Kirby Corporation Announces 2023 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results
- 2023 fourth quarter and full year earnings per share of
$1.04 and$3.72 , respectively - Inland marine experienced strong market conditions with a sequential increase in spot market prices and high-teens operating margins despite an increase in delay days
- Distribution and services revenue up sequentially and year-over-year despite supply chain delays
- Kirby repurchased 673,279 shares at an average price of
$77.08 for$51.9 million in the 2023 fourth quarter and 1,485,159 at an average price of$75.95 for$112.8 million for the full year - 2024 expected earnings growth of 30% to 40% year-over-year
- 2024 projected cash flow from operations of
$600 million to$700 million
For the 2023 full year, Kirby reported net earnings attributable to Kirby of
“In inland marine, we continued to experience strong demand and high barge utilization with our barge utilization rates in the low 90% range. Spot market prices continued to push higher and were up in the low to mid-single digits sequentially and in the mid-teens range year-over-year. Pricing increases on term contract renewals were up year-over-year on average in the high-single digits during the quarter. While the efficiency of our operations was challenged during the quarter, with delay days up 86% sequentially, strong pricing and utilization mostly offset this allowing for inland marine margins to remain flat sequentially with operating margins in the high-teens on average.”
“In distribution and services, demand in the fourth quarter remained steady throughout much of the segment marked by a sequential increase in revenues, increases in new orders and steady backlog. In oil and gas, operating income was up sequentially and year-over-year as solid execution on our backlog and deliveries were partially offset by lower activity levels in remanufactured equipment. In commercial and industrial, while revenues were up sequentially, the seasonal falloff in our power rentals business led to a sequential decline in operating income. Despite supply chain issues and seasonal weakness, the business segment overall was strong for the year end”
Segment Results – Marine Transportation
Marine transportation revenues for the 2023 fourth quarter were
In inland, average 2023 fourth quarter barge utilization was in the low 90% range due to strong customer demand and the re-opening of the
In coastal, market conditions improved modestly during the quarter, with Kirby’s barge utilization remaining in the low to mid-90% range. Pricing in the spot market increased in the mid-single digits sequentially and term contract renewals increased low 20% range year-over-year. Revenues in the coastal market were 7% lower compared to the 2022 fourth quarter and represented 18% of segment revenues. The coastal business had a positive operating margin in the low-single digits during the quarter.
Segment Results – Distribution and Services
Distribution and services revenues for the 2023 fourth quarter were
In the commercial and industrial market, revenues and operating income increased compared to the 2022 fourth quarter, primarily due to higher business levels in marine repair, on-highway and power generation.
In the oil and gas market, revenues and operating income results were mixed when compared to the 2022 fourth quarter. The manufacturing business achieved significant year-over-year growth with orders and deliveries of pressure pumping equipment and power generation equipment for electric fracturing which was offset by lower activity in conventional remanufacturing. Overall, oil and gas revenues decreased 3% compared to the 2022 fourth quarter while operating income increased 289% with operating margins in the low double digits. Oil & gas represented approximately 36% of segment revenues.
Cash Generation
For the 2023 fourth quarter, EBITDA was
2024 Outlook
Commenting on the 2024 full year outlook,
In inland marine, our 2024 outlook anticipates positive market dynamics with steady customer demand and tight conditions due to limited new barge construction in the industry. In addition to this, many industry units are scheduled for maintenance. With these tight market conditions, we expect our barge utilization rates to be in the low to mid-90% range throughout the year. Overall, inland revenues are expected to grow in the mid to high single digit range on a full year basis. However, a potential recession along with a drop in demand could impact expected growth. The Company expects operating margins to gradually improve during the year with the first quarter being the lowest and averaging around 20% for the full year.
In coastal marine, strong customer demand is expected throughout the year with barge utilization in the low to mid-90% range. With major shipyards and ballast water treatment installations concluding in the first half of the year, revenues for the full year are expected to increase in the high single to low double digits range compared to 2023. Coastal operating margins are expected to be in the mid to high single digit range on a full year basis.
In the distribution and services segment, despite the uncertainty from volatile commodity prices, we expect to yield incremental demand for OEM products, parts, and services in the segment. In commercial and industrial, strong demand for power generation and stable marine repair is expected to help drive full year revenue growth in the high single-digit to low double-digit percentage range. In oil and gas, our manufacturing backlog is expected to provide stable levels of activity through most of 2024 which will be offset by lower activity levels in the oilfield market. We anticipate extended lead times in the near-term to continue contributing to a volatile delivery schedule of new products in 2024. Overall, the Company expects segment revenues to be flat to slightly down on a full year basis with operating margins in the mid to high-single digits but slightly lower year-over-year due to mix.
Kirby expects to generate net cash provided from operating activities of
Leadership Update
Today we announce the retirement of
Commenting on Mr. Dewbre’s departure and his retirement from Kirby,
Commenting on Mr. Dewbre’s departure and Mr. Pyne’s retirement,
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 adverse economic conditions, industry competition and other competitive factors, adverse weather conditions such as high water, low water, tropical storms, hurricanes, tsunamis, fog and ice, tornados, COVID-19 or other pandemics, marine accidents, lock delays or closures, fuel costs, interest rates, construction of new equipment by competitors, government and environmental laws and regulations, and the timing, magnitude and number of acquisitions made by the Company. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and Kirby assumes no obligation to update any such statements. A list of additional risk factors can be found in Kirby’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Fourth Quarter | Year | |||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
Marine transportation | $ | 452,595 | $ | 422,736 | $ | 1,721,937 | $ | 1,616,967 | ||||||||
Distribution and services | 346,581 | 307,429 | 1,369,703 | 1,167,787 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 799,176 | 730,165 | 3,091,640 | 2,784,754 | ||||||||||||
Costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Costs of sales and operating expenses | 561,732 | 534,069 | 2,180,422 | 2,060,941 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 84,343 | 80,971 | 335,213 | 302,692 | ||||||||||||
Taxes, other than on income | 6,156 | 6,739 | 34,766 | 35,071 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 54,905 | 50,945 | 211,156 | 201,443 | ||||||||||||
Gain on disposition of assets | (779 | ) | (308 | ) | (5,009 | ) | (8,279 | ) | ||||||||
Total costs and expenses | 706,357 | 672,416 | 2,756,548 | 2,591,868 | ||||||||||||
Operating income | 92,819 | 57,749 | 335,092 | 192,886 | ||||||||||||
Other income | 1,745 | 4,824 | 11,041 | 16,677 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | (13,115 | ) | (11,990 | ) | (52,008 | ) | (44,588 | ) | ||||||||
Earnings before taxes on income | 81,449 | 50,583 | 294,125 | 164,975 | ||||||||||||
Provision for taxes on income | (19,487 | ) | (13,258 | ) | (71,220 | ) | (42,214 | ) | ||||||||
Net earnings | 61,962 | 37,325 | 222,905 | 122,761 | ||||||||||||
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (56 | ) | (16 | ) | 30 | (470 | ) | |||||||||
Net earnings attributable to Kirby | $ | 61,906 | $ | 37,309 | $ | 222,935 | $ | 122,291 | ||||||||
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 1.05 | $ | 0.62 | $ | 3.74 | $ | 2.04 | ||||||||
Diluted | $ | 1.04 | $ | 0.62 | $ | 3.72 | $ | 2.03 | ||||||||
Common stock outstanding (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | 58,970 | 59,890 | 59,531 | 60,038 | ||||||||||||
Diluted | 59,335 | 60,211 | 59,857 | 60,329 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Fourth Quarter | Year | |||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
EBITDA:(1) | ||||||||||||||||
Net earnings attributable to Kirby | $ | 61,906 | $ | 37,309 | $ | 222,935 | $ | 122,291 | ||||||||
Interest expense | 13,115 | 11,990 | 52,008 | 44,588 | ||||||||||||
Provision for taxes on income | 19,487 | 13,258 | 71,220 | 42,214 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 54,905 | 50,945 | 211,156 | 201,443 | ||||||||||||
$ | 149,413 | $ | 113,502 | $ | 557,319 | $ | 410,536 | |||||||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 126,767 | $ | 52,343 | $ | 401,730 | $ | 172,606 | ||||||||
Acquisitions of businesses and marine equipment | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 37,500 | $ | 3,900 |
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 32,577 | $ | 80,577 | ||||
Long-term debt, including current portion | $ | 1,016,595 | $ | 1,079,618 | ||||
Total equity | $ | 3,186,677 | $ | 3,045,168 | ||||
Debt to capitalization ratio | 24.2 | % | 26.2 | % |
MARINE TRANSPORTATION STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Fourth Quarter | Year | |||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Marine transportation revenues | $ | 452,595 | $ | 422,736 | $ | 1,721,937 | $ | 1,616,967 | ||||||||
Costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Costs of sales and operating expenses | 299,906 | 291,138 | 1,136,526 | 1,146,657 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 33,049 | 34,916 | 134,641 | 128,340 | ||||||||||||
Taxes, other than on income | 4,550 | 5,079 | 27,602 | 28,235 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 46,901 | 44,884 | 184,225 | 177,551 | ||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses | 384,406 | 376,017 | 1,482,994 | 1,480,783 | ||||||||||||
Operating income | $ | 68,189 | $ | 46,719 | $ | 238,943 | $ | 136,184 | ||||||||
Operating margin | 15.1 | % | 11.1 | % | 13.9 | % | 8.4 | % |
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Fourth Quarter | Year | |||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Distribution and services revenues | $ | 346,581 | $ | 307,429 | $ | 1,369,703 | $ | 1,167,787 | ||||||||
Costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Costs of sales and operating expenses | 261,221 | 242,686 | 1,040,905 | 913,624 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 48,840 | 41,778 | 187,424 | 163,642 | ||||||||||||
Taxes, other than on income | 1,681 | 1,641 | 7,051 | 6,708 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 6,186 | 4,263 | 19,842 | 16,776 | ||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses | 317,928 | 290,368 | 1,255,222 | 1,100,750 | ||||||||||||
Operating income | $ | 28,653 | $ | 17,061 | $ | 114,481 | $ | 67,037 | ||||||||
Operating margin | 8.3 | % | 5.5 | % | 8.4 | % | 5.7 | % |
OTHER COSTS AND EXPENSES
Fourth Quarter | Year | |||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
General corporate expenses | $ | 4,802 | $ | 6,339 | $ | 23,341 | $ | 18,614 | ||||||||
Gain on disposition of assets | $ | (779 | ) | $ | (308 | ) | $ | (5,009 | ) | $ | (8,279 | ) |
ONE-TIME CHARGES
The 2022 fourth quarter and 2023 and 2022 full year GAAP results include certain one-time charges. 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):
Fourth Quarter 2023 | Full Year 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Pre-Tax | After-Tax | Per Share | Pre-Tax | After-Tax | Per Share | |||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in millions except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
GAAP earnings | $ | 81.4 | $ | 61.9 | $ | 1.04 | $ | 294.1 | $ | 222.9 | $ | 3.72 | ||||||||||||
Costs related to strategic review and shareholder engagement | — | — | — | 3.0 | 2.4 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||||
— | — | — | (2.7 | ) | (2.2 | ) | (0.04 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings, excluding one-time items(2) | $ | 81.4 | $ | 61.9 | $ | 1.04 | $ | 294.4 | $ | 223.1 | $ | 3.72 |
Fourth Quarter 2022 | Full Year 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Pre-Tax | After-Tax | Per Share | Pre-Tax | After-Tax | Per Share | |||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in millions except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
GAAP earnings | $ | 50.6 | $ | 37.3 | $ | 0.62 | $ | 165.0 | $ | 122.3 | $ | 2.03 | ||||||||||||
Severance expense | 3.3 | 2.4 | 0.04 | 4.8 | 3.7 | 0.06 | ||||||||||||||||||
Strategic alternatives review | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.01 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.01 | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings, excluding one-time items(2) | $ | 54.8 | $ | 40.3 | $ | 0.67 | $ | 170.7 | $ | 126.6 | $ | 2.10 |
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 | |||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022(3) | 2023 | 2022(3) | |||||||||||||
(unaudited, $ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 216.0 | $ | 132.9 | $ | 540.2 | $ | 294.1 | ||||||||
Less: Capital expenditures | (126.7 | ) | (52.3 | ) | (401.7 | ) | (172.6 | ) | ||||||||
Free cash flow(2) | $ | 89.3 | $ | 80.6 | $ | 138.5 | $ | 121.5 |
MARINE TRANSPORTATION PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
Fourth Quarter | Year | |||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
Inland Performance Measurements: | ||||||||||||||||
3,340 | 3,365 | 13,571 | 13,775 | |||||||||||||
Revenue/Ton Mile (cents/tm)(5) | 11.2 | 10.0 | 10.4 | 9.3 | ||||||||||||
Towboats operated (average)(6) | 281 | 277 | 280 | 271 | ||||||||||||
Delay Days(7) | 2,873 | 3,092 | 10,863 | 10,244 | ||||||||||||
Average cost per gallon of fuel consumed | $ | 3.41 | $ | 4.00 | $ | 3.08 | $ | 3.70 | ||||||||
Barges (active): | ||||||||||||||||
Inland tank barges | 1,076 | 1,037 | ||||||||||||||
Coastal tank barges | 28 | 29 | ||||||||||||||
Offshore dry-cargo barges | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||
Barrel capacities (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||
Inland tank barges | 23.7 | 23.1 | ||||||||||||||
Coastal tank barges | 2.9 | 3.0 |
- Kirby has historically evaluated its operating performance using numerous measures, one of which is EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure. Kirby defines 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. EBITDA is presented because of its wide acceptance as a financial indicator. EBITDA is one of the performance measures used in Kirby’s incentive bonus plan. 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. 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.
- 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 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.
- See Kirby’s 2022 10-K for amounts provided by (used in) investing and financing activities.
- 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.
- Inland marine transportation revenues divided by ton miles. Example: Fourth quarter 2023 inland marine transportation revenues of
$373.2 million divided by 3,340 million inland marine transportation ton miles =11.2 cents . - Towboats operated are the average number of owned and chartered towboats operated during the period.
- 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 delays or closures, and other navigational factors.
Contact: | |
713-435-1077 |
Source: Kirby Corporation