UNITED STATES

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549
              ----------------------------------------------------

                                    FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[ X ]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
       EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
       For the quarterly period ended October 1, 2005
       or
[   ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
       EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
       For the transition period from ________ to _________

                         Commission file number 1-11406


                                   KADANT INC.
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware                                                              52-1762325
(State or Other Jurisdiction                (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
of Incorporation or Organization)

One Acton Place, Suite 202
Acton, Massachusetts                                                       01720
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                              (Zip Code)

                                 (978) 776-2000
              (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether or not the registrant is an accelerated filer
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ X ]  No [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [   ]  No [ X ]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

               Class                         Outstanding at November 3, 2005
    ----------------------------             -------------------------------
    Common Stock, $.01 par value                        13,736,203



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1 - Financial Statements - ----------------------------- KADANT INC. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) Assets October 1, January 1, (In thousands) 2005 2005 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 42,893 $ 82,089 Accounts receivable, less allowances of $2,226 and $1,678 44,859 30,022 Unbilled contract costs and fees 10,837 10,258 Inventories (Note 5) 37,481 27,316 Deferred tax asset 9,718 6,691 Other current assets 7,276 6,703 Assets of discontinued operation (Note 15) 14,508 15,650 --------- --------- Total Current Assets 167,572 178,729 --------- --------- Property, Plant, and Equipment, at Cost 86,111 68,224 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization 52,661 51,160 --------- --------- 33,450 17,064 --------- --------- Other Assets 19,232 11,342 --------- --------- Intangible Assets 36,918 3,694 --------- --------- Goodwill (Note 6) 124,165 74,408 --------- --------- Total Assets $ 381,337 $ 285,237 ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. < 2

> KADANT INC. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (continued) (Unaudited) Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment October 1, January 1, (In thousands, except share amounts) 2005 2005 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Liabilities: Current maturities of long-term obligations (Note 7) $ 9,000 $ - Accounts payable 22,543 21,327 Accrued payroll and employee benefits 12,653 11,261 Accrued restructuring costs (Note 10) 8,658 10,026 Accrued income taxes 5,680 886 Accrued warranty costs (Note 9) 2,994 3,582 Other current liabilities 16,714 10,419 Liabilities of discontinued operation (Note 15) 9,254 7,578 --------- --------- Total Current Liabilities 87,496 65,079 --------- --------- Deferred Income Taxes 21,378 4,370 --------- --------- Long-Term Obligations (Note 7) 48,750 - --------- --------- Other Long-Term Liabilities 11,174 3,327 --------- --------- Minority Interest 1,029 - --------- --------- Shareholders' Investment: Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued - - Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 14,604,520 shares issued 146 146 Capital in excess of par value 97,422 98,450 Retained earnings 135,633 129,173 Treasury stock at cost, 868,317 and 689,407 shares (20,955) (18,158) Deferred compensation (212) (50) Accumulated other comprehensive items (Note 2) (524) 2,900 --------- --------- 211,510 212,461 --------- --------- Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment $ 381,337 $ 285,237 ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. < 3

> KADANT INC. Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (Unaudited) Three Months Ended ------------------------------ October 1, October 2, (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2005 2004 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues $ 64,799 $ 48,883 --------- --------- Costs and Operating Expenses: Cost of revenues 38,557 29,721 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 20,267 14,236 Research and development expenses 1,315 807 Gain on sale of subsidiary - (149) Restructuring and unusual items (Note 10) (78) - --------- --------- 60,061 44,615 --------- --------- Operating Income 4,738 4,268 Interest Income 337 356 Interest Expense (826) (2) --------- --------- Income from Continuing Operations Before Provision for Income Taxes and Minority Interest 4,249 4,622 Provision for Income Taxes 1,519 1,423 Minority Interest Expense (Income) 96 (6) --------- --------- Income from Continuing Operations 2,634 3,205 Loss from Discontinued Operation (net of income tax benefit of $1,213 and $1,991) (Note 15) (2,252) (3,698) --------- --------- Net Income (Loss) $ 382 $ (493) ========= ========= Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share (Note 3): Continuing Operations $ .19 $ .23 Discontinued Operation (.16) (.27) --------- --------- Net Income (Loss) $ .03 $ (.04) ========= ========= Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share (Note 3): Continuing Operations $ .19 $ .22 Discontinued Operation (.16) (.25) --------- --------- Net Income (Loss) $ .03 $ (.03) ========= ========= Weighted Average Shares (Note 3): Basic 13,861 13,977 ========= ========= Diluted 14,167 14,281 ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. < 4

> KADANT INC. Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended ----------------------------- October 1, October 2, (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2005 2004 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues $ 180,629 $ 149,035 --------- --------- Costs and Operating Expenses: Cost of revenues 110,924 90,009 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 53,658 42,582 Research and development expenses 3,610 2,276 Gain on sale of subsidiary - (149) Restructuring and unusual items (Note 10) (78) - --------- --------- 168,114 134,718 --------- --------- Operating Income 12,515 14,317 Interest Income 1,188 1,003 Interest Expense (1,301) (14) --------- --------- Income from Continuing Operations Before Provision for Income Taxes and Minority Interest Expense 12,402 15,306 Provision for Income Taxes 3,376 4,776 Minority Interest Expense 158 8 --------- --------- Income from Continuing Operations 8,868 10,522 Loss from Discontinued Operation (net of income tax benefit of $1,297 and $2,447) (Note 15) (2,408) (4,544) --------- --------- Net Income $ 6,460 $ 5,978 ========= ========= Basic Earnings per Share (Note 3): Continuing Operations $ .64 $ .74 Discontinued Operation (.18) (.32) --------- --------- Net Income $ .46 $ .42 ========= ========= Diluted Earnings per Share (Note 3): Continuing Operations $ .63 $ .73 Discontinued Operation (.17) (.32) --------- --------- Net Income $ .46 $ .41 ========= ========= Weighted Average Shares (Note 3): Basic 13,893 14,139 ========= ========= Diluted 14,186 14,480 ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. < 5

> KADANT INC. Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended ----------------------------- October 1, October 2, (In thousands) 2005 2004 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating Activities: Net income $ 6,460 $ 5,978 Loss from discontinued operation (Note 15) 2,408 4,544 --------- --------- Income from continuing operations 8,868 10,522 Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 4,867 2,733 Provision for losses on accounts receivable 75 330 Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant, and equipment 30 (143) Gain on sale of subsidiary - (149) Minority interest expense 158 8 Other items 1,016 (389) Changes in current accounts, net of effects of acquisition: Accounts receivable (2,083) (3,918) Unbilled contract costs and fees 353 355 Inventories 2,434 495 Other current assets 295 (310) Accounts payable (2,479) (394) Other current liabilities (2,384) (2,839) --------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities 11,150 6,301 --------- --------- Investing Activities: Acquisition, net of cash acquired (Note 4) (103,113) - Capitalized acquisition costs (Note 4) 1,916 - Acquisition of minority interest in subsidiary (Note 6) (1,129) (318) Purchases of property, plant, and equipment (1,919) (1,331) Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment 39 1,292 Proceeds from sale of subsidiary, net of cash divested - 126 Other, net (62) (225) --------- --------- Net cash used in investing activities (104,268) (456) --------- --------- Financing Activities: Proceeds from issuance of short- and long-term obligations (Note 7) 60,000 - Increase in short- and long-term obligations (Note 4) 4,000 - Net proceeds from issuance of Company common stock 839 4,757 Purchases of Company common stock (5,437) (10,261) Repayments of short and long-term obligations (3,284) (598) Payment of debt issuance costs (652) - --------- --------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 55,466 (6,102) --------- --------- Exchange Rate Effect on Cash (1,954) 219 --------- --------- Net Cash Provided by Discontinued Operation 410 2,668 --------- --------- (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents (39,196) 2,630 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 82,089 74,412 --------- --------- Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 42,893 $ 77,042 ========= ========= Non-cash Investing Activities (Note 4): Fair value of assets acquired $ 158,166 $ - Cash paid for acquired business (105,644) - Obligation to be paid for acquired business (4,000) - --------- --------- Liabilities assumed of acquired business $ 48,522 $ - ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. < 6

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 1. General The interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes presented have been prepared by Kadant Inc. (also referred to in this document as "we," "Kadant," "the Company," or "the Registrant") without audit 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 October 1, 2005, its results of operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 1, 2005, and October 2, 2004, and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended October 1, 2005, and October 2, 2004. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The condensed consolidated balance sheet presented as of January 1, 2005, has been derived from the consolidated financial statements that have been audited by the Company's independent auditors. The condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes are presented as permitted by instructions to 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 Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2005, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All prior period information has been reclassified to reflect the Company's composite building products business as a discontinued operation (Note 15). 2. Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) combines net income (loss) and "other comprehensive items," which represent certain amounts that are reported as components of shareholders' investment in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet, including foreign currency translation adjustments and deferred gains and losses on swap and foreign currency contracts. The components of comprehensive income (loss) are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended --------------------------- --------------------------- October 1, October 2, October 1, October 2, (In thousands) 2005 2004 2005 2004 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Income (Loss) $ 382 $ (493) $ 6,460 $ 5,978 ------- ------- ------- ------- Other Comprehensive Items: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments 207 (721) (3,456) 366 Deferred Gain on Swap Contract 337 - 209 - Deferred Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Contracts 61 (10) (177) (46) ------- ------- ------- ------- 605 (731) (3,424) 320 ------- ------- ------- ------- Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ 987 $(1,224) $ 3,036 $ 6,298 ======= ======= ======= ======= < 7

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 3. Earnings (Loss) per Share Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are calculated as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended --------------------------- --------------------------- October 1, October 2, October 1, October 2, (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2005 2004 2005 2004 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income from Continuing Operations $ 2,634 $ 3,205 $ 8,868 $10,522 Loss from Discontinued Operation (2,252) (3,698) (2,408) (4,544) ------- ------- ------- ------- Net Income (Loss) $ 382 $ (493) $ 6,460 $ 5,978 ======= ======= ======== ======= Basic Weighted Average Shares 13,861 13,977 13,893 14,139 Effect of Stock Options 306 304 293 341 ------- ------- ------- ------- Diluted Weighted Average Shares 14,167 14,281 14,186 14,480 ======= ======= ======= ======= Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share: Continuing Operations $ .19 $ .23 $ .64 $ .74 Discontinued Operation (.16) (.27) (.18) (.32) ------- ------- ------- ------- Net Income (Loss) $ .03 $ (.04) $ .46 $ .42 ======= ======= ======= ======= Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share: Continuing Operations $ .19 $ .22 $ .63 $ .73 Discontinued Operation (.16) (.25) (.17) (.32) ------- ------- ------- ------- Net Income (Loss) $ .03 $ (.03) $ .46 $ .41 ======= ======= ======= ======= Options to purchase approximately 201,700 and 217,600 shares of common stock for the third quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively, and 215,700 and 229,000 shares of common stock for the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price for the common stock and the effect of their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. 4. Acquisition On May 11, 2005, the Company acquired all the outstanding stock of The Johnson Corporation (Kadant Johnson), a leading supplier of steam and condensate systems, components, and controls used primarily in the dryer section of the papermaking process and during the production of corrugated boards, metals, plastics, rubber, and textiles. Kadant Johnson was a privately held company based in Three Rivers, Michigan, with approximately 575 employees and annual revenues in 2004 of $76,092,000. The acquisition of Kadant Johnson expanded the Company's range of products and services to include fluid handling systems and equipment. The purchase price for the acquisition was $101,458,000 in cash, subject to a further post-closing adjustment, and $4,186,000 of acquisition- related costs, of which $1,916,000 was paid in 2004 and the remaining $2,270,000 was incurred in 2005. In addition to the consideration paid at closing, the Company issued a letter of credit to the sellers for $4,000,000 related to certain tax assets of Kadant Johnson, the value of which the Company expects to realize. This amount is subject to adjustment based on The Johnson Corporation's final tax returns for 2004 and 2005. This additional consideration, of which $600,000 is included in other current liabilities and $3,400,000 is included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet, is due over the next five years as follows: 15% in May of 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, and 40% in May 2010. < 8

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 4. Acquisition (continued) The parties also agreed in the purchase agreement to an earn-out provision, based on the achievement of certain revenue targets between the closing date (May 11, 2005) and July 1, 2006, which could increase the purchase price by up to $8,000,000. This contingent consideration will be accounted for as an increase in goodwill, if and when the revenue targets are achieved. To fund a portion of the purchase price, the Company entered into a term loan and revolving credit facility (see Note 7 for further discussion). Pursuant to the purchase agreement, at the closing of the acquisition $12,750,000 of the purchase price was deposited into an escrow fund, primarily to secure certain indemnification obligations of the sellers. On the 18-month anniversary of the closing, the balance of the escrow fund in excess of $2,000,000 and amounts held for unresolved claims will be distributed to the sellers. The remainder of the escrow fund will be held until the fifth anniversary of the closing to satisfy certain tax, environmental, and certain other indemnity claims. The following table summarizes the purchase method of accounting for the acquisition and the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed (in thousands): Allocation of Purchase Price as of October 1, 2005: Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 4,071 Accounts Receivable, Net 17,742 Notes Receivable 5,577 Inventory 13,276 Other Current Assets 5,243 Property, Plant, and Equipment 18,551 Long-Term Deferred Tax Assets 8,590 Other Assets 657 Intangible Assets 34,480 Goodwill 49,979 -------- Total Assets Acquired $158,166 -------- Accounts Payable $ 6,751 Other Current Liabilities 15,541 Short- and Long-Term Debt 3,286 Long-Term Deferred Tax Liabilities 17,087 Other Liabilities 4,727 Minority Interest 1,130 -------- Total Liabilities Assumed 48,522 -------- Net Assets Acquired $109,644 ======== Consideration: Cash $ 41,458 Debt 60,000 Short- and Long-Term Obligations 4,000 Acquisition Costs 4,186 -------- Total Consideration $109,644 ======== < 9

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 4. Acquisition (continued) The total consideration of $109,644,000 for Kadant Johnson, net of cash acquired of $4,071,000, was $105,573,000. Shortly after the closing date, the Company received $2,460,000 in cash related to the settlement of certain of Kadant Johnson's net assets acquired, which had the effect of reducing the "acquisition, net of cash acquired" amount in investing activities to $103,113,000 in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. The acquisition was recorded under the purchase method of accounting and the operating results of Kadant Johnson have been included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date of May 11, 2005. The allocation of the purchase price was based on estimates of the fair value of the net assets acquired and is subject to adjustment upon finalization of the purchase price allocation. The estimated fair values of current assets, excluding inventory, and current liabilities approximate their historical costs in the hands of the seller on the date of acquisition due to their short-term nature. Inventory and property, plant, and equipment were recorded at estimated fair value based primarily on cost and market approaches. The following are the identifiable intangible assets acquired and the respective periods over which the assets will be amortized on a straight-line basis: (In thousands) Amount Life - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Existing technology $ 7,840 11 years * Customer relationships 15,700 17 years * Distribution network 2,400 17 years Trade name 8,100 Indefinite Licensing agreement 400 20 years Non-compete agreement 40 3 years -------- $ 34,480 ======== * approximate weighted-average lives The amounts assigned to identifiable intangible assets acquired were based on their respective fair values determined as of the acquisition date by an outside valuation consultant, using income and cost approaches. The excess of the purchase price over the tangible and identifiable intangible assets was recorded as goodwill and amounted to approximately $49,979,000, none of which is deductible for tax purposes. In accordance with current accounting standards, the goodwill will not be amortized and will be tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of the Company's fiscal year, as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." The amortization expense associated with the acquired intangibles was $492,000 and $759,000 in the three- and nine-month periods ended October 1, 2005, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense associated with these acquired intangible assets is $1,967,000 in 2006; $1,967,000 in 2007; $1,952,000 in 2008; $1,943,000 in 2009; $1,943,000 in 2010; and the remaining $15,357,000 thereafter. The Company is evaluating potential restructuring actions that may be undertaken at Kadant Johnson. Such actions may include rationalizing product lines and consolidation of facilities. The Company will record the cost of restructuring actions at Kadant Johnson as an increase to goodwill when decisions are made as to the extent of such actions. The Company expects to finalize its restructuring plan no later than one year following completion of the Kadant Johnson acquisition. < 10

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 4. Acquisition (continued) The following condensed consolidated statement of operations is presented as if the acquisition of Kadant Johnson had been made at the beginning of the periods presented. This information is not necessarily indicative of what the actual condensed combined statement of operations of Kadant and Kadant Johnson would have been for the periods presented, nor does it purport to represent the future combined results of operations of Kadant and Kadant Johnson. Nine Months Ended ---------------------------------------- (In thousands) October 1, 2005 October 2, 2004 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues $ 209,695 $ 206,450 --------- --------- Operating Income * 1,844 19,080 --------- --------- (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations (534) 10,592 Loss from Discontinued Operation (2,408) (4,544) --------- --------- Net (Loss) Income $ (2,942) $ 6,048 ========= ========= Basic (Loss) Earnings per Share: (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations $ (.04) $ .75 Net (Loss) Income $ (.21) $ .43 Diluted (Loss) Earnings per Share: (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations $ (.04) $ .73 Net (Loss) Income $ (.21) $ .42 * Included in operating income for the first nine months of 2005 was $11.0 million in one-time bonuses and approximately $3.1 million in acquisition-related costs that Kadant Johnson incurred prior to the acquisition. 5. Inventories The components of inventories are as follows: (In thousands) October 1, 2005 January 1, 2005 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Raw Materials and Supplies $ 21,173 $ 12,849 Work in Process 5,904 6,047 Finished Goods (includes $392 and $611 at customer locations) 10,404 8,420 --------- --------- $ 37,481 $ 27,316 ========= ========= 6. Goodwill The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine-month period ended October 1, 2005 are as follows: Nine Months Ended ----------------- (In thousands) October 1, 2005 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at Beginning of Period $ 74,408 Increase due to Kadant Johnson acquisition 49,979 Increase due to purchase of minority interest in subsidiary 861 Currency translation adjustment (1,083) --------- Balance at End of Period $ 124,165 ========= See Note 4 for further discussion of goodwill associated with the Kadant Johnson acquisition. < 11

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 6. Goodwill (continued) During the third quarter of 2005, the Company acquired the remaining minority interest in one of its Kadant Johnson subsidiaries for $1,129,000 in cash and recorded $861,000 of goodwill. 7. Short- and Long-Term Obligations The components of short- and long-term obligations are as follows: (In thousands) October 1, 2005 January 1, 2005 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Portion of Term Loan $ 9,000 $ - Long-Term Portion of Term Loan 48,750 - --------- --------- Total Short- and Long-Term Obligations $ 57,750 $ - ========= ========= To fund a portion of the purchase price for the acquisition of Kadant Johnson, the Company entered into a term loan and revolving credit facility (the "Credit Agreement") effective May 9, 2005 in the aggregate principal amount of up to $85,000,000, including a $25,000,000 revolver. The Credit Agreement is among Kadant, as Borrower, the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers from time to time parties thereto, the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. On May 11, 2005, the Company borrowed $60,000,000 under the term loan facility, which is repayable in quarterly installments over a five-year period. The aggregate principal to be repaid each year is as follows: $4,500,000, $9,000,000, $10,500,000, $13,500,000, $15,000,000, and $7,500,000 in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. In the third quarter of 2005, the Company made a $2,250,000 principal payment. Interest on the revolving loan and the term loan accrues and is payable quarterly in arrears at one of the following rates selected by Kadant: (a) the prime rate plus an applicable margin initially set at 0% for 2005, and up to 0.25% thereafter, or (b) a Eurocurrency rate plus an applicable margin initially set at 1% for 2005, and between 0.625% and 1.25% thereafter. The applicable margin is determined based upon Kadant's total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ratio. In connection with the Credit Agreement, Kadant agreed to pay a commitment fee, payable quarterly, at an initial rate of 0.25% per annum of the unused amount of revolving credit commitments, subject to adjustment based upon Kadant's total debt to EBITDA ratio (resulting in a per annum rate of between 0.175% and 0.275%). Debt issuance costs were approximately $652,000 and are included in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. These costs are being amortized to interest expense over five years based on the effective-interest method. As of October 1, 2005, the unamortized debt issuance costs were approximately $568,000. The obligations of Kadant under the Credit Agreement may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Agreement, which include customary events of default including, without limitation, payment defaults, defaults in the performance of affirmative and negative covenants, the inaccuracy of representations or warranties, bankruptcy- and insolvency-related defaults, defaults relating to such matters as ERISA, uninsured judgments and the failure to pay certain indebtedness, and a change of control default. < 12

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 7. Short- and Long-Term Obligations (continued) In addition, the Credit Agreement contains negative covenants applicable to Kadant and its subsidiaries, including financial covenants requiring Kadant to comply with a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 3.0, which is lowered to 2.5 in certain circumstances, and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.5, and restrictions on liens, indebtedness, fundamental changes, dispositions of property, making certain restricted payments (including dividends and stock repurchases), investments, transactions with affiliates, sale and leaseback transactions, swap agreements, changing Kadant's fiscal year, negative pledges, arrangements affecting subsidiary distributions, and entering into new lines of business. As of October 1, 2005, Kadant was in compliance with these covenants. The loans under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain domestic subsidiaries of Kadant and secured by a pledge of 65% of the stock of the Company's first-tier foreign subsidiaries and the Company's subsidiary guarantors pursuant to a guarantee and pledge agreement effective May 9, 2005 in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent on behalf of the lenders. 8. Swap Agreement Kadant entered into a swap agreement (the "Swap Agreement"), which was effective May 17, 2005, to convert $36,000,000 of the principal balance of the $60,000,000 term loan from a floating rate to a fixed rate of interest. The Swap Agreement has a five-year term, the same quarterly payment dates as the hedged portion of the term loan, and reduces proportionately in line with the amortization of the term loan. Under the Swap Agreement, Kadant will receive a three-month LIBOR rate and pay a fixed rate of interest of 4.125%. The net effect on interest expense for the hedged portion of the term loan ($36,000,000) is that Kadant will pay a fixed interest rate of up to 5.375% (the sum of the 4.125% fixed rate under the Swap Agreement and the applicable margin of up to 1.25% on the term loan). The guarantee provisions and the default and financial covenants, as well as certain restrictions on the payment of dividends (included in the Credit Agreement and outlined in Note 7) also apply to the Swap Agreement. The Swap Agreement has been designated as a cash flow hedge and is carried at fair value. As of October 1, 2005, the unrealized gain associated with the Swap Agreement was $349,000, which is included in other assets and within accumulated other comprehensive items on a net of tax basis in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. Management believes that any credit risk associated with the swap is remote based on the creditworthiness of the financial institution issuing the Swap Agreement. 9. Warranty Obligations The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time of sale based on the actual historical return rates and repair costs. In the Pulp and Papermaking Systems (Papermaking Systems) segment, the Company typically negotiates the terms regarding warranty coverage and length of warranty depending on the products and applications. While the Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, the Company's warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, repair costs, service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure, and supplier warranties on parts delivered to the Company. Should actual product failure rates, repair costs, service delivery costs, or supplier warranties on parts differ from the Company's estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required. < 13

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 9. Warranty Obligations (continued) The changes in the carrying amount of the Company's product warranties for its continuing operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 1, 2005 and October 2, 2004 are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended ------------------------------ ----------------------------- October 1, October 2, October 1, October 2, (In thousands) 2005 2004 2005 2004 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at Beginning of Period $ 3,766 $ 3,460 $ 3,582 $ 3,661 Provision (benefit) (147) 370 823 1,743 Usage (611) (632) (1,523) (2,225) Acquired warranty obligation - - 232 - Other, net (a) (14) (29) (120) (10) ------- ------- -------- -------- Balance at End of Period $ 2,994 $ 3,169 $ 2,994 $ 3,169 ======= ======= ======== ======== (a) Represents the effects of currency translation. The Company recorded a $147,000 benefit and a $370,000 provision for warranty obligations in the third quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively. Contributing to the $147,000 benefit in the third quarter of 2005 was a reduction of $616,000 in warranty reserves in our North American stock-preparation equipment product line largely due to significantly improved claims experience. See Note 15 for warranty information related to the discontinued operation. 10. Restructuring and Unusual Items In an effort to improve operating performance at the Papermaking Systems segment's Kadant Lamort subsidiary in France, the Company approved a restructuring of that subsidiary on November 18, 2004. This restructuring was initiated to strengthen Kadant Lamort's competitive position in the European paper industry. As required under French law, consultations with Kadant Lamort's workers' council, which represents the employees, have been completed. The restructuring involves the reduction of approximately 100 full-time positions across all functions in France. As of the end of the third quarter of 2005, approximately 60 employees had been notified of their termination, approximately 35 employees will be notified in the fourth quarter of 2005, and the remaining employees will be notified by the end of the second quarter of 2006. The Company accrued a restructuring charge of $9,235,000 in the fourth quarter of 2004, in accordance with SFAS No. 112, "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits - An Amendment of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statements No. 5 and 43," for severance and other termination costs in connection with the workforce reduction. The Company estimates that an additional restructuring charge of $875,000 will be incurred related to this restructuring, the majority of which will be accrued for in the fourth quarter of 2005. As a result of the restructuring, the Company expects to realize a curtailment gain resulting in a reduction in the accrued liability associated with Kadant Lamort's pension plan of approximately $450,000, which will be primarily recognized in 2005 as the employees are notified of their termination. During the third quarter of 2005, the Company recognized $78,000 of this curtailment gain. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company recorded restructuring costs of $280,000, which were accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 112, related to severance costs of 11 employees at one of the Papermaking Systems segment's U.S. subsidiaries. < 14

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 10. Restructuring and Unusual Items (continued) A summary of the changes in accrued restructuring costs is as follows: (In thousands) Severance - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Balance at January 1, 2005 $ 10,026 Usage (598) Currency translation (770) -------- Balance at October 1, 2005 $ 8,658 ======== The specific restructuring measures and associated estimated costs are based on the Company's best judgments under prevailing circumstances. The Company believes that the restructuring reserve balance is adequate to carry out the restructuring activities formally identified and committed to during the fourth quarter of 2004. In addition, the Company estimates that an additional restructuring charge of $875,000 will be incurred primarily in the fourth quarter of 2005 associated with additional severance costs not contemplated in the original restructuring plan. The Company anticipates that substantially all of the employees associated with the Kadant Lamort restructuring will be notified of their terminations by the end of 2005, however, due to the long notification periods, the related cash payments will extend into the first half of 2006. 11. Business Segment Information The Company has combined its operating entities into one reportable operating segment, Pulp and Papermaking Systems. In addition, the Company has two separate product lines; Fiber-based Products and Casting Products, which are included in the "Other" category below. In classifying operational entities into a particular segment, the Company considered how management assesses performance and makes operating decisions and aggregated businesses with similar economic characteristics, products and services, production processes, customers, and methods of distribution. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended ------------------------------ ----------------------------- October 1, October 2, October 1, October 2, (In thousands) 2005 2004 2005 2004 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues: Pulp and Papermaking Systems $ 62,879 $ 47,669 $ 172,978 $ 144,166 Other (b) 1,920 1,214 7,651 4,869 -------- -------- --------- --------- $ 64,799 $ 48,883 $ 180,629 $ 149,035 ======== ======== ========= ========= Income from Continuing Operations Before Provision for Income Taxes and Minority Interest: Pulp and Papermaking Systems (a) $ 6,166 $ 5,595 $ 15,476 $ 18,090 Corporate and Other (b,c) (1,428) (1,327) (2,961) (3,773) -------- -------- --------- --------- Total Operating Income 4,738 4,268 12,515 14,317 Interest (Expense) Income, Net (489) 354 (113) 989 -------- -------- ---------- --------- $ 4,249 $ 4,622 $ 12,402 $ 15,306 ======== ======== ========= ========= Capital Expenditures: Pulp and Papermaking Systems $ 741 $ 291 $ 1,493 $ 1,126 Corporate and Other (b,c) 303 122 426 204 -------- -------- --------- --------- $ 1,044 $ 413 $ 1,919 $ 1,330 ======== ======== ========= ========= < 15

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 11. Business Segment Information (continued) October 1, 2005 January 1, 2005 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Assets: Pulp and Papermaking Systems $ 338,283 $ 196,248 Corporate and Other (b,c) 28,546 73,339 --------- --------- Total Assets from Continuing Operations 366,829 269,587 Total Assets from Discontinued Operations 14,508 15,650 --------- --------- $ 381,337 $ 285,237 ========= ========= (a) Includes pre-tax income of $78 in the three- and nine-month periods ending October 1, 2005 associated with restructuring activities, a pre-tax gain on sale of subsidiary of $149 in the three- and nine-month periods ending October 2, 2004, and a pre-tax gain of $970 in the nine-month period ending October 2, 2004, which resulted from renegotiating a series of agreements with one of the Company's licensees. (b) Other includes the results from the Fiber-based Products business and the Casting Products business. (c) Corporate primarily includes general and administrative expenses. 12. Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Pro Forma Stock-Based Compensation Expense As permitted by SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure," and SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-based Compensation" (SFAS No. 123), the Company has elected to continue to apply Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB Opinion No. 25), and related interpretations to account for its stock-based compensation plans. No stock-based employee compensation cost related to stock option awards is reflected in net income, as all options granted under the plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Had compensation cost for awards granted after 1994 under the Company's stock-based compensation plans been determined based on < 16

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 12. Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Pro Forma Stock-Based Compensation Expense (continued) the fair values at the grant dates consistent with the method set forth under SFAS No. 123, the effect on certain of the Company's financial results would have been as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended -------------------------- --------------------------- October 1, October 2, October 1, October 2, (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2005 2004 2005 2004 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income from Continuing Operations $ 2,634 $ 3,205 $ 8,868 $ 10,522 Loss from Discontinued Operation (2,252) (3,698) (2,408) (4,544) -------- -------- -------- --------- Net Income (Loss) As Reported 382 (493) 6,460 5,978 Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair-value-based method for all awards, net of tax (103) (557) (452) (1,686) -------- -------- -------- --------- Pro forma net income (loss) $ 279 $ (1,050) $ 6,008 $ 4,292 ======== ======== ======== ========= Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share: As reported: Income from continuing operations $ .19 $ .23 $ .64 $ .74 Net income (loss) $ .03 $ (.04) $ .46 $ .42 Pro forma: Income from continuing operations $ .18 $ .19 $ .61 $ .62 Net income (loss) $ .02 $ (.08) $ .43 $ .30 Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share: As reported: Income from continuing operations $ .19 $ .22 $ .63 $ .73 Net income (loss) $ .03 $ (.03) $ .46 $ .41 Pro forma: Income from continuing operations $ .18 $ .19 $ .59 $ .61 Net income (loss) $ .02 $ (.07) $ .42 $ .30 13. Employee Benefit Plans One of the Company's U.S. subsidiaries has a noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan. Benefits under the plan are based on years of service and employee compensation. Funds are contributed to a trustee as necessary to provide for actuarially determined costs, generally equal to the minimum amounts required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The same subsidiary has a post-retirement welfare benefits plan (reflected in the table below in "Other Benefits"). No future retirees are eligible for the post-retirement welfare benefits plan, and the plan includes a limit on the subsidiary's contributions. The Company's Kadant Lamort subsidiary sponsors a defined benefit pension plan, which is included in the table below in "Other Benefits." Benefits under this plan are based on years of service and projected employee compensation. < 17

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 13. Employee Benefit Plans (continued) Kadant Johnson also offers a post-retirement welfare benefit plan (reflected in the table below in "Other Benefits") to its U.S. employees upon attainment of eligible retirement age. Kadant Johnson pays 75% of all plan costs for retirees with a retirement date prior to January 1, 2005, and 50% of all plan costs for retirees with a retirement date after January 1, 2005, with no limits on its contributions. The accrued post-retirement benefit cost associated with this plan was $4,808,000 at October 1, 2005, and is included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The components of the net periodic benefit cost for the pension benefits and other benefits plans in the three- and nine-month periods ended October 1, 2005 and October 2, 2004 are as follows: Three Months Ended Three Months Ended (In thousands) October 1, 2005 October 2, 2004 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pension Other Pension Other Benefits Benefits Benefits Benefits -------- -------- -------- -------- Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Service cost $ 179 $ 92 $ 160 $ 17 Interest cost 252 110 242 28 Expected return on plan assets (351) - (343) - Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss - (68) - 9 Amortization of prior service cost (11) (13) 12 (14) -------- -------- -------- -------- Net periodic benefit cost $ 91 $ 121 $ 71 $ 40 ======== ======== ======== ======== Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended October 1, 2005 October 2, 2004 ------------------------------------- ------------------- Pension Other Pension Other Benefits Benefits Benefits Benefits -------- -------- -------- -------- Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Service cost $ 536 $ 210 $ 480 $ 55 Interest cost 755 229 726 87 Expected return on plan assets (1,053) - (1,027) - Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss - (51) - 27 Amortization of prior service cost 35 (37) 34 (44) -------- -------- -------- -------- Net periodic benefit cost $ 273 $ 351 $ 213 $ 25 ======== ======== ======== ======== The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Discount rate 6.00% 5.90% 6.25% 4.90% Expected long-term return on plan assets 8.50% - 8.50% - Rate of compensation increase 4.00% 2.50% 4.00% 2.50% < 18

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 13. Employee Benefit Plans (continued) No cash contributions are expected for the U.S. subsidiary's noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan and no cash contributions, other than funding current benefit payments, are expected for the other pension and post-retirement welfare benefit plans in 2005. The Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act), enacted on December 8, 2003, provides for a Medicare prescription drug benefit beginning in 2006 and federal subsidies to employers who provide drug coverage to retirees. The Company's accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation and net periodic post-retirement benefit cost do not reflect any amount associated with the subsidy as those amounts are not material to the Company's post-retirement benefit plans. 14. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Share-Based Payment On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) "Share- Based Payment" (SFAS No. 123R). SFAS No. 123R replaces SFAS No. 123, supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, and amends SFAS No. 95 "Statement of Cash Flows." SFAS No. 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. SFAS No. 123R is effective for the Company on January 1, 2006. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS No. 123 will no longer be an alternative to financial statement recognition. As permitted by SFAS No. 123, the Company currently accounts for share-based payments to employees using APB Opinion No. 25's intrinsic value method and, as such, generally recognizes no compensation cost for employee stock options. Under SFAS 123R, companies must determine the appropriate fair value model to be used at the date of adoption. The transition methods include prospective and retrospective adoption options. Management is evaluating the requirements of SFAS No. 123R. The impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R cannot be predicted at this time because it will vary based on the levels of share-based payments granted in the future and the options then outstanding. Inventory Costs In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, "Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4," which requires that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material be recognized as current-period charges. This Statement also introduces the concept of "normal capacity" and requires the allocation of fixed production overheads to inventory based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Unallocated overheads must be recognized as an expense in the period in which they are incurred. SFAS No. 151 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2006. Management is currently evaluating the requirements of SFAS No. 151 and the impact this standard will have on its financial statements. 15. Discontinued Operation On October 27, 2004, the Company's board of directors approved a plan and management committed to sell the Company's composite building products business (composites business) after making a determination that the business no longer aligned with the Company's long-term strategy. The composites business was sold on October 21, 2005 (see Note 16 for further discussion). The Company has presented the composites business in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements as a discontinued operation, as all the criteria under SFAS No. 144 have been met. All prior periods have been restated to reflect the composites business as a discontinued operation. < 19

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 15. Discontinued Operation (continued) Operating results for the composites business are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended -------------------------- --------------------------- October 1, October 2, October 1, October 2, (In thousands) 2005 2004 2005 2004 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues $ 4,409 $ 4,394 $ 15,193 $ 13,751 ------- ------- -------- -------- Loss Before Income Tax Benefit (3,465) (5,689) (3,705) (6,991) Income Tax Benefit 1,213 1,991 1,297 2,447 ------- ------- -------- -------- Loss From Discontinued Operation $(2,252) $(3,698) $ (2,408) $ (4,544) ======= ======= ======== ======== The major classes of assets and liabilities of the discontinued operation included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet are as follows: October 1, January 1, (In thousands) 2005 2005 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents $ 227 $ 39 Accounts receivable, less allowances 834 2,252 Inventories 4,088 4,035 Other current assets 1,971 1,981 Property, plant, and equipment, at cost, net 6,805 6,760 Other assets 583 583 -------- -------- Total Assets 14,508 15,650 ------- -------- Accounts payable 1,249 1,446 Accrued warranty costs 6,031 4,327 Other current liabilities 1,074 905 Other liabilities 900 900 -------- -------- Total Liabilities 9,254 7,578 -------- -------- Net Assets $ 5,254 $ 8,072 ======== ======== The composites business offers a standard limited warranty to the original owner of its decking and roofing products, limited to repair or replacement of the defective product or a refund of the original purchase price. The composites business records an estimate for warranty-related costs at the time of sale based on actual historical return rates and repair costs, as well as other analytical tools for estimating future warranty claims. These estimates are revised for variances between actual and expected claims rates. The analysis of expected warranty claims rates includes detailed assumptions associated with potential product returns, including the type of product sold, temperatures at the location of installation, density of boards, and other factors. Certain assumptions, such as the effect of weather conditions and high temperatures on the product installed, include inherent uncertainties that are subject to fluctuation, which could impact future warranty provisions. Due to the highly subjective nature of these assumptions, the Company has recorded its best estimate of the cost of expected warranty claims. It is reasonably possible that the ultimate settlement of such claims may exceed the amount recorded. < 20

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 15. Discontinued Operation (continued) The composites business experienced warranty issues that affected its profitability in 2003 and 2004. There was a substantial increase in warranty claims in 2004, with the most significant increase occurring in the three-month period ended October 2, 2004. During the first six months of 2004, the majority of the claims were associated with contraction of certain decking products. In the three-month period ended October 2, 2004, the increased claims were associated with a new issue concerning excessive oxidation that affected the integrity of the plastic used in some of the decking products manufactured prior to October 2003. As a result of the increase in claims received and the estimate for future potential claims, the Company's Kadant Composites LLC subsidiary (Kadant Composites LLC) increased its warranty expense in the third quarter of 2004 compared to prior periods. Included in this increased warranty expense was the cost of exchanging material held by the composites business' distributors with new material and its best estimate of costs related to future potential valid claims arising from installed products. In the third quarter of 2005, the composites business experienced a higher-than-expected level of warranty claims associated with the previously identified product issues of excess oxidation and contraction. As a result of the high level of claims, the Company recorded a warranty provision of $3,973,000 in the third quarter of 2005, which represented a $3,746,000 increase over the second quarter of 2005 and a $603,000 decrease over the third quarter of 2004. A summary of the changes in accrued warranty costs for the nine-month periods ended October 1, 2005 and October 2, 2004 is as follows: Nine Months Ended --------------------------- October 1, October 2, (In thousands) 2005 2004 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at Beginning of Period $ 4,327 $ 869 Provision 4,606 5,906 Usage (2,902) (1,688) -------- -------- Balance at End of Period $ 6,031 $ 5,087 ======== ======== 16. Subsequent Events Disposition of Discontinued Operation On October 21, 2005, Kadant Composites LLC completed the sale of substantially all of its assets pursuant to an asset purchase agreement (the Purchase Agreement) with LDI Composites Co., a Minnesota corporation (Buyer), and Liberty Diversified Industries, Inc., a Minnesota corporation and parent corporation of the Buyer, to the Buyer for approximately $11,127,000 in cash and the assumption of $1,444,000 of liabilities, subject to a post-closing adjustment. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, approximately $629,000 of the sale price was deposited in an escrow fund until May 1, 2007 and approximately $629,000 of the sale price will be held by the Buyer for one year from the date of sale to satisfy certain indemnification obligations. The sale price, net of transaction costs, is slightly above the net book value of the assets sold and the liabilities assumed, and as a result, the Company does not expect the resulting gain on the sale to be material to its consolidated operating results for the fourth quarter of 2005. < 21

> KADANT INC. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 16. Subsequent Events (continued) Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Kadant Composites LLC has retained warranty obligations for products manufactured prior to the sale. Kadant Composites LLC deposited $3,500,000 of the sale proceeds into a special escrow fund to satisfy these warranty claims. The warranty escrow fund will be administered by the Buyer for five years or until the funds are exhausted, after which time Kadant Composites LLC will administer any remaining warranty claims associated with products manufactured prior to the sale date. First Amendment to Credit Agreement On October 21, 2005, the Company entered into a First Amendment to the Credit Agreement with the lenders, permitting the issuance of letters of credit denominated in foreign currencies. Restructuring Costs We anticipate incurring restructuring and other one-time costs of approximately $1,100,000 in the fourth quarter of 2005, including $700,000 in the Papermaking Systems segment to restructure several of our North American operations in response to continued weak market conditions and an additional $400,000 of restructuring costs, net of an associated curtailment gain, in connection with the previously announced restructuring at our Kadant Lamort subsidiary. < 22

> KADANT INC. Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of Operations - ------------- This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements that are not statements of historical fact, and may include statements regarding possible or assumed future results of operations. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based on the beliefs and assumptions of our management, using information currently available to our management. When we use words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "should," "likely," "will," "would," or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our future results of operations may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Many of the important factors that will determine these results and values are beyond our ability to control or predict. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. For a discussion of important factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements, you should read carefully the section captioned "Risk Factors" in this Report. Overview Company Background We are a leading supplier of equipment used in the global papermaking and paper recycling industry and also a manufacturer of granules made from papermaking byproducts and grey and ductile iron castings. Our continuing operations consist of one reportable operating segment, Pulp and Papermaking Systems (Papermaking Systems), and two separate product lines: Fiber-based Products and Casting Products. In classifying operational entities into a particular segment, we considered how our management assesses performance and makes operating decisions, and aggregated businesses with similar economic characteristics, products and services, production processes, customers, and methods of distribution. In addition, prior to its sale, we operated the composite building products business (composites business), which is presented as a discontinued operation in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. The composites business was sold on October 21, 2005. We were incorporated in Delaware in November 1991 to be the successor-in-interest to several papermaking equipment businesses of Thermo Electron Corporation (Thermo Electron). In November 1992, we completed an initial public offering of a portion of our outstanding common stock. On July 12, 2001, we changed our name to Kadant Inc. from Thermo Fibertek Inc. In August 2001, Thermo Electron disposed of its remaining equity interest in us by means of a stock dividend to its shareholders. In May 2003, we moved the listing of our common stock to the New York Stock Exchange, where it continues to trade under the symbol "KAI." Pulp and Papermaking Systems Segment Our Papermaking Systems segment designs and manufactures stock-preparation systems and equipment, paper machine accessory equipment, and water-management systems for the paper and paper recycling industries. With the acquisition of The Johnson Corporation (Kadant Johnson) in May 2005, we added fluid handling systems, which improve dryer performance during the papermaking process. Our principal products include: - Stock-preparation systems and equipment: custom-engineered systems and equipment, as well as standard individual components, for pulping, de-inking, screening, cleaning, and refining recycled and virgin fibers for preparation for entry into the paper machine during the production of paper; < 23

> KADANT INC. Overview (continued) - Paper machine accessory equipment: doctoring systems and related consumables that continuously clean papermaking rolls to keep paper machines running efficiently; doctor blades made of a variety of materials to perform functions including cleaning, creping, web removal, and application of coatings; and profiling systems that control moisture, web curl, and gloss during paper production; - Water-management systems: systems and equipment used to continuously clean paper machine fabrics and to drain, purify, and recycle process water during paper sheet formation; and - Fluid handling systems and equipment: rotary joints, precision unions, steam and condensate systems, components, and controls used primarily in the dryer section of the papermaking process and during the production of corrugated boxboard, metals, plastics, rubber, and textiles. Other Our other business lines include our Fiber-based Products business and our Casting Products business. Our Fiber-based Products business produces biodegradable, absorbent granules from papermaking byproducts for use primarily as carriers for agricultural, home lawn and garden, and professional lawn, turf and ornamental applications, as well as for oil and grease absorption. Our Casting Products business manufactures grey and ductile iron castings. Discontinued Operation Prior to the sale of the composites business, we produced composite building products, including decking and railing systems and roof tiles, made from recycled fiber, plastic, and other material, which were marketed through distributors primarily to the building industry. On October 21, 2005, our Kadant Composites LLC subsidiary (Kadant Composites LLC) sold substantially all of its assets to LDI Composites Co. (the Buyer) for approximately $11.1 million in cash and the assumption of $1.4 million of liabilities, subject to a post-closing adjustment. The sale price, net of transaction costs, is slightly above the net book value of the assets sold and the liabilities assumed, and as a result we do not expect the resulting gain on the sale to be material to our consolidated operating results for the fourth quarter of 2005. As part of the sale transaction, Kadant Composites LLC retained the warranty obligations associated with products manufactured prior to the sale date. Kadant Composites LLC deposited $3.5 million of the sale proceeds into a special escrow fund to satisfy these warranty claims. This fund will be administered by the Buyer for five years or until the funds are exhausted, after which time Kadant Composites LLC will administer any remaining covered warranty claims. As of October 1, 2005, the accrued warranty reserve associated with the composites business was $6.0 million. Kadant Composites LLC recorded a $4.0 million warranty provision in the third quarter of 2005 due to a higher-than-expected level of warranty claims associated with the previously identified product issues of excessive oxidation and contraction. All future activity associated with this warranty reserve will continue to be classified in the results of the discontinued operation in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. International Sales During the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, approximately 61% and 60%, respectively, of our sales were to customers outside the United States, principally in Europe and Asia. We generally seek to charge our customers in the same currency in which our operating costs are incurred. However, our financial performance and competitive position can be affected by currency exchange rate fluctuations affecting the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign < 24

> KADANT INC. Overview (continued) currencies. We seek to reduce our exposure to currency fluctuations through the use of forward currency exchange contracts. We may enter into forward contracts to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in currencies other than our subsidiaries' functional currencies. These contracts hedge transactions principally denominated in U.S. dollars. Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our condensed consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Critical accounting policies are defined as those that reflect significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We believe that our most critical accounting policies, upon which our financial condition depends and which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments, are those described in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" under the section captioned "Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2005, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There have been no material changes to these critical accounting policies since fiscal year-end 2004 that warrant further disclosure. Industry and Business Outlook Our products are primarily sold to the pulp and paper industry. The paper industry had been in a prolonged downcycle for the past several years. While the performance of paper producers, especially in North America, had been gradually improving in the first half of the year, the industry is continuing to experience sluggish demand. The profitability of paper producers is still being negatively affected by higher operating costs, especially for energy and chemicals. In response, paper companies are still cautious about increasing their capital and operating spending in the current market environment and have continued to reduce capacity by keeping their paper machines idle or closing paper mills. We expect, however, that if the market recovers, paper companies will increase their capital and operating spending, which would have a positive effect on paper company suppliers, such as Kadant, although the timing of such effect is difficult to predict. We continue to concentrate our efforts on several initiatives intended to improve our operating results, including: (i) integrating the Kadant Johnson acquisition, (ii) increasing our manufacturing capabilities in China, (iii) increasing aftermarket sales, (iv) completing the Kadant Lamort restructuring, and (v) penetrating new markets outside the paper industry. In addition, we continue to focus our efforts on managing our operating costs, capital expenditures, and working capital. In an effort to improve operating performance at our Kadant Lamort subsidiary in France, we approved a restructuring of that subsidiary on November 18, 2004. This restructuring was initiated to strengthen Kadant Lamort's competitive position in the European paper industry. As required under French law, we have completed the consultations with Kadant Lamort's workers' council, which represents the employees. The restructuring involves the reduction of approximately 100 full-time positions in France and we expect substantially all affected employees will be notified of their termination by the end of 2005. We accrued a restructuring charge of $9.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2004 for severance and other termination costs in connection with the workforce reduction. We anticipate that an additional restructuring charge of $0.9 million will be incurred related to this restructuring, the majority of which will be accrued for in the fourth quarter of 2005. In addition, we expect to realize a curtailment gain resulting < 25

> KADANT INC. Overview (continued) in a reduction in the accrued liability associated with Kadant Lamort's pension plan of approximately $0.5 million, which will primarily be recognized in 2005 as the employees are notified of their termination. We expect that Kadant Lamort will continue to experience operating losses in the fourth quarter of 2005 as these restructuring actions are completed. In response to continued weak market conditions in North America, we anticipate incurring restructuring and other one-time costs in the Papermaking Systems segment of approximately $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2005 to restructure several of our North American operations in response to continued weak market conditions. We anticipate annual savings of approximately $2.4 million as a result of these actions. We continue to pursue market opportunities outside North America. In the last several years, China has become a significant market for our stock-preparation equipment. To capitalize on this growing market, as announced in our earnings call on November 3, 2005, we plan to acquire a manufacturing and assembly facility in China for our stock-preparation equipment and related aftermarket products. Revenues from China are primarily derived from large capital orders, the timing of which has been difficult to predict. For the past several quarters, our customers in China have experienced delays in obtaining financing for their capital addition and expansion projects, which we believe is due to efforts by the Chinese government to control economic growth, which are reflected in a slowdown in financing approvals in China's banking system. This has caused delays in receiving orders and, as a result, will delay our recognizing revenue on these projects to periods later than originally expected. We plan to use the acquired business in China as a base for increasing our aftermarket business, which we believe will be more predictable. On May 11, 2005, we acquired all the outstanding stock of Kadant Johnson, a leading supplier of steam and condensate systems, components, and controls used primarily in the dryer section of the papermaking process and during the production of steel, plastics, rubber, and textiles. Kadant Johnson was a privately held company based in Michigan with approximately 575 employees at operations in North and South America, Europe and Asia. Kadant Johnson's primary products include rotary joints, syphons, and related steam and condensate systems. The purchase price was $101.5 million in cash, subject to a further post-closing adjustment as outlined in the purchase agreement for Kadant Johnson, and $4.2 million in acquisition-related costs. In addition to the cash consideration, we issued a letter of credit to the sellers for $4 million, subject to adjustment, related to certain tax assets of Kadant Johnson, the value of which we expect to realize. The parties also agreed in the purchase agreement to an earn-out provision, based on the achievement of certain revenue targets between the closing date and July 1, 2006, which could increase the purchase price by up to $8 million. The majority of the results for Kadant Johnson will be reported in the Pulp and Papermaking Systems segment within the fluid handling product line. Results associated with the Casting Products business will be reported in "Other." Our 2005 guidance reflects expected revenues and earnings per share from continuing operations, which excludes the results from our composites business (accounted for as a discontinued operation). For the fourth quarter of 2005, we expect to earn between $.04 to $.07 per diluted share, on revenues of $60 to $62 million. For the full year, we expect to earn between $.67 to $.70 per diluted share, on revenues of $240 to $242 million, down from our previously announced guidance of $.92 to $1.00 per diluted share, on revenues of $250 to $260 million. The factors contributing to the decrease of $.25 per diluted share at the low end of our guidance include: delays in the receipt of several major prospective orders from China; the delay in the receipt of an approximately $6 million order at our Kadant Lamort subsidiary, which will delay revenue recognition until 2006; anticipated restructuring costs of $0.7 million at several of our operations in North America; additional net restructuring costs of $0.4 million at our Kadant Lamort subsidiary; and weaker-than-expected performance in our North American accessory businesses, caused by sluggish order rates in our capital equipment product lines. < 26

> KADANT INC. Results of Operations Third Quarter 2005 Compared With Third Quarter 2004 - --------------------------------------------------- The following table sets forth our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations expressed as a percentage of revenues from continuing operations for the third fiscal quarters of 2005 and 2004. The results of operations for the fiscal quarter ended October 1, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. Three Months Ended -------------------------------- October 1, October 2, 2005 2004 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues 100% 100% --- --- Costs and Operating Expenses: Cost of revenues 60 61 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 31 29 Research and development expenses 2 1 --- --- 93 91 --- --- Operating Income 7 9 Interest Income, net - 1 --- --- Income from Continuing Operations Before Provision for Income Taxes and Minority Interest 7 10 Provision for Income Taxes 3 3 Minority Interest Expense (Income) - - --- --- Income from Continuing Operations 4 7 Loss from Discontinued Operation (3) (8) --- --- Net Income (Loss) 1% (1)% === === Revenues Revenues increased $15.9 million, or 33%, to $64.8 million in the third quarter of 2005 from $48.9 million in the third quarter of 2004. Revenues in the third quarter of 2005 include a $17.7 million, or 36%, increase from recently acquired Kadant Johnson, and the favorable effect of currency translation of $0.2 million due to a weaker U.S. dollar relative to the functional currencies in countries in which we operate. Revenues from our Papermaking Systems segment and other businesses for the third quarters of 2005 and 2004 are as follows: Three Months Ended ----------------------------- October 1, October 2, (In thousands) 2005 2004 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues: Pulp and Papermaking Systems $ 62,879 $ 47,669 Other 1,920 1,214 -------- -------- $ 64,799 $ 48,883 ======== ======== < 27

> KADANT INC. Results of Operations (continued) Pulp and Papermaking Systems Segment. Revenues at the Papermaking Systems segment increased $15.2 million, or 32%, to $62.9 million in the third quarter of 2005 from $47.7 million in the third quarter of 2004. Revenues in the third quarter of 2005 include a $16.7 million, or 35%, increase due to the inclusion of a full quarter of revenues from recently acquired Kadant Johnson, which comprises our fluid handling product line, and the favorable effect of currency translation described above, all of which related to this segment. Revenues at the Papermaking Systems segment by product line are as follows: Increase (Decrease) Three Months Ended Excluding ------------------------------- Effect of October 1, October 2, Increase Currency (In Millions) 2005 2004 (Decrease) Translation - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Product Line: Stock-Preparation Equipment $ 24.2 $ 26.1 $ (1.9) $ (1.9) Accessories 14.4 15.1 (0.7) (0.8) Water-Management 7.1 6.1 1.0 0.9 Fluid Handling 16.7 - 16.7 16.7 Other 0.5 0.4 0.1 0.1 ------- ------- ------- ------- $ 62.9 $ 47.7 $ 15.2 $ 15.0 ======= ======= ======== ======= Revenues from the segment's stock-preparation equipment product line decreased $1.9 million, or 7%, in the third quarter of 2005 compared to the third quarter of 2004 due to a decrease in sales in Europe of $2.6 million, or 30%, in the third quarter of 2005 resulting from continued weakness in the European market for stock-preparation capital equipment. This decrease was offset in part by a $0.6 million, or 9%, increase in sales in China due to strong sales of our capital equipment. Revenues from the segment's accessories product line decreased $0.7 million, or 5%, in the third quarter of 2005 compared to the third quarter of 2004, including a $0.1 million increase from the favorable effect of currency translation. Excluding the effect of currency translation, revenues from the segment's accessories product line decreased $0.8 million, or 5%, due to a decrease in sales in Europe and North America due to weaker demand for our capital equipment. Revenues from the segment's water-management product line increased $1.0 million, or 17%, in the third quarter of 2005 compared to the third quarter of 2004, including a $0.1 million increase from the favorable effect of currency translation. Excluding the effect of currency translation, revenues from the segment's water-management product line increased $0.9 million, or 15%, due to a 20% increase in sales of our capital equipment in North America, offset in part by an 8% decrease in Europe. Revenues from the recently acquired fluid handling product line were $16.7 million in the third quarter of 2005. Other. Revenues from the Fiber-based Products business decreased $0.3 million, or 26%, to $0.9 million in the third quarter of 2005 from $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2004 due to the timing of Biodac(TM) orders from two large customers. Biodac(TM) is our product family of biodegradable granules that we produce from papermaking byproducts. Revenues from the Casting Products business were $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2005. < 28

> KADANT INC. Results of Operations (continued) Gross Profit Margin Gross profit margin was 40% in the third quarter of 2005 compared to 39% in the third quarter of 2004. Gross profit margins for the third quarters of 2005 and 2004 for our Papermaking Systems segment and our other businesses are as follows: Three Months Ended ---------------------------- October 1, October 2, 2005 2004 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross Profit Margin: Pulp and Papermaking Systems 42% 39% Other 7 31 --- -- 40% 39% The gross profit margin at the Papermaking Systems segment was 42% and 39% in the third quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively. The fluid handling product line contributed a 3% increase in gross profit margins in the third quarter of 2005. A reduction of warranty reserves in our North American stock preparation business due to significantly improved claims experience contributed a 1% increase in gross margins. These increases were offset in part by lower margins at our Kadant Lamort subsidiary, which reduced gross margins by 1%. The gross profit margin at our other businesses decreased to 7% in the third quarter of 2005 from 31% in the third quarter of 2004 due to the inclusion of lower margins at the Casting Products business and to lower margins in our Fiber-based granular product line. We expect the gross profit margin in the Fiber-based granular product line to continue to be negatively affected by significantly higher costs of natural gas used in the manufacturing process. Operating Expenses Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues were 31% and 29% in the third quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased to $20.3 million in the third quarter of 2005 from $14.2 million in the third quarter of 2004, an increase of $6.1 million, or 42%. The increase was primarily due to the inclusion of $7.1 million in selling, general, and administrative expenses from Kadant Johnson, which was offset in part by a reduction of $1.1 million of selling, general, and administrative expenses resulting from a reduction in incentive compensation accruals and other expense reductions at the Papermaking Systems segment. Research and development expenses were $1.3 million and $0.8 million in the third quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively, and represented 2% of revenues in both periods, including $0.4 million from Kadant Johnson in 2005. Interest Income Interest income decreased slightly to $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2005 from $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2004 primarily due to a decrease in the average cash balance resulting from the May 2005 acquisition of Kadant Johnson, partly offset by higher prevailing interest rates. Interest Expense Interest expense increased to $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2005 from $2 thousand in the third quarter of 2004 due to interest expense associated with the $60.0 million in borrowings used to fund the Kadant Johnson acquisition in May 2005. < 29

> KADANT INC. Results of Operations (continued) Gain on Sale of Subsidiary During the third quarter of 2004, we recognized a gain of $0.1 million from the sale of a subsidiary in Latin America for $0.4 million. Restructuring and Unusual Items During the third quarter of 2005, we recognized a curtailment gain of $0.1 million associated with the employees who had been terminated pursuant to Kadant Lamort's restructuring plan and were no longer eligible for benefits under Kadant Lamort's pension plan. Income Taxes Our effective tax rate was 36% and 31% in the third quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively. The 36% effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2005 consisted of our 35% recurring tax rate, a 3% increase associated with an adjustment to the effective tax rate for the first half of 2005 due to a recent tax ruling related to the United Kingdom, offset in part by a 2% non-recurring tax benefit resulting from a reduction of $0.1 million in tax reserves. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2004 was 31%, which was based on our 35% recurring effective tax rate offset by a 4% non-recurring tax benefit resulting from a reduction of $0.2 million in tax reserves for foreign tax credits associated with the filing of the 2003 federal tax return. Income from Continuing Operations Income from continuing operations decreased to $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2005 from $3.2 million in the third quarter of 2004, a decrease of $0.6 million, or 18%. This decrease was due primarily to an increase in interest expense of $0.8 million associated with the $60.0 million in borrowings entered into in May 2005 to fund the Kadant Johnson acquisition, offset in part by an increase of $0.5 million in pre-tax operating income (see Gross Profit Margin and Operating Expenses above for further discussion). Loss from Discontinued Operation The discontinued operation had a net loss of $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2005 compared to a net loss of $3.7 million in the third quarter of 2004, due primarily to a $2.2 million decrease in operating expenses, which was offset by a $0.8 million decrease in the income tax benefit. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily due to a $0.6 million decrease in the warranty provision, a decrease in production costs of approximately $1.2 million, and a $0.3 million decrease in depreciation expense. < 30

> KADANT INC. Results of Operations (continued) First Nine Months 2005 Compared With First Nine Months 2004 - ----------------------------------------------------------- The following table sets forth our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations expressed as a percentage of revenues from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2005 and 2004. The results of operations for the first nine months of 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. Nine Months Ended ---------------------------- October 1, October 2, 2005 2004 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues 100% 100% --- --- Costs and Operating Expenses: Cost of revenues 61 60 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 30 29 Research and development expenses 2 1 --- --- 93 90 --- --- Operating Income 7 10 Interest Income, net - - --- --- Income from Continuing Operations Before Provision for Income Taxes and Minority Interest 7 10 Provision for Income Taxes 2 3 Minority Interest Expense - - --- --- Income from Continuing Operations 5 7 Loss from Discontinued Operation (1) (3) --- --- Net Income 4% 4% === === Revenues Revenues increased $31.6 million, or 21%, to $180.6 million in the first nine months of 2005 from $149.0 million in the first nine months of 2004. Revenues in the 2005 period include a $28.9 million, or 19%, increase due to the inclusion of Kadant Johnson, acquired in May 2005, and the favorable effect of currency translation of $2.5 million due to a weaker U.S. dollar relative to most of the functional currencies in countries in which we operate. < 31

> KADANT INC. Results of Operations (continued) Revenues from our Papermaking Systems segment and other businesses for the first nine months of 2005 and 2004 are as follows: Nine Months Ended ---------------------------- October 1, October 2, (In thousands) 2005 2004 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues: Pulp and Papermaking Systems $ 172,978 $ 144,166 Other 7,651 4,869 --------- --------- $ 180,629 $ 149,035 ========= ========= Pulp and Papermaking Systems Segment. Revenues at the Papermaking Systems segment increased $28.8 million, or 20%, to $173.0 million in the first nine months of 2005 from $144.2 million in the first nine months of 2004. Revenues in the first nine months of 2005 include a $27.3 million, or 19%, increase due to the inclusion of revenue from recently acquired Kadant Johnson, which comprises our fluid handling product line, and the favorable effect of currency translation described above, all of which related to this segment. Revenues at the Papermaking Systems segment by product line are as follows: Increase (Decrease) Nine Months Ended Excluding ------------------------------- Effect of October 1, October 2, Increase Currency (In Millions) 2005 2004 (Decrease) Translation - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Product Line: Stock-Preparation Equipment $ 78.0 $ 74.7 $ 3.3 $ 2.2 Accessories 45.0 47.0 (2.0) (3.0) Water-Management 21.4 21.4 - (0.3) Fluid Handling 27.3 - 27.3 27.3 Other 1.3 1.1 0.2 0.1 ------- ------- --------- ---------- $ 173.0 $ 144.2 $ 28.8 $ 26.3 ======= ======= ========= ========== Revenues from the segment's stock-preparation equipment product line increased $3.3 million, or 5%, in the first nine months of 2005 compared to the first nine months of 2004, including a $1.1 million increase from the favorable effect of currency translation. Excluding the effect of currency translation, revenues from the stock-preparation equipment product line increased $2.2 million, or 3%, due to a $10.0 million, or 42%, increase in sales from North America. This increase was offset in part by a $4.3 million, or 18%, decrease in sales in China in the first nine months of 2005 due to continued delays by customers in securing their financing approvals from the Chinese government. In addition, sales in Europe decreased $3.5 million, or 13%, in the first nine months of 2005 due to continued weakness in the European market for stock-preparation capital equipment. < 32

> KADANT INC. Results of Operations (continued) Revenues from the segment's accessories product line decreased $2.0 million, or 4%, in the first nine months of 2005 compared to the first nine months of 2004, including a $1.0 million increase from the favorable effect of currency translation. Excluding the effect of currency translation, revenues from the segment's accessories product line decreased $3.0 million, or 6%, due to a decrease in sales of capital equipment in North America and Europe. Revenues from the segment's water-management product line were $21.4 million in both the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, including $0.3 million in 2005 from the favorable effect of currency translation. Excluding the effect of currency translation, revenues from the segment's water-management product line decreased $0.3 million, or 1%, due primarily to a decrease in capital sales in Europe. Revenues from the recently acquired fluid handling product line were $27.3 million in the first nine months of 2005, which includes revenues from Kadant Johnson from the acquisition date of May 11, 2005 to October 1, 2005. Other. Revenues from the Fiber-based Products business increased $1.2 million, or 26%, to $6.1 million in the first nine months of 2005 from $4.9 million in the first nine months of 2004 primarily as a result of an increase in sales to an existing customer of Biodac(TM), our product family of biodegradable granules that we produce from papermaking byproducts. Revenues from the Casting Products business were $1.5 million in the first nine months of 2005. Gross Profit Margin Gross profit margin was 39% in the first nine months of 2005 compared to 40% in the first nine months of 2004. Gross profit margins for the first nine months of 2005 and 2004 for our Papermaking Systems segment and our other businesses are as follows: Nine Months Ended ---------------------------- October 1, October 2, 2005 2004 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross Profit Margin: Pulp and Papermaking Systems 39% 39% Other 32 37 -- -- 39% 40% The gross profit margin at the Papermaking Systems segment remained constant at 39% in the first nine months of 2005 and 2004. The fluid handling product line contributed a 3% increase in gross profit margin in the first nine months of 2005, which was offset by lower margins at our Kadant Lamort subsidiary. The gross profit margin at our other businesses decreased to 32% in the first nine months of 2005 from 37% in the first nine months of 2004 due primarily to the inclusion of lower margins from the Casting Products business. Operating Expenses Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues were 30% and 29% in the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, respectively. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased to $53.7 million in the first nine months of 2005 from $42.6 million in the first nine months of 2004, an increase of $11.1 million, or 26%. The increase included $11.2 million of selling, general, and administrative expenses in the 2005 period associated with Kadant Johnson. In addition, the first quarter of 2004 included a $1.0 million gain from the renegotiation of a series of agreements with one of our licensees, which lowered selling, general, and administrative expenses in that period. Offsetting these increases was a $0.7 million decrease in severance costs associated with our European operations and < 33

> KADANT INC. Results of Operations (continued) a decrease of $0.5 million associated with the costs to implement the internal control requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Research and development expenses were $3.6 million and $2.3 million in the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, respectively, and represented 2% of revenues in both periods. Included in the $1.3 million increase in research and development expenses were $0.6 million of research and development expenses associated with Kadant Johnson. Interest Income Interest income increased to $1.2 million in the first nine months of 2005 from $1.0 million in the first nine months of 2004 primarily due to higher prevailing interest rates, offset in part by lower average cash balances resulting from the acquisition of Kadant Johnson in May 2005. Interest Expense Interest expense increased to $1.3 million in the first nine months of 2005 from $14 thousand in the first nine months of 2004 due to interest expense associated with the $60.0 million in borrowings entered into in May 2005 to fund the Kadant Johnson acquisition. Gain on Sale of Subsidiary During the first nine months of 2004, we recognized a gain of $0.1 million from the sale of a subsidiary in Latin America for $0.4 million. Restructuring and Unusual Items During the first nine months of 2005, we recognized a curtailment gain of $0.1 million associated with the employees who had been notified of their termination pursuant to Kadant Lamort's restructuring plan and are no longer eligible for benefits under Kadant Lamort's pension plan. Income Taxes Our effective tax rate was 27% and 31% in the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, respectively. The 27% effective tax rate in the first nine months of 2005 consisted of our 35% recurring tax rate, offset by a 7% non-recurring tax benefit associated with a reimbursement of $0.9 million received from our former parent company, Thermo Electron, pursuant to our tax matters agreement for tax years in which we were included in Thermo Electron's consolidated tax return. Also offsetting the 35% recurring rate was a 1% non-recurring tax benefit resulting from a reduction of $0.1 million in tax reserves. The 31% effective tax rate in the first nine months of 2004 consisted of a 35% recurring tax rate, offset by a 3% non-recurring tax benefit resulting from a reduction of $0.4 million in tax reserves primarily associated with our foreign operations, as the reserves were no longer required, and a 1% non-recurring tax benefit resulting from a $0.2 million reduction in tax reserves for foreign tax credits associated with the filing of the 2003 federal tax return. Income from Continuing Operations Income from continuing operations decreased to $8.9 million in the first nine months of 2005 from $10.5 million in the first nine months of 2004, a decrease of $1.6 million, or 16%. The primary reasons for this decrease can be attributed to a decrease in operating income of $1.8 million (see discussion above on Gross Profit Margin and Operating Expenses) and an increase in interest expense of $1.3 million in the first nine months of 2005 associated with the $60.0 million in borrowings used to fund the Kadant Johnson acquisition in May 2005. < 34

> KADANT INC. Results of Operations (continued) Loss from Discontinued Operation The loss from our discontinued operation decreased to $2.4 million in the first nine months of 2005 from $4.5 million in the first nine months of 2004, due primarily to a $1.4 million increase in revenues and a $2.1 million decrease in cost of sales, offset by a $1.2 million decrease in the income tax benefit. The largest component of the decrease in cost of sales was a $1.3 million decrease in the warranty provision. Liquidity and Capital Resources Consolidated working capital, including the discontinued operation, was $80.1 million at October 1, 2005, compared with $113.7 million at January 1, 2005. Included in working capital are cash and cash equivalents of $42.9 million at October 1, 2005, compared with $82.1 million at January 1, 2005. At October 1, 2005, $24.5 million of cash and cash equivalents were held by our foreign subsidiaries. Our operating activities provided $11.2 million and $6.3 million of cash during the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, respectively. The most significant components of the cash provided in the first nine months of 2005 were the cash provided by income from continuing operations of $8.9 million, a non-cash charge for depreciation and amortization expense of $4.9 million, and a decrease in inventories, which provided cash of $2.4 million. Partially offsetting the cash provided in the first nine months of 2005 was a decrease primarily in the Papermaking Systems segment in accounts payable, which used cash of $2.5 million and a decrease in other current liabilities, which used cash of $2.4 million. Our investing activities used cash of $104.3 million and $0.5 million in the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, respectively. During the first nine months of 2005, we used cash of $103.1 million to acquire the stock of The Johnson Corporation. In addition, during the first nine months of 2005, $1.9 million of deferred acquisition costs paid in 2004 associated with the Kadant Johnson acquisition were capitalized to goodwill. We used cash of $1.1 million in the first nine months of 2005 to acquire the remaining minority interest in one of our Kadant Johnson subsidiaries. We also used $1.9 million in the first nine months of 2005 to purchase property, plant and equipment. Our financing activities provided cash of $55.5 million in the first nine months of 2005 and used cash of $6.1 million in the first nine months of 2004. During the first nine months of 2005, we received proceeds of $60 million from a term loan we entered into to fund a portion of the purchase price for Kadant Johnson. We also increased our short- and long-term obligations by $4 million, which represents additional consideration for Kadant Johnson to be paid over the next five years. In the first nine months of 2005, we used cash of $3.3 million to repay short- and long-term obligations. In addition, we used cash of $5.4 million to purchase our common stock on the open market. In the first nine months of 2004, we used cash of $10.3 million to purchase our common stock on the open market and received $4.8 million from the issuance of common stock in connection with the exercise of employee stock options. Our discontinued operation provided cash of $0.4 million and $2.7 million in the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, respectively. The cash provided of $0.4 million in the first nine months of 2005 was primarily due to an increase in accrued warranty costs of $1.7 million and a decrease in accounts receivable of $1.4 million, partially offset by the net loss from discontinued operation of $2.4 million. On October 21, 2005, Kadant Composites LLC sold substantially all of its assets for approximately $11.1 million in cash and the assumption of $1.4 million in liabilities, subject to a post-closing adjustment. The net cash proceeds, after selling costs, will be approximately $10.5 million. Of the net cash proceeds, $3.5 million has been deposited into an escrow fund to satisfy warranty claims and approximately $1.3 million was deposited in escrow and similar accounts to satisfy potential indemnifications associated with the sale. On October 22, 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act) was signed into law. The Act created a temporary incentive for U.S. multinationals to repatriate accumulated income earned outside the U.S. at an effective tax rate of 5.25%. After evaluating the effect of the law on our unremitted foreign earnings, we have determined that < 35

> KADANT INC. Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued) due to various factors, there is no benefit to us. Therefore, it will remain our practice to reinvest indefinitely the earnings of our international subsidiaries, except in instances in which we can remit such earnings without a significant associated tax cost. Through October 1, 2005, we have not provided U.S. income taxes on approximately $53.7 million of unremitted foreign earnings. We believe that any U.S. tax liability due upon remittance of such earnings would be immaterial due to the availability of U.S. foreign tax credits generated from such remittance. The related foreign tax withholding, which would be required if we remitted the foreign earnings to the U.S., would be approximately $1.9 million. In May 2004, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $30 million of our equity securities in the open market or in negotiated transactions through May 18, 2005. Prior to January 1, 2005, we had repurchased 460,400 shares of our common stock under this authorization for $9.3 million. For the period from January 2, 2005 through May 18, 2005, we repurchased an additional 109,700 shares of our common stock under this authorization for $2.1 million. On May 6, 2005, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $15 million of our equity securities in the open market or in negotiated transactions for the period from May 18, 2005 through May 18, 2006. As of October 1, 2005, we have repurchased 1,200 shares of our common stock for $25 thousand in the second quarter of 2005 and 171,500 shares of our common stock for $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2005 under this authorization. As of October 1, 2005, there was $11.6 million remaining under this authorization for the repurchase of our common stock. We completed our acquisition of Kadant Johnson on May 11, 2005 for $101.5 million in cash, subject to a further post-closing adjustment as outlined in the purchase agreement for Kadant Johnson, and $4.2 million in acquisition-related costs. In addition to the cash consideration, we issued a letter of credit to the sellers for $4 million, subject to adjustment, related to certain tax assets of Kadant Johnson, the value of which we expect to realize. We also agreed in the purchase agreement to an earn-out provision, based on the achievement of certain revenue targets between the closing date and July 1, 2006, which could increase the purchase price by up to $8 million. To fund $60 million of the purchase price, we entered into a term loan and revolving credit facility (the Credit Agreement) effective as of May 9, 2005 in the aggregate principal amount of up to $85 million, including a $25 million revolver. The Credit Agreement includes a $60 million five-year term loan, which is repayable in equal quarterly installments over a five-year period. The aggregate principal to be repaid each year is as follows: $4.5 million, $9 million, $10.5 million, $13.5 million, $15 million, and $7.5 million in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. Interest on the revolving loan and the term loan accrues and is payable quarterly in arrears at one of the following rates selected by us: (a) the prime rate plus an applicable margin initially set at 0% for 2005, and up to 0.25% thereafter or, (b) a eurocurrency rate plus an applicable margin initially set at 1% for 2005, and between 0.625% and 1.25% thereafter. The applicable margin is determined based upon our total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement. Our obligations under the Credit Agreement may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Agreement, which include customary events of default including, without limitation, payment defaults, defaults in the performance of affirmative and negative covenants, the inaccuracy of representations or warranties, bankruptcy- and insolvency-related defaults, defaults relating to such matters as ERISA, uninsured judgments and the failure to pay certain indebtedness, and a change of control default. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains negative covenants applicable to us and our subsidiaries, including financial covenants requiring us to comply with a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 3.0, which is lowered to 2.5 in certain circumstances, and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.5, and restrictions on liens, indebtedness, fundamental changes, dispositions of property, making certain restricted payments (including dividends and stock repurchases), investments, transactions with affiliates, sale and leaseback transactions, swap agreements, changing our fiscal year, negative pledges, arrangements affecting subsidiary < 36

> KADANT INC. Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued) distributions, and entering into new lines of business. As of October 2, 2005, we were in compliance with the covenants in the Credit Agreement. The loans under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our domestic subsidiaries and secured by a pledge of 65% of the stock of our first-tier foreign subsidiaries and our subsidiary guarantors pursuant to a guarantee and pledge agreement effective as of May 9, 2005 in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent on behalf of the lenders. We anticipate incurring restructuring and other one-time costs of approximately $1.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2005, including approximately $0.7 million to restructure several of our North American operations in response to continued weak market conditions and an additional $0.4 million of restructuring costs, net of an associated curtailment gain, in connection with our previously announced restructuring at our Kadant Lamort subsidiary. We are also evaluating potential restructuring actions that may be undertaken at Kadant Johnson. Such actions may include rationalizing product lines and consolidation of facilities. We will record the cost of restructuring actions at Kadant Johnson as an increase to goodwill when decisions are made as to the extent of such actions. We expect to finalize the restructuring plan no later than one year following completion of the Kadant Johnson acquisition. On November 3, 2005, we signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire a Chinese supplier of components to our stock-preparation product line for approximately $20 million, subject to change. We anticipate funding the acquisition, if completed, with additional borrowings. This acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, including the negotiation and signing of a definitive purchase agreement, satisfaction of customary conditions and regulatory approvals. Although we currently have no material commitments for capital expenditures, we plan to make expenditures during the remainder of 2005 for property, plant, and equipment of approximately $1.6 million. Our future liquidity position will be primarily affected by the level of cash flows from operations and the amount of cash expended on debt repayments, capital projects, stock repurchases, or additional acquisitions, if any. We believe that our existing resources, together with the cash available from our credit facility and the cash we expect to generate from continuing operations, will be sufficient to meet the capital requirements of our operations for the foreseeable future. Risk Factors In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we wish to caution readers that the following important factors, among others, in some cases have affected, and in the future could affect, our actual results and could cause our actual results in 2005 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us, or on our behalf. Our business is dependent on the condition of the pulp and paper industry. We sell products primarily to the pulp and paper industry, which is a cyclical industry. Generally, the financial condition of the global pulp and paper industry corresponds to the condition of the general economy, as well as to a number of other factors, including pulp and paper production capacity relative to demand. In recent years, the industry in certain geographic regions, notably North America, has been in a prolonged downcycle, resulting in depressed pulp and paper prices, decreased spending, mill closures, consolidations, and bankruptcies, all of which have adversely affected our business. As paper companies consolidate in response to market weakness, they frequently reduce capacity and postpone or even cancel capacity addition or expansion projects. These cyclical downturns can cause our sales to decline and adversely affect our profitability. < 37

> KADANT INC. Risk Factors (continued) Our business is subject to economic, currency, political, and other risks associated with international sales and operations. During the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, approximately 61% and 60%, respectively, of our sales were to customers outside the United States, principally in Europe and Asia. International revenues are subject to a number of risks, including the following: - agreements may be difficult to enforce and receivables difficult to collect through a foreign country's legal system; - foreign customers may have longer payment cycles; - foreign countries may impose additional withholding taxes or otherwise tax our foreign income, impose tariffs, or adopt other restrictions on foreign trade; and - the protection of intellectual property in foreign countries may be more difficult to enforce. Although we seek to charge our customers in the same currency in which our operating costs are incurred, fluctuations in currency exchange rates may affect product demand and adversely affect the profitability in U.S. dollars of products we provide in international markets where payment for our products and services is made in their local currencies. Any of these factors could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations. A significant portion of our international sales has, and may in the future, come from China. Our sales in China, our operation of manufacturing facilities in China, and our planned acquisition of a manufacturing facility in China expose us to increased risk in the event of changes in the policies of the Chinese government, political unrest, unstable economic conditions, or other developments in China or in U.S.-China relations that are adverse to trade, including enactment of protectionist legislation or trade restrictions. Orders from customers in China, particularly for large systems that have been tailored to a customer's specific requirements, involve increased credit risk due to payment terms that are applicable to doing business in China. In addition, the timing of these orders is often difficult to predict. In the last year, we believe that the timing of the recognition of orders has been adversely affected by policies of the Chinese government designed to control economic growth and have had the effect of slowing down or delaying financing approvals for our customers. We are unable to predict the potential effect of these policies on the receipt of financing by our customers resulting in unexpected and uncontrollable delays in the recognition of orders, which adversely affects our expected financial results. We are subject to intense competition in all our markets. We believe that the principal competitive factors affecting the markets for our products include quality, price, service, technical expertise, and product innovation. Our competitors include a number of large multinational corporations that may have substantially greater financial, marketing, and other resources than we do. As a result, they may be able to adapt more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements, or to devote greater resources to the promotion and sale of their services and products. Competitors' technologies may prove to be superior to ours. Our current products, those under development, and our ability to develop new technologies may not be sufficient to enable us to compete effectively. Competition, especially in China, could increase if new companies enter the market or if existing competitors expand their product lines or intensify efforts within existing product lines. Our debt may adversely affect our cash flow and may restrict our investment opportunities. On May 9, 2005, we entered into a Credit Agreement, consisting of a $60 million five-year term loan and a $25 million revolver. On May 11, 2005, we borrowed $60 million to fund the acquisition of Kadant Johnson under the term loan. We may also obtain additional long-term debt and working capital lines of credit to meet future financing needs, which would have the effect of increasing our total leverage. < 38

> KADANT INC. Risk Factors (continued) Our leverage could have negative consequences, including: - increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions, - limiting our ability to obtain additional financing, - limiting our ability to pay dividends on or repurchase our capital stock, - limiting our ability to acquire new products and technologies through acquisitions or licensing, and - limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we compete. Our indebtedness bears interest at floating rates pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement. As a result, our interest payment obligations on this indebtedness will increase if interest rates increase. To reduce the exposure to floating rates, we have converted $36 million, or 60%, of our indebtedness to a fixed rate of interest through an interest rate swap. Our ability to satisfy our obligations and to reduce our total debt depends on our future operating performance and on economic, financial, competitive, and other factors beyond our control. Our business may not generate sufficient cash flows to meet these obligations or to successfully execute our business strategy. If we are unable to service our debt and fund our business, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures or research and development expenditures, seek additional financing or equity capital, restructure or refinance our debt or sell assets. We may not be able to obtain additional financing or refinance existing debt or sell assets on terms acceptable to us or at all. Restrictions in our Credit Agreement may limit our activities. Our Credit Agreement contains, and future debt instruments to which we may become subject may contain, restrictive covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that could otherwise benefit us, including restrictions on our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to: - incur additional indebtedness, - pay dividends on, redeem or repurchase our capital stock, - make investments, - create liens, - sell assets, - enter into transactions with affiliates, and - consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries. We are also required to meet specified financial ratios under the terms of our Credit Agreement. Our ability to comply with these financial restrictions and covenants is dependent on our future performance, which is subject to prevailing economic conditions and other factors, including factors that are beyond our control such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates, changes in technology, and changes in the level of competition. Our failure to comply with any of these restrictions or covenants may result in an event of default under our Credit Agreement, which could permit acceleration of the debt under that instrument and require us to repay that debt before its scheduled due date. If an event of default occurs, we may not have sufficient funds available to make the required payments under our indebtedness. If we are unable to repay amounts owed under our Credit Agreement, those lenders may be entitled to foreclose on and sell the collateral that secures our borrowings under that agreement. < 39

> KADANT INC. Risk Factors (continued) Our inability to successfully integrate Kadant Johnson into our business could have a material adverse effect on our business. On May 11, 2005, we acquired Kadant Johnson. The integration of Kadant Johnson into our business will involve the merger of employees, products and services over multiple U.S. and international locations. We may not be successful in integrating this business into our current structure, or in obtaining the anticipated cost savings or synergies from the acquisition. To meet our quarterly certification requirements and in anticipation of incorporating Kadant Johnson into our 2006 Sarbanes-Oxley compliance process, we will also be performing a detailed review of Kadant Johnson's internal control structure to ensure that its controls over financial reporting are consistent with our policies and procedures. Given the multi-location structure of the Kadant Johnson business, this review will take significant time and effort, similar to our Sarbanes-Oxley compliance efforts in 2004, and will involve significant cost. During this process, we may identify control deficiencies in addition to those disclosed elsewhere in this periodic report. Our ability to realize the value of the goodwill and other intangibles recorded for this acquisition will depend on the future cash flows of the Kadant Johnson business. If these future cash flows are below what we anticipated, we may incur future impairment losses associated with goodwill and intangibles, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Our inability to successfully identify and complete acquisitions or successfully integrate any new or previous acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our strategy includes the acquisition of technologies and businesses that complement or augment our existing products and services. Promising acquisitions are difficult to identify and complete for a number of reasons, including competition among prospective buyers and the need for regulatory, including antitrust, approvals. We do incur costs from time to time associated with potential acquisitions, which are deferred during the due diligence phase. Future operating results could be negatively impacted in any quarter in which we determine that a potential acquisition will not close and these associated costs are expensed. Any acquisition we may complete may be made at a substantial premium over the fair value of the net assets of the acquired company. We may not be able to complete future acquisitions, integrate any acquired businesses successfully into our existing businesses, make such businesses profitable, or realize anticipated cost savings or synergies, if any, from these acquisitions. In addition, we have previously acquired several companies and businesses. As a result of these acquisitions, we have recorded significant goodwill on our condensed consolidated balance sheet, and in conjunction with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," in 2002, we recorded a transitional impairment charge upon the adoption of this standard. Any future impairment losses identified will be recorded as reductions to operating income, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Our ability to realize the value of the goodwill that we have recorded will depend on the future cash flows of these businesses. These cash flows depend, in part, on how well we have integrated these businesses. Our inability to successfully complete the restructuring of our Kadant Lamort subsidiary would have a negative effect on our future operating results. In an effort to improve operating performance at our Kadant Lamort subsidiary in France, we approved a restructuring of that subsidiary in the fourth quarter of 2004 intended to strengthen Kadant Lamort's competitive position in the European paper industry. The restructuring required compliance with various legal requirements in France before implementation, including consultations with Kadant Lamort's workers' council, which represents the employees. The restructuring involves the reduction of approximately 100 full-time positions in France and we expect that substantially all of the employees will be notified of their termination by the end of 2005. We expect that this subsidiary will continue to experience operating losses until these restructuring actions are completed. If we were unable to complete this restructuring, our future operating results would be negatively impacted. There is no assurance that Kadant Lamort will be able to regain profitability following the completion of the restructuring. < 40

> KADANT INC. Risk Factors (continued) Our Kadant Composites LLC subsidiary is responsible for certain continued warranty obligations associated with its former composites business, even though it has disposed of this business. On October 21, 2005, Kadant Composites LLC sold its composites business. As part of the transaction, Kadant Composites LLC retained the warranty obligation associated with products manufactured prior to the sale date. Our consolidated results will continue to be impacted by these warranty obligations and we may be unable to accurately predict the potential liabilities related to these product warranties. In 2003 and 2004, Kadant Composites LLC experienced a significant increase in warranty claims and warranty expense related to its composite decking products including, but not limited to, contraction of certain deck boards and excessive oxidation that affects the integrity of the plastic used in some of its decking products. Included in the increased warranty expense was the cost of exchanging material held by its distributors with new material that, we believe, is not susceptible to this oxidation issue, and our best estimate of future potential costs related to valid claims arising from installed products. In the third quarter of 2005, Kadant Composites LLC experienced a higher-than-expected level of warranty claims associated with previously identified product issues. Although Kadant Composites LLC increased the warranty provisions accordingly, the reserve established may not be sufficient if Kadant Composites LLC incurs warranty claims higher than anticipated. It is reasonably possible that the ultimate settlement of such warranty claims may exceed the amount of the warranty reserve. In addition, there can be no assurance that other problems will not develop. A continued high level of warranty claims or expenses would have an adverse impact on the warranty reserve and would adversely affect our consolidated results. Natural gas is a significant cost in the manufacture of our fiber-based granular products, and our results from operations will be adversely affected by continued high natural gas costs. We use natural gas in the production of our fiber-based granular products. As a result of the recent hurricanes in New Orleans, Texas and Florida and other factors, the price of natural gas has increased dramatically. We seek to manage our exposure to natural gas price fluctuations by entering into short-term forward contracts to purchase specified quantities of natural gas from a supplier. We may not be able to effectively manage our exposure to natural gas price fluctuations. Continued high costs of natural gas will adversely affect our consolidated results if we are unable to effectively manage our exposure or pass these costs on to customers in the form of surcharges. We are dependent on a single mill for the raw material used in our fiber-based granules, and we may not be able to obtain raw material on commercially reasonable terms. We are dependent on a single paper mill for the fiber used in the manufacture of our fiber-based granular products. This mill has the exclusive right to supply the papermaking byproducts used in the manufacturing process. Although we believe our relationship with the mill is good, the mill could decide not to renew its contract with us at the end of 2005, or may not agree to renew on commercially reasonable terms. If this were to occur, we would be forced to find an alternative supply for this raw material. We may be unable to find an alternative supply on commercially reasonable terms or could incur excessive transportation costs if an alternative supplier were found, which would increase our manufacturing costs and might prevent prices for our products from being competitive. Our inability to protect our intellectual property could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, third parties may claim that we infringe their intellectual property, and we could suffer significant litigation or licensing expense as a result. We place considerable emphasis on obtaining patent and trade secret protection for significant new technologies, products, and processes because of the length of time and expense associated with bringing new products through the development process and into the marketplace. Our success depends in part on our ability to develop patentable products and obtain and enforce patent protection for our products both in the United States and in other countries. We own numerous U.S. and foreign patents, and we intend to file additional applications, as appropriate, for patents < 41

> KADANT INC. Risk Factors (continued) covering our products. Patents may not be issued for any pending or future patent applications owned by or licensed to us, and the claims allowed under any issued patents may not be sufficiently broad to protect our technology. Any issued patents owned by or licensed to us may be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented, and the rights under these patents may not provide us with competitive advantages. A patent relating to our fiber-based granular products expired in the second quarter of 2004. As a result, we are subject to increased competition in this market, which could have an adverse effect on this business. In addition, competitors may design around our technology or develop competing technologies. Intellectual property rights may also be unavailable or limited in some foreign countries, which could make it easier for competitors to capture increased market position. We could incur substantial costs to defend ourselves in suits brought against us or in suits in which we may assert our patent rights against others. An unfavorable outcome of any such litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, as our patents expire, we rely on trade secrets and proprietary know-how to protect our products. We cannot be sure the steps we have taken or will take in the future will be adequate to deter misappropriation of our proprietary information and intellectual property. We seek to protect trade secrets and proprietary know-how, in part, through confidentiality agreements with our collaborators, employees, and consultants. These agreements may be breached, we may not have adequate remedies for any breach, and our trade secrets may otherwise become known or be independently developed by our competitors. Third parties may assert claims against us to the effect that we are infringing on their intellectual property rights. We could incur substantial costs and diversion of management resources in defending these claims, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, parties making these claims could secure a judgment awarding substantial damages, as well as injunctive or other equitable relief, which could effectively block our ability to make, use, sell, distribute, or market our products and services in the United States or abroad. In the event that a claim relating to intellectual property is asserted against us, or third parties not affiliated with us hold pending or issued patents that relate to our products or technology, we may seek licenses to such intellectual property or challenge those patents. However, we may be unable to obtain these licenses on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, and our challenge of the patents may be unsuccessful. Our failure to obtain the necessary licenses or other rights could prohibit the sale, manufacture, or distribution of our products and, therefore, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Fluctuations in our quarterly operating results may cause our stock price to decline. Given the nature of the markets in which we participate and the effect of Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, "Revenue Recognition," we may not be able to reliably predict future revenues and profitability, and unexpected changes may cause us to adjust our operations. A large proportion of our costs are fixed, due in part to our significant selling, research and development, and manufacturing costs. Thus, small declines in revenues could disproportionately affect our operating results. Other factors that could affect our quarterly operating results include: - failure of our products to pass contractually agreed upon acceptance tests, which would delay or prohibit recognition of revenues under SAB No. 104; - adverse changes in demand for and market acceptance of our products; - competitive pressures resulting in lower sales prices of our products; - adverse changes in the pulp and paper industry; - delays or problems in our introduction of new products; - our competitors' announcements of new products, services, or technological innovations; - contractual liabilities incurred by us related to guarantees of our product performance; - increased costs of raw materials or supplies, including the cost of energy; and - changes in the timing of product orders. < 42

> KADANT INC. Risk Factors (continued) Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents, under Delaware law, and in our shareholder rights plan could prevent or delay transactions that our shareholders may favor. Provisions of our charter and bylaws may discourage, delay, or prevent a merger or acquisition that our shareholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which shareholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. For example, these provisions: - authorize the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock without any need for action by shareholders; - provide for a classified board of directors with staggered three- year terms; - require supermajority shareholder voting to effect various amendments to our charter and bylaws; - eliminate the ability of our shareholders to call special meetings of shareholders; - prohibit shareholder action by written consent; and - establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted on by shareholders at shareholder meetings. In addition, our board of directors has adopted a shareholder rights plan intended to protect shareholders in the event of an unfair or coercive offer to acquire our company and to provide our board of directors with adequate time to evaluate unsolicited offers. Preferred stock purchase rights have been distributed to our common shareholders pursuant to the rights plan. This rights plan may have anti-takeover effects. The rights plan will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire us on terms that our board of directors does not believe are in our best interests and those of our shareholders and may discourage, delay, or prevent a merger or acquisition that shareholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which shareholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. Our inability to successfully complete the acquisition of a manufacturing and assembly plant in China could adversely affect our business. Our strategy includes the ability to manufacture components and equipment in low-cost regions such as China. We recently signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire a Chinese supplier of components to our stock-preparation product line. This acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, including the negotiation and signing of a definitive purchase agreement, satisfaction of customary conditions and regulatory approvals, and there is no assurance that we will be able to complete this acquisition on favorable terms or on a timely basis. Our inability to successfully complete the acquisition would delay the implementation of our strategy to manufacture parts and components for stock-preparation equipment in a low-cost region, and could adversely affect our ability to compete cost-effectively in Asia and other markets. In anticipation of the completion of the acquisition of this supplier, we are abandoning efforts to construct an assembly and manufacturing facility outside Beijing. We may not be able to recoup our expenses to date associated with the formation of our subsidiary to operate this facility, the initial deposits on the land or the design and construction of the facility, and other costs incurred in connection with this effort. If we were unsuccessful, we would incur a charge against earnings that would adversely affect our financial performance. < 43

> KADANT INC. Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - ------------------------------------------------------------------- We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, which could affect our results of operations and financial condition. We borrowed $60 million in May 2005 to fund a portion of the Kadant Johnson acquisition. Through an interest rate swap $36 million, or 60%, of the borrowing has been converted to a fixed rate of interest. The remaining portion of the borrowing bears a variable rate of interest based on LIBOR. A 100-basis-point increase in LIBOR rates at October 1, 2005, would increase our annual pre-tax interest expense by $0.2 million. Except as described above, our exposure to market risk from interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates has not changed materially from our exposure at year-end 2004. Item 4 - Controls and Procedures - -------------------------------- (a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures In May 2005 we acquired Kadant Johnson, a private company with internal control procedures that had not been designed for public company reporting. Prior to our acquisition, Kadant Johnson's independent certified public accountants identified material weaknesses in Kadant Johnson's controls over the inventory reserve calculation and financial close procedures. Kadant Johnson adjusted their inventory obsolescence reserve before the acquisition date by restating prior periods to increase their reserve in compliance with our policy and generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, we added internal control procedures designed to ensure that Kadant Johnson's disclosure controls, as they relate to Kadant's consolidated financial reporting, were adequate and in compliance with our policies and procedures. As a result, we made a number of changes to internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) during the second and third quarters of 2005 including: - reviewing and strengthening Kadant Johnson's tax accounting process, - reviewing and strengthening Kadant Johnson's intercompany reconciliation process, - enhancing the documentation relating to Kadant Johnson's reserve calculations for accounts receivable, warranty liability and inventory obsolescence to comply with its policies, - accelerating and improving Kadant Johnson's financial close procedures, and - appointing a new Director of Finance We are continuing the process of evaluating Kadant Johnson's internal controls and, as of the date of this quarterly report, have not yet completed our evaluation. We do not anticipate that our evaluation of the internal controls of Kadant Johnson will be complete by December 31, 2005 and, as permitted, we will be excluding this acquisition from our reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 at December 31, 2005. Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of October 1, 2005. The term "disclosure controls and procedures," as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible < 44

> KADANT INC. controls and procedures. Based upon the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of October 1, 2005, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of October 1, 2005, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level. (b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Other than the changes resulting from our acquisition of Kadant Johnson outlined above, there have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) during the fiscal quarter ended October 1, 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds - -------------------------------------------------------------------- The following table provides information about purchases by us of our common stock during the three months ended October 1, 2005: Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ------------------------------------- Approximate Dollar Total Number of Value of Shares that Shares Purchased as May Yet Be Total Number of Shares Average Price Paid Part of Publicly Purchased Period Purchased (1) per Share Announced Plans Under the Plans - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/3/05 - 7/31/05 - - - $ 14,975,285 8/1/05 - 8/31/05 43,700 $19.16 43,700 $ 14,137,991 9/1/05 - 10/1/05 127,800 $19.67 127,800 $ 11,623,747 ------- ------- Total: 171,500 $19.54 171,500 (1) On May 6, 2005, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $15 million of our equity securities in the open market or in negotiated transactions for the period from May 18, 2005 through May 18, 2006. As of October 1, 2005, we had repurchased 1,200 shares of our common stock for $25 thousand in the second quarter of 2005 and 171,500 shares of our common stock for $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2005 under this authorization. Item 6 - Exhibits - ----------------- See Exhibit Index on the page immediately preceding exhibits. < 45

> KADANT INC. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized as of the 10th day of November, 2005. KADANT INC. /s/ Thomas M. O'Brien ---------------------------------------------------- Thomas M. O'Brien Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) < 46

> KADANT INC. EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10.1 First Amendment to Credit Agreement among the Registrant, the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers from time to time parties thereto, the several lenders from time to time parties thereto, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, dated October 21, 2005. 31.1 Certification of the Principal Executive Officer of the Registrant Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) Of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 31.2 Certification of the Principal Financial Officer of the Registrant Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 32 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 47

                                                                    Exhibit 10.1

                       FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

                  FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of October 21,
2005 (this "Amendment"), to the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2005 (the
            ---------
"Credit Agreement"), among KADANT INC. (the "Borrower"), the Foreign Subsidiary
 ----------------                                            --------
Borrowers from time to time parties thereto, the several lenders from time to
time parties thereto and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the
"Administrative Agent").
 --------------------

                  WHEREAS pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have
agreed to extend credit to the Borrower;

                  WHEREAS the Borrower has requested that the Lenders issue
Letters of Credit denominated in Foreign Currencies, from time to time as
specified by the Borrower and/or a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower in compliance
with the Credit Agreement; and

                  WHEREAS the Borrower has requested that the Credit Agreement
be amended in the manner provided for in this Amendment, and the Lenders are
willing to agree to such amendments as provided for herein;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual
covenants contained herein the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

                  1.     Defined Terms. Capitalized terms used and not defined
                         -------------
herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

                  2.     Amendment to Section 1.1 (Defined Terms). Section 1.1
                         ---------------------------------------
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting, in proper alphabetical
order, the following new or substitute defined terms and related definitions:

              "Dollar L/C Obligations": at any time, an amount equal to the sum
               ----------------------
         of (a) the aggregate then undrawn and unexpired amount of the then
         outstanding Dollar Letters of Credit and (b) the aggregate amount of
         drawings under Dollar Letters of Credit that have not then been
         reimbursed pursuant to Section 3.5.

              "Dollar Letter of Credit": any Letter of Credit denominated in
               -----------------------
         Dollars.

              "L/C Obligations":  the collective reference to Dollar L/C
               ---------------
         Obligations and Multicurrency L/C Obligations.

              "Letters of Credit": any Dollar Letter of Credit or Multicurrency
               -----------------
         Letter of Credit, as defined in Section 3.1(a).

              "Multicurrency L/C Obligations": at any time, an amount equal to
               -----------------------------
         the sum of (a) the aggregate then undrawn and unexpired amount of the
         then outstanding Multicurrency Letters of Credit and (b) the aggregate
         amount of drawings under Multicurrency Letters of Credit that have not
         then been reimbursed pursuant to Section 3.5.

              "Multicurrency Letter of Credit": any Letter of Credit denominated
               ------------------------------
         in one or more Foreign Currencies.

"Multicurrency Revolving Extensions of Credit": as to any -------------------------------------------- Multicurrency Lender at any time, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the aggregate principal amount (based on the Dollar Equivalent thereof) of all Multicurrency Revolving Loans held by such Lender then outstanding and (b) such Multicurrency Lender's Multicurrency Revolving Percentage of the Multicurrency L/C Obligations then outstanding (based on the Dollar Equivalent thereof). "Multicurrency Revolving Subcommitment": as to any Lender, the ------------------------------------- obligation of such Lender to make Multicurrency Revolving Loans and participate in Multicurrency Letters of Credit in an aggregate principal amount (based on the Dollar Equivalent thereof) not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading "Multicurrency" opposite such Lender's name on Schedule 1.1A or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender became a party hereto, as the same may be changed from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof. The original amount of the Total Multicurrency Revolving Subcommitments shall equal the Multicurrency Sublimit of the Revolving Facility. "Multicurrency Sublimit": $15,000,000. ---------------------- "Outstanding Revolving Extensions of Credit": as to any Lender at ------------------------------------------ any time, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the aggregate principal amount of all Revolving Loans (or the Dollar Equivalent thereof in the case of Multicurrency Revolving Loans) held by such Lender then outstanding, (b) such Lender's Revolving Percentage of the L/C Obligations (or the Dollar Equivalent thereof in the case of Multicurrency L/C Obligations) then outstanding, and (c) such Lender's Revolving Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Swingline Loans then outstanding." "Revolving Commitment": as to any Lender, the obligation of such -------------------- Lender, if any, to make Revolving Loans (which includes Multicurrency Revolving Loans) and participate in Swingline Loans and Letters of Credit (which includes Multicurrency L/C Obligations) in an aggregate principal and/or face amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading "Revolver" opposite such Lender's name on Schedule 1.1A or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender became a party hereto, as the same may be changed from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof. The original amount of the Total Revolving Commitments is $25,000,000. 3. Amendment to Section 2.4 (Revolving Commitments). (a) ----------------------------------------------- Section 2.4(c) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting clause (a) in the first sentence thereof in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following: "when added to such Multicurrency Lender's Multicurrency Revolving Percentage of the other Multicurrency Revolving Extensions of Credit, shall not exceed such Multicurrency Lender's Multicurrency Revolving Subcommitment and" (b) Section 2.4(c) of the Credit Agreement is hereby further amended by deleting the phrase "Multicurrency Revolving Loans" in clause (ii) thereof and substituting in lieu therefor the phrase "Multicurrency Revolving Extensions of Credit". 4. Amendment to Section 2.12 (Mandatory Prepayments of --------------------------------------------------- Multicurrency Revolving Loans). Section 2.12(a) of the Credit Agreement is - ----------------------------- hereby amended by deleting such section in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following: < 2

> "(a) If, on any Calculation Date, (i) the Outstanding Revolving Extensions of Credit exceed the Revolving Commitments or (ii) the Dollar Equivalent of the Multicurrency Revolving Extensions of Credit outstanding, in each case, on such date exceeds 105% of the Multicurrency Sublimit on such date, the Borrower and/or any Foreign Subsidiary Borrower shall, without notice or demand, immediately repay such of its outstanding Revolving Loans (or cash collateralize its Letters of Credit in accordance with this Section 2.12(a)) in an aggregate principal amount such that, after giving effect thereto, (x) the Outstanding Revolving Extensions of Credit do not exceed the Revolving Commitments and (y) the Dollar Equivalent of the Multicurrency Revolving Extensions of Credit outstanding on such date is equal to or less than the Multicurrency Sublimit on such date, together with interest accrued to the date of such payment or prepayment on the principal so prepaid and any amounts payable under Section 2.21 in connection therewith. The Borrower and/or any Foreign Subsidiary Borrower may, in lieu of prepaying Revolving Loans in order to comply with this paragraph, deposit amounts in a Cash Collateral Account, for the benefit of the Lenders, equal to (A) the aggregate principal amount of Revolving Loans required to be prepaid or (B) the aggregate amount of such excess over the Revolving Commitments or the Multicurrency Sublimit, as the case may be. The Administrative Agent shall apply any cash deposited in any Cash Collateral Account (to the extent thereof) to repay Revolving Loans at the end of the Interest Periods therefor, as the case may be, provided that (x) the Administrative Agent shall -------- release to the Borrower and/or any applicable Foreign Subsidiary Borrower from time to time such portion of the amount on deposit in any Cash Collateral Account to the extent such amount is not required to be so deposited in order for the Borrower and/or the applicable Foreign Subsidiary Borrower to be in compliance with this Section 2.12 and (y) the Administrative Agent may so apply such cash at any time after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default. "Cash Collateral Account" ----------------------- means an account specifically established by the Borrower and/or any Foreign Subsidiary Borrower with the Administrative Agent for purposes of this Section 2.12 and hereby pledged to the Administrative Agent and over which the Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the right of withdrawal for application in accordance with this Section 2.12." 5. Amendment to Section 2.25 (Foreign Currency Exchange ---------------------------------------------------- Rate). (a) Section 2.25(a) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding - ---- the following language after the phrase "pursuant to Section 2.5(b)" and before the comma in the proviso contained in the first sentence: "or the issuance of any Multicurrency Letter of Credit" (b) Section 2.25(b) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the phrase "Multicurrency Revolving Loans" where it appears therein and substituting in lieu thereof, in each instance, the phrase "Multicurrency Revolving Extensions of Credit". 6. Amendment to Section 3.1 (Letters of Credit). (a) ------------------------------------------- Section 3.1(a) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the second proviso in the first sentence thereof and substituting in lieu thereof the following proviso: "provided that such Issuing Lender shall not issue or extend any -------- Letter of Credit if, after giving effect to such issuance or extension, (i) the L/C Obligations would exceed the L/C Commitment, (ii) the sum of Outstanding Revolving Extensions of Credit would exceed < 3

> the Total Revolving Commitments or (iii) the sum of the Multicurrency Revolving Extensions of Credit would exceed the Multicurrency Sublimit." (b) Section 3.1(a) of the Credit Agreement is hereby further amended by deleting the last sentence thereof in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following: "Each Letter of Credit shall (i) be denominated in Dollars or any one of the Foreign Currencies, as specified by the Borrower, and (ii) expire no later than the earlier of (x) the first anniversary of its date of issuance and (y) the date that is five Business Days prior to the Revolving Termination Date, provided that any -------- Letter of Credit with a one-year term may provide for the renewal thereof for additional one-year periods (which shall in no event extend beyond the date referred to in clause (y) above)." 7. Amendment to Schedule 1.1A. Schedule 1.1A of the Credit -------------------------- Agreement is hereby amended by deleting such schedule in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the document attached hereto as Schedule 1.1A. 8. No Other Amendments; Confirmation. Except as expressly --------------------------------- amended hereby, the provisions of the Credit Agreement are and shall remain in full force and effect. Nothing herein shall be deemed to entitle the Borrower to a consent to, or a waiver, amendment, modification or other change of, any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement or any Loan Document in similar or different circumstances. 9. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby ------------------------------ represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that, as of the date hereof and after giving effect to the waivers and amendment contained herein: (a) each of the representations and warranties made by any Loan Party in or pursuant to the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, except where such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such date; (b) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and (c) the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Amendment have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate and other action and does not and will not require any registration with, consent or approval of, notice to or action by, any person (including any Governmental Authority) in order to be effective and enforceable. 10. Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness. This Amendment ------------------------------------- shall become effective on the date on which the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof duly executed and delivered by the Borrower and each Lender. 11. Expenses. The Borrower agrees to promptly pay and/or -------- reimburse the Administrative Agent for its invoiced out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Amendment (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, counsel for the Administrative Agent). 12. Governing Law; Counterparts. (a) This Amendment and the --------------------------- rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. < 4

> (b) This Amendment may be executed by one or more of the parties to this Amendment on any number of separate counterparts, and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. This Amendment may be delivered by facsimile transmission of the relevant signature pages hereof. < 5

> IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written. KADANT INC., By: /s/ Thomas M. O'Brien ---------------------------------------- Name: Thomas M. O'Brien Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. individually and as Administrative Agent By: /s/ Peter Killea --------------------------------------------- Name: Peter M. Killea Title: Vice President < 6

> Signature page to the FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of October 21, 2005 (this "Amendment"), to the Credit Agreement, dated as of May --------- 9, 2005 (the "Credit Agreement"), among KADANT INC. ---------------- (the "Borrower"), the FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY BORROWERS -------- thereto, the LENDERS party thereto and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the "Administrative Agent"). -------------------------------------------- BARCLAYS BANK PLC By /s/ Vince Muldoon ----------------------------------------- Title: Director < 7

> Signature page to the FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of October 21, 2005 (this "Amendment"), to the Credit Agreement, dated as of May --------- 9, 2005 (the "Credit Agreement"), among KADANT INC. ---------------- (the "Borrower"), the FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY BORROWERS -------- thereto, the LENDERS party thereto and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the "Administrative Agent"). -------------------------------------------- CITIZENS BANK OF MASSACHUSETTS By /s/ William E. Lingard ----------------------------------------- Title: Senior Vice President

Signature page to the FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of October 21, 2005 (this "Amendment"), to the Credit Agreement, dated as of May --------- 9, 2005 (the "Credit Agreement"), among KADANT INC. ---------------- (the "Borrower"), the FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY BORROWERS -------- thereto, the LENDERS party thereto and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the "Administrative Agent"). -------------------------------------------- LCL LE CREDIT LYONNAIS By /s/ Mikael Andre ----------------------------------------- Title: Directeur Regional Enterprises Adjoint Champagne Aroenne

Signature page to the FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of October 21, 2005 (this "Amendment"), to the Credit Agreement, dated as of May --------- 9, 2005 (the "Credit Agreement"), among KADANT INC. ---------------- (the "Borrower"), the FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY BORROWERS -------- thereto, the LENDERS party thereto and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the "Administrative Agent"). -------------------------------------------- NATIONAL CITY BANK By /s/ Heather M. McIntyre ----------------------------------------- Title: Vice President

Signature page to the FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of October 21, 2005 (this "Amendment"), to the Credit Agreement, dated as of May --------- 9, 2005 (the "Credit Agreement"), among KADANT INC. ---------------- (the "Borrower"), the FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY BORROWERS -------- thereto, the LENDERS party thereto and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the "Administrative Agent"). -------------------------------------------- U.S. BANK, N.A. By /s/ Derek S. Roudebush ----------------------------------------- Title: Vice President

SCHEDULE 1.1A Institution Total Allocated Term Loan A Revolver Multicurrency - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. $20,000,000.00 $14,117,647.06 $5,882,352.94 $3,529,411.76 US Bank, National Association 15,000,000.00 10,588,235.29 4,411,764.71 2,647,058.82 Credit Lyonnais SA 15,000,000.00 10,588,235.29 4,411,764.71 2,647,058.82 Citizens Bank of Massachusetts 12,500,000.00 8,823,529.41 3,676,470.59 2,205,882.35 National City Bank 12,500,000.00 8,823,529.41 3,676,470.59 2,205,882.35 Barclays Bank PLC 10,000,000.00 7.058,823.53 2,941,176.47 1,764,705.88 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total $85,000,000.00 $60,000,000.00 $25,000,000.00 $15,000,000.00 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                    EXHIBIT 31.1

                                 CERTIFICATION
                                 -------------

I, William A. Rainville, certify that:

1.       I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
         quarter ended October 1, 2005 of Kadant Inc.;

2.       Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue
         statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
         necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances
         under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to
         the period covered by this report;

3.       Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
         information included in this report, fairly present in all material
         respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows
         of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.       The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
         establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
         defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal
         control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
         13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

         a)      Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused
                 such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under
                 our supervision, to ensure that material information relating
                 to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is
                 made known to us by others within those entities, particularly
                 during the period in which this report is being prepared;

         b)      Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or
                 caused such internal control over financial reporting to be
                 designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable
                 assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
                 the preparation of financial statements for external purposes
                 in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

         c)      Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure
                 controls and procedures and presented in this report our
                 conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls
                 and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this
                 report based on such evaluation; and

         d)      Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's
                 internal control over financial reporting that occurred during
                 the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's
                 fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that
                 has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially
                 affect, the registrant's internal control over financial
                 reporting; and

5.       The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based
         on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial
         reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the
         registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
         functions):

         a)      All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the
                 design or operation of internal control over financial
                 reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
                 registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report
                 financial information; and

         b)      Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management
                 or other employees who have a significant role in the
                 registrant's internal control over financial reporting.



Date:  November 10, 2005                                /s/ William A. Rainville
                                                        ------------------------
                                                        William A. Rainville
                                                        Chief Executive Officer

                                                                    EXHIBIT 31.2

                                 CERTIFICATION
                                 -------------

I, Thomas M. O'Brien, certify that:

1.       I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
         quarter ended October 1, 2005 of Kadant Inc.;

2.       Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue
         statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
         to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which
         such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period
         covered by this report;

3.       Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
         information included in this report, fairly present in all material
         respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows
         of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.       The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
         establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
         defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal
         control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
         13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

         a)      Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused
                 such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under
                 our supervision, to ensure that material information relating
                 to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is
                 made known to us by others within those entities, particularly
                 during the period in which this report is being prepared;

         b)      Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or
                 caused such internal control over financial reporting to be
                 designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
                 regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
                 preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
                 accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ;

         c)      Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure
                 controls and procedures and presented in this report our
                 conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls
                 and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this
                 report based on such evaluation; and

         d)      Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's
                 internal control over financial reporting that occurred during
                 the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's
                 fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has
                 materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially
                 affect, the registrant's internal control over financial
                 reporting; and

5.       The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based
         on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial
         reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the
         registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
         functions):

         a)      All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the
                 design or operation of internal control over financial
                 reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
                 registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report
                 financial information; and

         b)      Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
                 other employees who have a significant role in the
                 registrants internal control over financial reporting.


Date:  November 10, 2005                                 /s/ Thomas M. O'Brien
                                                         -----------------------
                                                         Thomas M. O'Brien
                                                         Chief Financial Officer

                                                                      Exhibit 32

                CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
                       AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
                        OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, the undersigned, William A. Rainville, Chief
Executive Officer, and Thomas M. O'Brien, Chief Financial Officer, of Kadant
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), do hereby certify, to our best
knowledge and belief, that:

The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 1, 2005
of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in this
Quarterly Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial
condition and results of operations of the Company.



Dated: November 10, 2005                             /s/ William A. Rainville
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     William A. Rainville
                                                     Chief Executive Officer



                                                     /s/ Thomas M. O'Brien
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     Thomas M. O'Brien
                                                     Chief Financial Officer