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Upturn AI SWOT - About
KEX 
Kirby Corporation (KEX)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/14/2025: KEX (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Number of Analysts
5 Analysts rated it
Limited analyst coverage, niche firm, research info may be scarce.
1 Year Target Price $120.6
1 Year Target Price $120.6
| 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 08/14/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Mid-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 5.38B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 18.28 | 1Y Target Price 120.6 |
Price to earnings Ratio 18.28 | 1Y Target Price 120.6 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 5 | Beta 1.01 | 52 Weeks Range 83.94 - 132.21 | Updated Date 08/15/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 83.94 - 132.21 | Updated Date 08/15/2025 | ||
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 2025-07-31 | When Before Market | Estimate 1.63 | Actual 1.67 |
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 18.28 | Forward PE 15.36 | Enterprise Value 6693408000 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1.64 |
Enterprise Value 6693408000 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1.64 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 2.04 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 9.79 | Shares Outstanding 55800000 | Shares Floating 59532253 |
Shares Outstanding 55800000 | Shares Floating 59532253 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.72 | Percent Institutions 104.41 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Kirby Corporation
Company Overview
History and Background
Kirby Corporation was founded in 1921 as Kirby Petroleum Company. Over time, it transitioned from oil production to become a leading domestic tank barge operator, transporting bulk liquid products throughout the United States.
Core Business Areas
- Marine Transportation: Transports bulk liquid products, such as petrochemicals, refined petroleum products, and agricultural chemicals, via tank barges along the U.S. inland waterways and coastwise.
- Distribution and Services: Provides after-market service, parts and equipment for engines, pumps, generators and other equipment used in oil and gas, marine and commercial and industrial applications.
Leadership and Structure
David Grzebinski is the President and CEO. The company has a traditional corporate structure with executive leadership overseeing various operational and support departments.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Tank Barge Transportation: Transportation of petrochemicals, refined petroleum products, black oil, and agricultural chemicals. Kirby is the largest tank barge operator in the United States. Market share is approximately 25-30%. Competitors include American Commercial Barge Line (private) and Ingram Marine Group (private).
- Aftermarket Service, Parts and Equipment: Service for engines, pumps, generators and other equipment. Revenue is diversified across several end markets including oil & gas, marine, commercial, and industrial. Competitors include Stewart & Stevenson (private) and other smaller regional service providers.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The marine transportation industry is influenced by factors such as energy prices, infrastructure, and regulations. The distribution and services segment is correlated with broader economic cycles and industrial activity.
Positioning
Kirby is the largest player in the U.S. tank barge industry, providing it with significant scale advantages. It benefits from a diversified customer base and strong relationships within the industry.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The TAM for inland marine transportation is estimated in billions of dollars annually. The aftermarket TAM is similar. Kirby is positioned to maintain leadership and expand in both these sectors. The barge TAM is about $4B USD per year. The aftermarket is roughly the same.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Leading market share in tank barge transportation
- Extensive network of barges and terminals
- Strong customer relationships
- Diversified business model
- Experienced management team
Weaknesses
- Exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices
- High capital expenditure requirements
- Dependence on weather conditions and infrastructure
- Cyclical nature of the industries it serves
Opportunities
- Expansion into new geographic markets
- Acquisitions of smaller competitors
- Increased demand for petrochemical transportation
- Growth in the aftermarket service business
- Infrastructure investment
Threats
- Economic downturns
- Increased competition
- Stricter environmental regulations
- Cybersecurity threats
- Supply chain disruptions
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- ACGL
- GRI
Competitive Landscape
Kirby's size and scale provide a competitive advantage. However, competitors can often underbid Kirby on smaller contracts, while the industry is highly capital-intensive. Differentiation comes from reliability, safety, and scope of service.
Major Acquisitions
Stewart & Stevenson
- Year: 2017
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 710
- Strategic Rationale: Diversified Kirby's service offerings and expanded its presence in the oil and gas and industrial markets.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Kirby has grown through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. The company's growth has been closely tied to the performance of the energy and petrochemical industries.
Future Projections: Analysts anticipate continued growth, driven by rising demand for petrochemicals and refined products and infrastructure improvements. Revenue is expected to grow about 6-10% per year.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include fleet optimization, cost reduction programs, and investments in new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
Summary
Kirby Corporation is a leading player in the domestic tank barge industry, possessing strong financials and a defensible market share. While commodity price fluctuations present a risk, Kirby's diversified business model and focus on operational efficiency provides some insulation. The company should focus on its fleet and strategic acquisitions. It should carefully consider debt when acquiring.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Kirby Corporation Investor Relations
- SEC Filings
- Industry Reports
- Analyst Estimates
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on your own research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor. Financial data may be subject to change.
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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