Kirby Corporation (KEX)vsStar Bulk Carriers Corp (SBLK)
KEX
Kirby Corporation
$135.88
-0.34%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $7.29B
SBLK
Star Bulk Carriers Corp
$22.86
-2.27%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $2.60B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Kirby Corporation generates 223% more annual revenue ($3.36B vs $1.04B). KEX leads profitability with a 10.5% profit margin vs 8.1%. SBLK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.95. KEX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
KEX
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
SBLK
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+58.7%
Fair Value
$296.24
Current Price
$135.88
$160.36 discount
Margin of Safety
+27.9%
Fair Value
$33.23
Current Price
$22.86
$10.37 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 102.1% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 20.6% year-over-year
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 59.6% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 26.7%
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Operating margin of -53.1%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 3.4% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : KEX
The strongest argument for KEX centers on EPS Growth, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 20.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SBLK
The strongest argument for SBLK centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : KEX
The primary concerns for KEX are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : SBLK
The primary concerns for SBLK are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KEX profiles as a growth stock while SBLK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
KEX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.86 — expect wider price swings.
KEX is growing revenue faster at 20.6% — sustainability is the question.
KEX generates stronger free cash flow (265M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KEX scores higher overall (63/100 vs 56/100) and 20.6% revenue growth. SBLK offers better value entry with a 27.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Kirby Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · MARINE SHIPPING · USA
Kirby Corporation operates domestic tank barges in the United States. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Visit Website →Star Bulk Carriers Corp
INDUSTRIALS · MARINE SHIPPING · USA
Star Bulk Carriers Corp. The company is headquartered in Maroussi, Greece.
Visit Website →Compare with Other MARINE SHIPPING Stocks
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