Top quant-rated shipping and marine logistics stocks as port strikes reach third day
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Oct 03 2024
0mins
Should l Buy KEX?
Source: SeekingAlpha
Freight Rates Decline: Container shipping rates have significantly decreased, with the WCI Composite Container Freight Benchmark rate dropping 37.84% from its summer peak to 3690.65 per 40-foot box.
Impact of Port Strikes: The decline in freight rates is attributed to ongoing port strikes affecting shipping operations.
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Analyst Views on KEX
Wall Street analysts forecast KEX stock price to fall
4 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 142.490
Low
122.00
Averages
132.25
High
142.00
Current: 142.490
Low
122.00
Averages
132.25
High
142.00
About KEX
Kirby Corporation is a domestic tank barge operator transporting bulk liquid products throughout the Mississippi River System, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and coastwise along all three United States coasts. It transports petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products and agricultural chemicals by tank barge. It transports petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products and agricultural chemicals by tank barge. It also participates in the transportation of dry-bulk commodities in the United States coastwise trade. Through the distribution and services segment, it provides after-market services and genuine replacement parts for engines, transmissions, reduction gears, electric motors, drives, and controls, specialized electrical distribution and control systems, and related equipment used in oilfield services, power generation, on-highway, and other industrial applications. It also rents equipment, including industrial compressors, and high-capacity lift trucks.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Earnings Announcement Schedule: Kirby Corporation will release its Q1 2026 earnings report on April 30, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. CDT, followed by a conference call at 7:30 a.m. to provide investors with an in-depth analysis of its financial performance.
- Participation Instructions: Investors can pre-register to participate in the Q&A session of the conference call, with all registrants receiving dial-in information and a PIN to access the live call, ensuring transparency and engagement.
- Information Access Channels: Financial information will be made available through a press release and Form 8-K posted on Kirby's website prior to the call, enhancing the accessibility of necessary background information for investors ahead of the meeting.
- Company Business Overview: Kirby is the largest domestic tank barge operator in the U.S., focusing on liquid product transportation while also providing equipment rental and services across various industrial markets, showcasing its diversified business strategy in the energy and transportation sectors.
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- Market Reaction: Following the waiver announcement, Brent crude prices surged over 6% to exceed $109 per barrel, while U.S. oil prices rose 2.95% to $99.05 per barrel, indicating a positive market response to the stabilization of supply chains.
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- Gasoline Price Increase: Gasoline prices have also surged 27% since the onset of the war, averaging $3.79 per gallon, marking the highest level since October 2023, indicating the overall tension in the energy market.
- Continued Oil Price Rise: With Iran attacking tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices have surged over 40% during the conflict, with U.S. crude trading around $94 per barrel and Brent at approximately $101, suggesting that fuel prices will remain under pressure until oil flows resume.
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- Ownership Stake Change: This sale reduced Grzebinski's direct ownership by 25.80%, leaving him with 98,241 shares valued at around $12.8 million post-transaction, reflecting his ongoing confidence in the company's future prospects.
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- Industry Position and Investment Opportunity: As the largest operator of tank barges in the U.S., Kirby plays a crucial role in the energy and industrial sectors, offering investors a unique opportunity to engage in an essential market segment characterized by ongoing performance growth.
See More
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- Earnings Announcement Schedule: Kirby Corporation will release its Q1 2026 earnings report on April 30, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. CDT, followed by a conference call at 7:30 a.m. to provide investors with an in-depth analysis of its financial performance.
- Participation Instructions: Investors can pre-register to participate in the Q&A session of the conference call, with all registrants receiving dial-in information and a PIN to access the live call, ensuring transparency and engagement.
- Information Access Channels: Financial information will be made available through a press release and Form 8-K posted on Kirby's website prior to the call, enhancing the accessibility of necessary background information for investors ahead of the meeting.
- Company Business Overview: Kirby is the largest domestic tank barge operator in the U.S., focusing on liquid product transportation while also providing equipment rental and services across various industrial markets, showcasing its diversified business strategy in the energy and transportation sectors.
See More
U.S. Gas Prices Surge Above $4 Per Gallon Amid Supply Shock
- Surge in Gas Prices: U.S. national average gasoline prices have surpassed $4 per gallon, reaching $4.018, the highest since August 2022, indicating the direct impact of the Middle East war-induced oil supply shock on household costs.
- Diesel Price Spike: Diesel prices crossed $5 per gallon on March 17, over 40% higher than pre-conflict levels, which will have broad implications for the U.S. economy, particularly as rising transportation costs may lead to increased consumer prices.
- Supply Chain Disruption: The sharp decline in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for about 20% of global oil supplies, has led to the International Energy Agency declaring this the largest oil supply disruption in history, potentially causing further price increases.
- Government Response Measures: The U.S. plans to release 172 million barrels of oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve and temporarily lift restrictions on E15 gasoline sales to address the supply crisis; however, analysts warn that without further action, prices could reach a historic high of $5 per gallon.
See More
KIRBY CORP - EXTENDS FACILITY TERM UNTIL MARCH 26, 2031, AND RAISES REVOLVING CREDIT TO $750 MILLION - SEC FILING
- Facility Term Extension: Kirby Corp has extended the term of its facility to March 26, 2031.
- Increased Revolving Credit: The company has increased its revolving credit facility to $750 million.
See More
Trump Temporarily Waives U.S. Shipping Law to Stabilize Oil Market
- Shipping Law Waiver: President Trump announced a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act to stabilize the oil market amid the Iran war, allowing vital resources like oil and natural gas to flow freely to U.S. ports, thereby alleviating supply chain pressures.
- Market Reaction: Following the waiver announcement, Brent crude prices surged over 6% to exceed $109 per barrel, while U.S. oil prices rose 2.95% to $99.05 per barrel, indicating a positive market response to the stabilization of supply chains.
- Policy Background: The Jones Act, enacted in 1920, mandates that goods transported between U.S. ports must be carried by U.S. vessels; this waiver challenges the protectionist nature of the law, reflecting economists' criticisms that it hinders domestic trade.
- Supply Chain Commitment: The White House press secretary stated that the Trump administration is committed to strengthening critical supply chains, indicating a desire to ensure energy supply stability amid attacks on global energy infrastructure.
See More
U.S. Diesel Prices Exceed $5 for First Time in Three Years
- Diesel Price Surge: U.S. diesel prices surpassed $5 per gallon for the first time in over three years, reaching $5.04, a 34% increase from the previous day, reflecting the historic oil supply disruption caused by the escalating war in the Middle East, which poses significant pressure on the transportation sector.
- Rising Transportation Costs: In response to soaring diesel prices, trucking and rail companies are raising fuel surcharges, which could further inflate transportation costs, potentially impacting consumer prices and spending, thereby exerting negative pressure on the economy.
- Gasoline Price Increase: Gasoline prices have also surged 27% since the onset of the war, averaging $3.79 per gallon, marking the highest level since October 2023, indicating the overall tension in the energy market.
- Continued Oil Price Rise: With Iran attacking tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices have surged over 40% during the conflict, with U.S. crude trading around $94 per barrel and Brent at approximately $101, suggesting that fuel prices will remain under pressure until oil flows resume.
See More
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- Transaction Overview: Kirby Corporation's CEO David W. Grzebinski sold 34,152 shares of common stock on February 24, 2026, for approximately $4.44 million, with the transaction executed through immediate option exercise, indicating a typical liquidity event for senior executives.
- Ownership Stake Change: This sale reduced Grzebinski's direct ownership by 25.80%, leaving him with 98,241 shares valued at around $12.8 million post-transaction, reflecting his ongoing confidence in the company's future prospects.
- Financial Performance: Kirby reported a strong Q4 FY 2025 earnings per share (EPS) of $1.68, surpassing the expected $1.62, demonstrating the company's consistent profitability and growth potential, with a stable annual growth rate over the past five years.
- Industry Position and Investment Opportunity: As the largest operator of tank barges in the U.S., Kirby plays a crucial role in the energy and industrial sectors, offering investors a unique opportunity to engage in an essential market segment characterized by ongoing performance growth.
See More
