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Upturn AI SWOT - About
KEX 
Kirby Corporation (KEX)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
10/17/2025: KEX (2-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Upturn Star Rating
Below Average Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, often underperform the market, warranting careful consideration before investing.
Number of Analysts
5 Analysts rated it
Limited analyst coverage, niche firm, research info may be scarce.
1 Year Target Price $110.67
1 Year Target Price $110.67
| 5 | Strong Buy |
| 0 | Buy |
| 0 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 23.05% | Avg. Invested days 82 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  3.0 | Stock Returns Performance  3.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 10/17/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Mid-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 4.77B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 16.2 | 1Y Target Price 110.67 |
Price to earnings Ratio 16.2 | 1Y Target Price 110.67 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 5 | Beta 1 | 52 Weeks Range 79.52 - 132.21 | Updated Date 10/17/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 79.52 - 132.21 | Updated Date 10/17/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) 5.28 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 9.26% | Operating Margin (TTM) -53.06% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 4.45% | Return on Equity (TTM) 9.13% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 16.2 | Forward PE 10.99 | Enterprise Value 5900490000 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1.46 |
Enterprise Value 5900490000 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1.46 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.8 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 8.63 | Shares Outstanding 55800000 | Shares Floating 59534656 |
Shares Outstanding 55800000 | Shares Floating 59534656 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.72 | Percent Institutions 104.08 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Kirby Corporation
Company Overview
History and Background
Kirby Corporation was founded in 1921 as Dixie Carriers, Inc. It initially focused on transporting petroleum and chemical products via barges. Over the decades, it expanded through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, becoming a major player in the tank barge industry and land-based diesel engine services.
Core Business Areas
- Marine Transportation: Transports bulk liquid products, primarily along the Mississippi River System, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and coastwise along all three United States coasts. This includes petrochemicals, refined petroleum products, black oil, and agricultural chemicals.
- Distribution and Services: Provides after-market service and parts for diesel engines, electric motors, generators, pumps, and compressors used in oil and gas, marine, power generation, and other industries.
Leadership and Structure
David Grzebinski serves as the President and CEO. The organizational structure consists of two main operating segments (Marine Transportation and Distribution and Services) with supporting corporate functions.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Market Share Data: Kirby commands a significant market share within the inland tank barge transportation market.
- Tank Barge Transportation: Transportation of petrochemicals, refined petroleum products, and other bulk liquids. Kirby is the largest tank barge operator in the United States. They have approximately 1,000 barges and 350 tugboats. Competitors include Ingram Marine Group and American Commercial Barge Line.
- After-Market Services: Providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for diesel engines and related equipment. Market share for this segment is more fragmented but Kirby has a strong presence in specific geographic regions and industries. Competitors include Stewart & Stevenson and Wartsila.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The marine transportation industry is influenced by factors such as energy prices, petrochemical production, infrastructure spending, and regulatory changes. The diesel engine services market is driven by the maintenance and repair needs of various industries, including oil and gas, marine, and power generation.
Positioning
Kirby is a market leader in the tank barge industry. Its competitive advantages include its extensive barge fleet, experienced personnel, strategic terminal locations, and strong customer relationships.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The total addressable market for tank barge transportation and related services is estimated to be in the billions of dollars annually. Kirby is well-positioned to capture a significant portion of this market due to its scale and expertise.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Market leadership in tank barge transportation
- Diversified revenue streams through distribution and services
- Extensive barge fleet and infrastructure
- Strong customer relationships
- Experienced management team
Weaknesses
- Vulnerability to economic cycles and energy price volatility
- High capital expenditure requirements
- Exposure to environmental regulations and potential liabilities
- Dependence on the Mississippi River System
- Potential disruptions due to weather or navigation issues
Opportunities
- Expansion into new geographic markets
- Increased demand for petrochemical transportation
- Growth in diesel engine services driven by aging infrastructure
- Acquisition opportunities to consolidate market share
- Investments in environmentally friendly technologies
Threats
- Increased competition from other barge operators
- Fluctuations in energy prices and economic downturns
- Stricter environmental regulations
- Infrastructure limitations and maintenance challenges
- Cybersecurity threats
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- ACBL
- INGM
- SCL
Competitive Landscape
Kirby's large scale and integrated operations provide a competitive advantage. However, competitors may focus on specific niches or offer lower prices.
Major Acquisitions
Stewart & Stevenson Gas Turbine Services
- Year: 2021
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 710
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded Kirby's after-market service capabilities and diversified its revenue streams.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Kirby's historical growth has been driven by strategic acquisitions and organic growth in its core markets.
Future Projections: Future growth projections depend on various factors, including economic conditions, energy prices, and industry trends. Analyst estimates would provide more specific projections.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include investments in new barges, expansion of its distribution and services network, and cost-cutting measures.
Summary
Kirby Corporation is a strong player in the tank barge and diesel engine services industries, benefiting from its market leadership and diverse operations. Economic volatility and regulatory changes present challenges, while strategic acquisitions and market expansion offer growth opportunities. The company's financial stability depends on navigating these factors effectively. It will need to monitor infrastructure limitations and market competition.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company filings, industry reports, financial news sources.
Disclaimers:
This analysis is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as financial advice. Actual results may vary.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Kirby Corporation
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters Houston, TX, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1991-08-21 | CEO & Director Mr. David W. Grzebinski C.F.A. | ||
Sector Industrials | Industry Marine Shipping | Full time employees 5414 | Website https://kirbycorp.com |
Full time employees 5414 | Website https://kirbycorp.com | ||
Kirby 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 transports petrochemicals, black oils, refined petroleum products, and agricultural chemicals by tank barges; and operates offshore dry-bulk barges and tugboat units that are engaged in the offshore transportation of dry-bulk cargos in the United States coastal trade. It owns and operates 1,094 inland tank barges, approximately 281 inland towboats, 28 coastal tank barges, 24 coastal tugboats, 4 offshore dry-bulk cargo barges, 3 offshore tugboats, and a docking tugboat. Its Distribution and Services segment sells after-market service and genuine replacement parts for engines, transmissions, reduction gears, electric motors, drives, and controls, electrical distribution and control systems, energy storage battery systems, and related oilfield service equipment; rebuilds component parts or diesel engines, transmissions and reduction gears, and related equipment used in oilfield services, marine, power generation, on-highway, and other industrial applications; rents generators, industrial compressors, high capacity lift trucks, and refrigeration trailers; and manufactures and remanufactures oilfield service equipment, including pressure pumping units, as well as manufacturers electric power generation equipment, specialized electrical distribution and control equipment, and high capacity energy storage/battery systems. It serves to various companies, the United States government, and pleasure crafts. 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.
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