Kirby (NYSE: KEX) posts higher Q1 2026 EPS and strong cash flow with new $750M credit facility
Kirby Corporation reported higher first-quarter 2026 results, with solid growth in both segments and stronger cash generation. Total revenues rose to $844.1 million from $785.7 million, and net earnings attributable to Kirby increased to $81.2 million, lifting diluted earnings per share from $1.33 to $1.50.
Marine transportation delivered 59% of revenues, benefiting from higher term contract pricing and strong coastal utilization, partly offset by softer inland spot rates. Distribution and services contributed 41% of revenues, driven by power generation and marine repair demand, while oil and gas-related activity remained weaker.
Operating cash flow improved sharply to $97.7 million, supporting $48.3 million of capital expenditures and an $81.4 million inland marine equipment acquisition. Kirby also expanded and extended its revolving credit facility to $750 million maturing in 2031, ending the quarter with a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 22.3%.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Kirby posts steady revenue and EPS growth, strong cash flow, and extends liquidity, while managing cost and market headwinds.
Kirby grew Q1 2026 revenue to $844.1 million and diluted EPS to $1.50, with both marine transportation and distribution and services contributing. Marine benefited from firm term pricing and high utilization, while distribution and services saw strong power generation and marine repair demand.
Margins were broadly stable: marine operating margin was 18.0% and distribution and services 6.7%. Cost pressures from wages and inflation persisted, and inland spot prices declined versus prior-year renewals, but were partially offset by coastal term rate increases of about 19%–21%.
Cash generation was a highlight, with net cash from operating activities rising to $97.7 million. Kirby funded $48.3 million of capital expenditures, an $81.4 million barge and towboat acquisition, and $52.7 million of share repurchases while keeping its debt-to-capitalization at 22.3%. A new $750 million revolver maturing in 2031 further supports flexibility.
Key Figures
Key Terms
2031 Credit Agreement financial
term contracts financial
fuel escalation clauses financial
delay days technical
Jones Act regulatory
operating margin financial
|
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form
For the quarterly period ended
or
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number:
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
|
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
|
|
||
(Address of principal executive offices) |
|
(Zip Code) |
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
No Change
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
Trading Symbol(s) |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
|
|
Accelerated filer |
|
|
Non-accelerated filer |
|
|
Smaller reporting company |
|
|
|
|
Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No
As of May 7, 2026,
|
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
KIRBY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
|
|
($ in thousands) |
|
|||||
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Accounts receivable: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Trade – less allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Inventories – net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Property and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Property and equipment – net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other intangibles, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total assets |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Bank notes payable |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current portion of operating lease liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Deferred revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Long-term debt, net – less current portion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating lease liabilities – less current portion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total long-term liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Contingencies and commitments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Kirby stockholders’ equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Common stock, $ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accumulated other comprehensive income – net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Retained earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Treasury stock – at cost, |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Total Kirby stockholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Noncontrolling interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total liabilities and equity |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
2
KIRBY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||
|
|
($ in thousands, except per share amounts) |
|
|||||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Marine transportation |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Distribution and services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Costs of sales and operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Taxes, other than on income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Gain on disposition of assets |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Total costs and expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Interest expense |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Earnings before taxes on income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Provision for taxes on income |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net earnings attributable to Kirby |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Basic |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Diluted |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
3
KIRBY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||
|
|
($ in thousands) |
|
|||||
Net earnings |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes: |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Pension and postretirement benefits |
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total other comprehensive loss, net of taxes |
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests |
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Comprehensive income attributable to Kirby |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
4
KIRBY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||
|
|
($ in thousands) |
|
|||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net earnings |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Provision for deferred income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Amortization of share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Amortization of major maintenance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Decrease in cash flows resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Capital expenditures |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Acquisitions of businesses and marine equipment |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Proceeds from disposition of assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Borrowings on bank credit facilities, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Payments on long-term debt |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Payment of debt issuance costs |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Treasury stock purchases |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Other |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash paid during the period: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Interest paid |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Income taxes paid, net |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Operating cash outflow from operating leases |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Non-cash investing activity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
5
KIRBY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Common Stock |
|
|
Paid-in- |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Treasury Stock |
|
|
Noncontrolling |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Income, Net |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Interests |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||||||
|
(in thousands) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2025 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||||||
Stock option exercises |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|||
Issuance of stock for equity awards, net of forfeitures |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Amortization of share-based compensation |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||
Treasury stock purchases |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Excise taxes on treasury stock purchases |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Balance at March 31, 2026 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Common Stock |
|
|
Paid-in- |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Treasury Stock |
|
|
Noncontrolling |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Income, Net |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Interests |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||||||
|
(in thousands) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||||||
Stock option exercises |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||||
Issuance of stock for equity awards, net of forfeitures |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Tax withholdings on equity award vesting |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Amortization of share-based compensation |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||
Treasury stock purchases |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Excise taxes on treasury stock purchases |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Total comprehensive income, net of taxes |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Balance at March 31, 2025 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
6
KIRBY CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(1) Basis for Preparation of the Condensed Financial Statements
The condensed financial statements included herein have been prepared by Kirby Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries (“Kirby” or the “Company”), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, certain information and footnote disclosures, including significant accounting policies normally included in annual financial statements, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. It is suggested that these condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. Certain reclassifications have been made to reflect the current presentation of financial information.
(2) Acquisitions
On March 17, 2026, the Company purchased
On October 14, 2025, the Company purchased certain assets from an undisclosed seller in support of the KDS segment for $
On August 7, 2025, the Company purchased
On March 27, 2025, the Company purchased
(3) Revenues
The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues by major source (in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||
Marine transportation segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Inland transportation |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Coastal transportation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Distribution and services segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Commercial and industrial |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Power generation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Oil and gas |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Contract liabilities represent advance consideration received from customers, and are recognized as revenue over time or at a point in time as the related performance obligation is satisfied. Revenues recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 that were included in the opening contract liability balances were $
7
(4) Segment Data
The Company’s operations are aggregated into
Marine Transportation Segment (“KMT”) — Provides marine transportation by United States flagged vessels principally of liquid cargoes throughout the United States inland waterway system, along all three United States coasts, and to a lesser extent, in United States coastal transportation of dry-bulk cargoes. The principal products transported include petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products and agricultural chemicals.
Distribution and Services Segment (“KDS”) — Provides equipment, after-market parts and services for power generation systems in applications that include behind the meter power systems and emergency backup systems, after-market and genuine replacement parts and services for engines, transmissions, reduction gears, electric motors, drives, and controls, specialized electrical distribution and controls systems, and related equipment used in power generation, marine, on-highway, oilfield services, and other industrial applications. The Company also rents equipment including generators, industrial compressors, high-capacity lift trucks, construction equipment, and refrigeration trailers for use in a variety of industrial markets. The Company also manufactures and remanufactures specialized equipment, including pressure pumping units and electric fracturing systems, electric power generation equipment, and specialized electrical distribution and control equipment for data centers, oilfield service, railroad, and other industrial customers.
The Company’s
The following tables set forth the Company’s revenues, depreciation and amortization, and income or loss by reportable segment and total assets (in thousands):
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
KMT |
|
|
KDS |
|
|
Total |
|
|
KMT |
|
|
KDS |
|
|
Total |
|
||||||
Revenue from external customers |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Less: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Costs of sales and operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Administrative payroll expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Taxes, other than on income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Other segment items (a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Segment operating income |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Reconciliation of segment operating income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Unallocated amounts: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
General corporate expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||||
Gain on disposition of assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Operating income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||||
Other income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||||
Earnings before taxes on income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||||
KMT – selling expense, professional service expense, occupancy expense, and certain overhead expenses.
KDS – inventory-related expense, warranty expense, selling expense, professional service expense, occupancy expense, and certain overhead expenses.
8
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
Total assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Marine transportation |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Distribution and services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
The following table presents the details of “Other” total assets (in thousands):
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
General corporate assets |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Investment in affiliates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
(5) Long-Term Debt
The following table presents the carrying value and fair value (determined using inputs characteristic of a Level 2 fair value measurement) of debt outstanding (in thousands):
|
|
March 31, 2026 |
|
|
December 31, 2025 |
|
||||||||||
|
|
Carrying Value |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
Carrying Value |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
||||
Revolving Credit Facility due |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Term Loan due |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Credit line due |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Bank notes payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||
On March 26, 2026, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “2031 Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”), as administrative agent, and certain lenders and issuing banks party thereto. The 2031 Credit Agreement amends and restates in its entirety the Company’s existing credit agreement, dated as of July 29, 2022 (the “2027 Credit Agreement”), extending the term of the facility to
Borrowings under the 2031 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the Company’s option, either a Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) or a base rate, plus an interest rate margin which ranges from
The Company has a $
9
(6) Leases
The Company currently leases various facilities and equipment under cancelable and noncancelable operating leases. The accounting for the Company’s leases may require judgments, which include determining whether a contract contains a lease, allocating the consideration between lease and non-lease components, and determining the incremental borrowing rates. Leases with an initial noncancelable term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheets and related lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has also elected to combine lease and non-lease components on all classes of leased assets, except for leased towing vessels, for which the Company estimates approximately
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases that have initial noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year were as follows (in thousands):
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
2026 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
2027 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
2028 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
2029 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
2030 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Thereafter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total lease payments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Less: imputed interest |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Operating lease liabilities |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
The following table summarizes lease costs (in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||
Operating lease cost |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Variable lease cost |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Short-term lease cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Sublease income |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
The following table summarizes other supplemental information about the Company’s operating leases:
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
Weighted average discount rate |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
Weighted average remaining lease term |
|
|
|
|
||||
(7) Stock Award Plans
The compensation cost that has been charged against earnings for the Company’s stock award plans and the income tax benefit recognized in the statement of earnings for stock awards were as follows (in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||
Compensation cost |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Income tax benefit |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
During the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company granted
10
(8) Taxes on Income
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income and details of the provision for taxes on income were as follows (in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||
Earnings (loss) before taxes on income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
United States |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Foreign |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Provision for taxes on income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Federal: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
State and local: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Foreign - current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
(9) Earnings Per Share
The following table presents the components of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||
Net earnings attributable to Kirby |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Earnings available to Kirby common stockholders – basic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Undistributed earnings allocated to restricted shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Undistributed earnings reallocated to restricted shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Earnings available to Kirby common stockholders – diluted |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Weighted average common stock issued and outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Weighted average unvested restricted stock |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common stock outstanding – basic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Weighted average common stock outstanding – diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Basic |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Diluted |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
There were
(10) Inventories
The following table presents the details of inventories – net (in thousands):
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
Finished goods |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Work in process |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
11
(11) Retirement Plans
The Company sponsors a defined benefit plan for certain of its inland vessel personnel and shore based tankermen. The plan benefits are based on an employee’s years of service and compensation. The plan assets consist primarily of equity and fixed income securities.
On April 12, 2017, the Company amended its pension plan to cease all benefit accruals for periods after May 31, 2017 for certain participants. Participants grandfathered and not impacted were those, as of the close of business on May 31, 2017, who either (a) had completed
The Company’s pension plan funding strategy is to make annual contributions in amounts equal to or greater than amounts necessary to meet minimum government funding requirements. The plan’s benefit obligations are based on a variety of demographic and economic assumptions, and the pension plan assets’ returns are subject to various risks, including market and interest rate risk, making an accurate prediction of the pension plan contribution difficult. Based on current pension plan assets and market conditions, the Company does not expect to make a contribution to the Kirby pension plan during 2026.
On February 14, 2018, with the acquisition of Higman Marine, Inc. and its affiliated companies (“Higman”), the Company assumed Higman’s pension plan for its inland vessel personnel and office staff. On March 27, 2018, the Company amended the Higman pension plan to close it to all new entrants and cease all benefit accruals for periods after May 15, 2018 for all participants. The Company made contributions of $
The Company sponsors an unfunded defined benefit health care plan that provides limited postretirement medical benefits to employees who meet minimum age and service requirements, and to eligible dependents. The plan is contributory, with retiree contributions adjusted annually. The plan eliminated coverage for future retirees as of December 31, 2011. The Company also has an unfunded defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”) that was assumed in an acquisition in 1999. That plan ceased to accrue additional benefits effective January 1, 2000.
The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s defined benefit plans were as follows (in thousands):
|
|
Pension Benefits |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Pension Plans |
|
|
SERP |
|
||||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||||
Components of net periodic benefit cost: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Service cost |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Interest cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net periodic benefit cost |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s postretirement benefit plan were as follows (in thousands):
|
|
Other Postretirement Benefits |
|
|||||
|
|
Postretirement Welfare Plan |
|
|||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||
Components of net periodic benefit cost: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Interest cost |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Amortization of actuarial gain |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Net periodic benefit cost |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
12
(12) Other Comprehensive Income
The Company’s changes in other comprehensive loss were as follows (in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Gross |
|
|
Income Tax Benefit |
|
|
Net Amount |
|
|
Gross |
|
|
Income Tax Benefit |
|
|
Net |
|
||||||
Pension and postretirement benefits (a): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Amortization of net actuarial gain |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
||
Foreign currency translation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
||
(a) Actuarial gains (losses) are amortized into other income (expense). (See Note 11, Retirement Plans)
(13) Contingencies and Commitments
On October 13, 2016, the tug Nathan E. Stewart and barge DBL 55, an articulated tank barge and tugboat unit (“ATB”) owned and operated by Kirby Offshore Marine, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, ran aground at the entrance to Seaforth Channel on Atholone Island, British Columbia. The grounding resulted in a breach of a portion of the Nathan E. Stewart’s fuel tanks causing a discharge of diesel fuel into the water. The United States Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board designated the Company as a party of interest in their investigation as to the cause of the incident. The Canadian authorities including Transport Canada and the Canadian Transportation Safety Board investigated the cause of the incident. On October 10, 2018, the Heiltsuk First Nation filed a civil action in the British Columbia Supreme Court against a subsidiary of the Company, the master and pilot of the tug, the vessels and the Canadian government seeking unquantified damages as a result of the incident. On May 1, 2019, the Company filed a limitation action in the Federal Court of Canada seeking limitation of liability relating to the incident as provided under admiralty law. The Heiltsuk First Nation’s civil claim has been consolidated into the Federal Court limitation action as of July 26, 2019 and it is expected that the Federal Court of Canada will decide all claims against the Company. The Company is unable to estimate the potential exposure in the civil proceeding. The Company has various insurance policies covering liabilities including pollution, property, marine and general liability and believes that it has satisfactory insurance coverage for the cost of cleanup and salvage operations as well as other potential liabilities arising from the incident. The Company believes its accrual of such estimated liability is adequate for the incident and does not expect the incident to have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition.
In addition, the Company is involved in various legal and other proceedings which are incidental to the conduct of its business, none of which in the opinion of management will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Management believes its accrual of such estimated liability is adequate and believes that it has adequate insurance coverage or has meritorious defenses for these other claims and contingencies.
The Company has issued guaranties or obtained standby letters of credit and performance bonds supporting performance by the Company and its subsidiaries of contractual or contingent legal obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business. The aggregate notional value of these instruments is $
13
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Statements contained in this Form 10-Q that are not historical facts, including, but not limited to, any projections contained herein, are forward-looking statements and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties. Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” or “continue,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. The actual results of the future events described in such forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q could differ materially from those stated in such forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are: 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, 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. For a more detailed discussion of factors that could cause actual results to differ from those presented in forward-looking statements, see Part II, Item 1A-Risk Factors and Item 1A-Risk Factors found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2025. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such statements. For purposes of Management’s Discussion, all net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders are “diluted earnings per share.”
Overview
The Company is the nation’s largest domestic tank barge operator transporting bulk liquid products throughout the Mississippi River System, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and coastwise along all three United States coasts. The Company transports petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products and agricultural chemicals by tank barge. In addition, the Company participates in the transportation of dry-bulk commodities in United States coastwise trade. Through KDS, the Company provides equipment, after-market parts and services for power generation systems in applications that include behind the meter power systems and emergency backup systems, after-market and genuine replacement parts and services for engines, transmissions, reduction gears, electric motors, drives, and controls, specialized electrical distribution and controls systems, and related equipment used in power generation, marine, on-highway, oilfield services, and other industrial applications. The Company also rents equipment including generators, industrial compressors, high-capacity lift trucks, construction equipment, and refrigeration trailers for use in a variety of industrial markets. The Company also manufactures and remanufactures specialized equipment, including pressure pumping units and electric fracturing systems, electric power generation equipment, and specialized electrical distribution and control equipment for data centers, oilfield service, railroad, and other industrial customers.
The following table summarizes key operating results of the Company (in thousands, except per share amounts):
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||
Total revenues |
|
$ |
844,099 |
|
|
$ |
785,659 |
|
Net earnings attributable to Kirby |
|
$ |
81,197 |
|
|
$ |
75,986 |
|
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders – diluted |
|
$ |
1.50 |
|
|
$ |
1.33 |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
$ |
97,650 |
|
|
$ |
36,541 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
$ |
48,256 |
|
|
$ |
78,687 |
|
Cash provided by operating activities for the 2026 first quarter increased in comparison to the 2025 first quarter primarily due to increased net earnings and favorable working capital changes. The favorable working capital changes were driven by the timing of accounts payable and income tax payments, partially offset by the timing of accounts receivable collections. The 2025 first quarter included a $24.4 million estimated federal income tax payment as compared to none in the 2026 first quarter. For the 2026 first quarter, capital expenditures of $48.3 million included $34.6 million in KMT and $13.7 million in KDS and corporate, each more fully described under Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures below.
The Company projects that capital expenditures for 2026 will be in the $220 million to $260 million range. Approximately $170 million to $210 million is associated with marine maintenance capital and improvements to existing inland and coastal marine equipment, and facility improvements. Up to approximately $65 million is associated with growth capital spending in both segments.
The Company’s debt-to-capitalization ratio increased slightly to 22.3% at March 31, 2026 compared to 21.4% at December 31, 2025, primarily due to an increase in debt outstanding. Total equity at March 31, 2026 increased as compared to December 31, 2025 primarily from net earnings attributable to Kirby of $81.2 million, partially offset by treasury stock purchases of $52.7 million. The Company’s debt outstanding as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025 is detailed in Long-Term Financing below.
14
Marine Transportation
For the 2026 first quarter, KMT generated 59% of the Company’s revenues compared to 61% for the 2025 first quarter. The segment’s customers include many of the major petrochemical and refining companies that operate in the United States. Products transported include intermediate materials used to produce many of the end products used widely by businesses and consumers — plastics, fiber, paints, detergents, oil additives and paper, among others, as well as residual fuel oil, ship bunkers, asphalt, gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, crude oil, natural gas condensate, and agricultural chemicals. Consequently, KMT is directly affected by the volumes produced by the Company’s petroleum, petrochemical, and refining customer base.
The following table summarizes the Company’s marine transportation fleet:
|
|
March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||
Inland tank barges: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Owned |
|
|
1,093 |
|
|
|
1,074 |
|
Leased |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
Total |
|
|
1,124 |
|
|
|
1,111 |
|
Barrel capacity (in millions) |
|
|
25.1 |
|
|
|
24.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Active inland towboats (quarter average): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Owned |
|
|
205 |
|
|
|
215 |
|
Chartered |
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
76 |
|
Total |
|
|
284 |
|
|
|
291 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Coastal tank barges: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Owned |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
Leased |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
Barrel capacity (in millions) |
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Coastal tugboats: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Owned |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
Chartered |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Total |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Offshore dry-bulk cargo barges (owned) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Offshore tugboats and docking tugboat (owned and chartered) |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
The Company also operates shifting and fleeting facilities for dry cargo barges and tank barges on the Houston Ship Channel, in Freeport and Port Arthur, Texas, and Lake Charles, Louisiana, and its San Jac shipyard for building inland towboats and performing routine maintenance on marine vessels near the Houston Ship Channel. The Company also owns a two-thirds interest in Osprey Line, L.L.C., which transports project cargoes and cargo containers by barge on the United States inland waterway system.
During the 2026 first quarter, the Company purchased 22 inland tank barges and retired three inland tank barges, increasing its capacity by approximately 0.5 million barrels.
KMT revenues and operating income for the 2026 first quarter increased 4% compared to the 2025 first quarter, primarily due to higher term pricing and decreased planned shipyards in the coastal market, partially offset by lower spot pricing in the inland market as compared to the 2025 first quarter. The 2026 and 2025 first quarters were impacted by poor operating conditions including seasonal wind and fog along the Gulf Coast, ice on the Illinois and Upper Mississippi Rivers and various lock closures. For the 2026 first quarter, the inland tank barge fleet contributed 79% and the coastal fleet contributed 21% of KMT revenues. For the 2025 first quarter, the inland tank barge fleet contributed 82% and the coastal fleet contributed 18% of KMT revenues.
Inland tank barge utilization levels averaged in the low-90% range during the 2026 first quarter and the low-to-mid-90% range during the 2025 first quarter. The 2026 and 2025 first quarters were impacted by high winds and heavy fog along the Gulf Coast, ice on the Illinois and Upper Mississippi Rivers and various lock delays. Coastal tank barge utilization levels averaged in the mid-to-high-90% range during the 2026 and 2025 first quarters.
During the 2026 first quarter, approximately 65% of KMT inland revenues were under term contracts and 35% were spot contract revenues. During the 2025 first quarter, approximately 70% of KMT inland revenues were under term contracts and 30% were spot
15
contract revenues. Inland time charters during the 2026 first quarter represented approximately 56% of inland revenues under term contracts compared with 61% in the 2025 first quarter. During the 2026 first quarter, approximately 92% of KMT coastal revenues were under term contracts and 8% were under spot contracts. During the 2025 first quarter, approximately 100% of KMT coastal revenues were under term contracts and none were under spot contracts. Coastal time charters represented approximately 100% of coastal revenues under term contracts during both the 2026 and 2025 first quarters. Term contracts have contract terms of 12 months or longer, while spot contracts have contract terms of less than 12 months.
The following table summarizes the average range of pricing changes in term and spot contracts renewed during 2026 compared to contracts renewed during the corresponding quarter of 2025:
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2026 |
|
Inland market: |
|
|
|
Term |
|
0% – 2% |
|
Spot |
|
(4)% – (6)% |
|
Coastal market (a): |
|
|
|
Term |
|
19% – 21% |
|
Effective January 1, 2026, annual escalators for labor and the producer price index on a number of inland multi-year contracts resulted in rate increases on those contracts of approximately 3%, excluding fuel.
KMT operating margin was 18.0% for the 2026 first quarter compared to 18.2% for the 2025 first quarter.
Distribution and Services
The Company, through KDS, provides equipment, after-market parts and services for power generation systems in applications that include behind the meter power systems and emergency backup systems, after-market and genuine replacement parts and services for engines, transmissions, reduction gears, electric motors, drives, and controls, specialized electrical distribution and controls systems, and related equipment used in power generation, marine, on-highway, oilfield services, and other industrial applications. The Company also rents equipment including generators, industrial compressors, high-capacity lift trucks, construction equipment, and refrigeration trailers for use in a variety of industrial markets. The Company also manufactures and remanufactures specialized equipment, including pressure pumping units and electric fracturing systems, electric power generation equipment, and specialized electrical distribution and control equipment for data centers, oilfield service, railroad, and other industrial customers.
For the 2026 first quarter, KDS generated 41% of the Company’s revenues. The results of KDS are largely influenced by cycles of the power generation, marine, on-highway, oilfield service industry and oil and gas operator and producer markets, and other industrial markets.
KDS revenues for the 2026 first quarter increased 12% compared with the 2025 first quarter. KDS operating income for the 2026 first quarter increased 3% compared with the 2025 first quarter. In the commercial and industrial market, revenues and operating income increased compared to the 2025 first quarter due to higher business levels in marine repair. For the 2026 first quarter, the commercial and industrial market contributed 46% of KDS revenues.
In the power generation market, revenues and operating income increased compared to the 2025 first quarter due to increased demand for backup, prime power and critical power applications. For the 2026 first quarter, the power generation market contributed 44% of KDS revenues.
In the oil and gas market, revenues and operating income decreased compared to the 2025 first quarter, impacted by lower levels of conventional oilfield activity which resulted in decreased demand for new transmissions and parts, partially offset by deliveries of electric fracturing equipment. For the 2026 first quarter, the oil and gas market contributed 10% of KDS revenues.
KDS operating margin was 6.7% for the 2026 first quarter compared to 7.3% for the 2025 first quarter.
Outlook
Overall, the Company expects to deliver improved financial results in 2026. In KMT, barge utilization and customer demand remain stable. In KDS, growth in the power generation market is expected to offset softness in oil and gas markets, and the continuing trucking recession impacting the on-highway service and repair business. The Company remains mindful of the ever-changing economic landscape related to the possible impact of high interest rates, tariffs, current geopolitical tensions and possible recessionary headwinds as it moves through 2026.
16
In 2026, the inland marine transportation market is expected to experience positive market dynamics due to limited new barge construction. The Company expects barge utilization rates to remain steady for the year with continued improvement in pricing as the year progresses. The Company also continues to see inflationary pressures and there remains an acute mariner shortage in the industry which continues to drive up labor costs. These pressures, along with the increasing cost of equipment, should continue to put upward pressure on spot and term contract prices. The coastal marine transportation market is also expected to see very favorable market conditions in 2026. The coastal marine transportation market should experience steady customer demand, keeping barge utilization at high levels with improving rates as the availability of equipment remains limited across the industry. There are no coastal barges currently under construction. The Company does expect more shipyard days in the coastal marine transportation market as compared to 2025.
The Company does expect some near-term cost headwinds in its inland marine transportation operations during the 2026 second quarter from rising fuel costs. Term and affreightment contracts contain fuel escalation clauses or provides for the customer to pay for fuel. Cost escalators and rate recovery mechanisms in the Company’s term contracts, while effective over time in allowing the Company to recover changes in fuel costs, create a delay that will lag near-term fuel cost increases. As a result, periods of rapidly rising fuel prices may temporarily compress margins and operating income until escalation adjustments are fully realized. The Company expects that lag to occur during the 2026 second quarter but should be ultimately realized in subsequent quarters as there is generally a 30 to 120 day delay before term contracts are adjusted for fuel costs. Fuel escalation clauses in term contracts and their effectiveness are discussed in more detail in Liquidity below and Item 1A – Risk Factors found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.
The Company expects stable growth in KDS in 2026 as near-term volatility from supply issues, customers deferring maintenance, and lower overall levels of activity in the oil and gas market are offset by increased orders in the power generation market. In commercial and industrial, the demand outlook in marine repair remains steady while on-highway service and repair remains soft but has shown some recent modest improvement. In power generation, the Company anticipates continued strong growth in orders as data center demand and the need for behind the meter and backup power continues to be strong. In oil and gas, the Company expects revenues to be down as the transition from conventional diesel hydraulic fracturing to electric hydraulic fracturing continues to take place. The Company anticipates extended lead times and supply delays for certain original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) products, especially in the power generation market, to continue throughout 2026. The Company does expect to be impacted in the 2026 second quarter by delayed OEM engine deliveries as certain impacted projects will shift from the 2026 second quarter into the 2026 second half.
Acquisitions
On March 17, 2026, the Company purchased 23 inland tank barges with a total capacity of 653,000 barrels, including five specialty barges, and three high horsepower towboats from an undisclosed seller for $95.8 million. The Company paid $81.4 million in cash in March 2026 with the remaining $14.4 million to be paid in the 2026 second quarter when delivery of all vessels has been completed. The 23 tank barges, including five specialty barges, transport petrochemicals and refined products on the Mississippi River System and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The average age of the 23 barges was 19 years.
On October 14, 2025, the Company purchased certain assets from an undisclosed seller in support of the KDS segment for $9.3 million in cash. The assets consisted of inventory and an authorized distributorship for EMD Power Products (“EMD”) for certain geographic regions including Mexico, Central America, the northern part of South America and the Caribbean islands.
On August 7, 2025, the Company purchased two inland tank barges and one towboat from an undisclosed seller for $9.2 million in cash.
On March 27, 2025, the Company purchased 14 inland tank barges with a total capacity of 364,000 barrels, including four specialty barges, and four high horsepower towboats from an undisclosed seller for $97.3 million in cash. The 14 tank barges, including four specialty barges, transport petrochemicals and refined products on the Mississippi River System and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The average age of the 14 barges was 16 years.
Financing of these purchases was through borrowings under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility and cash provided by operating activities.
17
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth the Company’s KMT and KDS revenues and the percentage of each to total revenues (dollars in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
% |
|
||||
Marine transportation |
|
$ |
497,183 |
|
|
|
59 |
% |
|
$ |
476,149 |
|
|
|
61 |
% |
Distribution and services |
|
|
346,916 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
309,510 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
$ |
844,099 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
785,659 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Marine Transportation
The following table sets forth KMT revenues, costs and expenses, operating income, and operating margin (dollars in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
% Change |
|
|||
Marine transportation revenues |
|
$ |
497,183 |
|
|
$ |
476,149 |
|
|
|
4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Costs of sales and operating expenses |
|
|
300,824 |
|
|
|
290,987 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
43,801 |
|
|
|
40,454 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
Taxes, other than on income |
|
|
7,567 |
|
|
|
6,452 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
55,336 |
|
|
|
51,672 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
407,528 |
|
|
|
389,565 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Operating income |
|
$ |
89,655 |
|
|
$ |
86,584 |
|
|
|
4 |
% |
Operating margins |
|
|
18.0 |
% |
|
|
18.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Marine Transportation Revenues
The following table shows the marine transportation markets serviced by the Company, KMT revenue distribution, products moved and the drivers of the demand for the products the Company transports:
Markets |
|
2026 First Quarter |
|
Products Moved |
|
Drivers |
Petrochemicals |
|
47% |
|
Benzene, Styrene, Methanol, Acrylonitrile, Xylene, Naphtha, Caustic Soda, Butadiene, Propylene |
|
Consumer non-durables – 70%, Consumer durables – 30% |
Black Oil |
|
27% |
|
Residual Fuel Oil, Coker Feedstock, Vacuum Gas Oil, Asphalt, Carbon Black Feedstock, Crude Oil, Natural Gas Condensate, Ship Bunkers |
|
Fuel for Power Plants and Ships, Feedstock for Refineries, Road Construction |
Refined Petroleum Products |
|
22% |
|
Gasoline, No. 2 Oil, Jet Fuel, Heating Oil, Diesel Fuel, Ethanol |
|
Vehicle Usage, Air Travel, Weather Conditions, Refinery Utilization |
Agricultural Chemicals |
|
4% |
|
Anhydrous Ammonia, Nitrogen – Based Liquid Fertilizer, Industrial Ammonia |
|
Corn, Cotton and Wheat Production, Chemical Feedstock Usage |
KMT revenues and operating income for the 2026 first quarter increased 4% compared to the 2025 first quarter, primarily due to higher term pricing and decreased planned shipyards in the coastal market, partially offset by lower spot pricing in the inland market as compared to the 2025 first quarter. The 2026 and 2025 first quarters were impacted by poor operating conditions including seasonal wind and fog along the Gulf Coast, ice on the Illinois and Upper Mississippi Rivers and various lock closures. For the 2026 first quarter, the inland tank barge fleet contributed 79% and the coastal fleet contributed 21% of KMT revenues. For the 2025 first quarter, the inland tank barge fleet contributed 82% and the coastal fleet contributed 18% of KMT revenues.
Inland tank barge utilization levels averaged in the low-90% range during the 2026 first quarter and the low-to-mid-90% range during the 2025 first quarter. The 2026 and 2025 first quarters were impacted by high winds and heavy fog along the Gulf Coast, ice on
18
the Illinois and Upper Mississippi Rivers and various lock delays. Coastal tank barge utilization levels averaged in the mid-to-high-90% range during the 2026 and 2025 first quarters.
The petrochemical market, which is the Company’s largest market, contributed 47% of KMT revenues for the 2026 first quarter reflecting steady rates, volumes and utilization from Gulf Coast petrochemical plants as compared to the 2025 first quarter.
The black oil market, which contributed 27% of KMT revenues for the 2026 first quarter reflected stable demand as refinery utilization and production levels of refined petroleum products and fuel oils increased. During the 2026 first quarter, the Company transported crude oil and natural gas condensate produced from major U.S. shale basins along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway with inland vessels and in the Gulf of America with coastal equipment. Additionally, the Company transported volumes of Utica natural gas condensate downriver from the Mid-Atlantic to the Gulf Coast.
The refined petroleum products market, which contributed 22% of KMT revenues for the 2026 first quarter reflected stable volumes in the inland market with steady refinery utilization and product levels as compared to the 2025 first quarter.
The agricultural chemical market, which contributed 4% of KMT revenues for the 2026 first quarter reflected stable demand for transportation of both domestically produced and imported products as compared to the 2025 first quarter.
For the 2026 first quarter, inland operations incurred 3,264 delay days, 19% fewer than the 4,029 delay days that occurred during the 2025 first quarter. Delay days measure the lost time incurred by a tow (towboat and one or more tank barges) during transit when the tow is stopped due to weather, lock conditions, or other navigational factors. Delay days reflected poor operating conditions due to heavy wind and fog along the Gulf Coast and lock delays during the 2026 and 2025 first quarters.
During the 2026 first quarter, approximately 65% of KMT inland revenues were under term contracts and 35% were spot contract revenues. During the 2025 first quarter, approximately 70% of KMT inland revenues were under term contracts and 30% were spot contract revenues. Inland time charters during the 2026 first quarter represented approximately 56% of inland revenues under term contracts compared with 61% in the 2025 first quarter. During the 2026 first quarter, approximately 92% of KMT coastal revenues were under term contracts and 8% were under spot contracts. During the 2025 first quarter, approximately 100% of KMT coastal revenues were under term contracts and none were under spot contracts. Coastal time charters represented approximately 100% of coastal revenues under term contracts during both the 2026 and 2025 first quarters. Term contracts have contract terms of 12 months or longer, while spot contracts have contract terms of less than 12 months.
The following table summarizes the average range of pricing changes in term and spot contracts renewed during 2026 compared to contracts renewed during the corresponding quarter of 2025:
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2026 |
|
Inland market: |
|
|
|
Term |
|
0% – 2% |
|
Spot |
|
(4)% – (6)% |
|
Coastal market (a): |
|
|
|
Term |
|
19% – 21% |
|
Effective January 1, 2026, annual escalators for labor and the producer price index on a number of inland multi-year contracts resulted in rate increases on those contracts of approximately 3%, excluding fuel.
Marine Transportation Costs and Expenses
Costs and expenses for the 2026 first quarter increased 5% compared to the 2025 first quarter. Costs of sales and operating expenses for the 2026 first quarter increased 3% compared with the 2025 first quarter. The results for the 2026 first quarter were driven by inflationary cost pressures including wage increases that went into effect on July 1, 2025. Fuel costs were slightly lower in the 2026 first quarter as compared to the 2025 first quarter.
The inland marine transportation fleet operated an average of 284 towboats during the 2026 first quarter, of which an average of 79 were chartered, compared to 291 during the 2025 first quarter, of which an average of 76 were chartered. The Company charters in or releases chartered towboats in an effort to balance horsepower needs with current requirements, taking into account variability in demand or anticipated demand, addition or removal of tank barges from the fleet, chartered towboat availability, and weather or water conditions. The Company has historically used chartered towboats for approximately one-fourth of its horsepower requirements.
19
During the 2026 first quarter, inland operations consumed 12.5 million gallons of diesel fuel compared to 11.7 million gallons consumed during the 2025 first quarter. The average price per gallon of diesel fuel consumed during the 2026 first quarter was $2.26 per gallon compared with $2.57 per gallon for the 2025 first quarter. Fuel escalation and de-escalation clauses are typically included in term contracts and are designed to rebate fuel costs when prices decline and recover additional fuel costs when fuel prices rise; however, there is generally a 30 to 120 day delay before contracts are adjusted. Spot contracts do not have escalators for fuel.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the 2026 first quarter increased 8% compared to the 2025 first quarter. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses for the 2026 first quarter as compared to the 2025 first quarter was primarily due to continued inflationary cost pressures, including salary and wage increases that went into effect on July 1, 2025. The 2025 first quarter was impacted by an increase in the provision for credit losses related to a certain customer.
Depreciation and amortization for the 2026 first quarter increased 7% compared to the 2025 first quarter. The increase was primarily due to capital additions during 2025 and the first three months of 2026, as well as equipment acquisitions.
Marine Transportation Operating Income and Operating Margin
KMT operating income for the 2026 first quarter increased 4% compared with the 2025 first quarter. The 2026 first quarter operating margin was 18.0% compared with 18.2% for the 2025 first quarter. The increase in operating income as compared to the 2025 first quarter was primarily due to higher term pricing and decreased planned shipyards in the coastal market, partially offset by lower spot pricing in the inland market.
Distribution and Services
The following table sets forth KDS revenues, costs and expenses, operating income, and operating margin (dollars in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
% Change |
|
|||
Distribution and services revenues |
|
$ |
346,916 |
|
|
$ |
309,510 |
|
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Costs of sales and operating expenses |
|
|
257,284 |
|
|
|
222,228 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
53,071 |
|
|
|
52,019 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Taxes, other than on income |
|
|
2,261 |
|
|
|
2,353 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
10,954 |
|
|
|
10,319 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
323,570 |
|
|
|
286,919 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
Operating income |
|
$ |
23,346 |
|
|
$ |
22,591 |
|
|
|
3 |
% |
Operating margins |
|
|
6.7 |
% |
|
|
7.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Distribution and Services Revenues
The following table shows the markets serviced by KDS, the revenue distribution, and the customers for each market:
Markets Serviced |
|
2026 Three Months |
|
Customers |
Commercial and Industrial |
|
46% |
|
Inland River Carriers — Dry and Liquid, Offshore Towing — Dry and Liquid, Offshore Oilfield Services — Drilling Rigs & Supply Boats, Harbor Towing, Dredging, Great Lakes Ore Carriers, Pleasure Crafts, On and Off-Highway Transportation, Pumping Stations, Mining |
Power Generation |
|
44% |
|
Power Generation & Standby Power Generation Equipment, Power Generation Rentals & Related Service, Data Centers |
Oil and Gas |
|
10% |
|
Oilfield Services, Oil and Gas Operators and Producers |
KDS revenues for the 2026 first quarter increased 12% compared with the 2025 first quarter. KDS operating income for the 2026 first quarter increased 3% compared with the 2025 first quarter.
20
In the commercial and industrial market, revenues and operating income increased compared to the 2025 first quarter due to higher business levels in marine repair. In the power generation market, revenues and operating income increased compared to the 2025 first quarter due to increased demand for backup, prime power and critical power applications. In the oil and gas market, revenues and operating income decreased compared to the 2025 first quarter, impacted by lower levels of conventional oilfield activity which resulted in decreased demand for new transmissions and parts, partially offset by deliveries of electric fracturing equipment.
Distribution and Services Costs and Expenses
Costs and expenses for the 2026 first quarter increased 13% compared with the 2025 first quarter. Costs of sales and operating expenses for the 2026 first quarter increased 16% compared with the 2025 first quarter. The increase for the 2026 first quarter reflected higher deliveries of power generation equipment, partially offset by lower on-highway and conventional oilfield activity.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the 2026 first quarter increased 2% compared to the 2025 first quarter, reflecting higher business activity levels, inflationary cost pressures, including salary and wage increases that went into effect July 1, 2025.
Depreciation and amortization for the 2026 first quarter increased 6% compared to the 2025 first quarter. The increase was primarily due to capital additions during 2025 and the first three months of 2026, including additions to the equipment rental fleet.
Distribution and Services Operating Income and Operating Margin
KDS operating income for the 2026 first quarter increased 3% compared with the 2025 first quarter. The 2026 first quarter operating margin was 6.7% compared to 7.3% for the 2025 first quarter. The results reflect increased demand in power generation from data centers and prime power customers and higher marine repair activity and deliveries of electric fracturing equipment, partially offset by lower conventional oilfield activity.
General Corporate Expenses
General corporate expenses for the 2026 first quarter increased compared to the 2025 first quarter primarily due to higher insurance costs, higher professional fees and higher incentive compensation.
Gain on Disposition of Assets
The Company reported a net gain on disposition of assets of $1.5 million and $0.1 million for the 2026 and 2025 first quarter, respectively. The net gains were primarily from sales of marine transportation equipment and the sale of a KDS facility in the 2026 first quarter.
Other Income and Expenses
The following table sets forth other income, noncontrolling interests, and interest expense (dollars in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
% Change |
|
|||
Other income |
|
$ |
7,281 |
|
|
$ |
5,334 |
|
|
|
37 |
% |
Noncontrolling interests |
|
$ |
(129 |
) |
|
$ |
(284 |
) |
|
|
55 |
% |
Interest expense |
|
$ |
(10,250 |
) |
|
$ |
(10,537 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
)% |
Other Income
Other income for the 2026 and 2025 first quarters includes income of $6.2 million and $4.8 million, respectively, for all components of net benefit costs except the service cost component related to the Company’s defined benefit plans.
Interest Expense
The following table sets forth average debt and average interest rate (dollars in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||
Average debt |
|
$ |
933,365 |
|
|
$ |
949,484 |
|
Average interest rate |
|
|
4.5 |
% |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
21
Interest expense for the 2026 first quarter decreased 3% compared with the 2025 first quarter, primarily due to lower average debt outstanding in the 2026 first quarter. Interest expense excludes capitalized interest for the 2026 first quarter of $0.2 million. There was no capitalized interest excluded from interest expense during the 2025 first quarter.
Financial Condition, Capital Resources and Liquidity
Balance Sheets
The following table sets forth the significant components of the balance sheets (dollars in thousands):
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
% Change |
|
|||
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Current assets |
|
$ |
1,142,135 |
|
|
$ |
1,077,855 |
|
|
|
6 |
% |
Property and equipment, net |
|
|
4,162,919 |
|
|
|
4,098,058 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
|
|
179,662 |
|
|
|
193,276 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
Goodwill |
|
|
438,748 |
|
|
|
438,748 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Other intangibles, net |
|
|
27,976 |
|
|
|
30,165 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
Other assets |
|
|
167,763 |
|
|
|
169,943 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
$ |
6,119,203 |
|
|
$ |
6,008,045 |
|
|
|
2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Current liabilities |
|
$ |
717,464 |
|
|
$ |
706,524 |
|
|
|
2 |
% |
Long-term debt, net – less current portion |
|
|
977,292 |
|
|
|
911,924 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
835,396 |
|
|
|
826,373 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Operating lease liabilities – less current portion |
|
|
159,422 |
|
|
|
169,854 |
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
12,954 |
|
|
|
10,577 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
Total equity |
|
|
3,416,675 |
|
|
|
3,382,793 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
$ |
6,119,203 |
|
|
$ |
6,008,045 |
|
|
|
2 |
% |
Current assets as of March 31, 2026 increased 6% compared with December 31, 2025. Trade accounts receivable increased 13% primarily due to higher business activity levels in both KMT and KDS. Inventories – net increased 5% primarily due to the impact of higher business activity levels and the impact of supply delays in KDS resulting in the buildup of inventory for mainly power generation projects that are scheduled to be delivered later in 2026. Prepaid expenses and other current assets increased 8% primarily due to higher prepaid fuel as a result of an increase in the price of diesel fuel.
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, at March 31, 2026 increased 2% compared with December 31, 2025. The increase reflected $50.5 million of capital additions (including an increase in accrued capital expenditures of $2.3 million) and $81.4 million of equipment acquisitions in the 2026 first three months, partially offset by $66.0 million of depreciation expense and $1.1 million of property disposals more fully described under Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures below.
Operating lease right-of-use assets as of March 31, 2026 decreased 7% compared with December 31, 2025, primarily due to lease amortization expense, partially offset by new leases acquired in the 2026 first three months.
Other intangibles, net, as of March 31, 2026 decreased 7% compared with December 31, 2025, due to amortization during the 2026 first quarter.
Other assets as of March 31, 2026 decreased 1% compared with December 31, 2025, primarily due to amortization of drydock expenditures.
Current liabilities as of March 31, 2026 increased 2% compared with December 31, 2025. Accounts payable increased 20% primarily due to higher business activity levels and the timing of inventory purchases and shipyard payments. Accrued liabilities decreased 14% primarily from payment during the 2026 first three months of employee incentive compensation accrued during 2025.
Long-term debt, net – less current portion, as of March 31, 2026 increased 7% compared with December 31, 2025, primarily reflecting increased borrowings under the 2031 Revolving Credit Facility.
Operating lease liabilities – less current portion, as of March 31, 2026 decreased 6% compared with December 31, 2025, primarily due to lease payments made, partially offset by new leases acquired and liability accretion.
22
Total equity as of March 31, 2026 increased 1% compared with December 31, 2025. Net earnings attributable to Kirby of $81.2 million, amortization of share-based compensation of $10.1 million, and stock option exercises of $4.3 million were partially offset by treasury stock purchases of $52.7 million and tax withholdings of $6.7 million on RSU vestings.
Long-Term Financing
The following table summarizes the Company’s outstanding debt (in thousands):
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
Long-term debt, including current portion: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Revolving Credit Facility due March 26, 2031 (a) |
|
$ |
180,000 |
|
|
$ |
45,000 |
|
Term Loan due July 29, 2027 (b) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
4.2% senior notes due March 1, 2028 |
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
3.46% senior notes due January 19, 2033 |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
3.51% senior notes due January 19, 2033 |
|
|
240,000 |
|
|
|
240,000 |
|
Credit line due June 30, 2026 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Bank notes payable |
|
|
6,092 |
|
|
|
7,357 |
|
|
|
|
986,092 |
|
|
|
922,357 |
|
Unamortized debt discounts and issuance costs |
|
|
(2,708 |
) |
|
|
(3,076 |
) |
|
|
$ |
983,384 |
|
|
$ |
919,281 |
|
On March 26, 2026, the Company entered into the 2031 Credit Agreement with JPMorgan, as administrative agent, and certain lenders and issuing banks party thereto. The 2031 Credit Agreement amends and restates in its entirety the 2027 Credit Agreement, extending the Maturity Date, increasing the revolving credit facility commitments to $750 million, and removing the term loan credit facility. Under the 2031 Credit Agreement, the Company has the option, subject to customary conditions and consent of the participating lenders, to increase the size of the revolving credit facility commitments and to add term loan commitments up to an aggregate additional $500 million.
Borrowings under the 2031 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the Company’s option, either a SOFR or a base rate, plus an interest rate margin which ranges from 87.5 to 150 basis points for SOFR loans and 0 to 50 basis points for base rate loans based on the Company’s credit rating. The commitment fee on the unused available credit ranges from 7 to 20 basis points based on the Company’s credit rating. The Maturity Date may be extended for up to two additional one-year periods with the consent of the Company and lenders holding at least 50 percent of the commitments under the 2031 Credit Agreement. The 2031 Credit Agreement contains customary provisions regarding permitted uses, events of default, and covenants substantively similar to those in the 2027 Credit Agreement, including the maintenance of an interest coverage ratio of no less than 2.5 to 1.0 and a debt to capitalization of no more than or equal to 60 percent (with all calculations based on definitions contained in the 2031 Credit Agreement). Outstanding letters of credit under the 2031 Revolving Credit Facility were $6,000 and available borrowing capacity was $570.0 million as of March 31, 2026.
The Company has a $15 million Credit Line with Bank of America for short-term liquidity needs and letters of credit, with a maturity date of June 30, 2026. Outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Line were $7.6 million and available borrowing capacity was $7.4 million as of March 31, 2026.
As of March 31, 2026, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under its debt instruments. For additional information about the Company’s debt instruments, see Note 5, Long-Term Debt, of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) as well as Note 5, Long-Term Debt, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures
The Company generated positive operating cash flows during the 2026 first quarter with net cash provided by operating activities of $97.7 million compared with $36.5 million for the 2025 first quarter, a 167% increase. The increase in operating cash flows was mainly due to increased net earnings and the timing of accounts payable payments and a decrease in inventories in 2026, partially offset by the timing of accounts receivable collections. The increase in net earnings was driven by higher term contract pricing in the KMT coastal market and improved KDS business activity levels in the commercial and industrial and power generation markets. During the 2026 and 2025 first quarter, the Company generated cash of $2.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively, from proceeds from the disposition of assets, and $4.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, from proceeds from the exercise of stock options.
23
For the 2026 first quarter, cash generated was used for capital expenditures of $48.3 million, including $39.5 million associated with marine maintenance capital and improvements to existing inland and coastal marine equipment and facility improvements, as well as $8.8 million for growth spending in both segments. The growth spending is related to inland equipment construction and equipment for use in a variety of KDS markets including electric fracturing equipment, power generators, and other related equipment. In addition, the Company used cash of $81.4 million for a marine equipment acquisition in the 2026 first quarter.
Treasury Stock Purchases
During the 2026 first quarter, the Company purchased 0.4 million shares of its common stock for $52.7 million, at an average price of $123.18 per share. Subsequent to March 31, 2026 and through May 7, 2026, the Company purchased an additional 45,000 shares of its common stock for $6.5 million, at an average price of $143.76 per share. As of May 7, 2026, the Company had approximately 6.7 million shares available under its existing purchase authorizations. Historically, treasury stock purchases have been financed through operating cash flows and borrowings under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility. The Company is authorized to purchase its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange and in privately negotiated transactions. When purchasing its common stock, the Company is subject to price, trading volume, and other market considerations. Shares purchased may be used for reissuance upon the exercise of stock options or the granting of other forms of incentive compensation, in future acquisitions for stock, or for other appropriate corporate purposes. For more information about stock purchases in the 2026 first quarter, see Part II, Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Liquidity
Funds generated from operations are available for acquisitions, capital expenditure projects, common stock purchases, repayments of borrowings, and for other corporate and operating requirements. In addition to net cash flows provided by operating activities, as of May 7, 2026 the Company also had cash and cash equivalents of $54.5 million, availability of $530 million under its 2031 Revolving Credit Facility, and $7.4 million available under its Credit Line.
Neither the Company, nor any of its subsidiaries, is obligated on any debt instrument, swap agreement, or any other financial instrument or commercial contract which has a rating trigger, except for the pricing grid on its 2031 Credit Agreement.
The Company expects to continue to be able to fund expenditures for acquisitions, capital construction projects, common stock purchases, repayment of borrowings, and for other operating requirements both in the short term and in the long term from a combination of available cash and cash equivalents, funds generated from operating activities, and available financing arrangements.
The 2031 Revolving Credit Facility’s commitment is in the amount of $750 million and matures March 26, 2031, with $180 million currently outstanding at March 31, 2026. The $500 million 4.2% senior unsecured notes do not mature until March 1, 2028 and require no prepayments. The $60 million of 3.46% series A notes and $240 million of 3.51% series B notes do not mature until January 19, 2033 and require no prepayments.
There are numerous factors that may negatively impact the Company’s cash flows in 2026. For a list of significant risks and uncertainties that could impact cash flows, see Note 13, Contingencies and Commitments, of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited), Part II, Item 1A-Risk Factors, and Item 1A-Risk Factors and Note 14, Contingencies and Commitments, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. Amounts available under the Company’s existing financial arrangements are subject to the Company continuing to meet the covenants of the credit facilities as described in Note 5, Long-Term Debt, of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) as well as Note 5, Long-Term Debt, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.
The Company has issued guaranties or obtained standby letters of credit and performance bonds supporting performance by the Company and its subsidiaries of contractual or contingent legal obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business. The aggregate notional value of these instruments is $31.0 million at March 31, 2026, including $12.2 million in letters of credit and $18.8 million in performance bonds. All of these instruments have an expiration date within approximately two years. The Company does not believe demand for payment under these instruments is likely and expects no material cash outlays to occur in connection with these instruments.
KMT term contracts typically contain fuel escalation clauses, or the customer pays for the fuel. However, there is generally a 30 to 120 day delay before contracts are adjusted depending on the specific terms of the contract. In general, the fuel escalation clauses are effective over the long-term in allowing the Company to recover changes in fuel costs due to fuel price changes. However, the short-term effectiveness of the fuel escalation clauses can be affected by a number of factors including, but not limited to, specific terms of the fuel escalation formulas, fuel price volatility, navigating conditions, tow sizes, trip routing, and the location of loading and discharge ports that may result in the Company over or under recovering its fuel costs. The Company’s spot contract rates generally reflect current fuel prices at the time the contract is signed but do not have escalators for fuel.
24
The Company has certain mechanisms designed to help mitigate the impacts of rising costs. For example, KMT has long-term contracts which generally contain cost escalation clauses whereby certain costs, including fuel as noted above, can be largely passed through to its customers. Spot contract rates include the cost of fuel and are subject to market volatility. In KDS, the cost of major components for large manufacturing orders is secured with suppliers at the time a customer order is finalized, which somewhat limits exposure to inflation. To the extent possible, the Company also seeks to include contractual language to address recovery of increased costs related to tariffs in KDS. The repair portion of KDS is based on prevailing current market rates.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, see Part II, Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company’s exposure to market risk has not changed materially since December 31, 2025.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”)), as of March 31, 2026, as required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2026, the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2026 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
25
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See Note 13, Contingencies and Commitments, of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited).
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The Company continues to be subject to the risk factors previously disclosed in its “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. Since the Company filed its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, the U.S. government issued a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act on March 17, 2026, and has announced a 90-day extension of that waiver starting May 18, 2026 that could increase competition from non-U.S. vessels. To date, the Company has not experienced a material adverse impact from this waiver, but if extended, broadened or repeated, there can be no assurance that it will not in the future.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period |
|
Total Number of Shares Purchased |
|
|
Average Price Paid Per Share |
|
|
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans |
|
|
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans |
|
||||
January 1 — January 31, 2026 |
|
|
10,046 |
|
|
$ |
111.13 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
February 1 — February 28, 2026 |
|
|
296,606 |
|
|
$ |
122.28 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
March 1 — March 31, 2026 |
|
|
120,986 |
|
|
$ |
126.38 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Total |
|
|
427,638 |
|
|
$ |
123.18 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Purchases of the Company’s common stock during the 2026 first quarter were made in the open market pursuant to a discretionary authorization by the Board of Directors. For more information about stock purchases in the 2026 first quarter and other information responsive to this Item, see “Treasury Stock Purchases” in Financial Condition, Capital Resources and Liquidity included in Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Item 5. Other Information
There were no “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements” (as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K of the Exchange Act)
Item 6. Exhibits
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number |
|
Description of Exhibits |
3.1 |
– |
Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company with all amendments to date (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014). |
3.2 |
– |
Bylaws of the Company, as amended to April 25, 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 28, 2022). |
3.3 |
– |
Amendment to Bylaws of Kirby Corporation dated April 26, 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 26, 2024). |
4.1 |
– |
See Exhibits 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 hereof for provisions of the Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company with all amendments to date and the Bylaws of the Company with all amendments to date (incorporated, respectively, by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 28, 2022, and Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 26, 2024). |
10.1 |
– |
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated March 26, 2026 among Kirby Corporation, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the banks named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 30, 2026). |
10.2† |
– |
2005 Stock and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 30, 2026). |
10.3† |
– |
2000 Nonemployee Director Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 30, 2026). |
31.1* |
– |
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) |
26
Exhibit Number |
|
Description of Exhibits |
31.2* |
– |
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) |
32* |
– |
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 |
101.INS* |
– |
Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document |
101.SCH* |
– |
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbase Documents |
104* |
– |
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
* Filed herewith.
† Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
27
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/ Raj Kumar |
|
|
Raj Kumar |
|
|
Executive Vice President and |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
Dated: May 8, 2026 |
|
|
28