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Karat Packaging Inc (KRT)
NASDAQ:KRT

Karat Packaging Inc (KRT) AI Stock Analysis

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Karat Packaging Inc

(NASDAQ:KRT)

69Neutral
Karat Packaging Inc demonstrates solid financial health with consistent revenue growth and improved cash flows, which are crucial strengths. However, technical analysis indicates a bearish trend, and while the valuation is attractive, it is overshadowed by operational challenges and pricing issues highlighted during the earnings call. These mixed factors result in a moderate overall stock score.
Positive Factors
Growth Opportunities
Karat's strong cash flow and proactive expansion of distribution capabilities are allowing it to capitalize on growth opportunities despite broader macro uncertainty.
Market Positioning
The company's ability to flexibly source products from various countries makes the company resilient to potential tariff uncertainties and supply chain disruptions.
Sales and Earnings Guidance
Initial 2025 guidance being above expectations on both sales and EBITDA margin.
Negative Factors
Earnings Performance
Fourth-quarter EPS missed expectations despite sales and gross margin that were in line, due to higher SG&A.
Tariff Risks
Any blanket tariff, or tariff on one of these countries, could put pressure on margins.

Karat Packaging Inc (KRT) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Karat Packaging Inc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionKarat Packaging Inc. (KRT) is a leading manufacturer and distributor of environmentally friendly, disposable foodservice products. Operating primarily in the United States, the company offers a comprehensive range of products including cups, lids, food containers, cutlery, and other packaging solutions designed for restaurants, foodservice operators, and retail establishments. Karat Packaging is committed to sustainability and innovation, providing high-quality products that meet the evolving needs of its customers while minimizing environmental impact.
How the Company Makes MoneyKarat Packaging Inc. makes money through the sale of its disposable foodservice products to a diverse customer base, including restaurants, cafes, and retail outlets. The company generates revenue by manufacturing and distributing a broad array of packaging solutions, leveraging its extensive distribution network. Key revenue streams include direct sales to businesses and partnerships with distributors who supply Karat's products to end-users. Additionally, the company may benefit from strategic partnerships or collaborations that enhance its product offerings or expand its market reach. Karat Packaging's focus on environmentally friendly and innovative solutions also positions it to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable packaging options in the foodservice industry.

Karat Packaging Inc Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Karat Packaging Inc demonstrates strong financial performance with consistent revenue growth and improving profitability margins. The reduction in debt levels and improvement in cash flows strengthen its financial position. However, the fluctuations in EBIT margins and missing liability data for 2024 pose potential risks.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Karat Packaging Inc has shown consistent revenue growth over the years, with a revenue increase from $224.91 million in 2019 to $422.63 million in 2024. The Gross Profit Margin and Net Profit Margin have also improved, indicating enhanced cost management and profitability. However, the EBIT and EBITDA margins have fluctuated, suggesting some operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The company's debt levels have decreased significantly over the years, improving the Debt-to-Equity Ratio. However, total liabilities were not reported for 2024, which creates some uncertainty. The equity ratio has improved over the years, reflecting stronger financial stability. Return on Equity (ROE) has shown positive trends, indicating effective use of equity to generate profits.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
Operating cash flow has consistently increased, supporting robust free cash flow growth. The company has improved its ability to convert net income into cash flow, which is a positive indicator of cash management. The Free Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is strong, indicating efficient management of capital expenditures.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
416.57M422.63M405.65M422.96M364.24M295.52M
Gross Profit
156.54M164.33M153.04M132.09M107.83M89.13M
EBIT
37.91M37.76M42.08M30.02M23.14M27.70M
EBITDA
56.06M37.76M60.78M48.76M33.19M36.27M
Net Income Common Stockholders
28.26M29.98M32.47M23.65M20.78M17.52M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
965.00K31.58M49.42M16.04M6.48M448.00K
Total Assets
96.01M294.52M276.40M252.18M207.60M181.10M
Total Debt
49.56M10.16M71.00M58.65M36.52M98.55M
Net Debt
48.59M-21.43M47.93M42.61M30.03M98.11M
Total Liabilities
74.12M0.00113.71M100.24M75.57M141.24M
Stockholders Equity
14.02M0.00154.12M141.68M122.90M32.40M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
49.14M47.98M44.05M14.73M-3.70M-21.93M
Operating Cash Flow
50.02M47.98M53.38M29.47M8.68M14.55M
Investing Cash Flow
-9.34M-5.86M-30.17M-17.84M-13.28M-37.35M
Financing Cash Flow
-29.94M-33.62M-16.17M-2.07M10.64M22.45M

Karat Packaging Inc Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price27.25
Price Trends
50DMA
29.77
Negative
100DMA
29.66
Negative
200DMA
27.80
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.60
Positive
RSI
34.54
Neutral
STOCH
17.75
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For KRT, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 27.25 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 28.81, below the 50-day MA of 29.77, and below the 200-day MA of 27.80, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.60 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 34.54 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 17.75 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for KRT.

Karat Packaging Inc Risk Analysis

Karat Packaging Inc disclosed 56 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Karat Packaging Inc reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Karat Packaging Inc Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (59)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
KRKRT
69
Neutral
$554.21M18.7419.36%5.55%4.19%-8.17%
ATATR
69
Neutral
$9.77B26.5815.68%1.18%2.74%30.22%
64
Neutral
$5.50B19.7814.25%1.48%-2.23%-13.56%
SOSON
64
Neutral
$4.62B28.546.42%4.41%-6.93%-65.66%
59
Neutral
$12.27B11.11-0.54%3.71%1.45%-20.42%
MYMYE
59
Neutral
$457.62M62.082.53%4.40%2.86%-85.38%
51
Neutral
$450.66M-3.84%9.69%21.36%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
KRT
Karat Packaging Inc
27.25
0.13
0.48%
ATR
AptarGroup
146.93
6.28
4.46%
MYE
Myers Industries
11.90
-9.94
-45.51%
SLGN
Silgan Holdings
50.71
2.77
5.78%
SON
Sonoco Products
46.70
-8.60
-15.55%
PACK
Ranpak Holdings
5.39
-2.56
-32.20%

Karat Packaging Inc Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Mar 13, 2025 | % Change Since: -5.87% | Next Earnings Date: May 8, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted significant growth in sales volume and margin expansion along with strategic geographical growth and eco-friendly product demand. However, challenges in pricing, decrease in online sales, and increased operating expenses were noted. The company remains optimistic about future growth, supported by a strong cash flow and strategic initiatives.
Highlights
Strong Sales Volume and Gross Margin Growth
Sales volume grew 14% and net sales increased 6.3% over the prior year quarter. Gross margin expanded to 39.2% from 35.7% in the previous year.
Eco-Friendly Product Sales Increase
Sales of Eco-Friendly products increased by 11% year over year, representing 34.5% of total sales.
Geographical Expansion and New Distribution Center
Strong growth in the Midwest and plans for a new 187,000 square foot distribution center near their headquarters in Chino, California.
Increased Dividend and Positive Cash Flow
Increased quarterly cash dividend to $0.45 per share and generated $8.3 million in operating cash flow.
Improved Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA
Net income for the fourth quarter increased 40.3% to $5.9 million, and adjusted EBITDA rose to $11.3 million from $8.6 million year over year.
Lowlights
Pricing Challenges
Pricing was unfavorable by $5.4 million year over year, indicating challenges in maintaining pricing power.
Decrease in Online Sales
Online sales were down 6.1% or $1.1 million, reflecting the impact of prior adjustments.
Increased Operating Expenses
Operating expenses for the fourth quarter increased 10.4% to $32.5 million, driven by higher labor costs, rent, and stock-based compensation.
Company Guidance
During the 2024 fourth quarter earnings call, Karat Packaging provided guidance for 2025, highlighting several key metrics. The company expects first-quarter net sales to increase by 6% to 8% year-over-year, with a gross margin target of 37% to 39%. For the full year, they anticipate revenue growth of 9% to 11%, maintaining a gross margin between 36% and 38%. Adjusted EBITDA margin is projected to reach the low to mid-double digits. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Karat reported net sales of $101.6 million, up 6.3% from the previous year, with a gross margin expansion of 350 basis points to 39.2%. The company's net income rose 40.3% to $5.9 million, while adjusted EBITDA increased from $8.6 million to $11.3 million. Karat also announced an increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.45 per share. Looking ahead, the company plans to enhance operational efficiencies, supported by a new 187,000 square foot distribution center, and will invest in automation to drive productivity.
Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.