Kirby Corporation (KEX): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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A Brief History of Kirby Corporation

Kirby Corporation (KEX), a leading provider of marine transportation and diesel engine services, has a significant presence in the U.S. inland and coastal markets. As of 2024, the company continues to evolve amidst changing market dynamics.

Financial Performance Overview

For the second quarter of 2024, Kirby reported net earnings attributable to the company of $83.9 million, compared to $57.4 million in the same quarter of 2023. This reflects a robust year-over-year increase of 46%. The earnings available to Kirby common stockholders on a diluted basis were $1.43 per share for Q2 2024, versus $0.95 per share in Q2 2023.

Metric Q2 2024 Q2 2023 % Change
Net Earnings $83.9 million $57.4 million +46%
Earnings per Share (Diluted) $1.43 $0.95 +50%

Revenue and Operating Income

In the first six months of 2024, Kirby reported revenues of $1.1 billion, an increase from $850 million in the same period of 2023, marking a significant growth of 29%. Operating income for the same period rose to $239 million, up from $143 million, reflecting a 67% increase year-over-year.

Metric First Half 2024 First Half 2023 % Change
Revenue $1.1 billion $850 million +29%
Operating Income $239 million $143 million +67%

Marine Transportation Segment

In 2024, Kirby's marine transportation segment continued to dominate its revenue streams, contributing 59% of total revenues. The inland tank barge fleet, which comprises 1,093 barges with a barrel capacity of 24.2 million, operates at high utilization levels averaging in the low to mid-90% range.

Fleet Type Number of Barges Barrel Capacity (Million)
Inland Tank Barges 1,093 24.2
Coastal Tank Barges 28 2.9

Debt and Equity Position

As of June 30, 2024, Kirby's total equity increased to $3.26 billion, up from $3.19 billion at the end of 2023, reflecting a 2% increase. The company's long-term debt, net of current portions, stood at $1.04 billion, with a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 24.3%.

Metric June 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 % Change
Total Equity $3.26 billion $3.19 billion +2%
Long-term Debt $1.04 billion $1.01 billion +3%

Market Trends and Pricing

In 2024, Kirby experienced an increase in pricing for both term and spot contracts. Inland market term contracts saw increases between 9% to 12%, while coastal market term contracts increased by 19% to 21%.

Market Segment Term Increase Spot Increase
Inland Market 9% – 12% 14% – 17%
Coastal Market 19% – 21% 30% – 32%

Kirby Corporation's strategic positioning and operational efficiencies have allowed it to navigate challenges while capitalizing on growth opportunities in the marine transportation and diesel engine services sectors.



A Who Owns Kirby Corporation (KEX)

Major Shareholders

As of 2024, Kirby Corporation (KEX) has a diverse ownership structure comprised of institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders. The largest shareholders of the company include:

Shareholder Ownership Percentage Shares Owned Type of Ownership
The Vanguard Group, Inc. 12.5% 7,300,000 Institutional
BlackRock, Inc. 10.9% 6,400,000 Institutional
State Street Corporation 8.3% 4,800,000 Institutional
Wellington Management Group LLP 5.7% 3,300,000 Institutional
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP 4.5% 2,600,000 Institutional
Insider Ownership 3.2% 1,800,000 Individual

Stock Performance

As of June 30, 2024, Kirby Corporation's stock performance has shown significant resilience. The stock price fluctuated within a range of $90 to $115 throughout the first half of the year, reflecting the overall market conditions and company performance.

Recent Financial Highlights

Kirby Corporation reported a net earnings increase of $153.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $98.1 million for the same period in 2023. The company’s revenue for the first six months of 2024 was $1.63 billion, up from $1.53 billion in 2023.

Financial Metric 2024 (First Six Months) 2023 (First Six Months) % Change
Net Earnings $153.9 million $98.1 million 56.6%
Total Revenue $1.63 billion $1.53 billion 6.5%
Operating Cash Flow $302.6 million $227.9 million 33.0%
Capital Expenditures $169.6 million $171.2 million -0.9%

Debt and Equity Structure

As of June 30, 2024, Kirby Corporation had total long-term debt of approximately $1.05 billion. The company's debt-to-capitalization ratio was reported at 24.3%.

Debt Type Amount (in thousands) Maturity Date
Revolving Credit Facility $74,000 July 29, 2027
Term Loan $170,000 July 29, 2027
4.2% Senior Notes $500,000 March 1, 2028
3.46% Senior Notes $60,000 January 19, 2033
3.51% Senior Notes $240,000 January 19, 2033

Recent Stock Buybacks

In the first half of 2024, Kirby Corporation repurchased 870,770 shares for $85.5 million at an average price of $98.15 per share. This indicates a strategic approach to enhance shareholder value through stock buybacks.

Outlook and Market Position

Kirby Corporation is well-positioned in the marine transportation market, with expectations for continued demand and improved financial performance. The company's focus on operational efficiency and strategic acquisitions is anticipated to drive growth in the coming quarters.



Kirby Corporation (KEX) Mission Statement

Mission Statement Overview

Kirby Corporation (KEX) aims to be a leading provider of marine transportation and diesel engine services, focusing on safety, reliability, and customer service excellence. The company is committed to operating its business in a manner that minimizes environmental impact while maximizing shareholder value.

Financial Performance Indicators

As of June 30, 2024, Kirby Corporation reported the following financial metrics:

Financial Metric Q2 2024 Q2 2023 % Change
Net Earnings $83.9 million $57.4 million 46%
Operating Income $29.4 million $29.8 million (1%)
Total Revenue $1.1 billion $1.07 billion 3%
Operating Margin 19.6% 15.0% 4.6%
Total Equity $3.26 billion $3.19 billion 2%

Market Segments

Kirby operates in two primary segments: Marine Transportation and Distribution & Services (KDS).

Marine Transportation (KMT)

In Q2 2024, KMT generated 59% of the company’s total revenue. The segment's operating income increased significantly, reflecting improved pricing and utilization rates.

Metric Q2 2024 Q2 2023
Revenue $654.5 million $573.9 million
Operating Income $135 million $91 million

Distribution & Services (KDS)

KDS contributed 41% of total revenues in Q2 2024, with a slight decline in revenue year-over-year.

Metric Q2 2024 Q2 2023
Revenue $339.6 million $350.3 million
Operating Income $29.4 million $29.8 million

Environmental Commitment

Kirby emphasizes sustainability in its operations, aiming to reduce emissions and enhance fuel efficiency. The company invests in modernizing its fleet to meet regulatory standards and customer expectations.

Debt and Liquidity Position

As of June 30, 2024, Kirby's long-term debt was reported as follows:

Debt Type Amount ($ in thousands)
Revolving Credit Facility $74,000
Term Loan $170,000
4.2% Senior Notes $500,000
3.46% Senior Notes $60,000
3.51% Senior Notes $240,000

Kirby reported a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 24.3% as of June 30, 2024, indicating a stable leverage position in line with industry standards.

Recent Strategic Actions

In May 2024, Kirby completed the acquisition of 13 inland tank barges, enhancing its operational capacity and market reach. The total investment for this acquisition was approximately $65.2 million.

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, Kirby's capital expenditures amounted to $169.6 million, with a focus on marine maintenance and growth initiatives.

Outlook for 2024

Kirby anticipates continued improvement in financial performance through 2024, driven by strong demand in the marine transportation sector and stable growth in its distribution and services segment. The company remains vigilant of economic conditions that may impact operations.



How Kirby Corporation (KEX) Works

Overview of Kirby Corporation

Kirby Corporation (KEX) operates primarily in two segments: Marine Transportation (KMT) and Distribution & Services (KDS). The company specializes in the transportation of bulk liquids, primarily petrochemicals, and operates a significant fleet of barges and towboats.

Financial Performance

For the second quarter of 2024, Kirby reported net earnings attributable to the company of $83.9 million, compared to $57.4 million in the second quarter of 2023, reflecting a 46% increase. For the first six months of 2024, net earnings were $153.9 million, up from $98.1 million in the same period of 2023.

Marine Transportation Segment

The Marine Transportation segment generated 59% of the company’s total revenues for the first six months of 2024. The average barge utilization rates are projected to remain in the low to mid-90% range throughout the year.

Metrics Q2 2024 Q2 2023 % Change 6 Months 2024 6 Months 2023 % Change
Operating Income $94.9 million $64.3 million 48% $177.9 million $107.3 million 66%
Operating Margin 19.6% 15.0% Increased 18.5% 12.8% Increased
Revenue $484.0 million $420.0 million 15% $960.0 million $820.0 million 17%

Distribution and Services Segment

The Distribution and Services segment accounted for 41% of total revenues in the first half of 2024. Key markets include commercial and industrial, power generation, and oil and gas.

Market Q2 2024 Revenue % 6 Months 2024 Revenue %
Commercial and Industrial 49% 46%
Power Generation 32% 36%
Oil and Gas 19% 18%

Operational Metrics

The company operates a diverse fleet of inland and coastal barges. As of June 30, 2024, Kirby’s inland tank barge fleet consisted of 1,093 barges, with a total barrel capacity of 24.2 million barrels.

Fleet Metrics June 30, 2024 June 30, 2023
Inland Tank Barges - Owned 1,059 1,007
Inland Tank Barges - Leased 34 38
Active Inland Towboats 287 281

Debt and Equity Structure

As of June 30, 2024, Kirby Corporation reported total long-term debt of $1.05 billion, with a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 24.3%. Total equity increased to $3.26 billion.

Debt Structure June 30, 2024 December 31, 2023
Revolving Credit Facility $74 million $44 million
Term Loan $170 million $170 million
4.2% Senior Notes $500 million $500 million

Capital Expenditures and Cash Flow

Kirby’s capital expenditures for the first half of 2024 totaled $169.6 million, with projections for total capital expenditures for 2024 between $300 million and $330 million.

Cash Flow Metrics 6 Months 2024 6 Months 2023
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $302.6 million $227.9 million
Proceeds from Asset Disposition $9.1 million $20.5 million


How Kirby Corporation (KEX) Makes Money

Marine Transportation Segment (KMT)

The Marine Transportation segment is the largest revenue-generating arm of Kirby Corporation, contributing approximately 59% of total revenues for the first six months of 2024. The segment's revenues for the second quarter of 2024 were $484.8 million, an increase from $427.0 million in the same period of 2023.

Metrics Q2 2024 Q2 2023 % Change
Total Revenues $484,808,000 $426,962,000 13.5%
Operating Income $94,876,000 $64,251,000 47.8%
Operating Margin 19.6% 15.0% 4.6%

The increase in revenues and operating income in 2024 was primarily driven by higher term and spot pricing in both inland and coastal markets, attributed to enhanced business activity levels and a reduced supply of barges due to maintenance cycles.

Distribution and Services Segment (KDS)

The Distribution and Services segment generated 41% of Kirby's total revenues in 2024, with revenues for the second quarter amounting to $339.6 million, down from $350.3 million in the previous year.

Metrics Q2 2024 Q2 2023 % Change
Total Revenues $339,582,000 $350,286,000 -3.0%
Operating Income $29,436,000 $29,842,000 -1.4%
Operating Margin 8.7% 8.5% 0.2%

KDS revenues are influenced by various markets including commercial and industrial, power generation, and oil and gas. The commercial and industrial market accounted for 49% of KDS revenues in Q2 2024, while power generation made up 32%.

Revenue Sources Breakdown

The following table summarizes the revenue contributions by market within the KDS segment for the second quarter of 2024:

Market Q2 2024 Revenue Percentage of KDS Revenue
Commercial and Industrial $165,658,000 49%
Power Generation $107,783,000 32%
Oil and Gas $66,141,000 19%

Operational Efficiency and Cost Management

For the first six months of 2024, the operating income for KMT was $177.9 million, whereas KDS reported $51.5 million. The overall operating income for the company was $202.4 million, reflecting strong operational efficiency.

Capital Expenditures and Financial Health

Kirby Corporation's capital expenditures for the first six months of 2024 totaled $169.6 million, with projections for total capital expenditures in 2024 ranging between $300 million and $330 million.

Category Amount (in thousands)
Marine Maintenance Capital $200,000 - $240,000
Growth Capital Spending $90,000

As of June 30, 2024, Kirby's total assets stood at $5.87 billion, with a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 24.3%.

Net Earnings and Shareholder Returns

For the second quarter of 2024, net earnings attributable to Kirby were $83.9 million, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $1.43, compared to $0.95 in Q2 2023.

Metrics Q2 2024 Q2 2023
Net Earnings $83,854,000 $57,367,000
Earnings Per Share (Diluted) $1.43 $0.95

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