<p>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.</p>
<p>Analysts anticipate Kirby to report an <strong>earnings per share</strong> (EPS) of $1.62.</p>
<p>The announcement from Kirby is eagerly anticipated, with investors seeking news of surpassing estimates and favorable guidance for the next quarter.</p>
<p>It's worth noting for new investors that guidance can be a key determinant of stock price movements.</p>
<h3>Historical Earnings Performance</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Here's a look at Kirby's past performance and the resulting price change:</p>
<p></p><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th><strong>Quarter</strong></th>
<th align="right"><strong>Q3 2025</strong></th>
<th align="right"><strong>Q2 2025</strong></th>
<th align="right"><strong>Q1 2025</strong></th>
<th align="right"><strong>Q4 2024</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>EPS Estimate</strong></td>
<td align="right">1.61</td>
<td align="right">1.62</td>
<td align="right">1.28</td>
<td align="right">1.29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>EPS Actual</strong></td>
<td align="right">1.65</td>
<td align="right">1.67</td>
<td align="right">1.33</td>
<td align="right">1.29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Price Change %</strong></td>
<td align="right">3.00</td>
<td align="right">0.00</td>
<td align="right">5.00</td>
<td align="right">-3.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table><p></p>
<p><img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2026/1769623328_0.png?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" alt="eps graph" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2026/1769623328_0.png"/></p>

<h3>Performance of Kirby Shares</h3>
<p>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. </p>
<h3>Analyst Observations about Kirby</h3>
<p>Understanding market sentiments and expectations within the industry is crucial for investors. This analysis delves into the latest insights on Kirby.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>Comparing Ratings Among Industry Peers</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<ul>
<li>Analysts currently favor an Outperform trajectory for Matson, with an average 1-year price target of $178.33, suggesting a potential 38.79% upside.</li>
<li>Analysts currently favor an Neutral trajectory for ZIM Integrated Shipping, with an average 1-year price target of $14.59, suggesting a potential 88.65% downside.</li>
<li>Analysts currently favor an Buy trajectory for Star Bulk Carriers, with an average 1-year price target of $22.0, suggesting a potential 82.88% downside.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Snapshot: Peer Analysis</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p></p><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Consensus</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
<th>Gross Profit</th>
<th>Return on Equity</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Kirby</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>4.81%</td>
<td>$223.80M</td>
<td>2.74%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matson</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>-8.51%</td>
<td>$219M</td>
<td>5.08%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ZIM Integrated Shipping</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>-35.73%</td>
<td>$338.30M</td>
<td>3.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Star Bulk Carriers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>-23.36%</td>
<td>$58.20M</td>
<td>0.77%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table><p></p>
<p>Key Takeaway:</p>
<p>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%.</p>
<h3>Unveiling the Story Behind Kirby</h3>
<p>Kirby Corp is a domestic tank barge operator, transporting bulk liquid products throughout three United States coasts. The Company transports petrochemicals, liquid cargoes, inland waterway systems, and dry bulk cargoes. The Company conducts operations in two reportable business segments: The Marine transportation segment which provides marine transportation services, operating tank barges and towing vessels transporting bulk liquid products, and the Distribution and services segment, which provides after-market service, and genuine replacement parts for engines, transmissions, reduction gears, and power generation equipment used in oil and gas and commercial and industrial applications. The company's revenue is generated from the Marine Transportation segment.</p>
<h3>Financial Milestones: Kirby's Journey</h3>
<p><strong>Market Capitalization:</strong> Positioned above industry average, the company's market capitalization underscores its superiority in size, indicative of a strong market presence.</p>
<p><strong>Revenue Growth:</strong> Kirby's remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 30 September, 2025, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of <strong>4.81%</strong>. 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.</p>
<p><strong>Net Margin:</strong> Kirby's net margin is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of <strong>10.61%,</strong> the company may encounter challenges in effective cost control.</p>
<p><strong>Return on Equity (ROE):</strong> Kirby's ROE is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of <strong>2.74%,</strong> the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns for shareholders.</p>
<p><strong>Return on Assets (ROA):</strong> The company's ROA is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of <strong>1.52%,</strong> the company may need to address challenges in generating satisfactory returns from its assets.</p>
<p><strong>Debt Management:</strong> With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of <strong>0.37</strong>, Kirby adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.</p>
<p>To track all earnings releases for Kirby visit their earnings calendar on our site.</p>
<p><em>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.</em></p>

<p>Kirby (NYSE:KEX) is set to release its quarterly earnings report on January 29, 2026, with analysts expecting an EPS of $1.62. The company previously beat EPS estimates by $0.04, resulting in a 3.31% share price increase. Kirby's shares are currently trading at $128.49, up 14.51% over the past year. Analysts rate Kirby as a Buy, with a one-year price target of $129.33. Kirby leads peers in revenue growth at 4.81%, but has lower net margin and return on equity compared to industry standards. The company operates in marine transportation and distribution services.</p>

What to Expect from Kirby's Earnings