Kirby trades at $137.53 per share and has stayed right on track with the overall market, gaining 10.6% over the last six months. At the same time, the S&P 500 has returned 14.2%.
Is now the time to buy KEX? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Why Are We Positive on Kirby?
Transporting goods along all U.S. coasts, Kirby (NYSE: KEX) provides inland and coastal marine transportation services.
1. Skyrocketing Revenue Shows Strong Momentum
Reviewing a company’s long-term sales performance reveals insights into its quality. Any business can put up a good quarter or two, but the best consistently grow over the long haul. Over the last five years, Kirby grew its sales at an impressive 11.3% compounded annual growth rate. Its growth beat the average industrials company and shows its offerings resonate with customers.
2. Outstanding Long-Term EPS Growth
We track the long-term change in earnings per share (EPS) because it highlights whether a company’s growth is profitable.
Kirby’s EPS grew at 47.2% compounded annual growth rate over the last five years, higher than its 11.3% annualized revenue growth. This tells us the company became more profitable on a per-share basis as it expanded.
3. Increasing Free Cash Flow Margin Juices Financials
Free cash flow isn’t a prominently featured metric in company financials and earnings releases, but we think it’s telling because it accounts for all operating and capital expenses, making it tough to manipulate. Cash is king.
As you can see below, Kirby’s margin expanded by 10.4 percentage points over the last five years. This is encouraging because it gives the company more optionality. Kirby’s free cash flow margin for the trailing 12 months was 13.6%.
Final Judgment
These are just a few reasons Kirby is a high-quality business worth owning. At $137.53 per share (or 18× forward P/E), is now the right time to buy the stock? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More Than Kirby
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