Kirby Corporation (KEX)vsStar Bulk Carriers Corp (SBLK)
KEX
Kirby Corporation
$142.24
+0.01%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $7.63B
SBLK
Star Bulk Carriers Corp
$26.83
+0.07%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $3.05B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Kirby Corporation generates 228% more annual revenue ($3.42B 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 57/100 (C).
KEX
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
SBLK
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+8.3%
Fair Value
$133.30
Current Price
$142.24
$8.94 discount
Margin of Safety
+83.0%
Fair Value
$141.20
Current Price
$26.83
$114.37 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 59.6% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 26.7%
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 Price/Book.
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, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : SBLK
The primary concerns for SBLK are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KEX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.85 — expect wider price swings.
KEX is growing revenue faster at 7.4% — sustainability is the question.
SBLK generates stronger free cash flow (40M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MARINE SHIPPING industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
KEX scores higher overall (57/100 vs 56/100). SBLK offers better value entry with a 83.0% 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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