Kirby (NYSE:KEX) will release its quarterly earnings report on Thursday, 2026-01-29. Here's a brief overview for investors ahead of the announcement.

Analysts anticipate Kirby to report an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.62.

The announcement from Kirby is eagerly anticipated, with investors seeking news of surpassing estimates and favorable guidance for the next quarter.

It's worth noting for new investors that guidance can be a key determinant of stock price movements.

Historical Earnings Performance

During the last quarter, the company reported an EPS beat by $0.04, leading to a 3.31% increase in the share price on the subsequent day.

Here's a look at Kirby's past performance and the resulting price change:

Performance of Kirby Shares

Shares of Kirby were trading at $128.49 as of January 27. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 14.51%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are likely bullish going into this earnings release.

Analyst Observations about Kirby

Understanding market sentiments and expectations within the industry is crucial for investors. This analysis delves into the latest insights on Kirby.

A total of 6 analyst ratings have been received for Kirby, with the consensus rating being Buy. The average one-year price target stands at $129.33, suggesting a potential 0.65% upside.

Comparing Ratings Among Industry Peers

In this analysis, we delve into the analyst ratings and average 1-year price targets of Matson, ZIM Integrated Shipping and Star Bulk Carriers, three key industry players, offering insights into their relative performance expectations and market positioning.

Snapshot: Peer Analysis

In the peer analysis summary, key metrics for Matson, ZIM Integrated Shipping and Star Bulk Carriers are highlighted, providing an understanding of their respective standings within the industry and offering insights into their market positions and comparative performance.

Key Takeaway:

Kirby is positioned at the top for Revenue Growth with 4.81%, outperforming peers. In terms of Gross Profit, Kirby is in the middle with $223.80M. For Return on Equity, Kirby is at the bottom with 2.74%.

Unveiling the Story Behind Kirby

Financial Milestones: Kirby's Journey

Market Capitalization: Positioned above industry average, the company's market capitalization underscores its superiority in size, indicative of a strong market presence.

Revenue Growth: Kirby's remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 30 September, 2025, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 4.81%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the company achieved a growth rate higher than the average among peers in Industrials sector.

Net Margin: Kirby's net margin is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of 10.61%, the company may encounter challenges in effective cost control.

Return on Equity (ROE): Kirby's ROE is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of 2.74%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns for shareholders.

Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 1.52%, the company may need to address challenges in generating satisfactory returns from its assets.

Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, Kirby adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.

To track all earnings releases for Kirby visit their earnings calendar on our site.

This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.