Kennametal Appoints New VP and Chief Human Resources Officer
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 43 minutes ago
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Source: PRnewswire
- Executive Appointment: Kennametal announced the appointment of Amanda Cole as Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, effective July 21, 2026, succeeding Judith Bacchus, who is retiring after over 20 years with the company, highlighting a significant leadership transition.
- Leadership Experience: Cole most recently served as Vice President of Human Resources at Wesco International, where she led HR strategy for a multibillion-dollar global business unit supporting 6,500 employees, showcasing her extensive background in the industrial sector and cross-functional expertise.
- Cultural and Capability Development: CEO Sanjay Chowbey emphasized that Cole will be a key partner to the Board and Executive Leadership Team in shaping company culture, building capabilities, and driving performance, reflecting the company's commitment to effective human resource management.
- Transition Management: During the transition period before Bacchus's retirement, Cole will oversee global HR and corporate communications functions, ensuring a seamless handover, which underscores the company's dedication to leadership continuity.
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Analyst Views on KMT
Wall Street analysts forecast KMT stock price to fall
6 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
3 Hold
2 Sell
Hold
Current: 35.780
Low
25.00
Averages
29.83
High
40.00
Current: 35.780
Low
25.00
Averages
29.83
High
40.00
About KMT
Kennametal Inc. is an industrial technology company. The Company helps customers in the aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation end markets. The Company's core expertise includes the development and application of tungsten carbides, ceramics, super-hard materials and solutions used in metal cutting and extreme wear applications to keep customers up and running longer against conditions such as corrosion and high temperatures. The Company operates through two segments: Metal Cutting and Infrastructure. The Metal Cutting segment develops and manufactures high-performance tooling and metal cutting products and services and offers an assortment of standard and custom metal cutting solutions. The Infrastructure segment produces engineered tungsten carbide and ceramic components, earth-cutting tools, and advanced metallurgical powders. Its wear-resistant products include compacts, nozzles, frac seats and others.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Executive Appointment: Kennametal announced the appointment of Amanda Cole as Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, effective July 21, 2026, succeeding Judith Bacchus, who is retiring after over 20 years with the company, highlighting a significant leadership transition.
- Leadership Experience: Cole most recently served as Vice President of Human Resources at Wesco International, where she led HR strategy for a multibillion-dollar global business unit supporting 6,500 employees, showcasing her extensive background in the industrial sector and cross-functional expertise.
- Cultural and Capability Development: CEO Sanjay Chowbey emphasized that Cole will be a key partner to the Board and Executive Leadership Team in shaping company culture, building capabilities, and driving performance, reflecting the company's commitment to effective human resource management.
- Transition Management: During the transition period before Bacchus's retirement, Cole will oversee global HR and corporate communications functions, ensuring a seamless handover, which underscores the company's dedication to leadership continuity.
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- Earnings Acceleration Trend: Costco's expected earnings growth rate of 13.3% indicates its robust performance in the membership warehouse market, likely attracting more investor attention and driving stock price increases.
- Strong Growth Potential: Cummins boasts an expected earnings growth rate of 23.2%, and its diversified presence in the global power solutions market enhances its competitive edge, potentially increasing shareholder returns.
- Industry-Leading Performance: Kennametal's expected earnings growth rate of 123.1% highlights its leadership in advanced materials and industrial solutions, which may draw significant investor interest.
- Increased Market Attention: As the trend of earnings acceleration becomes evident, investor focus on these three companies (Costco, Cummins, and Kennametal) is expected to rise significantly, potentially leading to positive stock price reactions and boosting market investment enthusiasm.
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- Valuation Metrics Combination: The assessment utilizes a combination of valuation metrics, including P/E, PEG, and EV/Sales ratios, leveraging both current and forward estimates to provide investors with a comprehensive market insight.
- Leading Companies Performance: Among the cheapest stocks, American Airlines Group (AAL) and Allegiant Travel (ALGT) received A+ ratings, indicating their relative value advantages in the industry, which may attract investor interest.
- Market Dynamics Impact: As the U.S. travel industry faces challenges, such as plans to withdraw CBP agents from major airports, airlines may need to adjust strategies to navigate potential market volatility and competitive pressures.
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- Stake Reduction Details: Brandes Investment Partners sold 4,965,772 shares of Kennametal in Q1 2026, with an estimated transaction value of $180.99 million, indicating a strategic portfolio adjustment rather than a negative outlook on the company.
- Value Change in Holdings: Following the sale, Brandes's position in Kennametal decreased to 5,265,280 shares, with a quarter-end value of $190.23 million, reflecting a $100.43 million decline over the quarter due to both share sales and price fluctuations.
- Company Performance Highlights: Kennametal's stock surged 50% over the past year, with Q3 revenue rising 22% year-over-year to $593 million and adjusted EPS increasing 65% to $0.77, showcasing strong performance amid rising manufacturing demand and tungsten prices.
- Strategic Adjustments and Financing: In response to soaring tungsten prices, Kennametal secured $700 million in liquidity through a new term loan and expanded credit facility, extending debt maturities to 2036, demonstrating its adaptability to market changes.
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- Share Reduction Details: Brandes Investment Partners sold 4,965,772 shares of Kennametal in Q1, with an estimated transaction value of $180.99 million, indicating a portfolio rebalancing rather than a bearish outlook on the company's fundamentals.
- Position Value Decline: Post-sale, Brandes holds 5,265,280 shares valued at $190.23 million, reflecting a decrease of $100.43 million over the quarter, which highlights the impact of trading activity and price fluctuations on the investment portfolio.
- Company Performance: Kennametal's stock has surged approximately 50% over the past year, with Q3 revenue rising 22% year-over-year to $593 million and adjusted EPS increasing 65% to $0.77, showcasing strong performance driven by robust manufacturing demand and a favorable tungsten market.
- Liquidity Management Actions: In response to increased working capital needs due to soaring tungsten prices, Kennametal secured $700 million in liquidity through a new term loan and expanded credit facility, extending debt maturities to 2036, which underscores the company's strategic focus on long-term value creation.
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- Financing Overview: Kennametal Inc. announced a series of financing transactions aimed at enhancing liquidity and extending debt maturities, thereby supporting near-term tungsten-related working capital needs and positioning the company to capture growth opportunities amid market recovery.
- Increased Financial Flexibility: These transactions not only maintain the company's existing investment-grade credit ratings but also enhance liquidity, ensuring the ability to respond to future market developments and showcasing a unique competitive advantage in the tungsten market.
- Market Opportunity Capture: President and CEO Sanjay Chowbey indicated that with market recovery and progress on strategic initiatives, the company anticipates share gain and volume growth, further solidifying its market position.
- Long-term Strategic Planning: This financing not only addresses short-term funding needs but also lays the groundwork for future growth, demonstrating the company's commitment to maintaining financial discipline while proactively addressing market challenges.
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