Kirby(US:KEX) ZACKS·2025-11-04 19:41Core Insights - Kirby Corporation (KEX) reported Q3 2025 earnings of $1.65 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.60, and reflecting a 6.5% year-over-year increase. Total revenues reached $871.2 million, which fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $888.3 million but showed a 4.8% year-over-year improvement [1][11]. Q3 Segmental Performance - Marine transportation revenues for Q3 2025 were $484.9 million, a slight decline of 0.2% year over year. Operating income decreased to $88.6 million from $99.5 million in the previous year, with segment operating margin dropping to 18.3% from 20.5% [3][4]. - In the inland market, average barge utilization was in the mid-80% range, with average spot market rates declining in the low-to-mid single digits. The inland market contributed 80% of segment revenues, and its operating margin was in the high teens [4]. - Coastal market conditions remained strong, with barge utilization in the mid to high-90% range. Coastal revenues grew by 13% year over year due to increased pricing, accounting for 20% of marine transportation segment revenues, with an operating margin around 20% [5]. - Distribution and services revenues increased by 11.9% year over year to $386.2 million, with operating income rising to $42.7 million and operating margin improving to 11% from 8.8% [6]. - Power generation revenues surged by 56%, and operating income rose by 96% year over year, driven by strong execution on backlog, accounting for nearly 45% of segment revenues [7]. - In the commercial and industrial market, revenues grew by 4%, and operating income increased by 12% year over year, supported by steady marine repair work [8]. - Oil and gas market revenues declined by 38% year over year due to reduced conventional oilfield activity, although operating income increased by 5% [9]. Balance Sheet Highlights & Cash Flow - As of September 30, 2025, Kirby had cash and cash equivalents of $47.02 million, down from $68.38 million at the end of the previous quarter [10]. - The company generated $227.5 million in net cash from operating activities during the quarter, with capital expenditures of $67.2 million. Kirby repurchased 1,314,009 shares for $120 million in Q3 and an additional 428,955 shares for $36 million in Q4 [11][12]. 2025 Outlook - For inland marine, market conditions are expected to remain stable with signs of improvement. Inland revenues and margins are anticipated to improve modestly in Q4, assuming tighter barge availability [13]. - Coastal marine fundamentals are favorable, with steady demand and barge utilization expected to remain high. Coastal revenues and operating margins are projected to be comparable to Q3 levels [14]. - In distribution and services, strength is expected in growing markets, particularly in power generation and commercial and industrial sectors. Full-year revenues are anticipated to increase in the mid-single digits, with operating margins in the high-single digits [15]. - Net cash flow from operating activities is projected to be between $620 million and $720 million, with capital expenditures expected to be between $260 million and $290 million [16].