Lazard Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in Kirby Corporation (NYSE:KEX – Free Report) by 430.5% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 41,205 shares of the shipping company’s stock after purchasing an additional 33,438 shares during the quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC’s holdings in Kirby were worth $5,475,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.
A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Maseco LLP bought a new position in shares of Kirby during the fourth quarter worth $27,000. Rothschild Investment LLC increased its holdings in Kirby by 2,600.0% in the 4th quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC now owns 270 shares of the shipping company’s stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 260 shares during the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in Kirby by 537.5% in the 4th quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 306 shares of the shipping company’s stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 258 shares in the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Kirby by 50.0% during the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 402 shares of the shipping company’s stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 134 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Root Financial Partners LLC grew its position in shares of Kirby by 182.9% during the first quarter. Root Financial Partners LLC now owns 430 shares of the shipping company’s stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 278 shares in the last quarter. 96.15% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
Kirby Price Performance
KEX opened at $132.39 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $140.86 and a 200 day moving average of $136.29. The stock has a market cap of $7.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.37, a PEG ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. Kirby Corporation has a 52-week low of $79.51 and a 52-week high of $157.69.
Kirby News Roundup
Here are the key news stories impacting Kirby this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Q2 revenue and earnings beat key estimates. Kirby reported second-quarter revenue of $922.4 million, up 7.8% year over year and well above the $870.4 million consensus estimate. EPS was $1.67, beating the $1.63 estimate cited by several analysts, although it was unchanged from the prior-year quarter. Kirby Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2026 Results
- Positive Sentiment: Management raised its outlook within the existing range. Kirby said full-year EPS is expected to trend toward the upper end of its 5%–15% growth outlook, implying improving operating momentum. Reported FY 2026 EPS guidance of $7.28 is also above the roughly $7.01 consensus estimate. Kirby signals full-year EPS growth toward upper end of range
- Positive Sentiment: Business demand remains healthy. Marine transportation revenue rose 9% year over year on stronger customer demand and utilization, while distribution and services revenue increased 6%. The power-generation backlog reached approximately $1 billion–$1.5 billion, supporting future growth. Kirby Q2 2026 earnings call highlights
- Positive Sentiment: Analyst support and capital returns are favorable. BTIG reaffirmed its Buy rating with a $170 price target, while Kirby repurchased $59.7 million of shares during the quarter and an additional $29.0 million in the following quarter to date. BTIG reiterates Buy rating on Kirby
- Neutral Sentiment: Analyst consensus indicates approximately 27% upside, but historical research suggests price targets alone are unreliable; upward earnings-estimate revisions are the more important potential catalyst. Wall Street analysts predict upside in Kirby
- Negative Sentiment: EPS was flat year over year, and one estimate source characterized the $1.67 result as slightly below its $1.70 forecast. This may limit enthusiasm despite the revenue and broader consensus beat. Kirby Q2 earnings estimate comparison
Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades
A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. Weiss Ratings raised Kirby from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “buy (b-)” rating in a research note on Friday, July 17th. BTIG Research reissued a “buy” rating and issued a $170.00 target price on shares of Kirby in a report on Wednesday. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Kirby from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Saturday, June 13th. Evercore restated an “outperform” rating and issued a $158.00 target price on shares of Kirby in a report on Friday, May 1st. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price target on Kirby from $169.00 to $182.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 8th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Kirby presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $162.20.
Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Kirby
Insider Activity at Kirby
In related news, COO Christian G. O’neil sold 11,287 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $145.93, for a total value of $1,647,111.91. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Ronald A. Dragg sold 1,726 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $145.01, for a total value of $250,287.26. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president directly owned 8,673 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,257,671.73. This trade represents a 16.60% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 17,691 shares of company stock valued at $2,579,036 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 0.80% of the company’s stock.
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.
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