KRT

Karat Packaging Inc. (KRT) SWOT Analysis Analysis (2026)

Invetso Score: 6.2/10 — Balanced · Last Updated: 2026-08-01

Strengths

Healthy profitability with TTM net margin of 10.2%, operating margin of 12.8%, and ROE of 32.5%.

Solid balance sheet and liquidity with current ratio of 2.25x and net debt to EBITDA of 0.42x.

Strong cash generation with free cash flow yield of 5.3% and operating cash flow coverage remaining robust.

Efficient capital returns profile supported by ROIC of 19.0% and return on capital employed of 27.7%.

Weaknesses

Valuation is not cheap at 19.1x earnings and 18.8x free cash flow.

Working capital is tied up in inventory, with days inventory outstanding at 110.8 and cash conversion cycle at 104.9 days.

SG&A remains elevated at 27.7% of revenue, limiting operating leverage.

Dividend payout ratio is relatively high at 71.7%, which may constrain flexibility if earnings soften.

Opportunities

Improving earnings power could support multiple expansion given the low PEG ratio of 0.34.

Strong gross margin of 40.5% leaves room for further operating leverage if costs are controlled.

Free cash flow conversion remains healthy, creating room for reinvestment or shareholder returns.

Modest leverage provides capacity for selective capital deployment or acquisitions.

Threats

Inventory-heavy operations could pressure cash flow if demand slows or stock turns worsen.

A dividend payout ratio above 70% reduces cushion if profitability weakens.

At nearly 19x earnings, the stock could de-rate if growth disappoints.

Margins could be vulnerable if SG&A or input costs rise faster than revenue.

Overall Score

Sources

  • Company filings (10-K, 10-Q, investor presentations)
  • Financial and market data providers
  • Public news and industry information

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