Kirby Corporation Announces 2021 First Quarter Results
Kirby Corporation reported a net loss of $3.4 million, or $0.06 per share, for Q1 2021, significantly better than a loss of $347.2 million, or $5.80 per share, from Q1 2020. Revenue fell to $496.9 million from $643.9 million year-over-year. The downturn was attributed to COVID-19 impacts and Winter Storm Uri, which reduced liquids production and volumes. However, barge utilization in the inland marine sector began recovering, reaching the low to mid-80% range, with expectations of further improvement. Free cash flow for 2021 is projected between $230 and $310 million.
- Improvement in inland marine barge utilization to the low to mid-80% range.
- Projected free cash flow of $230 to $310 million for 2021.
- Sequential revenue growth in the distribution and services segment.
- Significant net loss of $3.4 million in Q1 2021.
- Total revenue decline to $496.9 million from $643.9 million year-over-year.
- Adverse impact of Winter Storm Uri, causing operational disruptions.
- First quarter 2021 loss per share of (
$0.06) including approximately ($0.09) per share impact related to Winter Storm Uri
- Inland marine business adversely impacted by low pricing, reduced volumes related to Winter Storm Uri, and poor operating conditions
- Inland marine barge utilization recently recovered to the low to mid
-80% range with expectations for continued improvement, particularly in the second half of the year
- Distribution and services segment had sequential revenue growth and positive operating margin with expectations for continued improvement in the second quarter
- Projected free cash flow estimated between
$230 t o$310 million in 2021
HOUSTON, April 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kirby Corporation (“Kirby” or the “Company”) (NYSE: KEX) today announced a net loss attributable to Kirby for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021 of (
David Grzebinski, Kirby’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “As anticipated, Kirby’s first quarter results were greatly affected by the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in marine transportation where volumes and pricing have significantly declined. The quarter was also materially impacted by Winter Storm Uri which resulted in prolonged shutdowns at many of our marine transportation customers’ operations starting in mid-February. These disruptions resulted in a significant decline in liquids production and volumes for the quarter and in some cases extending into April. Distribution and services was also impacted by the storm with reduced activity levels and many of our locations across the South closed for several days. Overall, we estimate that the winter storm reduced our first quarter earnings by approximately
“In marine transportation, during the first half of the quarter, our inland business experienced steady improvement in demand which resulted in our barge utilization improving to near
“In distribution and services, overall activity levels continued to improve during the first quarter resulting in a sequential increase in revenue and operating income. In oil and gas, increased U.S. frac activity contributed to higher demand and new orders for transmissions, parts, and service when compared to the 2020 fourth quarter. Also, our manufacturing business sequentially increased its sales of new environmentally friendly and remanufactured pressure pumping equipment. In commercial and industrial, we benefited from continued improvements in economic activity which resulted in increased activity in our on-highway, power generation, and marine repair businesses. However, reduced deliveries of Thermo King refrigeration equipment as a result of supply chain issues, and lower new marine engine sales resulted in a sequential reduction in commercial and industrial revenues during the quarter.” Mr. Grzebinski concluded.
First Quarter 2021 Segment Results – Marine Transportation
Marine transportation revenues for the 2021 first quarter were
In the inland market, average barge utilization was in the mid
In the coastal market, low demand for refined products and black oil contributed to limited spot market activity and barge utilization in the mid
First Quarter 2021 Segment Results – Distribution and Services
Distribution and services revenues for the 2021 first quarter were
In the commercial and industrial market, revenues declined compared to the 2020 first quarter, primarily due to reduced economic activity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in lower business levels in the on-highway and power generation businesses. The marine repair business was also down year-on-year due to reduced major engine overhaul activity. Commercial and industrial was also impacted by the winter storm with reduced activity levels at many locations across the Southern U.S. During the quarter, the commercial and industrial market represented approximately
In the oil and gas market, revenues and operating income declined compared to the 2020 first quarter due to reduced oilfield activity which resulted in lower customer demand for new and overhauled engines, transmissions, parts, and service. The manufacturing business also experienced reduced year-on-year deliveries of new and remanufactured pressure pumping equipment. The oil and gas businesses were also impacted by the winter storm with reduced activity levels at many locations across Texas and Oklahoma. During the quarter, the oil and gas market represented approximately
Cash Generation
For the 2021 first quarter, EBITDA of
2021 Outlook
Commenting on the 2021 full year outlook, Mr. Grzebinski said, “The first quarter’s financial results were impacted by continued pandemic headwinds, low pricing in marine transportation, and the impact of Winter Storm Uri. However, most of Kirby’s businesses are starting to experience higher activity levels and improving market conditions. We believe the second quarter will show a modest improvement as activity continues to build, and we are optimistic there will be a meaningful improvement in pricing and utilization levels in the second half of the year. In the second quarter, we expect market conditions and barge utilization in inland marine will improve which should help to boost spot market pricing in the coming months. In distribution and services, we anticipate increased activity across much of the segment, yielding higher revenues and improved operating margins. Overall, we anticipate a return to profitability during the second quarter.”
In inland marine, Kirby’s barge utilization in April has improved to over
In coastal, weak market conditions and limited spot demand are expected to continue in the second quarter. Kirby expects coastal barge utilization to remain in the mid
In distribution and services, an improving economy and increased activity in the oilfield are expected to further improve Kirby’s markets during the remainder of the year, contributing to sequential improvement in revenue and operating income in the second quarter and continuing for the balance of the year. In commercial and industrial, revenues are expected to benefit from improving economic conditions, as well as from growth in the on-highway market, in part due to Kirby’s new online parts sales platform which was launched in 2020. However, these gains are expected to be partially offset by lower sales of new marine engines which had remained strong throughout 2020. In the oil and gas market, higher commodity prices and increasing well completions activity are expected to contribute to improved demand for new transmissions, service and parts. Additionally, a heightened focus on sustainability across the energy sector and industrial complex remains and is expected to result in additional deliveries of Kirby’s portfolio of environmentally friendly equipment throughout the remainder of the year. Overall, full year segment revenues are expected to significantly increase with positive operating margins in the low to mid-single digits.
Kirby expects 2021 capital spending to range between
Conference Call
A conference call is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Central Standard Time today, Thursday, April 29, 2021, to discuss the 2021 first quarter performance as well as the outlook for the remainder of 2021. To listen to the webcast, please visit the Investor Relations section of Kirby’s website at www.kirbycorp.com. A slide presentation for this conference call will be posted on Kirby’s website approximately 15 minutes before the start of the webcast. For listeners who wish to participate in the question and answer session of the conference call webcast, you may access the call by dialing (866) 691-5839 within the U.S. and Canada or +1 (409) 216-0840 internationally. The conference ID for the call is 2088194. A replay of the webcast will be available for a period of one year by visiting the News & Events page in the Investor Relations section of Kirby’s website.
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 includes a non-GAAP financial measure, Adjusted EBITDA, which Kirby defines as net earnings (loss) attributable to Kirby before interest expense, taxes on income, depreciation and amortization, impairment of long-lived assets, and impairment of goodwill. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA with GAAP net earnings (loss) attributable to Kirby is included in this press release. This press release also includes non-GAAP financial measures which exclude certain one-time items, including earnings before taxes on income (excluding one-time items), net earnings attributable to Kirby (excluding one-time items), and diluted earnings per share (excluding one-time items). A reconciliation of these measures with GAAP is included in this press release. Management believes the exclusion of certain one-time items from these financial measures enables it and investors to assess and understand operating performance, especially when comparing those results with previous and subsequent periods or forecasting performance for future periods, primarily because management views the excluded items to be outside of Kirby’s normal operating results. This press release also includes a non-GAAP financial measure, free cash flow, which Kirby defines as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. A reconciliation of free cash flow with GAAP is included in this press release. Kirby uses free cash flow to assess and forecast cash flow and to provide additional disclosures on the Company’s liquidity as a result of uncertainty surrounding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global and regional market conditions. Free cash flow does not imply the amount of residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures as it excludes mandatory debt service requirements and other non-discretionary expenditures. This press release also includes marine transportation performance measures, consisting of ton miles, revenue per ton mile, towboats operated and delay days. Comparable marine transportation performance measures for the 2020 year and quarters are available in the Investor Relations section of Kirby’s website, www.kirbycorp.com, under Financials.
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, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related response of governments on global and regional market conditions. 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, 2020.
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, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, coastwise along all three United States coasts, and in Alaska and Hawaii. Kirby transports petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products and agricultural chemicals by tank barge. In addition, Kirby participates in the transportation of dry-bulk commodities in United States coastwise trade. Through the distribution and services segment, Kirby provides after-market service and parts for engines, transmissions, reduction gears, and related equipment used in oilfield services, marine, power generation, on-highway, and other industrial applications. Kirby also rents equipment including generators, industrial compressors, railcar movers, and high capacity lift trucks for use in a variety of industrial markets, and manufactures and remanufactures oilfield service equipment, including pressure pumping units, for land-based oilfield service customers.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
First Quarter | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||
Revenues: | |||||||
Marine transportation | $ | 300,951 | $ | 403,257 | |||
Distribution and services | 195,899 | 240,669 | |||||
Total revenues | 496,850 | 643,926 | |||||
Costs and expenses: | |||||||
Costs of sales and operating expenses | 363,040 | 453,568 | |||||
Selling, general and administrative | 69,629 | 72,080 | |||||
Taxes, other than on income | 8,260 | 11,406 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 54,890 | 55,786 | |||||
Impairments and other charges | — | 561,274 | |||||
Gain on disposition of assets | (2,133 | ) | (492 | ) | |||
Total costs and expenses | 493,686 | 1,153,622 | |||||
Operating income (loss) | 3,164 | (509,696 | ) | ||||
Other income | 3,791 | 2,723 | |||||
Interest expense | (10,966 | ) | (12,799 | ) | |||
Loss before taxes on income | (4,011 | ) | (519,772 | ) | |||
Benefit for taxes on income | 891 | 172,809 | |||||
Net loss | (3,120 | ) | (346,963 | ) | |||
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | (255 | ) | (278 | ) | |||
Net loss attributable to Kirby | $ | (3,375 | ) | $ | (347,241 | ) | |
Net loss per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders: | |||||||
Basic | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (5.80 | ) | |
Diluted | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (5.80 | ) | |
Common stock outstanding (in thousands): | |||||||
Basic | 60,016 | 59,883 | |||||
Diluted | 60,016 | 59,883 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
First Quarter | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA: (1) | |||||||
Net loss attributable to Kirby | $ | (3,375 | ) | $ | (347,241 | ) | |
Interest expense | 10,966 | 12,799 | |||||
Benefit for taxes on income | (891 | ) | (172,809 | ) | |||
Impairment of long-lived assets | — | 165,304 | |||||
Impairment of goodwill | — | 387,970 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 54,890 | 55,786 | |||||
$ | 61,590 | $ | 101,809 | ||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 14,052 | $ | 49,225 | |||
Acquisitions of businesses and marine equipment | $ | — | $ | 60,422 |
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 52,333 | $ | 80,338 | |||
Long-term debt, including current portion | $ | 1,349,338 | $ | 1,468,586 | |||
Total equity | $ | 3,088,744 | $ | 3,087,553 | |||
Debt to capitalization ratio | 30.4 | % | 32.2 | % |
MARINE TRANSPORTATION STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
First Quarter | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | |||||||
Marine transportation revenues | $ | 300,951 | $ | 403,257 | |||
Costs and expenses: | |||||||
Costs of sales and operating expenses | 214,125 | 265,895 | |||||
Selling, general and administrative | 30,578 | 31,924 | |||||
Taxes, other than on income | 6,729 | 9,423 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 47,579 | 45,299 | |||||
Total costs and expenses | 299,011 | 352,541 | |||||
Operating income | $ | 1,940 | $ | 50,716 | |||
Operating margin | 0.6 | % | 12.6 | % |
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
First Quarter | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | |||||||
Distribution and services revenues | $ | 195,899 | $ | 240,669 | |||
Costs and expenses: | |||||||
Costs of sales and operating expenses | 149,127 | 187,673 | |||||
Selling, general and administrative | 36,488 | 37,972 | |||||
Taxes, other than on income | 1,492 | 1,970 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 5,881 | 9,336 | |||||
Total costs and expenses | 192,988 | 236,951 | |||||
Operating income | $ | 2,911 | $ | 3,718 | |||
Operating margin | 1.5 | % | 1.5 | % |
OTHER COSTS AND EXPENSES
First Quarter | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||
(unaudited, $ in thousands) | |||||||
General corporate expenses | $ | 3,820 | $ | 3,348 | |||
Impairment of long-lived assets | — | 165,304 | |||||
Impairment of goodwill | — | 387,970 | |||||
Inventory write-downs | — | 8,000 | |||||
Gain on disposition of assets | $ | 2,133 | $ | 492 |
ONE TIME CHARGES AND BENEFITS
The 2020 first quarter GAAP results include certain one-time charges. The following is a reconciliation of GAAP loss to non-GAAP earnings, excluding the one-time items for loss before tax (pre-tax), net loss attributable to Kirby (after-tax), and diluted loss per share (per share):
First Quarter 2020 | |||||||||||
Pre-Tax | After-Tax | Per Share | |||||||||
(unaudited, $ in millions except per share amounts) | |||||||||||
GAAP loss | $ | (519.8 | ) | $ | (347.2 | ) | $ | (5.80 | ) | ||
Impairments and other charges | 561.3 | 433.3 | 7.24 | ||||||||
Income tax benefit on 2018 and 2019 net operating loss carrybacks | — | (50.8 | ) | (0.85 | ) | ||||||
Earnings, excluding one-time items(2) | $ | 41.5 | $ | 35.3 | $ | 0.59 |
RECONCILIATION OF FREE CASH FLOW
The following is a reconciliation of GAAP net cash provided by operating activities to non-GAAP free cash flow(2):
First Quarter | |||||||
2021 | 2020(3) | ||||||
(unaudited, $ in millions) | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 102.6 | 71.5 | |||||
Less: Capital expenditures | (14.1 | ) | (49.2 | ) | |||
Free cash flow(2) | $ | 88.5 | $ | 22.3 |
FY 2021 Projection | FY 2020(3) | ||||||||||
Low | High | Actual | |||||||||
(unaudited, $ in millions) | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 375.0 | $ | 435.0 | $ | 444.9 | |||||
Less: Capital expenditures | (145.0 | ) | (125.0 | ) | (148.2 | ) | |||||
Free cash flow(2) | $ | 230.0 | $ | 310.0 | $ | 296.7 |
MARINE TRANSPORTATION PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
First Quarter | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||
Inland Performance Measurements: | |||||||
Ton Miles (in millions) (4) | 2,981 | 3,619 | |||||
Revenue/Ton Mile (cents/tm) (5) | 7.5 | 8.8 | |||||
Towboats operated (average) (6) | 241 | 311 | |||||
Delay Days (7) | 2,854 | 4,490 | |||||
Average cost per gallon of fuel consumed | $ | 1.65 | $ | 2.00 | |||
Barges (active): | |||||||
Inland tank barges | 1,057 | 1,065 | |||||
Coastal tank barges | 44 | 49 | |||||
Offshore dry-cargo barges | 4 | 4 | |||||
Barrel capacities (in millions): | |||||||
Inland tank barges | 23.7 | 23.7 | |||||
Coastal tank barges | 4.2 | 4.7 |
(1) Kirby has historically evaluated its operating performance using numerous measures, one of which is Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure. Kirby defines Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings attributable to Kirby before interest expense, taxes on income, depreciation and amortization, impairment of long-lived assets, and impairment of goodwill. Adjusted EBITDA is presented because of its wide acceptance as a financial indicator. Adjusted EBITDA is one of the performance measures used in Kirby’s incentive bonus plan. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by rating agencies in determining Kirby’s credit rating and by analysts publishing research reports on Kirby, as well as by investors and investment bankers generally in valuing companies. Adjusted EBITDA is not a calculation based on generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered as an alternative to, but should only be considered in conjunction with, Kirby’s GAAP financial information.
(2) Kirby uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to review performance excluding certain one-time items including: earnings before taxes on income, excluding one-time items; net earnings attributable to Kirby, excluding one-time items; and diluted earnings per share, excluding one-time items. Management believes that the exclusion of certain one-time items from these financial measures enables it and investors to assess and understand operating performance, especially when comparing those results with previous and subsequent periods or forecasting performance for future periods, primarily because management views the excluded items to be outside of the company's normal operating results. Kirby also uses free cash flow, which is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures, to assess and forecast cash flow and to provide additional disclosures on the Company’s liquidity as a result of uncertainty surrounding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global and regional market conditions. Free cash flow does not imply the amount of residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures as it excludes mandatory debt service requirements and other non-discretionary expenditures. These non-GAAP financial measures are not calculations based on generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered as an alternative to, but should only be considered in conjunction with Kirby’s GAAP financial information.
(3) See Kirby’s 2020 10-K and 2020 first quarter 10-Q/A for amounts provided by (used in) investing and financing activities.
(4) Ton miles indicate fleet productivity by measuring the distance (in miles) a loaded tank barge is moved. Example: A typical 30,000 barrel tank barge loaded with 3,300 tons of liquid cargo is moved 100 miles, thus generating 330,000 ton miles.
(5) Inland marine transportation revenues divided by ton miles. Example: First quarter 2021 inland marine transportation revenues of
(6) Towboats operated are the average number of owned and chartered towboats operated during the period.
(7) Delay days measures the lost time incurred by a tow (towboat and one or more tank barges) during transit. The measure includes transit delays caused by weather, lock congestion and other navigational factors.
FAQ
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