Here's Why Hold Strategy is Apt for Kennametal Stock Right Now

Core Insights - Kennametal Inc. (KMT) is experiencing positive trends that support long-term growth, including increased U.S. and international defense spending, digitalization, improved supply chain, and rising original equipment manufacturer build rates in the aerospace market [1][10] - The company is focused on strategic partnerships and investments in manufacturing facilities, exemplified by its investment in Toolpath Labs to enhance AI-powered computer-aided manufacturing capabilities [2][10] - Kennametal is committed to shareholder returns, having distributed $46.6 million in dividends and repurchased $55.1 million in shares in the first nine months of fiscal 2025 [3][4] Financial Performance - In fiscal 2024, Kennametal distributed $63.4 million in dividends and repurchased shares worth $65.4 million, with a $200 million repurchase program authorized in February 2024 [4] - The company's stock has gained 9.3% over the past month, compared to the industry's 10.5% growth [7] Market Challenges - The Metal Cutting segment's organic revenues decreased by 4% year over year in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 due to reduced demand in the transportation end market [8] - The Infrastructure segment also faced challenges, with organic revenues declining by 2% year over year, attributed to weakness in the general engineering end market and lower mining activity in the Americas and Asia Pacific [9][10]