 , Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for the fair value information related to the Company's long-term obligations. Revolving Credit Facility The Company's unsecured multi-currency revolving credit facility, originally entered into on March 1, 2017 (as amended and restated to date, the Credit Agreement) matures on November 30, 2027 and has a borrowing capacity of $400,000,000, in addition to an uncommitted, unsecured incremental borrowing facility of $200,000,000. Interest on borrowings outstanding accrues and is payable in arrears calculated at one of the following rates selected by the Company: (i) the Base Rate, as defined, plus an applicable margin of 0% to 1.25%, or (ii) Eurocurrency Rate, Term SOFR (plus a 10 basis point credit spread adjustment), Term CORRA, and RFR, as applicable and defined, plus an applicable margin of 1.0% to 2.25%. The margin is determined based upon the ratio of the Company's total debt, net of unrestricted cash up to $50,000,000, to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization as defined in the Credit Agreement. Additionally, the Credit Agreement requires the payment of a commitment fee payable in arrears on the available borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement, which ranges from 0.125% to 0.350%. Obligations under the Credit Agreement, which includes customary events of default under such financing arrangements, may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains negative covenants applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries, including financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 3.75 to 1.00, or, if the Company elects, for the quarter during which a material acquisition occurs and for the three fiscal quarters thereafter, 4.25 to 1.00, and limitations on making certain restricted payments (including dividends and stock repurchases). Loans under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company. During the first nine months of 2024, the Company borrowed an aggregate of $305,211,000 under the Credit Agreement, which was primarily used to fund the Company's 2024 acquisitions. See Note 2 , Acquisitions, for further details. As of September 28, 2024, the outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement was $314,467,000, which included $76,467,000 of euro-denominated borrowings. The Company had $85,321,000 of borrowing capacity available as of September 28, 2024, which was calculated by translating its foreign-denominated borrowings using the administrative agent's borrowing date foreign exchange rates, in addition to the $200,000,000 uncommitted, unsecured incremental borrowing facility. The weighted average interest rate for the outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement was 5.82% as of September 28, 2024 and 5.24% as of year-end 2023. Senior Promissory Notes In 2018, the Company entered into an uncommitted, unsecured Multi-Currency Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement (Note Purchase Agreement). Simultaneous with the execution of the Note Purchase Agreement, the Company issued senior promissory notes (Initial Notes) in an aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000, with a per annum interest rate of 4.90% payable semiannually, and a maturity date of December 14, 2028. The Company is required to prepay a portion of the principal of the Initial Notes beginning on December 14, 2023 and each year thereafter, and may optionally prepay the principal on the Initial Notes, together with any prepayment premium, at any time in accordance with the Note Purchase Agreement. The obligations of the Initial Notes may be accelerated upon an event of default as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement, which includes customary events of default under such financing arrangements. The Initial Notes are pari passu with the Company’s indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, and any other senior debt of the Company, subject to certain specified exceptions, and participate in a sharing agreement with respect to the obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement. The Initial Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries. Debt Compliance As of September 28, 2024, the Company was in compliance with the covenants related to its debt obligations.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $2,627,000 in the third quarter of 2024, $2,357,000 in the third quarter of 2023, $7,926,000 in the first nine months of 2024 and $7,243,000 in the first nine months of 2023 within SG&A expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of income. The Company recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based awards granted to employees and directors based on the grant date estimate of fair value for those awards. The fair value of RSUs is based on the grant date price of the Company's common stock, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the requisite service period. For time-based RSUs, compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for the entire award based on the grant date fair value, and net of actual forfeitures recorded when they occur. For performance-based RSUs, compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award based on the grant date fair value, net of actual forfeitures recorded when they occur, and remeasured each reporting period until the total number of RSUs to be issued is known. Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock-based compensation totaled approximately $11,319,000 at September 28, 2024, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. Non-Employee Director RSUs On May 15, 2024, the Company granted an aggregate of 3,030 RSUs to its non-employee directors with an aggregate grant date fair value of $849,000, of which 50% vested on June 1, 2024, 25% vested on September 28, 2024 and the remaining 25% will vest on the last day of the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024 subject to continued service as a director on the vesting date. Performance-based RSUs On March 6, 2024, the Company granted performance-based RSUs to certain of its officers, which represented, in aggregate, the right to receive 18,643 shares (target RSU amount), with an aggregate grant date fair value of $5,917,000. The RSUs are subject to adjustment based on the achievement of the performance measure selected for the fiscal year, which is a specified target for adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (target adjusted EBITDA) generated from operations for the fiscal year. The RSUs are adjusted by comparing the actual adjusted EBITDA for the performance period to the target adjusted EBITDA. Actual adjusted EBITDA between 50% and 100% of the target adjusted EBITDA results in an adjustment of 50% to 100% of the target RSU amount. Actual adjusted EBITDA between 100% and 115% of the target adjusted EBITDA results in an adjustment using a straight-line linear scale between 100% and 150% of the target RSU amount. Actual adjusted EBITDA in excess of 115% results in an adjustment capped at 150% of the target RSU amount. If actual adjusted EBITDA is below 50% of the target adjusted EBITDA for the 2024 fiscal year, these performance-based RSUs will be forfeited. The Company recognizes compensation expense based on the probable number of performance-based RSUs expected to vest. Following the adjustment, the performance-based RSUs will be subject to additional time-based vesting, and will vest in three Time-based RSUs On March 6, 2024, the Company granted time-based RSUs representing 14,109 shares to certain of its officers and employees with an aggregate grant date fair value of $4,461,000. These time-based RSUs vest in three

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items Comprehensive income combines net income and other comprehensive items, which represent certain amounts that are reported as components of stockholders' equity in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. Changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive items (AOCI), net of tax, are as follows: (In thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Liability Adjustments Deferred Loss on Cash Flow Hedges Total Balance at December 30, 2023 $ (43,013) $ (11) $ (38) $ (43,062) Other comprehensive items before reclassifications (1,761) 1 — (1,760) Reclassifications from AOCI — 6 38 44 Net current period other comprehensive items (1,761) 7 38 (1,716) Balance at September 28, 2024 $ (44,774) $ (4) $ — $ (44,778)

Derivatives

Derivatives	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	Derivatives The Company uses forward currency-exchange contracts that generally have maturities of twelve months or less to hedge exposures resulting from fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Such exposures result from assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of the Company's subsidiaries. Forward currency-exchange contracts that hedge forecasted accounts receivable or accounts payable are designated as cash flow hedges and unrecognized gains and losses are recorded to AOCI, net of tax. Deferred gains and losses are recognized in the statement of income in the period in which the underlying transaction occurs. The fair values of forward currency-exchange contracts that are designated as fair value hedges and forward currency-exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges are recognized currently in earnings. Gains and losses reported within SG&A expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of income associated with the Company's forward currency-exchange contracts that were not designated as hedges were not material for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023. The following table summarizes the fair value of derivative instruments in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet: September 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 (In thousands) Balance Sheet Location Asset (Liability) (a) Notional Amount (b) Asset (Liability) (a) Notional Amount Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Derivatives in a Liability Position: Forward currency-exchange contract Other Current Liabilities $ — $ — $ (51) $ 430 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments: Derivatives in an Asset Position: Forward currency-exchange contracts Other Current Assets $ 28 $ 839 $ 8 $ 701 (a) See Note 10 , Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for the fair value measurements relating to these financial instruments. (b) The 2024 notional amounts are indicative of the level of the Company's recurring derivative activity. The following table summarizes the activity in AOCI associated with the Company's foreign currency exchange contract designated as a cash flow hedge as of and for the nine months ended September 28, 2024: (In thousands) Total Unrealized Loss, Net of Tax, at December 30, 2023 $ (38) Loss recognized in AOCI 38 Unrealized Loss, Net of Tax, at September 28, 2024 $ —

Fair Value Measurements and Fai

Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value measurement is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy is established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels as follows: • Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2—Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly. • Level 3—Unobservable inputs based on the Company's own assumptions. The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value as of September 28, 2024 (In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Money market funds and time deposits $ 15,071 $ — $ — $ 15,071 Banker's acceptance drafts (a) $ — $ 6,707 $ — $ 6,707 Forward currency-exchange contracts $ — $ 28 $ — $ 28 Liabilities: Contingent consideration ( Note 2 ) (b) $ — $ — $ 1,862 $ 1,862 Fair Value as of December 30, 2023 (In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Money market funds and time deposits $ 14,795 $ — $ — $ 14,795 Banker's acceptance drafts (a) $ — $ 10,826 $ — $ 10,826 Forward currency-exchange contracts $ — $ 8 $ — $ 8 Liabilities: Forward currency-exchange contract $ — $ 51 $ — $ 51 (a) Included in accounts receivable in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. (b) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company uses the market approach technique to value its financial assets and liabilities, and there were no changes in valuation techniques during the first nine months of 2024. Banker's acceptance drafts are carried at face value, which approximates their fair value due to the short-term nature of the negotiable instrument. The fair values of the forward currency-exchange contracts are based on quoted forward foreign exchange rates at the reporting date. The forward currency-exchange contracts are hedges of either recorded assets or liabilities or anticipated transactions and represent the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay upon liquidation of the contracts. Changes in values of the underlying hedged assets and liabilities or anticipated transactions are not reflected in the table above. The Company estimates the fair value of contingent consideration through valuation models that incorporate probability adjusted assumptions and simulations related to the achievement of milestones and the likelihood of making the related payment. The unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements include the probability of successful achievement of certain revenue targets, forecasted revenue, revenue volatility, and discount rates. Projected contingent consideration related to revenue-based payments are discounted back to the current period using a discounted cash flow model. Changes to the fair value of contingent consideration can result from changes to one or multiple inputs, including the discount rate, projected revenue, revenue volatility, and the assumed probabilities of successful achievement of certain revenue targets. The following table provides a rollforward of the change in the fair value of the contingent consideration as determined by level 3 inputs: (In thousands) Total Balance Measured at Inception ( Note 2 ) $ 1,785 Currency translation 77 Balance at September 28, 2024 $ 1,862 The carrying value and fair value of debt obligations, excluding lease obligations, are as follows: September 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 (In thousands) Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Debt Obligations: Revolving credit facility $ 314,467 $ 314,467 $ 98,761 $ 98,761 Senior promissory notes 8,330 8,370 8,330 8,182 Other 1,704 1,704 1,995 1,995 $ 324,501 $ 324,541 $ 109,086 $ 108,938 The carrying value of the Company's revolving credit facility approximates the fair value as the obligation bears variable rates of interest, which adjust frequently, based on prevailing market rates. The fair value of the senior promissory notes is primarily calculated based on quoted market rates plus an applicable margin available to the Company at the respective period end, which represent Level 2 measurements.

Business Segment Information

Business Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Business Segment Information The Company has three reportable operating segments: Flow Control, Industrial Processing, and Material Handling. The Flow Control segment consists of the fluid-handling and doctoring, cleaning, & filtration product lines; the Industrial Processing segment consists of the wood processing and stock-preparation product lines; and the Material Handling segment consists of the conveying and vibratory, baling, and fiber-based product lines. A description of each segment follows: • Flow Control – Custom-engineered products, systems, and technologies that control the flow of fluids used in industrial and commercial applications to keep critical processes running efficiently in the packaging, tissue, food, metals, energy, and other industrial sectors. The Company's primary products include rotary sealing devices, steam systems, expansion joints, doctor systems, roll and fabric cleaning devices, and filtration and fiber recovery systems. • Industrial Processing – Equipment, machinery, and technologies used to process recycled paper and timber for the packaging, tissue, wood products and alternative fuel industries, among others. The Company's primary products include stock-preparation systems and recycling equipment, chemical pulping equipment, debarkers, stranders, chippers and custom engineered knife systems. In addition, the Company provides industrial automation and digitization solutions to process industries. • Material Handling – Products and engineered systems used to handle bulk and discrete materials for secondary processing or transport in the aggregates, mining, food, and waste management industries, among others. The Company's primary products include conveying and vibratory equipment and balers. In addition, the Company manufactures and sells biodegradable, absorbent granules used as carriers in agricultural applications and for oil and grease absorption. The following tables present financial information for the Company's reportable operating segments and include the results from the 2024 acquisitions from the date of acquisition. See Note 2 , Acquisitions, for further details. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 28, September 30, September 28, September 30, (In thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue Flow Control $ 97,521 $ 90,798 $ 276,493 $ 276,048 Industrial Processing 110,696 94,220 331,310 267,729 Material Handling 63,397 59,164 187,551 175,216 $ 271,614 $ 244,182 $ 795,354 $ 718,993 Income Before Provision for Income Taxes Flow Control (a) $ 24,281 $ 24,246 $ 69,521 $ 74,256 Industrial Processing (b) 25,969 19,023 70,060 51,968 Material Handling (c) 8,793 10,345 25,522 30,006 Corporate (d) (10,056) (10,070) (30,788) (29,494) Total operating income 48,987 43,544 134,315 126,736 Interest expense, net (e) (5,109) (1,669) (14,000) (5,669) Other expense, net (16) (20) (48) (62) $ 43,862 $ 41,855 $ 120,267 $ 121,005 Capital Expenditures Flow Control $ 1,894 $ 1,195 $ 5,729 $ 3,889 Industrial Processing 1,209 7,299 5,943 16,007 Material Handling 1,074 350 3,737 2,170 Corporate 8 4 21 28 $ 4,185 $ 8,848 $ 15,430 $ 22,094 September 28, December 30, (In thousands) 2024 2023 Total Assets Flow Control $ 456,173 $ 391,719 Industrial Processing 591,740 443,189 Material Handling 429,204 326,226 Corporate 12,223 14,531 $ 1,489,340 $ 1,175,665 (a) Includes acquisition-related costs of $1,428,000 in the third quarter of 2024 and $2,482,000 in the nine months ended September 28, 2024. Acquisition-related expenses include acquisition costs and amortization expense associated with acquired profit in inventory and backlog. Includes restructuring and impairment costs of $434,000 in both the third quarter and the nine months ended September 30, 2023. (b) Includes acquisition-related costs of $631,000 in the third quarter of 2024 and $2,904,000 in the nine months ended September 28, 2024. Includes relocation costs of $535,000 in the third quarter of 2023 and $609,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2023. (c) Includes acquisition-related costs of $302,000 in the third quarter of 2024 and $3,393,000 in the nine months ended September 28, 2024. (d) Represents general and administrative expenses. (e) The Company does not allocate interest expense, net to its segments.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Right of Recourse In the ordinary course of business, the Company's Chinese subsidiaries may receive banker's acceptance drafts from customers as payment for their trade accounts receivable. The drafts are non-interest bearing obligations of the issuing bank and generally mature within six months of the origination date. The Company's Chinese subsidiaries may use these banker's acceptance drafts prior to the scheduled maturity date to settle outstanding accounts payable with vendors. Banker's acceptance drafts transferred to vendors are subject to customary right of recourse provisions prior to their scheduled maturity dates. The Company had $10,476,000 at September 28, 2024 and $9,090,000 at December 30, 2023 of banker's acceptance drafts subject to recourse, which were transferred to vendors and had not reached their scheduled maturity dates. Historically, the banker's acceptance drafts have settled upon maturity without any claim of recourse against the Company. Litigation From time to time, the Company is subject to various claims and legal proceedings covering a range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. Such litigation may include, but is not limited to, claims and counterclaims by and against the Company for breach of contract or warranty, canceled contracts, product liability, or bankruptcy-related claims. For legal proceedings in which a loss is probable and estimable, the Company accrues a loss based on the low end of the range of estimated loss when there is no better estimate within the range. If the Company were found to be liable for any of the claims or counterclaims against it, the Company would incur a charge against earnings for amounts in excess of legal accruals.

Pay vs Performance Disclosure

Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
Pay vs Performance Disclosure
Net Income Attributable to Kadant	$ 31,586	$ 30,864	$ 87,566	$ 88,673

Insider Trading Arrangements

Insider Trading Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Trading Arrangements, by Individual
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false

Nature of Operations and Summ_2

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies	Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash The Company's restricted cash generally serves as collateral for bank guarantees associated with providing assurance to customers that the Company will fulfill certain customer obligations entered into in the normal course of business and for certain banker's acceptance drafts issued to vendors. The majority of these restrictions will expire over the next twelve months.
Intangible Assets, Net	Intangible assets are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Subsequent impairment charges are reflected as a reduction in the gross balance, as applicable. Definite-lived intangible assets are stated net of accumulated amortization and currency translation in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company amortizes definite-lived intangible assets over lives that have been determined based on the anticipated cash flow benefits of the intangible asset.
Warranty Obligations	Warranty Obligations The Company's contracts covering the sale of its products include warranty provisions that provide assurance to its customers that the products will comply with agreed-upon specifications during a defined period of time. The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time of sale based on historical occurrence rates and repair costs, as well as knowledge of any specific warranty problems that indicate projected warranty costs may vary from historical patterns. The Company negotiates the terms regarding warranty coverage and length of warranty depending on the products and applications.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Most of the Company’s revenue relates to products and services that require minimal customization and is recognized at a point in time for each performance obligation under the contract when the customer obtains control of the goods or service. The remaining portion of the Company’s revenue is recognized over time based on an input method that compares the costs incurred to date to the total expected costs required to satisfy the performance obligation. Contracts are accounted for on an over time basis when they include products which have no alternative use and an enforceable right to payment over time. Most of the contracts recognized on an over time basis are for large capital equipment projects. These projects are highly customized for the customer and, as a result, would include a significant cost to rework in the event of cancellation. The Company disaggregates its revenue from contracts with customers by reportable operating segment, product type and geography as this best depicts how its revenue is affected by economic factors.
Banker's Acceptance Drafts Included in Accounts Receivable	Banker's Acceptance Drafts Included in Accounts Receivable
Income Taxes	Income Taxes In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740), the Company recognizes deferred income taxes based on the expected future tax consequences of differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, calculated using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which these differences are expected to reverse. A tax valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In the period in which it becomes more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized, the valuation allowance will be adjusted. It is the Company's policy to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management's assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. At September 28, 2024, the Company believes that it has appropriately accounted for any liability for unrecognized tax benefits. To the extent the Company prevails in matters for which a liability for an unrecognized tax benefit is established, the statute of limitations expires for a tax jurisdiction year, or the Company is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, its effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted Segment Reporting - Improving Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic 280). In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant expenses. Under this ASU, a company is required to enhance its segment disclosures to include significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and any additional measures of a segment's profit or loss used by the CODM when deciding how to allocate resources. This ASU also requires all annual disclosures currently required by Topic 280 to be included in interim periods. This ASU is effective for the Company's fiscal year ending December 28, 2024, and interim periods beginning in fiscal 2025, with early adoption permitted, and requires retrospective application to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. This ASU will result in the Company including the additional disclosures in its consolidated financial statements when adopted. Income Taxes - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740) . In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, to improve income tax disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures related to the income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. This ASU is effective for fiscal 2025, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Acquisitions	AcquisitionsThe Company’s acquisitions have been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and the results of the acquired businesses are included in its condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Historically, acquisitions have been made at prices above the fair value of identifiable net assets, resulting in goodwill.
Stock-Based Compensation	The Company recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based awards granted to employees and directors based on the grant date estimate of fair value for those awards. The fair value of RSUs is based on the grant date price of the Company's common stock, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the requisite service period. For time-based RSUs, compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for the entire award based on the grant date fair value, and net of actual forfeitures recorded when they occur. For performance-based RSUs, compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award based on the grant date fair value, net of actual forfeitures recorded when they occur, and remeasured each reporting period until the total number of RSUs to be issued is known.The RSUs are subject to adjustment based on the achievement of the performance measure selected for the fiscal year, which is a specified target for adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (target adjusted EBITDA) generated from operations for the fiscal year. The RSUs are adjusted by comparing the actual adjusted EBITDA for the performance period to the target adjusted EBITDA. Actual adjusted EBITDA between 50% and 100% of the target adjusted EBITDA results in an adjustment of 50% to 100% of the target RSU amount. Actual adjusted EBITDA between 100% and 115% of the target adjusted EBITDA results in an adjustment using a straight-line linear scale between 100% and 150% of the target RSU amount. Actual adjusted EBITDA in excess of 115% results in an adjustment capped at 150% of the target RSU amount. If actual adjusted EBITDA is below 50% of the target adjusted EBITDA for the 2024 fiscal year, these performance-based RSUs will be forfeited. The Company recognizes compensation expense based on the probable number of performance-based RSUs expected to vest. Following the adjustment, the performance-based RSUs will be subject to additional time-based vesting, and will vest in three
Forward Currency-Exchange Contracts	The Company uses forward currency-exchange contracts that generally have maturities of twelve months or less to hedge exposures resulting from fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Such exposures result from assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of the Company's subsidiaries.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair value measurement is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy is established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels as follows: • Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2—Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly. • Level 3—Unobservable inputs based on the Company's own assumptions. The Company uses the market approach technique to value its financial assets and liabilities, and there were no changes in valuation techniques during the first nine months of 2024. Banker's acceptance drafts are carried at face value, which approximates their fair value due to the short-term nature of the negotiable instrument. The fair values of the forward currency-exchange contracts are based on quoted forward foreign exchange rates at the reporting date. The forward currency-exchange contracts are hedges of either recorded assets or liabilities or anticipated transactions and represent the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay upon liquidation of the contracts. Changes in values of the underlying hedged assets and liabilities or anticipated transactions are not reflected in the table above. The Company estimates the fair value of contingent consideration through valuation models that incorporate probability adjusted assumptions and simulations related to the achievement of milestones and the likelihood of making the related payment. The unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements include the probability of successful achievement of certain revenue targets, forecasted revenue, revenue volatility, and discount rates. Projected contingent consideration related to revenue-based payments are discounted back to the current period using a discounted cash flow model. Changes to the fair value of contingent consideration can result from changes to one or multiple inputs, including the discount rate, projected revenue, revenue volatility, and the assumed probabilities of successful achievement of certain revenue targets. The carrying value of the Company's revolving credit facility approximates the fair value as the obligation bears variable rates of interest, which adjust frequently, based on prevailing market rates. The fair value of the senior promissory notes is primarily calculated based on quoted market rates plus an applicable margin available to the Company at the respective period end, which represent Level 2 measurements.
Litigation	Litigation From time to time, the Company is subject to various claims and legal proceedings covering a range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. Such litigation may include, but is not limited to, claims and counterclaims by and against the Company for breach of contract or warranty, canceled contracts, product liability, or bankruptcy-related claims. For legal proceedings in which a loss is probable and estimable, the Company accrues a loss based on the low end of the range of estimated loss when there is no better estimate within the range. If the Company were found to be liable for any of the claims or counterclaims against it, the Company would incur a charge against earnings for amounts in excess of legal accruals.

Nature of Operations and Summ_3

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information Nine Months Ended (In thousands) September 28, September 30, Cash Paid for Interest $ 15,034 $ 6,341 Cash Paid for Income Taxes, Net of Refunds $ 33,288 $ 34,037 Non-Cash Investing Activities (Note 2) : Fair value of assets acquired (adjusted) $ 360,021 $ (270) Fair value of liabilities assumed $ 35,575 $ 7 Fair value of noncontrolling interest acquired $ 9,319 $ — Fair value of contingent consideration $ 1,785 $ — Purchases of property, plant, and equipment in accounts payable $ 590 $ 749 Nine Months Ended (In thousands) September 28, September 30, Non-Cash Financing Activities: Issuance of Company common stock upon vesting of restricted stock units $ 5,364 $ 4,951 Dividends declared but unpaid $ 3,759 $ 3,395
Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet that are shown in aggregate in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of cash flows: (In thousands) September 28, September 30, December 30, December 31, Cash and cash equivalents $ 88,407 $ 76,793 $ 103,832 $ 76,371 Restricted cash 1,327 2,260 2,621 3,354 Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash $ 89,734 $ 79,053 $ 106,453 $ 79,725
Restricted Cash	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet that are shown in aggregate in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of cash flows: (In thousands) September 28, September 30, December 30, December 31, Cash and cash equivalents $ 88,407 $ 76,793 $ 103,832 $ 76,371 Restricted cash 1,327 2,260 2,621 3,354 Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash $ 89,734 $ 79,053 $ 106,453 $ 79,725
Inventories	The components of inventories are as follows: September 28, December 30, (In thousands) Raw Materials $ 69,672 $ 66,738 Work in Process 37,767 32,147 Finished Goods (includes $804 and $5,182 at customer locations) 61,813 53,792 $ 169,252 $ 152,677
Acquired Intangible Assets	Acquired intangible assets by major asset class are as follows: (In thousands) Gross Accumulated Currency Net September 28, 2024 Definite-Lived Customer relationships $ 333,966 $ (122,730) $ (5,558) $ 205,678 Product technology 92,535 (47,816) (2,157) 42,562 Tradenames 16,579 (4,860) (380) 11,339 Other 24,721 (20,129) (571) 4,021 467,801 (195,535) (8,666) 263,600 Indefinite-Lived Tradenames 29,059 — (448) 28,611 Acquired Intangible Assets $ 496,860 $ (195,535) $ (9,114) $ 292,211 (In thousands) Gross Accumulated Currency Net December 30, 2023 Definite-Lived Customer relationships $ 218,959 $ (108,519) $ (5,562) $ 104,878 Product technology 67,576 (43,786) (2,367) 21,423 Tradenames 7,039 (4,262) (388) 2,389 Other 20,320 (17,715) (604) 2,001 313,894 (174,282) (8,921) 130,691 Indefinite-Lived Tradenames 29,059 — (464) 28,595 Acquired Intangible Assets $ 342,953 $ (174,282) $ (9,385) $ 159,286
Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment are as follows: (In thousands) Flow Control Industrial Processing Material Handling Total Balance at December 30, 2023 Gross balance $ 120,782 $ 212,732 $ 144,108 $ 477,622 Accumulated impairment losses — (85,538) — (85,538) Net balance 120,782 127,194 144,108 392,084 2024 Activity Acquisitions (Note 2) 16,018 36,405 47,808 100,231 Measurement period adjustment for 2023 acquisition — (22) — (22) Currency translation 767 (680) 725 812 Total 2024 activity 16,785 35,703 48,533 101,021 Balance at September 28, 2024 Gross balance 137,567 248,435 192,641 578,643 Accumulated impairment losses — (85,538) — (85,538) Net balance $ 137,567 $ 162,897 $ 192,641 $ 493,105
Changes in the Carrying Amount of Product Warranty Obligations	The changes in the carrying amount of product warranty obligations are as follows: Nine Months Ended (In thousands) September 28, September 30, Balance at Beginning of Year $ 8,154 $ 7,283 Provision charged to expense 4,463 4,879 Usage (2,972) (3,391) Acquisitions 473 — Currency translation 37 (90) Balance at End of Period $ 10,155 $ 8,681
Revenue Recognition Method and Disaggregation of Revenue by Product Type and Geography	The following table presents revenue by revenue recognition method: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 28, September 30, September 28, September 30, (In thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Point in Time $ 238,971 $ 216,956 $ 701,199 $ 643,430 Over Time 32,643 27,226 94,155 75,563 $ 271,614 $ 244,182 $ 795,354 $ 718,993 The following table presents the disaggregation of revenue by product type and geography: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 28, September 30, September 28, September 30, (In thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue by Product Type: Parts and consumables $ 176,961 $ 149,564 $ 520,836 $ 454,209 Capital 94,653 94,618 274,518 264,784 $ 271,614 $ 244,182 $ 795,354 $ 718,993 Revenue by Geography (based on customer location): North America $ 172,186 $ 133,780 501,220 401,618 Europe 57,309 66,491 176,289 181,273 Asia 26,724 27,393 74,248 88,030 Rest of world 15,395 16,518 43,597 48,072 $ 271,614 $ 244,182 $ 795,354 $ 718,993
Contract Balances From Contracts With Customers	The following table presents contract balances from contracts with customers: September 28, December 30, (In thousands) Contract Assets $ 14,534 $ 8,366 Contract Liabilities $ 58,324 $ 79,397

Acquisition (Tables)

Acquisition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract]
Summary of Net Assets and Noncontrolling Interests Acquired	The following table summarizes the aggregate purchase price and estimated fair values of the net assets and noncontrolling interests acquired related to the 2024 acquisitions: (In thousands) Total Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 11,509 Accounts Receivable 12,143 Inventories 27,461 Other Current Assets 3,472 Property, Plant, and Equipment 37,061 Other Assets 14,249 Definite-Lived Intangible Assets Customer relationships 114,995 Product technology 24,959 Tradenames 9,540 Other 4,401 Goodwill 100,231 Total assets acquired 360,021 Accounts Payable 3,316 Customer Deposits 3,275 Other Current Liabilities 9,895 Long-Term Deferred Income Taxes 5,455 Other Long-Term Liabilities 13,634 Total liabilities assumed 35,575 Noncontrolling interests acquired 9,319 Net assets and noncontrolling interests acquired $ 315,127 Purchase Price: Cash Paid $ 313,533 Fair Value of Contingent Consideration ( Note 10) 1,785 Estimated Remaining Post-closing Adjustments, Net (191) $ 315,127
Revenue and Operating Income	Revenue and operating income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2024 associated with the 2024 acquisitions from their respective acquisition dates, are as follows: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 28, 2024 Nine Months Ended September 28, 2024 Revenue $ 30,477 $ 82,075 Operating Income (a) $ 1,651 $ 4,258 (a) Includes amortization expense associated with acquired profit in inventory and backlog of $1,892,000 in the three months ended September 28, 2024 and $6,246,000 in the nine months ended September 28, 2024.
Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Information	Had the Key Knife, KWS, and DSTI acquisitions been completed as of the beginning of 2023, the Company’s pro forma results of operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023 would have been as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands, except per share amounts) September 28, September 30, September 28, September 30, Revenue $ 271,614 $ 278,202 $ 806,946 $ 821,052 Net Income Attributable to Kadant $ 33,497 $ 28,973 $ 92,264 $ 80,131 Earnings per Share Attributable to Kadant Basic $ 2.85 $ 2.48 $ 7.86 $ 6.85 Diluted $ 2.84 $ 2.47 $ 7.84 $ 6.84

Other Costs (Tables)

Other Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Accrued Restructuring Costs Included in Other Current Liabilities	A summary of the changes in accrued restructuring costs included in other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet is as follows: (In thousands) Severance Costs Contract Termination Costs Total 2023 Restructuring Plan Balance at December 30, 2023 $ 201 $ 313 $ 514 Usage (195) (303) (498) Currency translation (6) (10) (16) Balance at September 28, 2024 $ — $ — $ —

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	Basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) were calculated as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands, except per share amounts) September 28, September 30, September 28, September 30, Net Income Attributable to Kadant $ 31,586 $ 30,864 $ 87,566 $ 88,673 Basic Weighted Average Shares 11,745 11,706 11,737 11,697 Effect of Restricted Stock Units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares 35 34 26 22 Diluted Weighted Average Shares 11,780 11,740 11,763 11,719 Basic Earnings per Share $ 2.69 $ 2.64 $ 7.46 $ 7.58 Diluted Earnings per Share $ 2.68 $ 2.63 $ 7.44 $ 7.57

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Obligations	Long-term obligations are as follows: September 28, December 30, (In thousands) Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027 $ 314,467 $ 98,761 Senior Promissory Notes, due 2024 to 2028 8,330 8,330 Finance Leases, due 2024 to 2029 1,931 1,789 Other Borrowings, due 2024 to 2028 1,704 1,995 Total 326,432 110,875 Less: Current Maturities of Long-Term Obligations (3,263) (3,209) Long-Term Obligations $ 323,169 $ 107,666

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items	Changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive items (AOCI), net of tax, are as follows: (In thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Liability Adjustments Deferred Loss on Cash Flow Hedges Total Balance at December 30, 2023 $ (43,013) $ (11) $ (38) $ (43,062) Other comprehensive items before reclassifications (1,761) 1 — (1,760) Reclassifications from AOCI — 6 38 44 Net current period other comprehensive items (1,761) 7 38 (1,716) Balance at September 28, 2024 $ (44,774) $ (4) $ — $ (44,778)

Derivatives (Tables)

Derivatives (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	The following table summarizes the fair value of derivative instruments in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet: September 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 (In thousands) Balance Sheet Location Asset (Liability) (a) Notional Amount (b) Asset (Liability) (a) Notional Amount Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Derivatives in a Liability Position: Forward currency-exchange contract Other Current Liabilities $ — $ — $ (51) $ 430 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments: Derivatives in an Asset Position: Forward currency-exchange contracts Other Current Assets $ 28 $ 839 $ 8 $ 701 (a) See Note 10 , Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for the fair value measurements relating to these financial instruments. (b) The 2024 notional amounts are indicative of the level of the Company's recurring derivative activity.
Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items (AOCI)	The following table summarizes the activity in AOCI associated with the Company's foreign currency exchange contract designated as a cash flow hedge as of and for the nine months ended September 28, 2024: (In thousands) Total Unrealized Loss, Net of Tax, at December 30, 2023 $ (38) Loss recognized in AOCI 38 Unrealized Loss, Net of Tax, at September 28, 2024 $ —

Fair Value Measurements and F_2

Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis	The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value as of September 28, 2024 (In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Money market funds and time deposits $ 15,071 $ — $ — $ 15,071 Banker's acceptance drafts (a) $ — $ 6,707 $ — $ 6,707 Forward currency-exchange contracts $ — $ 28 $ — $ 28 Liabilities: Contingent consideration ( Note 2 ) (b) $ — $ — $ 1,862 $ 1,862 Fair Value as of December 30, 2023 (In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Money market funds and time deposits $ 14,795 $ — $ — $ 14,795 Banker's acceptance drafts (a) $ — $ 10,826 $ — $ 10,826 Forward currency-exchange contracts $ — $ 8 $ — $ 8 Liabilities: Forward currency-exchange contract $ — $ 51 $ — $ 51 (a) Included in accounts receivable in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. (b) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Fair Value of Contingent Consideration	The following table provides a rollforward of the change in the fair value of the contingent consideration as determined by level 3 inputs: (In thousands) Total Balance Measured at Inception ( Note 2 ) $ 1,785 Currency translation 77 Balance at September 28, 2024 $ 1,862
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Obligations	The carrying value and fair value of debt obligations, excluding lease obligations, are as follows: September 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 (In thousands) Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Debt Obligations: Revolving credit facility $ 314,467 $ 314,467 $ 98,761 $ 98,761 Senior promissory notes 8,330 8,370 8,330 8,182 Other 1,704 1,704 1,995 1,995 $ 324,501 $ 324,541 $ 109,086 $ 108,938

Business Segment Information (T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Reporting Information	The following tables present financial information for the Company's reportable operating segments and include the results from the 2024 acquisitions from the date of acquisition. See Note 2 , Acquisitions, for further details. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 28, September 30, September 28, September 30, (In thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue Flow Control $ 97,521 $ 90,798 $ 276,493 $ 276,048 Industrial Processing 110,696 94,220 331,310 267,729 Material Handling 63,397 59,164 187,551 175,216 $ 271,614 $ 244,182 $ 795,354 $ 718,993 Income Before Provision for Income Taxes Flow Control (a) $ 24,281 $ 24,246 $ 69,521 $ 74,256 Industrial Processing (b) 25,969 19,023 70,060 51,968 Material Handling (c) 8,793 10,345 25,522 30,006 Corporate (d) (10,056) (10,070) (30,788) (29,494) Total operating income 48,987 43,544 134,315 126,736 Interest expense, net (e) (5,109) (1,669) (14,000) (5,669) Other expense, net (16) (20) (48) (62) $ 43,862 $ 41,855 $ 120,267 $ 121,005 Capital Expenditures Flow Control $ 1,894 $ 1,195 $ 5,729 $ 3,889 Industrial Processing 1,209 7,299 5,943 16,007 Material Handling 1,074 350 3,737 2,170 Corporate 8 4 21 28 $ 4,185 $ 8,848 $ 15,430 $ 22,094 September 28, December 30, (In thousands) 2024 2023 Total Assets Flow Control $ 456,173 $ 391,719 Industrial Processing 591,740 443,189 Material Handling 429,204 326,226 Corporate 12,223 14,531 $ 1,489,340 $ 1,175,665 (a) Includes acquisition-related costs of $1,428,000 in the third quarter of 2024 and $2,482,000 in the nine months ended September 28, 2024. Acquisition-related expenses include acquisition costs and amortization expense associated with acquired profit in inventory and backlog. Includes restructuring and impairment costs of $434,000 in both the third quarter and the nine months ended September 30, 2023. (b) Includes acquisition-related costs of $631,000 in the third quarter of 2024 and $2,904,000 in the nine months ended September 28, 2024. Includes relocation costs of $535,000 in the third quarter of 2023 and $609,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2023. (c) Includes acquisition-related costs of $302,000 in the third quarter of 2024 and $3,393,000 in the nine months ended September 28, 2024. (d) Represents general and administrative expenses. (e) The Company does not allocate interest expense, net to its segments.

Nature of Operations and Summ_4

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2024 USD ($) segment	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Number of reportable operating segments | segment			3
Number of operating segments | segment			3
Bank guarantees, expiration period (in months)			12 months
Revenue recognized	$ 8,897	$ 9,613	$ 66,036	$ 56,841
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, amount	25,268		$ 25,268
Banker's acceptance drafts, maturity period (in months)			6 months
Banker's acceptance drafts	6,707		$ 6,707		$ 10,826
2024 Acquisitions
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Intangible assets from acquisition	$ 153,895		$ 153,895
Certain Capital Contracts
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Lead time for for certain capital contracts (up to) (in months)			24 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-09-29
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, percent	56%		56%
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	12 months		12 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-09-28
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, percent	44%		44%
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period

Nature of Operations and Summ_5

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash Paid for Interest	$ 15,034	$ 6,341
Cash Paid for Income Taxes, Net of Refunds	33,288	34,037
Non-Cash Investing Activities (Note 2):
Fair value of assets acquired (adjusted)	360,021	(270)
Fair value of liabilities assumed	35,575	7
Fair value of noncontrolling interest acquired	9,319	0
Fair value of contingent consideration	1,785	0
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment in accounts payable	590	749
Non-Cash Financing Activities:
Issuance of Company common stock upon vesting of restricted stock units	5,364	4,951
Dividends declared but unpaid	$ 3,759	$ 3,395

Nature of Operations and Summ_6

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 88,407	$ 103,832	$ 76,793	$ 76,371
Restricted cash	1,327	2,621	2,260	3,354
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	$ 89,734	$ 106,453	$ 79,053	$ 79,725

Nature of Operations and Summ_7

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Raw Materials	$ 69,672	$ 66,738
Work in Process	37,767	32,147
Finished Goods (includes $804 and $5,182 at customer locations)	61,813	53,792
Total Inventories	169,252	152,677
Finished goods, at customer locations	$ 804	$ 5,182

Nature of Operations and Summ_8

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Definite-Lived
Gross	$ 467,801	$ 313,894
Accumulated Amortization	(195,535)	(174,282)
Currency Translation	(8,666)	(8,921)
Net	263,600	130,691
Acquired Intangible Assets
Gross	496,860	342,953
Accumulated Amortization	(195,535)	(174,282)
Currency Translation	(9,114)	(9,385)
Net	292,211	159,286
Tradenames
Indefinite-Lived
Gross	29,059	29,059
Currency Translation	(448)	(464)
Net	28,611	28,595
Customer relationships
Definite-Lived
Gross	333,966	218,959
Accumulated Amortization	(122,730)	(108,519)
Currency Translation	(5,558)	(5,562)
Net	205,678	104,878
Acquired Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	(122,730)	(108,519)
Product technology
Definite-Lived
Gross	92,535	67,576
Accumulated Amortization	(47,816)	(43,786)
Currency Translation	(2,157)	(2,367)
Net	42,562	21,423
Acquired Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	(47,816)	(43,786)
Tradenames
Definite-Lived
Gross	16,579	7,039
Accumulated Amortization	(4,860)	(4,262)
Currency Translation	(380)	(388)
Net	11,339	2,389
Acquired Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	(4,860)	(4,262)
Other
Definite-Lived
Gross	24,721	20,320
Accumulated Amortization	(20,129)	(17,715)
Currency Translation	(571)	(604)
Net	4,021	2,001
Acquired Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	$ (20,129)	$ (17,715)

Nature of Operations and Summ_9

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance, beginning balance	$ 477,622
Accumulated impairment losses	(85,538)
Net balance, beginning balance	392,084
Acquisitions (Note 2)	100,231
Measurement period adjustment for 2023 acquisition	(22)
Currency translation	812
Total 2024 activity	101,021
Gross balance, ending balance	578,643
Accumulated impairment losses	(85,538)
Net balance, ending balance	493,105
Operating Segment | Flow Control
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance, beginning balance	120,782
Accumulated impairment losses	0
Net balance, beginning balance	120,782
Acquisitions (Note 2)	16,018
Measurement period adjustment for 2023 acquisition	0
Currency translation	767
Total 2024 activity	16,785
Gross balance, ending balance	137,567
Accumulated impairment losses	0
Net balance, ending balance	137,567
Operating Segment | Industrial Processing
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance, beginning balance	212,732
Accumulated impairment losses	(85,538)
Net balance, beginning balance	127,194
Acquisitions (Note 2)	36,405
Measurement period adjustment for 2023 acquisition	(22)
Currency translation	(680)
Total 2024 activity	35,703
Gross balance, ending balance	248,435
Accumulated impairment losses	(85,538)
Net balance, ending balance	162,897
Operating Segment | Material Handling
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance, beginning balance	144,108
Accumulated impairment losses	0
Net balance, beginning balance	144,108
Acquisitions (Note 2)	47,808
Measurement period adjustment for 2023 acquisition	0
Currency translation	725
Total 2024 activity	48,533
Gross balance, ending balance	192,641
Accumulated impairment losses	0
Net balance, ending balance	$ 192,641

Nature of Operations and Sum_10

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Warranty Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
Changes in the carrying amount of accrued warranty costs [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 8,154	$ 7,283
Provision charged to expense	4,463	4,879
Usage	(2,972)	(3,391)
Acquisitions	473	0
Currency translation	37	(90)
Balance at End of Period	$ 10,155	$ 8,681

Nature of Operations and Sum_11

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition Method and Disaggregation of Revenue by Product Type and Geography (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 271,614	$ 244,182	$ 795,354	$ 718,993
North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	172,186	133,780	501,220	401,618
Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	57,309	66,491	176,289	181,273
Asia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	26,724	27,393	74,248	88,030
Rest of world
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	15,395	16,518	43,597	48,072
Parts and consumables
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	176,961	149,564	520,836	454,209
Capital
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	94,653	94,618	274,518	264,784
Point in Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	238,971	216,956	701,199	643,430
Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 32,643	$ 27,226	$ 94,155	$ 75,563

Nature of Operations and Sum_12

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue from Contract with Customers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Contract Assets	$ 14,534	$ 8,366
Contract Liabilities	$ 58,324	$ 79,397

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 21, 2024

May 31, 2024

May 06, 2024

May 02, 2024

Jan. 24, 2024

Jan. 01, 2024

Sep. 28, 2024

Sep. 30, 2023

Sep. 28, 2024

Sep. 30, 2023

Mar. 30, 2024

Sep. 30, 2023

Aug. 31, 2024

Dec. 30, 2023

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to acquire business, net of cash acquired

$ 302,024

$ (277)

Revenue

$ 271,614

$ 244,182

795,354

718,993

Goodwill

493,105

493,105

$ 392,084

Noncontrolling interest acquired

9,319

Acquisition of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest

523

$ 0

Key Knife, Inc.

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Revenue

$ 65,000

KWS

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Revenue

$ 45,000

DSTI

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Revenue

$ 25,000

2024 Acquisitions

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition transaction costs

469

2,533

Goodwill

100,231

100,231

Consideration transferred

315,127

Cash paid for acquisition

313,533

Other assets

14,249

$ 14,249

Weighted average amortization period of acquired intangible assets (in years)

17 years

2024 Acquisitions | Customer relationships

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Weighted average amortization period of acquired intangible assets (in years)

18 years

2024 Acquisitions | Product technology

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Weighted average amortization period of acquired intangible assets (in years)

12 years

2024 Acquisitions | Tradenames

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Weighted average amortization period of acquired intangible assets (in years)

20 years

Key Knife, Inc.

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to acquire business, net of cash acquired

$ 153,386

Goodwill

36,203

$ 36,203

Goodwill, expected to be tax deductible

$ 29,479

Goodwill, expected deductible term (in years)

15 years

Intangible assets other than goodwill acquired

91,620

91,620

Intangible assets other than goodwill, expected tax deductible amount

$ 77,400

Intangible assets other than goodwill, expected deductible term (in years)

15 years

Percentage acquired

45%

Noncontrolling interest acquired

$ 9,319

Acquisition of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest

$ 523

KWS

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Goodwill

38,207

38,207

Goodwill, expected to be tax deductible

$ 38,207

Goodwill, expected deductible term (in years)

15 years

Intangible assets other than goodwill acquired

$ 28,500

Intangible assets other than goodwill, expected tax deductible amount

28,500

Consideration transferred

81,247

Cash paid for acquisition

81,009

Overdraft

$ 238

DSTI

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to acquire business, net of cash acquired

$ 53,661

Goodwill

15,580

15,580

Goodwill, expected to be tax deductible

$ 15,251

Goodwill, expected deductible term (in years)

15 years

Intangible assets other than goodwill acquired

$ 24,290

$ 24,290

Intangible assets other than goodwill, expected tax deductible amount

$ 24,290

Other Acquisitions

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to acquire business, net of cash acquired

$ 3,352

Consideration transferred

$ 11,829

Cash paid for acquisition

8,623

Post closing adjustments

$ 1,421

Post-closing adjustment period (in months)

18 months

Contingent consideration, liability

$ 1,785

Contingent consideration

$ 12,068

Other assets

$ 1,755

Acquisitions - Purchase Price A

Acquisitions - Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 21, 2024	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Aug. 31, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 493,105			$ 392,084
Purchase Price:
Fair Value of Contingent Consideration (Note 10)		1,785	$ 0
2024 Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents		11,509
Accounts Receivable		12,143
Inventories		27,461
Other Current Assets		3,472
Property, Plant, and Equipment		37,061
Other Assets		14,249
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets		153,895
Goodwill		100,231
Total assets acquired		360,021
Accounts Payable		3,316
Customer Deposits		3,275
Other Current Liabilities		9,895
Long-Term Deferred Income Taxes		5,455
Other Long-Term Liabilities		13,634
Total liabilities assumed		35,575
Noncontrolling interests acquired		9,319
Net assets and noncontrolling interests acquired		315,127
Purchase Price:
Cash Paid		313,533
Fair Value of Contingent Consideration (Note 10)		1,785
Estimated Remaining Post-closing Adjustments, Net		(191)
Consideration transferred		315,127
2024 Acquisitions | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets		114,995
2024 Acquisitions | Product technology
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets		24,959
2024 Acquisitions | Tradenames
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets		9,540
2024 Acquisitions | Other
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets		$ 4,401
Other Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other Assets				$ 1,755
Purchase Price:
Cash Paid	$ 8,623
Consideration transferred	$ 11,829

Acquisitions - Revenue and Oper

Acquisitions - Revenue and Operating Income (Details) - 2024 Acquisitions - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 28, 2024
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 30,477	$ 82,075
Operating Income	1,651	4,258
Amortization expense associated with acquired profit in inventory and backlog	$ 1,892	$ 6,246

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Inform

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
Pro Forma Information
Increase (decrease) in cost of revenue	$ 150,175	$ 138,456	$ 441,066	$ 404,671
Increase (decrease) in selling, general, and administrative expenses	69,043	57,889	209,352	176,441
2024 Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	271,614	278,202	806,946	821,052
Net Income Attributable to Kadant	$ 33,497	$ 28,973	$ 92,264	$ 80,131
Earnings per Share Attributable to Kadant
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.85	$ 2.48	$ 7.86	$ 6.85
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.84	$ 2.47	$ 7.84	$ 6.84
2024 Acquisitions | Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory
Pro Forma Information
Increase (decrease) in cost of revenue		$ 1,181		$ 4,745
2024 Acquisitions | Adjustment, Fair Value Adjustment To Inventory
Pro Forma Information
Increase (decrease) in cost of revenue	$ (1,181)		$ (4,041)
2024 Acquisitions | Acquisition-Related Costs And Intangible Asset Amortization
Pro Forma Information
Increase (decrease) in selling, general, and administrative expenses		$ 412		2,535
2024 Acquisitions | Adjustment, Acquisition-Related Costs And Intangible Asset Amortization
Pro Forma Information
Increase (decrease) in selling, general, and administrative expenses	(680)		(1,855)
2024 Acquisitions | Acquisition-related Costs
Pro Forma Information
Increase (decrease) in selling, general, and administrative expenses				$ 2,533
2024 Acquisitions | Adjustment, Acquisition-Related Costs
Pro Forma Information
Increase (decrease) in selling, general, and administrative expenses	$ (469)		$ (2,533)

Other Costs (Details)

Other Costs (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($) employee	Sep. 28, 2024 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($) employee
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost	$ 0		$ 969	$ 0	$ 1,043
2023 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				514
Usage				(498)
Currency translation				(16)
Ending balance	0	$ 514		0
Industrial Processing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost			535		609
Flow Control
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and impairment costs			$ 434		$ 434
Restructuring costs		366
Number of positions eliminated related to restructuring (employee) | employee			10		10
Asset write-downs			$ 36		$ 36
Severance Costs | 2023 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				201
Usage				(195)
Currency translation				(6)
Ending balance	0	201		0
Severance Costs | Flow Control
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs			369		369
Facility And Other Closure Costs | Flow Control
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs			$ 29		$ 29
Contract Termination Costs | 2023 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				313
Usage				(303)
Currency translation				(10)
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 313		$ 0

Earnings per Share - Basic and

Earnings per Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
Income Amounts Attributable to Parent, Disclosures [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to Kadant	$ 31,586	$ 30,864	$ 87,566	$ 88,673
Basic Weighted Average Shares	11,745	11,706	11,737	11,697
Effect of Restricted Stock Units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares	35	34	26	22
Diluted Weighted Average Shares	11,780	11,740	11,763	11,719
Basic Earnings per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.69	$ 2.64	$ 7.46	$ 7.58
Diluted Earnings per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.68	$ 2.63	$ 7.44	$ 7.57

Earnings per Share - Narrative

Earnings per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Amount of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS (in shares)	5	5	21	23

Provision for Income Taxes (Det

Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	$ 11,964	$ 10,816	$ 31,810	$ 31,761
Effective tax rate			26%	26%

Long-Term Obligations - Schedul

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Long-Term Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Finance Leases, due 2024 to 2029	$ 1,931	$ 1,789
Total	326,432	110,875
Less: Current Maturities of Long-Term Obligations	(3,263)	(3,209)
Long-Term Obligations	323,169	107,666
Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	314,467	98,761
Senior Promissory Notes, due 2024 to 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	8,330	8,330
Other Borrowings, due 2024 to 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other Borrowings, due 2024 to 2028	$ 1,704	$ 1,995

Long-Term Obligations - Narrati

Long-Term Obligations - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 29, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings under Credit Agreement	$ 305,211,000	$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 314,467,000		$ 98,761,000
Weighted average interest rate for revolving credit facility (as a percentage)	5.82%		5.24%
Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027 | Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity available under committed portion	$ 400,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity under uncommitted portion	200,000,000
Maximum amount of unrestricted cash	$ 50,000,000
Maximum consolidated leverage ratio	3.75
Maximum consolidated leverage ratio upon material acquisition	4.25
Borrowings under Credit Agreement	$ 305,211,000
Long-term debt	314,467,000
Remaining borrowing capacity	85,321,000
Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027 | Euro-Denominated Borrowing
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 76,467,000
Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027 | Minimum | Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.125%
Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027 | Maximum | Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.35%
Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027 | Base Rate | Minimum | Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)	0%
Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027 | Base Rate | Maximum | Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)	1.25%
Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027 | Eurocurrency Rate, Term SOFR, Term CORRA, And RFR | Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)	0.10%
Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027 | Eurocurrency Rate, Term SOFR, Term CORRA, And RFR | Minimum | Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)	1%
Revolving Credit Facility, due 2027 | Eurocurrency Rate, Term SOFR, Term CORRA, And RFR | Maximum | Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)	2.25%
Senior Promissory Notes, due 2024 to 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 8,330,000		$ 8,330,000
Senior Promissory Notes, due 2024 to 2028 | Note Purchase Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount				$ 10,000,000
Fixed interest rate				4.90%

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 15, 2024	Mar. 06, 2024	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense			$ 2,627	$ 2,357	$ 7,926	$ 7,243
Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock awards			$ 11,319		$ 11,319
Weighted average period (in years)					1 year 8 months 12 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonemployee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted in period (in shares)	3,030
Aggregate grant date fair value	$ 849
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonemployee | Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Tranche One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentages	50%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonemployee | Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentages	25%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonemployee | Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Three
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentages	25%
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted in period (in shares)		18,643
Grant date fair value of shares granted		$ 5,917
Vesting period (in years)		3 years
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units | Minimum | Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award Component One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of actual adjusted EBITDA		50%
Adjustment to RSU		50%
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units | Minimum | Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Component Two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of actual adjusted EBITDA		100%
Adjustment to RSU		100%
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units | Minimum | Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Component Four
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of actual adjusted EBITDA		50%
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units | Maximum | Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award Component One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of actual adjusted EBITDA		100%
Adjustment to RSU		100%
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units | Maximum | Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Component Two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of actual adjusted EBITDA		115%
Adjustment to RSU		150%
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units | Maximum | Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Component Three
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of actual adjusted EBITDA		115%
Adjustment to RSU		150%
Time Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted in period (in shares)		14,109
Grant date fair value of shares granted		$ 4,461
Vesting period (in years)		3 years

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items - Components of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 28, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 818,386	$ 713,025	$ 776,240	$ 655,571
Other comprehensive items	13,647	(9,108)	(1,736)	(4,041)
Ending balance	862,786	733,917	862,786	733,917
Total
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(58,359)	(49,547)	(43,062)	(54,578)
Other comprehensive items before reclassifications			(1,760)
Reclassifications from AOCI			44
Other comprehensive items	13,581	(9,044)	(1,716)	(4,013)
Ending balance	(44,778)	$ (58,591)	(44,778)	$ (58,591)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(43,013)
Other comprehensive items before reclassifications			(1,761)
Reclassifications from AOCI			0
Other comprehensive items			(1,761)
Ending balance	(44,774)		(44,774)
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Liability Adjustments
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(11)
Other comprehensive items before reclassifications			1
Reclassifications from AOCI			6
Other comprehensive items			7
Ending balance	(4)		(4)
Deferred Loss on Cash Flow Hedges
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(38)
Other comprehensive items before reclassifications			0
Reclassifications from AOCI			38
Other comprehensive items			38
Ending balance	$ 0		$ 0

Derivatives - Narrative (Detail

Derivatives - Narrative (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024
Cash Flow Hedging | Forward Currency-Exchange Contract | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Period over which entity manages its level of exposure of risk	12 months

Derivatives - Fair Value of Der

Derivatives - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments (Details) - Forward currency-exchange contract - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives in a Liability Position:
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability	$ 0	$ (51)
Derivative liability, notional amount	0	430
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives in an Asset Position:
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset	28	8
Derivative asset, notional amount	$ 839	$ 701

Derivatives - Activity in Accum

Derivatives - Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items (OCI) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024 USD ($)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 776,240
Ending balance	862,786
Cash Flow Hedges
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(38)
Loss recognized in AOCI	(38)
Ending balance	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements and F_3

Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Assets:
Money market funds and time deposits	$ 15,071	$ 14,795
Banker's acceptance drafts	6,707	10,826
Forward currency-exchange contracts	28	8
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	1,862
Forward currency-exchange contracts		51
Level 1
Assets:
Money market funds and time deposits	15,071	14,795
Banker's acceptance drafts	0	0
Forward currency-exchange contracts	0	0
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	0
Forward currency-exchange contracts		0
Level 2
Assets:
Money market funds and time deposits	0	0
Banker's acceptance drafts	6,707	10,826
Forward currency-exchange contracts	28	8
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	0
Forward currency-exchange contracts		51
Level 3
Assets:
Money market funds and time deposits	0	0
Banker's acceptance drafts	0	0
Forward currency-exchange contracts	0	0
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	$ 1,862
Forward currency-exchange contracts		$ 0

Fair Value Measurements and F_4

Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Contingent Consideration (Details) - Contingent Consideration Liability $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024 USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance Measured at Inception	$ 1,785
Currency translation	77
Ending Balance Measured at Inception	$ 1,862

Fair Value Measurements and F_5

Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Carrying Value and Fair Value of Debt Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Carrying Value
Debt Obligations:
Debt obligations	$ 324,501	$ 109,086
Carrying Value | Revolving credit facility
Debt Obligations:
Debt obligations	314,467	98,761
Carrying Value | Senior promissory notes
Debt Obligations:
Debt obligations	8,330	8,330
Carrying Value | Other
Debt Obligations:
Debt obligations	1,704	1,995
Fair Value
Debt Obligations:
Debt obligations	324,541	108,938
Fair Value | Revolving credit facility
Debt Obligations:
Debt obligations	314,467	98,761
Fair Value | Senior promissory notes
Debt Obligations:
Debt obligations	8,370	8,182
Fair Value | Other
Debt Obligations:
Debt obligations	$ 1,704	$ 1,995

Business Segment Information (D

Business Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2024 USD ($) segment	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable operating segments | segment			3
Number of operating segments | segment			3
Revenue
Revenue	$ 271,614	$ 244,182	$ 795,354	$ 718,993
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes
Total operating income	48,987	43,544	134,315	126,736
Interest expense, net	(5,109)	(1,669)	(14,000)	(5,669)
Other expense, net	(16)	(20)	(48)	(62)
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes	43,862	41,855	120,267	121,005
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	4,185	8,848	15,430	22,094
Total Assets
Total assets	1,489,340		1,489,340		$ 1,175,665
Relocation cost	0	969	0	1,043
Flow Control
Total Assets
Acquisition transaction costs, inclusive of acquisition costs, amortization expense with acquired profit in inventory and backlog	1,428		2,482
Restructuring and impairment costs		434		434
Industrial Processing
Total Assets
Acquisition transaction costs, inclusive of acquisition costs, amortization expense with acquired profit in inventory and backlog	631		2,904
Relocation cost		535		609
Material Handling
Total Assets
Acquisition transaction costs, inclusive of acquisition costs, amortization expense with acquired profit in inventory and backlog	302		3,393
Operating Segment | Flow Control
Revenue
Revenue	97,521	90,798	276,493	276,048
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes
Total operating income	24,281	24,246	69,521	74,256
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	1,894	1,195	5,729	3,889
Total Assets
Total assets	456,173		456,173		391,719
Operating Segment | Industrial Processing
Revenue
Revenue	110,696	94,220	331,310	267,729
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes
Total operating income	25,969	19,023	70,060	51,968
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	1,209	7,299	5,943	16,007
Total Assets
Total assets	591,740		591,740		443,189
Operating Segment | Material Handling
Revenue
Revenue	63,397	59,164	187,551	175,216
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes
Total operating income	8,793	10,345	25,522	30,006
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	1,074	350	3,737	2,170
Total Assets
Total assets	429,204		429,204		326,226
Corporate
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes
Total operating income	(10,056)	(10,070)	(30,788)	(29,494)
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	8	$ 4	21	$ 28
Total Assets
Total assets	$ 12,223		$ 12,223		$ 14,531

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Banker's acceptance drafts, maturity period (in months)	6 months
Banker's acceptance drafts with recourse	$ 10,476	$ 9,090