Frontline Plc (FRO) vs Kirby (KEX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Frontline Plc (FRO) has outperformed Kirby (KEX) over the past year, gaining 141.8% versus a gain of 68.5%. Over five years, FRO leads with a +488.2% price change compared with +151.5% for KEX. Frontline Plc is the larger company by market cap ($12.52 billion vs $7.29 billion), about 1.7 times the size, while Kirby is growing revenue faster (+3.0% vs -8.8%).
On valuation, Frontline Plc trades at a lower forward P/E (10.7x vs 16.7x for Kirby). Frontline Plc pays a dividend yielding 9.56%, while Kirby does not currently pay one. Frontline Plc converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 19.2% versus 10.5%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | FRO | KEX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $56.26 | $138.11 |
| Market cap | $12.52B | $7.29B |
| 1-day change | +6.03% | +0.55% |
| YTD return | +143.17% | +24.67% |
| 1-year return | +141.84% | +68.46% |
| 5-year return | +488.25% | +151.48% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 8.43 | 21.22 |
| Forward P/E | 10.73 | 16.68 |
| EPS (TTM) | $6.67 | $6.51 |
| Dividend yield | 9.56% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $5.38 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.97B | $3.36B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -8.85% | +3.01% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $379.08M | $354.57M |
| Operating margin | 30.38% | 14.75% |
| Net margin | 19.23% | 10.54% |
| 52-week high | $56.55 | $157.69 |
| 52-week low | $20.47 | $79.52 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -0.51% | -12.42% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | -9.79% | +19.23% |
| Average volume | 2.82M | 497.71K |
| Shares outstanding | 222.62M | 52.80M |
| Employees | 85 | 5,233 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Marine Transportation | Marine Transportation |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- FRO has outperformed KEX by 73.4 percentage points over the past year.
- Kirby trades at a higher earnings multiple (21.2x vs 8.4x trailing P/E).
- Frontline Plc offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (9.56% vs 0.00%).
- Frontline Plc is more profitable, keeping 19.2 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 10.5 cents for Kirby.
- Kirby grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+3.01% vs -8.85%).
About Frontline Plc
FRO stock →Frontline plc, a shipping company, engages in the ownership and operation of oil and product tankers worldwide. The company owns and operates oil and product tankers, such as very large crude carriers (VLCCs), Suezmax tankers, and LR2/Aframax tankers.
Consumer Discretionary · Marine Transportation · 85 employees
About Kirby
KEX stock →Kirby Corporation operates domestic tank barges in the United States. Its Marine Transportation segment provides marine transportation service and towing vessels transporting bulk liquid product, as well as operates tank barges throughout the Mississippi River System, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and coastwise along three United States coasts, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Consumer Discretionary · Marine Transportation · 5,233 employees
FRO vs KEX FAQ
Which is bigger, Frontline Plc or Kirby?
Frontline Plc (FRO) is larger, with a market capitalization of $12.52B compared with $7.29B for Kirby (KEX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FRO or KEX?
FRO returned +141.84% over the past 12 months, compared with +68.46% for KEX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FRO or KEX?
FRO has the lower trailing P/E at 8.4, versus 21.2 for KEX. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Frontline Plc or Kirby?
Frontline Plc pays a dividend yielding 9.56%, while Kirby does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Frontline Plc and Kirby in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Marine Transportation industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.