International Seaways (INSW) Upgraded to Strong Buy: What Does It Mean for the Stock?
International Seaways (INSW) might move higher on growing optimism about its earnings prospects, which is reflected by its upgrade to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Stock Taper
International Seaways, Inc. owns and operates a fleet of 83 oceangoing vessels for crude oil and petroleum product transportation globally, serving oil companies, traders, refineries, and governments.

International Seaways offers global energy transportation through a modern fleet of tankers, specializing in crude oil (VLCCs, Suezmax) and refined petroleum product (LR1, MR) shipping services.
International Seaways, Inc. reported strong third-quarter 2025 financial results, surpassing analyst expectations for earnings per share. The company announced an adjusted net income of $57 million, or $1.15 per diluted share, against estimates of $0.95. The announcement also highlighted significant progress in its fleet optimization program, including the delivery of new, modern vessels and the sale of older ones, a combined dividend of $0.86 per share, and an extension of its share repurchase program.
Throughout 2025, International Seaways executed a significant fleet optimization program by selling a substantial number of its older vessels while concurrently acquiring a modern VLCC and taking delivery of the first of six newbuild, dual-fuel ready LR1 tankers. [6, 7, 10, 18] This strategic initiative is designed to lower the fleet's average age, improve fuel efficiency, and better position the company for evolving environmental regulations. [18]
International Seaways (INSW) might move higher on growing optimism about its earnings prospects, which is reflected by its upgrade to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
VIRT, SMCI, SM, E and INSW have been added to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) List on October 8th, 2026.
INSW, GTN, SM made it to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) income stocks list on October 8th, 2026.
International Seaways (INSW) has an impressive earnings surprise history and currently possesses the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely beat in its next quarterly report.
International Seaways is initiated with a Strong Buy and a $150 price target, reflecting robust forward charter rates and sky-high spot rates across all of its vessel classes. International Seaways blended VLCC earnings exceeded $150,000/day in Q2, with profit-sharing charters significantly outperforming spot rates and contributing $51 million to quarterly crude revenue. Current market strength is driven by tanker shortages and delayed fleet growth, with the supply window expected to tighten further until 2028-2029.
International Seaways is rated Buy, with a dividend discount model equity value of $127.38 per share, 10% above its current price. INSW's H1 FY2026 TCE revenue and net income surged 104.7% and 422.5% YoY, driven by elevated spot charter rates amid Middle East conflicts. With 85% of adjusted net income paid as dividends, INSW's yield stands at 21% LTM and should remain high as spot rates persist.
International Seaways Inc. (NYSE: INSW - Get Free Report)'s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday. The stock traded as high as $114.79 and last traded at $113.6920, with a volume of 93227 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $110.24. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently
Overall rating: A
| PEER | PRICE | |
|---|---|---|
DK | $76.41 | COMPARE |
OII | $44.86 | COMPARE |
PTEN | $11.48 | COMPARE |
TRMD | $40.05 | COMPARE |
DHT | $24.79 | COMPARE |
KNTK | $54.20 | COMPARE |
TNK | $106.07 | COMPARE |
LBRT | $18.77 | COMPARE |