Posted on May 3, 2021
America’s largest tank barge operator, Houston-headquartered Kirby Corporation (NYSE: KEX) today announced a net loss for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021, of $3.4 million, or ($0.06) per share, compared with a loss of $347.2 million or $5.80 per share for the 2020 first quarter.
Excluding one-time items in the 2020 first quarter, net earnings were $35.3 million or $0.59 per share. Consolidated revenues for the 2021 first quarter were $496.9 million compared with $643.9 million reported for the 2020 first quarter.
“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,” said President and CEO David Grzebinski, adding that the quarter was also materially impacted by Winter Storm Uri which resulted in prolonged shutdowns at many of its marine transportation customers’ operations starting in mid-February.
“Overall,” said Grzebinski, “we estimate that the winter storm reduced our first quarter earnings by approximately $0.09 per share.
2021 OUTLOOK
Commenting on the 2021 full year outlook, 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 80% and is expected to increase further as the economy recovers and refineries and chemical plants return to full operations following the winter storm. In the second half of 2021, Kirby anticipates its barge utilization will improve into the high 80% to low 90% range. This improvement in utilization should lead to a more positive pricing environment in the coming months. In the second quarter, inland revenues and operating margin are expected to sequentially improve primarily due to increasing barge utilization and more favorable weather conditions.
“However, certain costs, including maintenance, horsepower, and labor are expected to increase in the second quarter as operations ramp-up to meet demand. During the balance of 2021 and into 2022, term contracts that renewed lower during 2020 and the first quarter will gradually reset. Anticipated improvements in the spot market, which currently represents approximately 35% of inland revenue, will contribute to more meaningful increases in revenues and operating margins in the second half of the year.
“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-70% range with revenues and operating margin similar to the 2021 first quarter. In the second half of the year, coastal barge utilization and operating results are expected to improve as demand for refined products grows and potential infrastructure spending increases demand for asphalt.”
CAPITAL SPENDING
Kirby says it expects 2021 capital spending to range between $125 to $145 million, with the midpoint representing a year-on-year reduction near 10%. Approximately $15 million is associated with the construction of new inland towboats, and approximately $95 to $110 million is associated with capital upgrades and improvements to existing inland and coastal marine equipment and facility improvements.
The balance of approximately $15 to $20 million largely relates to new machinery and equipment, facility improvements, and information technology projects in distribution and services and corporate.
