Kirby (NYSE:KEX) Stock Price Expected to Rise, Citigroup Analyst Says

Kirby (NYSE:KEX) had its target price lifted by Citigroup from $145.00 to $147.00 in a research report issued on Friday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a “buy” rating on the shipping company’s stock. Citigroup’s price objective points to a potential upside of 23.87% from the company’s current price.

Several other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on KEX. Wall Street Zen upgraded Kirby from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Saturday, November 1st. Evercore ISI increased their target price on shares of Kirby from $109.00 to $122.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. BTIG Research cut 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. Wolfe Research reiterated an “outperform” rating and issued a $136.00 target price on shares of Kirby in a report on Friday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of Kirby in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $130.33.

Kirby Stock Performance

NYSE:KEX traded down $3.50 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $118.67. 671,277 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 920,417. Kirby has a 52-week low of $79.51 and a 52-week high of $132.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 1.70 and a quick ratio of 1.08. The company’s 50 day moving average price is $116.80 and its 200-day moving average price is $103.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.97, a PEG ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.88.

Kirby (NYSE:KEX) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The shipping company reported $1.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.62 by $0.06. Kirby had a return on equity of 10.05% and a net margin of 9.22%.The company had revenue of $851.78 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $857.82 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.29 earnings per share. Kirby’s revenue for the quarter was up 6.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that Kirby will post 6.57 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Transactions at Kirby

In related news, VP Kurt A. Niemietz sold 1,500 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.12, for a total value of $171,180.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president owned 958 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $109,326.96. The trade was a 61.03% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, VP Ronald A. Dragg sold 2,715 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.29, for a total transaction of $299,437.35. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 10,325 shares in the company, valued at $1,138,744.25. The trade was a 20.82% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 57,147 shares of company stock valued at $6,204,544 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.90% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Trading of Kirby

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Ethic Inc. grew its stake in Kirby by 3.1% during the second 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 lifted its stake in shares of 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 purchasing an additional 114 shares in the last quarter. State of Wyoming boosted its position in shares of 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 buying an additional 114 shares during the period. Xponance Inc. boosted its position in shares of Kirby by 1.8% in the third quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 6,809 shares of the shipping company’s stock worth $568,000 after buying an additional 118 shares during the period. Finally, Procyon Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Kirby by 4.6% in the fourth quarter. Procyon Advisors LLC now owns 2,733 shares of the shipping company’s stock valued at $301,000 after buying an additional 121 shares in the last quarter. 96.15% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Kirby News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Kirby this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Q4 results: Kirby reported $1.68 EPS (beat consensus $1.62) and 6.2% YoY revenue growth; management highlighted improved inland marine utilization (mid‑to‑high‑80s) and stronger power generation revenue. Company repurchased ~1.03M shares for $101.6M and paid down $130M of debt; 2026 EPS guidance expected flat to up ~12% YoY — all supportive fundamentals. Kirby Corporation Announces 2025 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Results
• Positive Sentiment: Fund flows: Technical/flow note — FXEmpire flags six bullish inflows over 30 days, which can support near‑term upside and liquidity for the shares. Six Bullish Inflows in 30 Days Boost Kirby
• Neutral Sentiment: Coverage & call transcripts: Multiple outlets published the Q4 earnings call transcript and summaries (detailed management commentary available), useful for investors wanting line‑by‑line color on volumes, contract margins and 2026 outlook. Kirby (KEX) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript (Yahoo) Kirby Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript (Seeking Alpha) Kirby: Q4 Earnings Snapshot (WTOP)
• Negative Sentiment: Revenue miss and analyst tweak: Q4 revenue of $851.8M came slightly below consensus ~$857.8M, which tempers the EPS beat and may raise near‑term scrutiny on demand. Kirby Reports Sales Below Analyst Estimates In Q4 CY2025 Earnings
• Negative Sentiment: Analyst price target trimmed: BTIG lowered its target from $140 to $135 but kept a buy rating — a modest negative signal that may limit near‑term upside expectations despite continued bullish coverage. Benzinga — BTIG Lowers Kirby Price Target

Kirby Company Profile

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.