UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):  October 28, 2013

Kirby Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Nevada
1-7615
74-1884980
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(Commission File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
55 Waugh Drive, Suite 1000
 
77007
Houston, Texas
 
(Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(713) 435-1000
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 



Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On October 28, 2013, Kirby Corporation (“Kirby”) issued a press release announcing earnings for the third quarter and first nine months ended September 30, 2013.  A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is used in the press release.  Kirby defines EBITDA as net earnings attributable to Kirby before interest expense, taxes on income, depreciation and amortization.  Kirby has historically evaluated its operating performance using numerous measures, one of which is EBITDA.  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.  A quantitative reconciliation of EBITDA to GAAP net earnings attributable to Kirby for the 2013 and 2012 third quarter and first nine months is included in the press release.
 
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
 
 
(c)
Exhibits:
 
 
99.1
Press release dated October 28, 2013

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
KIRBY CORPORATION
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
By:
/s/ David W. Grzebinski
 
 
David W. Grzebinski
 
 
Executive Vice President
 
 
and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
Dated:  October 28, 2013
 
 


EXHIBIT INDEX

Press release dated October 28, 2013
 
 


Exhibit 99.1
 

KIRBY CORPORATION
Contact:  Steve Holcomb
713-435-1135

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KIRBY CORPORATION ANNOUNCES RECORD 2013 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS

· 2013 third quarter earnings per share were $1.21 compared with $.95 earned in the 2012 third quarter

· 2013 third quarter included a credit of $.08 per share from eliminating United’s three-year earnout contingent liability

· 2013 fourth quarter earnings per share guidance is $1.05 to $1.15 compared with $1.03 earned in the 2012 fourth quarter

· 2013 year earnings per share guidance revised to $4.37 to $4.47 compared with $3.73 earned in 2012

Houston, Texas (October 28, 2013) – Kirby Corporation (“Kirby”) (NYSE:KEX) today announced record net earnings attributable to Kirby for the third quarter ended September 30, 2013 of $69.1 million, or $1.21 per share, compared with $53.1 million, or $.95 per share, for the 2012 third quarter.  Consolidated revenues for the 2013 third quarter were $551.1 million compared with $521.3 million reported for the 2012 third quarter.

Kirby’s 2013 third quarter results included a $7.9 million before taxes, or $.08 per share, credit reducing the fair value of the contingent earnout liability, thereby eliminating the remaining liability associated with the acquisition of United Holdings LLC in April 2011.

Joe Pyne, Kirby’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “For both our inland and coastal marine transportation markets, strong demand, high tank barge utilization levels and favorable pricing trends continued during the third quarter.  However, our land-based diesel engine services business continues to be very challenging.  The significant increase in pressure pumping horsepower during 2010, 2011 and early 2012, along with current low natural gas prices, resulted in a very weak market for our land-based diesel engine services sector.  However, there are signs that this cycle has bottomed and we anticipate an improved market sometime in 2014.”

Kirby reported net earnings attributable to Kirby for the 2013 first nine months of $188.8 million, or $3.32 per share, compared with $151.6 million, or $2.70 per share, for the first nine months of 2012.  Consolidated revenues for the 2013 first nine months were $1.67 billion compared with $1.60 billion for the first nine months of 2012.
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Segment Results – Marine Transportation
Marine transportation revenues for the 2013 third quarter were $436.2 million compared with $349.8 million for the 2012 third quarter.  Operating income for the 2013 third quarter was $113.6 million compared with $81.7 million for the 2012 third quarter.

The inland marine transportation markets continued their strong performance with the petrochemical, black oil and refined products fleets consistently in the 90% to 95% utilization range, with favorable pricing trends.  During July, adverse operating conditions continued due to the Algiers Lock closure from structural damage that created heavy congestion and delays in the New Orleans area, and resulting congestion and delays at the Bayou Sorrels and Port Allen Locks.  With the reopening of the Algiers Lock in mid-July, traffic delays returned to normal levels by the end of the month.  During September, low water levels on the upper Mississippi River System lead to the light loading of tank barges destined for that area.

The coastal marine transportation markets also continued their strong performance with fleet utilization in the 90% range compared with the 75% to 80% range for the 2012 third quarter, leading to favorable short-term and long-term contract renewals and higher spot contract pricing.  The higher utilization resulted from increased demand for crude oil and gas condensate movements and continued success in expanding the coastal customer base to include inland’s major customers with coastal requirements. The third quarter also benefited from fewer shipyard days compared with previous quarters, as well as cost reductions from the sale in early August 2013 of the New York Harbor bunkering fleet that operated at a loss.

The marine transportation operating margin for the 2013 third quarter was 26.1% compared with 23.4% for the third quarter of 2012.

Segment Results – Diesel Engine Services
Diesel engine services revenues for the 2013 third quarter were $114.9 million compared with $171.6 million for the 2012 third quarter.  Operating income for the 2013 third quarter was $9.1 million, including a $7.9 million credit to the contingent earnout liability, compared with operating income of $14.6 million for the 2012 third quarter.

The lower revenue and operating income primarily reflected a continuation of a weak land-based environment for the manufacturing of oil service equipment, including pressure pumping units, and lower sales and service of land-based engines, transmissions and parts.  The market for the remanufacturing of older pressure pumping units remained relatively stable.  The marine diesel engine services market benefited from major service projects for inland and coastal customers.  The power generation market benefited from generator set upgrades and parts sales for both domestic and international customers.

The diesel engine services operating margin was 7.9% for the 2013 third quarter, including the positive impact of the $7.9 million credit to the contingent earnout liability, compared with 8.5% for the 2012 third quarter.
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Cash Generation
Cash flow remained strong during the 2013 first nine months, with EBITDA of $448.3 million compared with $370.4 million for the 2012 first nine months.  The cash flow was used in part to fund capital expenditures of $207.0 million, including $127.0 million for new inland tank barge and towboat construction and progress payments on the construction of two offshore dry-bulk barge and tug units completed during the 2013 second quarter, and $80.0 million primarily for upgrades to the existing inland and coastal fleets.  Total debt as of September 30, 2013 was $860.9 million and the debt-to-capitalization ratio was 31.0%, a significant decrease from total debt as of December 31, 2012 of $1.14 billion and debt-to-capitalization ratio of 39.9%.

Outlook
Commenting on the 2013 fourth quarter and full year market outlook and guidance, Mr. Pyne said, “Our earnings guidance for the 2013 fourth quarter is $1.05 to $1.15 per share compared 2012 fourth quarter earnings of $1.03 per share that included a $.09 per share credit to the United contingent earnout liability.  For the 2013 year, we raised and narrowed our guidance range to $4.37 to $4.47 per share compared with $3.73 for 2012.  This 2013 annual guidance range includes a cumulative $0.20 per share credit to the United contingent earnout liability. We anticipate continued strong demand across all inland marine transportation markets during the fourth quarter, utilization levels remaining in the 90% to 95% range and favorable pricing trends.  For our coastal marine transportation markets, we anticipate continued strong demand, 90% utilization levels and improving pricing trends.  Our fourth quarter guidance reflects the beginning of unfavorable winter weather conditions for both our inland and coastal transportation markets.  For our diesel engine services segment, we continue to believe we are at the bottom of the cycle in our land-based market and should begin to see some improvement sometime in 2014.  Our fourth quarter guidance assumes our diesel engine services marine and power generation markets will remain stable and our land-based market weak.”

Mr. Pyne continued, “Our 2013 capital spending guidance is currently in the $240 to $250 million range, including approximately $143 million for the construction of 68 inland tank barges, three inland towboats, and progress payments on the construction of two offshore articulated dry-bulk barge and tugboat units placed in service in the 2013 second quarter.  The balance of $97 to $107 million is primarily capital upgrades and improvements to existing inland and coastal marine equipment and facilities, and diesel engine services facilities.”

Conference Call
A conference call is scheduled at 10:00 a.m. central time today, Monday, October 28, 2013, to discuss the 2013 third quarter performance as well as the outlook for the 2013 fourth quarter and year.  The conference call number is 800-446-2782 for domestic callers and 847-413-3235 for international callers.  The leader’s name is Steve Holcomb.  The confirmation number is 35892904.  An audio playback will be available at 1:00 p.m. central time on Monday, October 28, through 5:00 p.m. central time on Friday, November 29, 2013 by dialing 888-843-7419 for domestic and 630-652-3042 for international callers.  A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available to the public and a replay available after the call by visiting Kirby’s website at http://www.kirbycorp.com/.
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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 Securities and Exchange Commission.  This press release and the Form 8-K include a non-GAAP financial measure, EBITDA, which Kirby defines as net earnings attributable to Kirby before interest expense, taxes on income, depreciation and amortization.  A reconciliation of EBITDA with GAAP net earnings attributable to Kirby is included in this press release.  This earnings press release includes marine transportation performance measures, consisting of ton miles, revenue per ton mile, towboats operated and delay days.  Comparable performance measures for the 2012 year and quarters are available at Kirby’s website, http://www.kirbycorp.com/, under the caption Performance Measurements in the Investor Relations section.

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 U.S. maritime policy and practice, fuel costs, interest rates, weather conditions, and timing, magnitude and number of acquisitions made by Kirby.  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 December 31, 2012 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Kirby Corporation
Kirby Corporation, based in Houston, Texas, is the nation’s largest domestic tank barge operator transporting bulk liquid products throughout the Mississippi River System, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, coastwise along all three United States coasts and in Alaska and Hawaii.  Kirby transports petrochemicals, refined petroleum products, black oil and agricultural chemicals by tank barge.  Through the diesel engine services segment, Kirby provides after-market service for medium-speed and high-speed diesel engines and reduction gears used in marine and power generation applications.  Kirby also distributes and services diesel engines, transmissions, pumps, compression products and manufactures and remanufactures oilfield service equipment, including pressure pumping units, for land-based pressure pumping and oilfield service markets.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

 
 
Third Quarter
   
Nine Months
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(unaudited, $ in thousands except per share amounts)
 
Revenues:
 
   
   
   
 
Marine transportation
 
$
436,181
   
$
349,771
   
$
1,278,567
   
$
1,027,923
 
Diesel engine services
   
114,924
     
171,553
     
395,231
     
572,184
 
 
   
551,105
     
521,324
     
1,673,798
     
1,600,107
 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Costs of sales and operating expenses
   
344,396
     
344,990
     
1,083,257
     
1,075,265
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
43,241
     
44,473
     
128,335
     
140,772
 
Taxes, other than on income
   
3,714
     
3,455
     
12,589
     
11,276
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
41,640
     
35,729
     
122,907
     
107,400
 
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets
   
(223
)
   
40
     
(728
)
   
(1
)
 
   
432,768
     
428,687
     
1,346,360
     
1,334,712
 
Operating income
   
118,337
     
92,637
     
327,438
     
265,395
 
Other income (expense)
   
60
     
(56
)
   
236
     
123
 
Interest expense
   
(6,694
)
   
(6,056
)
   
(21,901
)
   
(17,797
)
Earnings before taxes on income
   
111,703
     
86,525
     
305,773
     
247,721
 
Provision for taxes on income
   
(42,007
)
   
(32,794
)
   
(114,733
)
   
(93,676
)
Net earnings
   
69,696
     
53,731
     
191,040
     
154,045
 
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
(573
)
   
(676
)
   
(2,246
)
   
(2,495
)
 
                               
Net earnings attributable to Kirby
 
$
69,123
   
$
53,055
   
$
188,794
   
$
151,550
 
 
                               
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
                               
Basic
 
$
1.22
   
$
.95
   
$
3.33
   
$
2.71
 
Diluted
 
$
1.21
   
$
.95
   
$
3.32
   
$
2.70
 
Common stock outstanding (in thousands):
                               
Basic
   
56,375
     
55,445
     
56,329
     
55,416
 
Diluted
   
56,572
     
55,627
     
56,520
     
55,634
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
 
Third Quarter
   
Nine Months
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(unaudited, $ in thousands)
 
EBITDA:  (1)
 
   
   
   
 
Net earnings attributable to Kirby
 
$
69,123
   
$
53,055
   
$
188,794
   
$
151,550
 
Interest expense
   
6,694
     
6,056
     
21,901
     
17,797
 
Provision for taxes on income
   
42,007
     
32,794
     
114,733
     
93,676
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
41,640
     
35,729
     
122,907
     
107,400
 
 
 
$
159,464
   
$
127,634
   
$
448,335
   
$
370,423
 
 
                               
Capital expenditures
 
$
38,872
   
$
102,041
   
$
207,047
   
$
255,887
 

 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(unaudited, $ in thousands)
 
Long-term debt, including current portion
 
$
860,930
   
$
781,970
 
Total equity
 
$
1,912,255
   
$
1,620,711
 
Debt to capitalization ratio
   
31.0
%
   
32.5
%
5

MARINE TRANSPORTATION STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

 
 
Third Quarter
   
Nine Months
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(unaudited, $ in thousands)
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Marine transportation revenues
 
$
436,181
   
$
349,771
   
$
1,278,567
   
$
1,027,923
 
 
                               
Costs and expenses:
                               
Costs of sales and operating expenses
   
253,093
     
208,165
     
771,654
     
622,038
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
28,132
     
24,759
     
83,547
     
78,164
 
Taxes, other than on income
   
3,341
     
2,992
     
11,179
     
9,877
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
37,968
     
32,160
     
111,724
     
95,929
 
 
   
322,534
     
268,076
     
978,104
     
806,008
 
 
                               
Operating income
 
$
113,647
   
$
81,695
   
$
300,463
   
$
221,915
 
 
                               
Operating margins
   
26.1
%
   
23.4
%
   
23.5
%
   
21.6
%
 
DIESEL ENGINE SERVICES STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

 
 
Third Quarter
   
Nine Months
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(unaudited, $ in thousands)
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Diesel engine services revenues
 
$
114,924
   
$
171,553
   
$
395,231
   
$
572,184
 
 
                               
Costs and expenses:
                               
Costs of sales and operating expenses
   
91,303
     
136,825
     
311,603
     
453,227
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
11,470
     
16,880
     
35,904
     
55,134
 
Taxes, other than income
   
352
     
453
     
1,361
     
1,365
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
2,722
     
2,792
     
8,332
     
9,183
 
 
   
105,847
     
156,950
     
357,200
     
518,909
 
 
                               
Operating income
 
$
9,077
   
$
14,603
   
$
38,031
   
$
53,275
 
 
                               
Operating margins
   
7.9
%
   
8.5
%
   
9.6
%
   
9.3
%

OTHER COSTS AND EXPENSES

 
 
Third Quarter
   
Nine Months
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(unaudited, $ in thousands)
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
General corporate expenses
 
$
4,610
   
$
3,621
   
$
11,784
   
$
9,796
 
 
                               
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets
 
$
(223
)
 
$
40
   
$
(728
)
 
$
(1
)

6

MARINE TRANSPORTATION PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
 
 
 
Third Quarter
   
Nine Months
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
 
Inland Performance Measurements:
 
   
   
   
 
Ton Miles (in millions) (2)  
   
2,904
     
2,791
     
8,885
     
9,267
 
Revenue/Ton Mile (cents/tm) (3)  
   
9.9
     
9.8
     
9.7
     
8.7
 
Towboats operated (average) (4)  
   
256
     
246
     
258
     
242
 
Delay Days (5)  (5)
   
1,289
     
1,244
     
5,858
     
4,879
 
Average cost per gallon of fuel consumed  
 
$
3.11
   
$
3.10
   
$
3.20
   
$
3.20
 
 
Barges (active):
                               
Inland tank barges
     
855
     
853
 
Coastal tank barges
     
72
     
53
 
Offshore dry-cargo barges
     
8
     
4
 
Barrel capacities (in millions):
                 
Inland tank barges
     
17.2
     
16.9
 
Coastal tank barges
     
6.0
     
3.7
 
 
 (1) 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.  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.
(2) 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.
(3) Inland marine transportation revenues divided by ton miles.  Example:  Third quarter 2013 inland marine transportation revenues of $288,661,000 divided by 2,904,000,000 inland marine transportation ton miles = 9.9 cents.
(4) Towboats operated are the average number of owned and chartered towboats operated during the period.
(5) 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.
 
 
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