International Seaways, Inc. INSW is benefiting from its proactive fleet expansion strategies, which are boosting the company’s prospects. Its shareholder-friendly initiatives are also encouraging. With these tailwinds, INSW shares have performed impressively on the bourse. If you have not yet taken advantage of its share price appreciation, it’s time to do so.
Let’s delve deeper.
Factors Favoring INSW Stock
Northward Earnings Estimate Revision: The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share (EPS) has been revised 7.49% upward over the past 60 days for 2026. For 2027, the consensus mark for EPS has moved 24.67% north over the same time frame. The favorable estimate revisions indicate brokers’ confidence in the stock.
Robust Price Performance: A look at the company’s price trend reveals that its shares have surged 182.6% over the past year, surpassing the Zacks Transportation - Shipping industry’s 87.9% growth.
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Positive Earnings Surprise History: International Seaways has an encouraging earnings surprise history. The company's earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average surprise of 33.89%.
Solid Zacks Rank: INSW currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Bullish Industry Rank: The industry to which INSW belongs currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 65 (out of 247). Such a favorable rank places it in the top 26% of Zacks Industries. Studies show that 50% of a stock’s price movement is directly related to the performance of the industry group to which it belongs.
A mediocre stock within a strong group is likely to outperform a robust stock in a weak industry. Reckoning the industry’s performance becomes imperative in this context.
Growth Factors: International Seaways’ 2025 Sustainability Report highlights its efforts to improve fleet efficiency, reduce emissions, strengthen safety practices and promote employee welfare. The company continues to focus on environmental performance and responsible operations, with ongoing initiatives to monitor emissions and minimize environmental risks. Overall, the report reflects progress in sustainability while emphasizing the importance of continued improvements in emissions reduction and operational safety.
INSW contracted four additional LR1 product carriers for $244 million, with deliveries expected in the second half of 2028. These scrubber-fitted, LNG-ready vessels are expected to join the Panamax International Pool, which the company reported has historically outperformed the LR1 market. This expansion could strengthen its modern fleet and support future earnings potential.
The company declared a record quarterly dividend of $5.05 per share, marking its second consecutive quarter of record dividends. Additionally, INSW maintained approximately $935 million in total liquidity and a low net loan-to-value ratio of around 6% as of June 30, 2026. This strong financial position supports shareholder returns while providing flexibility to pursue future growth opportunities.
Other Stocks to Consider
Investors interested in the Zacks Transportation sector may consider other top-ranked stocks like Wabtec WAB and Herc Holdings HRI.
WAB currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
WAB has an expected earnings growth rate of more than 21.4% for 2026. The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 4.18%.
Herc Holdings currently sports a Zacks Rank #1.
HRI has a negative expected earnings growth rate of 7.36% for the current year. However, the company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 60.64%.
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International Seaways Inc. (INSW): Free Stock Analysis Report
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).