International Seaways (INSW) vs Kirby (KEX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
International Seaways (INSW) has outperformed Kirby (KEX) over the past year, gaining 176.2% versus a gain of 68.0%. Over five years, INSW leads with a +614.1% price change compared with +152.9% for KEX. Kirby is the larger company by market cap ($7.29 billion vs $6.03 billion), about 1.2 times the size.
On valuation, International Seaways trades at a lower forward P/E (12.7x vs 16.7x for Kirby). International Seaways pays a dividend yielding 0.39%, while Kirby does not currently pay one. International Seaways converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 36.7% 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 | INSW | KEX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $121.82 | $138.11 |
| Market cap | $6.03B | $7.29B |
| 1-day change | +4.17% | +0.55% |
| YTD return | +150.92% | +25.35% |
| 1-year return | +176.17% | +67.96% |
| 5-year return | +614.07% | +152.86% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 7.48 | 21.22 |
| Forward P/E | 12.74 | 16.70 |
| EPS (TTM) | $16.29 | $6.51 |
| Dividend yield | 0.39% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.48 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $843.30M | $3.36B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -11.38% | +3.01% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $309.26M | $354.57M |
| Operating margin | 40.96% | 14.75% |
| Net margin | 36.67% | 10.54% |
| 52-week high | $121.82 | $157.69 |
| 52-week low | $42.26 | $79.52 |
| Distance from 52-week high | 0.00% | -12.42% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | -7.51% | +19.23% |
| Average volume | 630.14K | 492.76K |
| Shares outstanding | 49.53M | 52.80M |
| Employees | 2,837 | 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
- INSW has outperformed KEX by 108.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Kirby trades at a higher earnings multiple (21.2x vs 7.5x trailing P/E).
- International Seaways is more profitable, keeping 36.7 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 -11.38%).
About International Seaways
INSW stock →International Seaways, Inc. owns and operates a fleet of oceangoing vessels for the transportation of crude oil and petroleum products in the international flag trade.
Consumer Discretionary · Marine Transportation · 2,837 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
INSW vs KEX FAQ
Which is bigger, International Seaways or Kirby?
Kirby (KEX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $7.29B compared with $6.03B for International Seaways (INSW).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, INSW or KEX?
INSW returned +176.17% over the past 12 months, compared with +67.96% for KEX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, INSW or KEX?
INSW has the lower trailing P/E at 7.5, 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, International Seaways or Kirby?
International Seaways pays a dividend yielding 0.39%, while Kirby does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are International Seaways and Kirby in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Marine Transportation industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.