Kirby Corporation (KEX)vsStar Bulk Carriers Corp (SBLK)
KEX
Kirby Corporation
$129.84
-1.18%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $7.41B
SBLK
Star Bulk Carriers Corp
$25.15
+0.63%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $2.72B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Kirby Corporation generates 213% more annual revenue ($3.42B vs $1.09B). SBLK leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 10.5%. SBLK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.95. SBLK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
KEX
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
SBLK
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-10.8%
Fair Value
$110.36
Current Price
$129.84
$19.48 premium
Margin of Safety
+83.2%
Fair Value
$142.48
Current Price
$25.15
$117.33 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 13118.0% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 25.7%
Revenue surging 21.9% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 5.8% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : KEX
The strongest argument for KEX centers on Price/Book.
Bull Case : SBLK
The strongest argument for SBLK centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 21.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : KEX
The primary concerns for KEX are PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : SBLK
The primary concerns for SBLK are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KEX profiles as a value stock while SBLK is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
KEX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.82 — expect wider price swings.
SBLK is growing revenue faster at 21.9% — sustainability is the question.
SBLK generates stronger free cash flow (92M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SBLK scores higher overall (68/100 vs 57/100) and 21.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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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