Zacks Research Comments on Kirby’s Q1 Earnings (NYSE:KEX)

Kirby Corporation (NYSE:KEX) – Equities researchers at Zacks Research reduced their Q1 2026 earnings estimates for shares of Kirby in a research report issued on Thursday, February 12th. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the shipping company will earn $1.42 per share for the quarter, down from their prior estimate of $1.53. Zacks Research currently has a “Strong Sell” rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Kirby’s current full-year earnings is $6.57 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Kirby’s Q2 2027 earnings at $2.00 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $2.01 EPS, Q4 2027 earnings at $2.16 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $8.00 EPS.

Kirby (NYSE:KEX) last released its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The shipping company reported $1.68 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.62 by $0.06. Kirby had a return on equity of 10.55% and a net margin of 10.54%.The firm had revenue of $851.78 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $857.82 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.29 earnings per share. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 6.2% on a year-over-year basis.

Several other research analysts also recently issued reports on KEX. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Kirby from $145.00 to $147.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. BTIG Research reduced their price objective on Kirby from $140.00 to $135.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of Kirby in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Wall Street Zen raised Kirby from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. Finally, Wolfe Research restated an “outperform” rating and set a $136.00 price target on shares of Kirby in a report on Friday, January 30th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Kirby currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $129.40.

Kirby Stock Up 1.4%

KEX stock opened at $126.72 on Monday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $119.31 and a 200-day moving average price of $104.24. Kirby has a 12 month low of $79.51 and a 12 month high of $132.18. The company has a current ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 0.88.

Insider Activity

In other news, COO Christian G. O’neil sold 11,145 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.68, for a total value of $1,244,673.60. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 14,835 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,656,772.80. The trade was a 42.90% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO David W. Grzebinski sold 29,451 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.41, for a total transaction of $3,163,331.91. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 79,709 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,561,543.69. This represents a 26.98% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 63,898 shares of company stock worth $7,081,741. 0.90% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Kirby

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in KEX. Ethic Inc. grew its position in shares of Kirby by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 3,236 shares of the shipping company’s stock worth $372,000 after buying an additional 98 shares during the period. Bell Investment Advisors Inc boosted its stake in Kirby by 67.1% during the second quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc now owns 284 shares of the shipping company’s stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 114 shares in the last quarter. State of Wyoming grew its holdings in Kirby by 12.8% in the third quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 1,003 shares of the shipping company’s stock worth $84,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares during the period. Fifth Third Bancorp increased its position in Kirby by 18.2% in the 4th quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 739 shares of the shipping company’s stock valued at $81,000 after buying an additional 114 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Xponance Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Kirby by 1.8% during the third quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 6,809 shares of the shipping company’s stock valued at $568,000 after acquiring an additional 118 shares in the last quarter. 96.15% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Kirby

Kirby Corporation is a leading domestic maritime transporter of bulk liquid products in the United States. Through its Marine Transportation segment, the company operates one of North America’s largest fleets of inland tank barges and towing vessels. Kirby’s fleet moves petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products and agricultural chemicals along coastal and inland waterways, providing critical logistical support to energy, chemical and agricultural producers.

In addition to its marine operations, Kirby’s Distribution and Services segment offers diesel engine and power generation services, along with aftermarket parts sales.