Kirby Corporation Announces 2025 First Quarter Results

Core Points - Kirby Corporation reported net earnings of $76.0 million or $1.33 per share for Q1 2025, an increase from $70.1 million or $1.19 per share in Q1 2024 [1][25] - Consolidated revenues for Q1 2025 were $785.7 million, down from $808.0 million in Q1 2024 [1][24] Marine Transportation Segment - Marine transportation revenues for Q1 2025 were $476.1 million, slightly up from $475.4 million in Q1 2024, with operating income increasing to $86.6 million from $83.0 million [6][28] - Inland marine transportation faced challenges due to weather, resulting in a 50% increase in delay days compared to Q4 2024 and a 15% year-over-year increase, yet barge utilization rates remained strong in the low to mid-90% range [3][7] - Coastal marine conditions were strong, with barge utilization in the mid to high-90% range, leading to mid-20% price increases on term contract renewals despite a 6% decrease in revenues year-over-year [4][9] Distribution and Services Segment - Distribution and services revenues for Q1 2025 were $309.5 million, down from $332.6 million in Q1 2024, but operating income increased to $22.6 million from $22.0 million [10][29] - Power generation revenues declined 23% due to supply delays, while oil and gas revenues fell 18% but operating income rose 123% due to e-frac and cost management initiatives [11][13] - Commercial and industrial market revenues grew 12% year-over-year, driven by marine repair activity, with operating income up 23% [12] Financial Performance - EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $174.3 million, compared to $162.6 million in Q1 2024 [14][26] - The company repurchased 1,258,031 shares at an average price of $99.16, totaling $124.7 million year-to-date through April 30, 2025 [7] - As of March 31, 2025, Kirby had $51.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, total debt of $1,098.4 million, and a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 24.8% [14][26] 2025 Outlook - The company anticipates positive market dynamics in inland marine due to limited new barge construction, with expected revenue growth in the mid to high single-digit range for the full year [15] - Coastal marine revenues are expected to increase in the high-single to low-double digit range compared to 2024, driven by higher pricing on contracts [16] - Distribution and services segment revenues are expected to be flat to slightly down for the full year, with operating margins in the high-single digits [17]