Kirby Corporation (KEX) has a MoatMap StockRank of 89/100 based on Quality (62/100), Value (45/100), and Momentum (66/100) factor scores. The current signal is STRONG BUY. Kirby Corporation is the premier US inland tank barge operator, protected by the formidable regulatory moat of the Jones Act. As geopolitical tensions disrupt global shipping and drive nearshoring, domestic petrochemical and liquid energy transport demand is surging. Kirby possesses immense pricing power due to high barge utilization rates, allowing it to compound capital efficiently as a critical bottleneck beneficiary.
Kirby Corporation is the largest operator of inland tank barges in the United States, providing essential marine transportation for bulk liquid products across the country's extensive waterway network. The company also offers diversified pressure pumping and other oilfield services. Kirby's dominant market share, high barriers to entry in marine transport, and crucial role in industrial supply chains provide a significant competitive moat.
| Price | $142.73 |
| Market Cap | $7.5B |
| P/E (TTM) | 21.99 |
| P/E (Forward) | 17.24 |
| Price/Book | 2.24 |
| Return on Equity | 10.7% |
| Return on Invested Capital | 9.8% |
| Debt/Equity | 34.68 |
| Gross Margin | 33.9% |
| Operating Margin | 13.3% |
| Revenue Growth | 7.4% |
| Free Cash Flow | $355M |
Kirby Corporation operates in the Marine Shipping industry, part of the Industrials sector (United States).