Core Insights - Kirby Corporation reported record net earnings for 2025, with fourth-quarter net earnings of $91.8 million or $1.68 per share, a significant increase from $42.8 million or $0.74 per share in the same quarter of 2024 [1][2][3] - The company achieved consolidated revenues of $851.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from $802.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 [1][2] Financial Performance - For the full year 2025, Kirby's net earnings were $354.6 million or $6.33 per share, compared to $286.7 million or $4.91 per share in 2024 [2] - Excluding one-time items, net earnings for 2024 were $318.8 million or $5.46 per share [2] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $203.1 million, an increase from $172.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 [13] Segment Performance - Marine Transportation revenues for the fourth quarter of 2025 were $481.7 million, up from $466.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, with an operating income of $100.3 million compared to $86.0 million [5][9] - Distribution and Services revenues for the fourth quarter of 2025 were $370.1 million, compared to $335.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, with an operating income of $30.1 million [9][10] - Power generation segment saw a revenue increase of 10% sequentially and 47% year-over-year, driven by strong order flow and project wins [4][10] Market Conditions - Inland marine market experienced improved barge utilization, averaging in the mid to high-80% range during the fourth quarter, with operating margins in the low-20% range [3][5] - Coastal marine business maintained solid fundamentals with barge utilization averaging in the mid to high-90% range and operating margins around 20% [3][8] - Demand in the distribution and services segment varied, with power generation showing robust growth while other areas faced softness [4][11] Cash Flow and Capital Management - Kirby generated net cash from operating activities of $312.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, with capital expenditures of $47.0 million [13][35] - The company repurchased 1,030,729 shares at an average price of $98.53, totaling $101.6 million, and reduced debt by $130 million in the fourth quarter [6][13] 2026 Outlook - Kirby expects continued growth in 2026, with earnings per share projected to be flat to up 12% year-over-year [6][14] - The company anticipates stable operations and improving market fundamentals, particularly in the power generation segment [14][17] - Inland revenues are expected to increase in the low to mid-single digits year-over-year, with barge utilization rates projected to be in the low 90% range [14][15]