Kennametal (KMT) has attracted fresh attention after being added to multiple Russell growth indexes, a change that can influence portfolio flows and trading volumes as index funds adjust their holdings.

Beyond the index additions, Kennametal’s share price has a year to date return of 20.9%, while the 1 year total shareholder return of 50.54% points to stronger gains once dividends are included. This suggests momentum has been picking up over the longer stretch, despite some shorter term pullbacks.

If this kind of renewed interest in industrials has your attention, it could be a good moment to broaden your search and check out 35 power grid technology and infrastructure stocks

With Kennametal stock up 20.9% year to date and total shareholder returns of 50.54% over 1 year, plus fresh Russell growth index inclusion, the key question now is whether there is still a buying opportunity or if markets are already pricing in potential future developments.

Most Popular Narrative: 5.7% Undervalued

The most followed narrative on Kennametal currently points to a fair value of $37.19 against a last close of $35.05, framing the recent index driven attention alongside a modest valuation gap built on detailed long term assumptions.

The company is actively rightsizing capacity and executing structural cost reductions (including plant closures and workforce optimization), which are projected to produce $125 million in run-rate savings by fiscal 2028, supporting significant net margin improvement as volume returns.

The fair value story for Kennametal is not just about tungsten prices; it leans heavily on renewed revenue growth, higher margins, and a future earnings multiple that assumes investors will still pay up for steadier, higher quality profit streams. Curious what level of top line expansion and profitability shift that narrative is incorporating, and how far the future valuation multiple sits from today’s?

Result: Fair Value of $37.19 (UNDERVALUED)

However, Kennametal’s story could look very different if end markets like Transportation or Oil & Gas stay weak and expected cost savings fail to materialize.

Another View: Kennametal Through a Cash Flow Lens

While the most popular Kennametal narrative leans on earnings forecasts and multiples to argue for a 5.7% undervaluation, the Simply Wall St DCF model points in the opposite direction, with an estimated future cash flow value of $23.14 compared with a share price of $35.05. This implies the stock is trading above that cash flow based estimate. Which framework do you find more convincing for your own process?

Simply Wall St performs a discounted cash flow (DCF) on every stock in the world every day (check out Kennametal for example). We show the entire calculation in full. You can track the result in your watchlist or portfolio and be alerted when this changes, or use our stock screener to discover 43 high quality undervalued stocks. If you save a screener we even alert you when new companies match - so you never miss a potential opportunity.

Next Steps

With Kennametal attracting fresh attention and differing valuation signals, the sentiment is clearly mixed. It therefore makes sense to weigh both sides of the story quickly and on your own terms by checking the 4 key rewards and 1 important warning sign.

Looking for more investment ideas beyond Kennametal?

If Kennametal has sharpened your interest in fresh opportunities, do not stop here. Broaden your watchlist now so you are not late to the next move.

• Target potential mispricing by scanning for companies that combine quality fundamentals with room for upside using the 43 high quality undervalued stocks
• Strengthen your income focus by reviewing companies that aim for higher yields and steadier payouts through the 10 dividend fortresses
• Prioritize resilience by zeroing in on companies with strong financial footing and cleaner balance sheets via the solid balance sheet and fundamentals stocks screener (48 results)

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.