Kirby Corporation Announces 2020 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results
- 2020 fourth quarter earnings per share of
$0.37
- Marine transportation results continued to be impacted by reduced volumes
- Distribution and services activity continued to gradually recover with sequential revenue improvement and growth in commercial and industrial markets
- 2021 marine transportation demand expected to start improving in the second quarter with a more meaningful recovery in the second half of the year
- 2021 capital expenditures down ~10% year-on-year with projected free cash flow of
$230 to$330 million
For the 2020 full year, Kirby reported a net loss attributable to Kirby of
“In marine transportation, our inland and coastal businesses faced continued market weakness and low demand for liquid cargoes including refined products, crude, and black oil. With hurricanes impacting the
“In distribution and services, overall activity levels continued to slowly recover during the fourth quarter. In commercial and industrial, we benefited from modest improvements in economic activity, higher
Segment Results – Marine Transportation
Marine transportation revenues for the 2020 fourth quarter were
In the inland market, average barge utilization was in the high 60% range during the 2020 fourth quarter compared to the low 90% range in the 2019 fourth quarter. Barge volumes were heavily impacted by lower refinery and chemical plant utilization and reduced demand for refined products and petrochemicals. Significant hurricane activity in October also contributed to operational disruptions and lower volumes along the
In the coastal market, reduced demand for refined products and black oil resulted in limited spot market activity, the return of some chartered equipment as term contracts expired, and barge utilization in the mid-70% range. Pricing in the spot market was generally stable; however, average term contract pricing declined in the mid-single digits year-on-year. Revenues in the coastal market declined 18% compared to the 2019 fourth quarter as a result of reduced barge utilization, lower fuel rebills, retirements of three large capacity vessels, and delays associated with hurricanes in the
Segment Results – Distribution and Services
Distribution and services revenues for the 2020 fourth quarter were
In the commercial and industrial market, revenues increased compared to the 2019 fourth quarter primarily due to the contribution from
In the oil and gas market, revenues and operating income declined compared to the 2019 fourth quarter due to low oil prices and reduced oilfield activity which resulted in limited customer demand for new and overhauled engines and transmissions, parts and service. The manufacturing business experienced a sharp reduction in orders year-on-year with minimal deliveries of new and remanufactured pressure pumping equipment. During the quarter, the oil and gas market represented approximately 22% of segment revenues and had a negative operating margin in the mid-teens.
Cash Generation
For the 2020 fourth quarter, Adjusted EBITDA was
2021 Outlook
Commenting on the 2021 full year outlook,
In inland marine, market conditions are expected to remain challenging in the coming months, with gradual improvement in the second quarter, and a more meaningful recovery in the second half of 2021. Barge utilization is projected to start the year in the low to mid-70% range and improve into the high 80% to low 90% range by the end of the year. Pricing, which typically improves with barge utilization, is expected to remain under pressure in the near-term. Financially, first quarter revenues and operating margin are expected to be the lowest of the year, and sequentially down as compared to the 2020 fourth quarter due to the impact of lower pricing on term contract renewals and increased delays from seasonal winter weather. Anticipated improvements in the spot market later in 2021 should contribute to increased barge utilization and better operating margins as the year progresses. However, the full year impact of lower term contract pricing is expected to result in full year operating margins lower than the mid-teens margins realized in 2020.
In coastal, COVID-19 and the associated impact on market conditions are expected to have a meaningful impact on 2021 results. Throughout 2020, much of coastal’s business was under term contracts established in more favorable market conditions during 2019 and early 2020. With current headwinds including limited spot demand, the return of some chartered equipment, lower term contract pricing, and crewing difficulties due to COVID-19, coastal’s financial results are expected to be lower in 2021. As well, the retirement of three older large capacity coastal vessels during the second and third quarters of 2020, and the retirement of an additional vessel in mid-2021, will have a negative impact on full year results when compared to 2020. In the first quarter, Kirby expects coastal revenues and operating margin to decline compared to the 2020 fourth quarter, primarily due to the impact of lower term contract pricing and challenges crewing vessels. For the full year, Kirby expects coastal revenues will decline year-on-year with negative operating margins, the magnitude of which will be dependent on the timing of a material improvement in refined products and black oil demand later in 2021.
In distribution and services, improving economic activity and growth in the oilfield are expected to boost activity levels and contribute to meaningful year-over-year improvement in revenue and operating income. In commercial and industrial, revenues are expected to benefit from improving economic conditions, as well as from growth in the on-highway market, in part due to Kirby’s new online parts sales platform which was launched last year. However, these gains are expected to be partially offset by lower sales of new marine engines which had remained strong throughout 2020. In the oil and gas market, higher commodity prices and increasing well completions activity are expected to contribute to improved demand for new transmissions, service and parts, as well as higher pressure pumping remanufacturing activity. Additionally, a heightened focus on sustainability across the energy sector and industrial complex is expected to result in continued growth in new orders for Kirby’s portfolio of environmentally friendly equipment during the year. Overall, operating margins in distribution and services are expected to be positive in the low to mid-single digits for the full year, with the first quarter being the lowest, and the third quarter being the highest prior to normal seasonal declines in the fourth quarter.
Kirby expects 2021 capital spending to range between
Conference Call
A conference call is scheduled for
GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The financial and other information to be discussed in the conference call is available in this press release and in a Form 8-K filed with the
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release with respect to the future are forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s reasonable judgment with respect to future events. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated as a result of various factors, including cyclical or other downturns in demand, significant pricing competition, unanticipated additions to industry capacity, changes in the Jones Act or in
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Fourth Quarter | Year | ||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||||
Marine transportation | $ | 299,419 | $ | 402,010 | $ | 1,404,265 | $ | 1,587,082 | |||||
Distribution and services | 190,337 | 253,917 | 767,143 | 1,251,317 | |||||||||
Total revenues | 489,756 | 655,927 | 2,171,408 | 2,838,399 | |||||||||
Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||
Costs of sales and operating expenses | 342,947 | 471,382 | 1,510,818 | 2,030,046 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 58,860 | 70,786 | 258,272 | 277,388 | |||||||||
Taxes, other than on income | 8,452 | 10,447 | 42,000 | 41,933 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 54,854 | 54,861 | 219,921 | 219,632 | |||||||||
Impairments and other charges | — | 35,525 | 561,274 | 35,525 | |||||||||
Gain on disposition of assets | (131 | ) | (3,251 | ) | (118 | ) | (8,152 | ) | |||||
Total costs and expenses | 464,982 | 639,750 | 2,592,167 | 2,596,372 | |||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 24,774 | 16,177 | (420,759 | ) | 242,027 | ||||||||
Other income | 1,962 | 1,110 | 8,147 | 3,787 | |||||||||
Interest expense | (11,423 | ) | (12,968 | ) | (48,739 | ) | (55,994 | ) | |||||
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income | 15,313 | 4,319 | (461,351 | ) | 189,820 | ||||||||
(Provision) benefit for taxes on income | 7,102 | (1,347 | ) | 189,759 | (46,801 | ) | |||||||
Net earnings (loss) | 22,415 | 2,972 | (271,592 | ) | 143,019 | ||||||||
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | (211 | ) | (195 | ) | (954 | ) | (672 | ) | |||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kirby | $ | 22,204 | $ | 2,777 | $ | (272,546 | ) | $ | 142,347 | ||||
Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: | |||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.37 | $ | 0.05 | $ | (4.55 | ) | $ | 2.38 | ||||
Diluted | $ | 0.37 | $ | 0.05 | $ | (4.55 | ) | $ | 2.37 | ||||
Common stock outstanding (in thousands): | |||||||||||||
Basic | 59,937 | 59,799 | 59,912 | 59,750 | |||||||||
Diluted | 59,975 | 59,998 | 59,912 | 59,909 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Fourth Quarter | Year | ||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | |||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA: (1) | |||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kirby | $ | 22,204 | $ | 2,777 | $ | (272,546 | ) | $ | 142,347 | ||||
Interest expense | 11,423 | 12,968 | 48,739 | 55,994 | |||||||||
Provision (benefit) for taxes on income | (7,102 | ) | 1,347 | (189,759 | ) | 46,801 | |||||||
Impairment of long-lived assets | — | — | 165,304 | — | |||||||||
Impairment of goodwill | — | — | 387,970 | — | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 54,854 | 54,861 | 219,921 | 219,632 | |||||||||
$ | 81,379 | $ | 71,953 | $ | 359,629 | $ | 464,774 | ||||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 18,814 | $ | 64,096 | $ | 148,185 | $ | 248,164 | |||||
Acquisitions of businesses and marine equipment | $ | 6,200 | $ | 4,951 | $ | 354,972 | $ | 262,491 |
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 80,338 | $ | 24,737 | |||
Long-term debt, including current portion | $ | 1,468,586 | $ | 1,369,767 | |||
Total equity | $ | 3,087,553 | $ | 3,371,592 | |||
Debt to capitalization ratio | 32.2 | % | 28.9 | % |
MARINE TRANSPORTATION STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Fourth Quarter | Year | ||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | |||||||||||||
Marine transportation revenues | $ | 299,419 | $ | 402,010 | $ | 1,404,265 | $ | 1,587,082 | |||||
Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||
Costs of sales and operating expenses | 189,196 | 263,162 | 907,119 | 1,034,758 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 25,888 | 31,306 | 111,182 | 122,202 | |||||||||
Taxes, other than on income | 7,676 | 8,183 | 35,528 | 34,538 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 47,503 | 44,881 | 186,798 | 179,742 | |||||||||
Total costs and expenses | 270,263 | 347,532 | 1,240,627 | 1,371,240 | |||||||||
Operating income | $ | 29,156 | $ | 54,478 | $ | 163,638 | $ | 215,842 | |||||
Operating margin | 9.7 | % | 13.6 | % | 11.7 | % | 13.6 | % |
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Fourth Quarter | Year | ||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | |||||||||||||
Distribution and services revenues | $ | 190,337 | $ | 253,917 | $ | 767,143 | $ | 1,251,317 | |||||
Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||
Costs of sales and operating expenses | 154,290 | 208,220 | 604,238 | 995,288 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 32,154 | 37,279 | 140,449 | 145,473 | |||||||||
Taxes, other than on income | 756 | 2,255 | 6,392 | 7,357 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 6,003 | 8,831 | 28,255 | 35,998 | |||||||||
Total costs and expenses | 193,203 | 256,585 | 779,334 | 1,184,116 | |||||||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | (2,866 | ) | $ | (2,668 | ) | $ | (12,191 | ) | $ | 67,201 | ||
Operating margin | (1.5 | )% | (1.1 | )% | (1.6 | )% | 5.4 | % |
OTHER COSTS AND EXPENSES
Fourth Quarter | Year | ||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | |||||||||||||
General corporate expenses | $ | 1,647 | $ | 3,359 | $ | 11,050 | $ | 13,643 | |||||
Impairment of long-lived assets | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 165,304 | $ | — | |||||
Impairment of goodwill | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 387,970 | $ | — | |||||
Inventory write-downs | $ | — | $ | 35,525 | $ | 8,000 | $ | 35,525 | |||||
(Gain) on disposition of assets | $ | (131 | ) | $ | (3,251 | ) | $ | (118 | ) | $ | (8,152 | ) |
ONE-TIME CHARGES AND BENEFITS
The 2020 and 2019 GAAP results include certain one-time charges (all 2020 one-time items occurred in the first quarter, and all 2019 one-time items occurred in the fourth quarter). The following is a reconciliation of GAAP earnings to non-GAAP earnings, excluding the one-time items for earnings before tax (pre-tax), net earnings attributable to Kirby (after-tax), and diluted earnings per share (per share):
Full Year 2020 | Full Year 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||
Pre-Tax | After-Tax | Per Share | Pre-Tax | After-Tax | Per Share | ||||||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in millions except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||
GAAP earnings | $ | (461.4 | ) | $ | (272.5 | ) | $ | (4.55 | ) | $ | 189.8 | $ | 142.3 | $ | 2.37 | ||||
Impairments and other charges | 561.3 | 433.3 | 7.24 | 35.5 | 28.0 | 0.47 | |||||||||||||
Income tax benefit on 2018 and 2019 net operating loss carrybacks | — | (50.8 | ) | (0.85 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Severance and early retirement expense | — | — | — | 4.8 | 3.7 | 0.06 | |||||||||||||
Earnings, excluding one-time items(2) | $ | 99.9 | $ | 110.0 | $ | 1.84 | $ | 230.1 | $ | 174.0 | $ | 2.90 |
RECONCILIATION OF FREE CASH FLOW
The following is a reconciliation of GAAP net cash provided by operating activities to non-GAAP free cash flow(2):
Fourth Quarter | Year | ||||||||||||
2020 | 2019(3) | 2020 | 2019(3) | ||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in millions) | |||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 85.1 | $ | 124.2 | $ | 444.9 | $ | 511.8 | |||||
Less: Capital expenditures | (18.8 | ) | (64.1 | ) | (148.2 | ) | (248.2 | ) | |||||
Free cash flow(2) | $ | 66.3 | $ | 60.1 | $ | 296.7 | $ | 263.6 |
FY 2021 Projection | |||||||
Low | High | ||||||
(unaudited, $ in millions) | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 375 | $ | 455 | |||
Less: Capital expenditures | $ | (145 | ) | $ | (125 | ) | |
Free cash flow(2) | $ | 230 | $ | 330 |
MARINE TRANSPORTATION PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
Fourth Quarter | Year | ||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
Inland Performance Measurements: | |||||||||||||
2,905 | 3,800 | 13,006 | 14,611 | ||||||||||
Revenue/Ton Mile (cents/tm) (5) | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.4 | |||||||||
Towboats operated (average) (6) | 248 | 299 | 287 | 299 | |||||||||
Delay Days (7) | 1,768 | 3,031 | 10,408 | 13,259 | |||||||||
Average cost per gallon of fuel consumed | $ | 1.20 | $ | 2.05 | $ | 1.41 | $ | 2.06 | |||||
Barges (active): | |||||||||||||
Inland tank barges | 1,066 | 1,053 | |||||||||||
Coastal tank barges | 44 | 49 | |||||||||||
Offshore dry-cargo barges | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||
Barrel capacities (in millions): | |||||||||||||
Inland tank barges | 24.1 | 23.4 | |||||||||||
Coastal tank barges | 4.2 | 4.7 |
(1) | Kirby has historically evaluated its operating performance using numerous measures, one of which is Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure. Kirby defines Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings attributable to Kirby before interest expense, taxes on income, depreciation and amortization, impairment of long-lived assets, and impairment of goodwill. Adjusted EBITDA is presented because of its wide acceptance as a financial indicator. Adjusted EBITDA is one of the performance measures used in Kirby’s incentive bonus plan. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by rating agencies in determining Kirby’s credit rating and by analysts publishing research reports on Kirby, as well as by investors and investment bankers generally in valuing companies. Adjusted EBITDA is not a calculation based on generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered as an alternative to, but should only be considered in conjunction with, Kirby’s GAAP financial information. | |
(2) | Kirby uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to review performance excluding certain one-time items including: earnings before taxes on income, excluding one-time items; net earnings attributable to Kirby, excluding one-time items; and diluted earnings per share, excluding one-time items. Management believes that the exclusion of certain one-time items from these financial measures enables it and investors to assess and understand operating performance, especially when comparing those results with previous and subsequent periods or forecasting performance for future periods, primarily because management views the excluded items to be outside of the company's normal operating results. Kirby also uses free cash flow, which is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures, to assess and forecast cash flow and to provide additional disclosures on the Company’s liquidity as a result of uncertainty surrounding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global and regional market conditions. Free cash flow does not imply the amount of residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures as it excludes mandatory debt service requirements and other non-discretionary expenditures. These non-GAAP financial measures are not calculations based on generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered as an alternative to, but should only be considered in conjunction with Kirby’s GAAP financial information. | |
(3) | See Kirby’s 2019 10-K for amounts provided by (used in) investing and financing activities. | |
(4) | Ton miles indicate fleet productivity by measuring the distance (in miles) a loaded tank barge is moved. Example: A typical 30,000 barrel tank barge loaded with 3,300 tons of liquid cargo is moved 100 miles, thus generating 330,000 ton miles. | |
(5) | Inland marine transportation revenues divided by ton miles. Example: Fourth quarter 2020 inland marine transportation revenues of |
|
(6) | Towboats operated are the average number of owned and chartered towboats operated during the period. | |
(7) | Delay days measures the lost time incurred by a tow (towboat and one or more tank barges) during transit. The measure includes transit delays caused by weather, lock congestion and other navigational factors. |
Contact:Eric Holcomb 713-435-1545
Source: Kirby Corporation