📊 KNF Key Takeaways
Is KNF a Good Investment? Thesis Analysis
Knife River demonstrates solid revenue growth of 8.5% YoY with strong operational liquidity (2.54x current ratio) and excellent debt service capacity (20.5x interest coverage), but faces material profitability concerns including negative free cash flow of -$69.6M despite $157.1M net income and a 22.3% YoY decline in diluted EPS. Below-average returns on equity (9.6%) and assets (4.3%) indicate suboptimal capital efficiency, while capex spending of $348M exceeding operating cash flow of $278.5M creates unsustainable cash burn that limits shareholder value creation.
Why Buy KNF? Key Strengths
- Revenue growth of 8.5% YoY demonstrates market demand in nonmetallic minerals sector
- Strong operational liquidity with current ratio of 2.54x and quick ratio of 1.39x
- Excellent interest coverage of 20.5x indicating robust debt service capacity
- Moderate leverage with debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71x providing balance sheet flexibility
KNF Investment Risks to Consider
- Negative free cash flow of -$69.6M despite positive net income signals fundamental capital allocation problems
- Diluted EPS declined 22.3% YoY despite revenue growth, indicating severe margin compression or share dilution
- Capital expenditures of $348M exceed operating cash flow of $278.5M, creating unsustainable cash burn
- Below-average returns on equity (9.6%) and assets (4.3%) demonstrate poor capital efficiency
- Thin cash position of $73.8M relative to $1.2B debt and capital-intensive operations
Key Metrics to Watch
- Free cash flow inflection point and path to positive FCF generation
- Diluted EPS trend reversal and underlying gross/operating margin stability
- Return on equity and return on assets improvement trajectory
- Operating cash flow coverage of capital expenditure requirements
KNF Financial Metrics
💡 AI Analyst Insight
Strong liquidity with a 2.54x current ratio provides a solid financial cushion.
KNF Profitability Ratios
KNF vs Default Sector
How Knife River Corp compares to Default sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is KNF Overvalued or Undervalued?
Based on fundamental analysis, Knife River Corp shows some fundamental concerns relative to the Default sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
KNF Balance Sheet & Liquidity
KNF 5-Year Financial Trend & Growth Analysis
5-Year Trend Summary: Knife River Corp's revenue has remained relatively flat over the 5-year period, with a 0% decline. The most recent EPS of $3.23 reflects profitable operations.
KNF Growth Metrics (YoY)
KNF Quarterly Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $1.1B | -$47.6M | $2.20 |
| Q2 2025 | $806.9M | -$18.1M | $-0.32 |
| Q1 2025 | $329.6M | -$47.6M | $-0.84 |
| Q3 2024 | $1.1B | -$41.3M | $2.58 |
| Q2 2024 | $785.2M | $15.5M | $0.27 |
| Q1 2024 | $307.9M | -$41.3M | $-0.73 |
| Q3 2023 | $975.4M | $38.6M | $1.74 |
| Q2 2023 | $711.8M | -$1.4M | $-0.03 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
KNF Capital Allocation
KNF SEC 10-K & 10-Q Filing Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Knife River Corp (CIK: 0001955520)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about KNF
What is the AI rating for KNF?
Knife River Corp (KNF) has an AI rating of HOLD with 68% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are KNF's key strengths?
Claude: Revenue growth of 8.5% YoY demonstrates market demand in nonmetallic minerals sector. Strong operational liquidity with current ratio of 2.54x and quick ratio of 1.39x.
What are the risks of investing in KNF?
Claude: Negative free cash flow of -$69.6M despite positive net income signals fundamental capital allocation problems. Diluted EPS declined 22.3% YoY despite revenue growth, indicating severe margin compression or share dilution.
What is KNF's revenue and growth?
Knife River Corp reported revenue of $3.1B.
Does KNF pay dividends?
Knife River Corp does not currently pay dividends.
Where can I find KNF SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Knife River Corp (CIK: 0001955520) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is KNF's EPS?
Knife River Corp has a diluted EPS of $2.76.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is KNF a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Knife River Corp has a HOLD rating with 68% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is KNF stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for KNF: ROE of 9.6% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 5.0% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy KNF stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Knife River Corp a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is KNF's free cash flow?
Knife River Corp's operating cash flow is $278.5M, with capital expenditures of $348.0M. FCF margin is -2.2%.
How does KNF compare to other Default stocks?
Vs Default sector averages: Net margin 5.0% (avg: 12%), ROE 9.6% (avg: 15%), current ratio 2.54 (avg: 1.8).