BTIG Lifts PT on Kirby Corporation (KEX) to $125 From $115, Keeps a Buy Rating

Kirby Corporation (NYSE:KEX) is one of the best shipping and container stocks to invest in now. On June 27, analyst Gregory Lewis from BTIG reiterated a Buy rating on Kirby Corporation (NYSE:KEX), increasing the price target to $125.00 from $115.00.

Is Kirby Corporation (KEX) the Best Marine Shipping Stock to Invest in Now?

A line of dredgers and cranes at a marine transportation dock.

The analyst based the rating on the positive outlook for Kirby Corporation (NYSE:KEX), stating that one of the primary reasons behind this optimism is the strengthening inland barge activity.

This has exhibited considerable volume growth both sequentially and year-over-year, and the analyst expects this improvement to support higher margins and better pricing, especially as fleet growth remains stagnant. These factors may thus create a favorable supply-demand dynamic, according to the firm.

Lewis also stated that the upper river activity has undergone robust growth, which can have a positive effect on Gulf Coast operations because of the longer barge moves. In addition, coastal barge pricing is also on an upward trend, and term-contract pricing is seeing notable year-over-year growth.

Kirby Corporation (NYSE:KEX) is a tank barge operator that transports bulk liquid products, including black oil, petrochemicals, refined petroleum products, and agricultural chemicals. The company’s operations are divided into Marine Transportation and Distribution and Services segments.

While we acknowledge the potential of KEX to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than KEX and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.