📊 KEX Key Takeaways
Is Kirby Corp. (KEX) a Good Investment?
Kirby Corp demonstrates stable debt management with strong interest coverage (10.5x) and positive free cash flow generation ($49.4M), but is severely constrained by minimal returns on equity (2.4%) and assets (1.3%) alongside zero net income growth. The water transportation industry's capital intensity and cyclicality compound fundamental concerns about long-term shareholder value creation despite modest operational profitability.
Kirby shows resilient fundamentals with solid operating profitability (14.8% margin) and strong cash generation (12.1% FCF margin) supported by conservative leverage and ample interest coverage. While revenue growth is modest at 3% and net income is flat YoY, cash flow strength and balance sheet flexibility position the company to compound through cycles and invest opportunistically. EPS growth appears driven by share count changes, so sustainable earnings expansion will depend on pricing, utilization, and efficiency gains.
Why Buy Kirby Corp. Stock? KEX Key Strengths
- Robust interest coverage (10.5x) with manageable debt-to-equity (0.29x) indicating secure debt service capability
- Positive free cash flow generation ($49.4M) with 5.9% FCF margin supporting ongoing operations and obligations
- Reasonable operating (12.8%) and net margins (9.6%) demonstrating stable profitability within capital-intensive transportation sector
- Strong free cash flow (12.1% FCF margin)
- Healthy balance sheet with low leverage and 10.7x interest coverage
- Solid operating margin (14.8%) indicating good cost discipline
KEX Stock Risks: Kirby Corp. Investment Risks
- Severely depressed returns on equity (2.4%) and assets (1.3%) indicate capital destruction and poor resource allocation efficiency
- Stagnant growth with flat net income (0% YoY) and anemic 3% revenue growth in capital-intensive industry with limited expansion opportunities
- Tight short-term liquidity (Quick Ratio 1.01x) and low cash position ($58M) relative to debt burden ($983.4M) create vulnerability to working capital shocks
- Capital-intensive barge and tug industry is cyclical and vulnerable to economic downturns; EPS growth achieved entirely through buybacks, not operational improvement
- Cyclical demand and commodity exposure in marine/industrial end markets
- Operational and weather/river-level disruptions can impact volumes and costs
- EPS growth reliance on buybacks amid flat net income
Key Metrics to Watch
- Return on Equity trend - must show sustained improvement above 5% to indicate value creation
- Quarterly revenue growth and operating leverage - confirm if 3% annual growth inflects upward or continues stagnating
- Free cash flow sustainability - monitor if operating cash flow remains above capital requirements to fund debt reduction or dividends
- Operating margin
- Free cash flow margin
Kirby Corp. (KEX) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
Kirby Corp. presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.
KEX Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
KEX vs Transportation Sector: How Kirby Corp. Compares
How Kirby Corp. compares to Transportation sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Kirby Corp. Stock Overvalued? KEX Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Kirby Corp. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Transportation 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.
Kirby Corp. Balance Sheet: KEX Debt, Cash & Liquidity
KEX Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Kirby Corp.'s revenue has grown significantly by 19% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $3.72 reflects profitable operations.
KEX Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
KEX Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $785.7M | $76.0M | $1.33 |
| Q3 2025 | $831.1M | $90.0M | $1.55 |
| Q2 2025 | $824.4M | $83.9M | $1.43 |
| Q1 2025 | $785.7M | $70.1M | $1.19 |
| Q3 2024 | $764.8M | $63.0M | $1.05 |
| Q2 2024 | $777.2M | $57.4M | $0.95 |
| Q1 2024 | $750.4M | $40.7M | $0.68 |
| Q3 2023 | $745.8M | $39.1M | $0.65 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Kirby Corp. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
KEX SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Kirby Corp. (CIK: 0000056047)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about KEX
What is the AI rating for KEX?
Kirby Corp. (KEX) has a Combined AI Rating of BUY from Claude (HOLD) and ChatGPT (BUY) with 75% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are KEX's key strengths?
Claude: Robust interest coverage (10.5x) with manageable debt-to-equity (0.29x) indicating secure debt service capability. Positive free cash flow generation ($49.4M) with 5.9% FCF margin supporting ongoing operations and obligations. ChatGPT: Strong free cash flow (12.1% FCF margin). Healthy balance sheet with low leverage and 10.7x interest coverage.
What are the risks of investing in KEX?
Claude: Severely depressed returns on equity (2.4%) and assets (1.3%) indicate capital destruction and poor resource allocation efficiency. Stagnant growth with flat net income (0% YoY) and anemic 3% revenue growth in capital-intensive industry with limited expansion opportunities. ChatGPT: Cyclical demand and commodity exposure in marine/industrial end markets. Operational and weather/river-level disruptions can impact volumes and costs.
What is KEX's revenue and growth?
Kirby Corp. reported revenue of $844.1M.
Does KEX pay dividends?
Kirby Corp. does not currently pay dividends.
Where can I find KEX SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Kirby Corp. (CIK: 0000056047) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is KEX's EPS?
Kirby Corp. has a diluted EPS of $1.50.
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 KEX a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in May 2026, Kirby Corp. has a BUY rating with 75% confidence. The AI analysis suggests favorable fundamentals based on SEC filings. This is not investment advice.
Is KEX stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for KEX: ROE of 2.4% (sector avg: 18%), net margin of 9.6% (sector avg: 10%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy KEX stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Kirby Corp. a combined BUY rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is KEX's free cash flow?
Kirby Corp.'s operating cash flow is $97.7M, with capital expenditures of $48.3M. FCF margin is 5.9%.
How does KEX compare to other Transportation stocks?
Vs Transportation sector averages: Net margin 9.6% (avg: 10%), ROE 2.4% (avg: 18%), current ratio 1.59 (avg: 1).