Kirby (KEX) vs Scorpio Tankers (STNG)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Kirby (KEX) has outperformed Scorpio Tankers (STNG) over the past year, gaining 68.0% versus a gain of 62.9%. Over five years, STNG leads with a +430.7% price change compared with +152.9% for KEX. Kirby is the larger company by market cap ($7.29 billion vs $4.41 billion), about 1.7 times the size.
On valuation, Scorpio Tankers trades at a lower forward P/E (14.4x vs 16.7x for Kirby). Scorpio Tankers pays a dividend yielding 1.95%, while Kirby does not currently pay one. Scorpio Tankers 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 | KEX | STNG |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $138.11 | $88.15 |
| Market cap | $7.29B | $4.41B |
| 1-day change | +0.55% | +4.31% |
| YTD return | +25.35% | +73.42% |
| 1-year return | +67.96% | +62.94% |
| 5-year return | +152.86% | +430.70% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 21.22 | 5.49 |
| Forward P/E | 16.68 | 14.37 |
| EPS (TTM) | $6.51 | $16.06 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 1.95% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $1.72 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $3.36B | $938.22M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +3.01% | -24.58% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $354.57M | $344.29M |
| Operating margin | 14.75% | 37.86% |
| Net margin | 10.54% | 36.70% |
| 52-week high | $157.69 | $90.06 |
| 52-week low | $79.52 | $48.93 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -12.42% | -2.12% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +19.23% | +10.83% |
| Average volume | 492.76K | 876.23K |
| Shares outstanding | 52.80M | 50.08M |
| Employees | 5,233 | 24 |
| 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
- Kirby trades at a higher earnings multiple (21.2x vs 5.5x trailing P/E).
- Scorpio Tankers offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.95% vs 0.00%).
- Scorpio Tankers 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 -24.58%).
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
About Scorpio Tankers
STNG stock →Scorpio Tankers Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the seaborne transportation of crude oil and refined petroleum products worldwide. As of March 19, 2026, its fleet consisted of 90 wholly owned tankers, including 34 LR2, 42MR, and 14 Handymax.
Consumer Discretionary · Marine Transportation · 24 employees
KEX vs STNG FAQ
Which is bigger, Kirby or Scorpio Tankers?
Kirby (KEX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $7.29B compared with $4.41B for Scorpio Tankers (STNG).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, KEX or STNG?
KEX returned +67.96% over the past 12 months, compared with +62.94% for STNG (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, KEX or STNG?
STNG has the lower trailing P/E at 5.5, 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, Kirby or Scorpio Tankers?
Scorpio Tankers pays a dividend yielding 1.95%, while Kirby does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Kirby and Scorpio Tankers in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Marine Transportation industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.