KADANT INC

We are furnishing this proxy statement in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the board of directors of Kadant Inc. (we, us, the company) for use at our 2024 annual meeting of stockholders to be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at our corporate office located at One Technology Park Drive, Westford, Massachusetts 01886, and at any adjournment of that meeting. The mailing address of our executive office is One Technology Park Drive, Westford, Massachusetts 01886. The notice of annual meeting, this proxy statement and the enclosed proxy are being first furnished to our stockholders on or about March 27, 2024.

In addition to the physical portion of the meeting at the corporate office of Kadant Inc., the 2024 annual meeting will also be held over the Internet in a virtual meeting format, via live webcast. You will be able to attend the annual meeting in person or via the webcast. Stockholders who attend via the webcast will be able to vote and submit questions by visiting https://agm.issuerdirect.com/kai and entering a control number. Stockholders of record must enter the control number found on your proxy card or the Notice of Internet Availability.

If you plan to join the meeting virtually, we encourage you to test your computer and internet browser prior to the meeting. If you experience technical difficulties, please visit the help pages found at https://www.webcaster4.com/support. You may also call 1-844-399-3386 or 919-744-2718 for assistance accessing the meeting.

If you join the meeting virtually, you can submit questions in writing during the meeting through the Q&A tab on the virtual platform. We intend to answer as many questions that pertain to company matters as time allows during the meeting. Questions that are substantially similar may be grouped or not answered to ensure we are able to answer as many questions as possible.