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Kirby Corp. (KEX)
NYSE:KEX

Kirby (KEX) AI Stock Analysis

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KEX

Kirby

(NYSE:KEX)

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Outperform 77 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
$128.00
▲(1.60% Upside)
Kirby's strong financial performance, particularly in revenue growth and profitability, is a key strength. The bullish technical indicators and positive corporate events further support the stock's outlook. However, cash flow management issues and challenges in certain segments like inland transportation pose risks that need to be addressed.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Strong revenue growth reflects Kirby's ability to capture market demand, particularly in marine shipping, supporting long-term business expansion.
Coastal Operations
High utilization and strong margins in coastal operations indicate a solid market position, contributing to sustainable profitability.
Power Generation Growth
Significant growth in power generation revenues highlights Kirby's successful diversification and potential for continued sector expansion.
Negative Factors
Cash Flow Management
Challenges in cash flow management can hinder Kirby's ability to reinvest in its business, impacting long-term operational flexibility.
Inland Marine Challenges
Softness in inland marine transportation could affect revenue stability, requiring strategic adjustments to maintain segment performance.
Oil and Gas Revenue Decline
A significant decline in oil and gas revenues suggests sector-specific challenges, potentially impacting Kirby's overall revenue mix.

Kirby (KEX) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Kirby Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionKirby Corporation operates domestic tank barges in the United States. Its Marine Transportation segment provides marine transportation service and towing vessel transporting bulk liquid product, as well as operates tank barge throughout the Mississippi River System, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, coastwise along three United States coasts, and in Alaska and Hawaii. It also transport petrochemical, black oil, refined petroleum product, and agricultural chemicals by tank barge; and operates offshore dry-bulk barge and tugboat unit that are engaged in the offshore transportation of dry-bulk cargo in the United States coastal trade. As of December 31, 2021, it owned and operated 1,025 inland tank barge, approximately 255 inland towboat, 31 coastal tank barge, 29 coastal tugboat, 4 offshore dry-bulk cargo barge, 4 offshore tugboat, and 1 docking tugboat. Its Distribution and Services segment sells after-market service and genuine replacement part for engine, transmission, reduction gear, electric motor, drive, and control, electrical distribution and control system, energy storage battery system, and related oilfield service equipment; rebuild component parts or diesel engine, transmission and reduction gear, and related equipment used in oilfield service, marine, power generation, on-highway, and other industrial applications; rents generator, industrial compressor, high capacity lift truck, and refrigeration trailer; and manufactures and remanufactures oilfield service equipment, including pressure pumping unit, as well as manufacturers electric power generation equipment, specialized electrical distribution and control equipment, and high capacity energy storage/battery systems for oilfield customer. It serves to various companies and the United States government. The company was formerly known as Kirby Exploration Company, Inc. and changed its name to Kirby Corporation in 1990. Kirby Corporation was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneyKirby generates revenue primarily through the sale of its cleaning equipment and accessories. The company employs a direct sales model, utilizing a network of independent distributors who sell products directly to consumers, which allows for higher margins compared to traditional retail channels. Key revenue streams include the sale of vacuum cleaners, replacement parts, and cleaning solutions. Additionally, Kirby benefits from recurring revenue through service contracts and warranties for its products. Strategic partnerships with distributors and a strong emphasis on customer service contribute to customer retention and repeat sales, further enhancing the company's earnings.

Kirby Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Total Ton Miles
Total Ton Miles
Measures the volume of cargo transported over distance, indicating operational scale and efficiency in the company's logistics and transportation services.
Chart InsightsKirby's Total Ton Miles have shown a modest recovery in 2025, rebounding from a dip in 2024. This aligns with the company's strong performance in coastal marine transportation, where utilization rates and contract renewals have driven growth. However, challenges in inland marine transportation, including navigational delays and chemical volume pullbacks, may temper further gains. Despite these hurdles, Kirby's strategic focus on capital allocation and potential share repurchases suggests confidence in sustaining growth, supported by robust earnings and operational efficiency improvements.
Data provided by:The Fly

Kirby Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 29, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Jan 29, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed picture with strong performance in coastal marine transportation and power generation driving growth, while inland marine transportation and oil and gas faced challenges. Despite some near-term headwinds, the company demonstrated adaptability and expects continued positive trends in certain segments.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Earnings Per Share Increase
Third quarter earnings per share of $1.65, a 6% increase year-over-year.
Coastal Marine Transportation Success
Coastal marine transportation fundamentals remained strong with barge utilization in the mid- to high 90% range and operating margins around 20%.
Power Generation Revenue Surge
Power generation revenues were up 56% year-over-year, driven by demand from data centers and prime power customers.
Distribution and Services Segment Growth
The segment achieved a 12% increase in revenue and a 40% increase in operating income year-over-year.
Strong Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow improved to $160 million for the quarter with expectations to generate significant free cash flow in the fourth quarter.
Negative Updates
Inland Marine Transportation Challenges
Inland marine transportation experienced near-term softness with barge utilization averaging in the mid-80% range.
Spot Market Pricing Weakness
Spot market rates declined in the low to mid-single digits, both sequentially and year-over-year.
Oil and Gas Revenue Decline
Revenues in the oil and gas market declined 38% year-over-year due to softness in conventional frac-related equipment.
Company Guidance
During the Kirby Corporation's 2025 Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call, the company provided extensive guidance on various metrics. Earnings per share increased by 6% year-over-year to $1.65. The Marine Transportation segment reported revenues of $485 million with an operating margin of 18.3%, though total marine revenues saw a slight decrease of $1.2 million compared to the previous year. Inland barge utilization was in the mid-80% range but showed improvement, reaching 87.6% in the fourth quarter. Coastal operations maintained strong barge utilization in the mid- to high 90% range, with operating margins around 20%. The Distribution and Services segment experienced a 12% increase in revenue, driven by a 56% rise in power generation revenues, contributing significantly to the segment's 40% increase in operating income. The company reported $227 million in net cash flow from operating activities and is expected to generate between $620 million and $720 million in cash flow from operations for the year. Capital expenditures are projected to range between $260 million and $290 million, while free cash flow improved to $160 million for the quarter. Looking ahead, Kirby anticipates continued strength in coastal operations and power generation, with positive trends expected to extend into the fourth quarter, despite normal seasonal slowdowns.

Kirby Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Kirby shows strong revenue growth and profitability with solid margins and a stable balance sheet. However, cash flow management is a concern, with negative free cash flow growth and low cash conversion ratios. Addressing these issues is crucial for long-term sustainability.
Income Statement
Kirby has demonstrated strong revenue growth with a TTM revenue growth rate of 22.2%, indicating robust demand in the marine shipping industry. The company maintains healthy profitability metrics, with a gross profit margin of 25.8% and a net profit margin of 9.2% in the TTM period. The EBIT and EBITDA margins have also improved, reflecting efficient cost management. Overall, the income statement shows a positive trajectory in revenue and profitability.
Balance Sheet
The balance sheet is solid, with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.063 in the TTM period, indicating low leverage and financial stability. Return on equity has improved to 9.1%, showcasing effective utilization of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio remains strong, suggesting a well-capitalized structure. However, the company should monitor its debt levels to maintain this stability.
Cash Flow
Cash flow performance is mixed, with a significant decline in free cash flow growth, which is concerning. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is low at 0.065, indicating potential challenges in converting income into cash. The negative free cash flow to net income ratio highlights cash flow management issues. While the company has shown strong revenue growth, improving cash flow generation will be crucial for sustaining long-term operations.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.31B3.27B3.09B2.78B2.25B2.17B
Gross Profit856.36M825.20M700.06M522.37M379.98M440.67M
EBITDA694.77M652.21M557.29M411.01M-34.41M-192.69M
Net Income305.58M286.71M222.94M122.29M-246.95M-272.55M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets6.06B5.85B5.72B5.55B5.40B5.92B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments47.02M74.44M32.58M80.58M34.81M80.34M
Total Debt1.25B1.06B1.19B1.26B1.36B1.66B
Total Liabilities2.70B2.50B2.54B2.51B2.51B2.84B
Stockholders Equity3.36B3.35B3.19B3.04B2.89B3.08B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow291.27M413.83M138.50M121.52M223.56M296.75M
Operating Cash Flow605.38M756.49M540.23M294.13M321.58M444.94M
Investing Cash Flow-401.29M-400.13M-413.15M-139.60M-55.79M-485.85M
Financing Cash Flow-224.13M-314.50M-175.08M-108.76M-311.31M96.51M

Kirby Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price125.99
Price Trends
50DMA
110.09
Positive
100DMA
98.96
Positive
200DMA
102.74
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
3.21
Negative
RSI
83.17
Negative
STOCH
91.99
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For KEX, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 125.99 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 113.05, above the 50-day MA of 110.09, and above the 200-day MA of 102.74, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 3.21 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 83.17 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 91.99 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for KEX.

Kirby Risk Analysis

Kirby disclosed 28 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Kirby reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Kirby Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
81
Outperform
$1.81B3.9413.16%3.64%3.82%-13.73%
77
Outperform
$6.83B23.389.17%1.59%3.35%
77
Outperform
$4.09B10.0516.38%1.13%1.88%9.30%
76
Outperform
$1.96B6.4614.98%2.94%-29.82%-16.77%
67
Neutral
$2.38B37.402.50%1.59%-13.87%-82.48%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
62
Neutral
$2.70B2.6925.25%20.35%1.63%-30.30%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
KEX
Kirby
125.99
22.09
21.26%
CMRE
Costamare
16.27
7.41
83.61%
DAC
Danaos
98.83
23.58
31.34%
SBLK
Star Bulk Carriers
20.75
5.76
38.43%
MATX
Matson
131.09
-3.79
-2.81%
ZIM
ZIM
22.50
7.77
52.70%
Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 07, 2025