| Metric | Value ($ M) | Q1 FY26 | Q2 FY25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 922.40 | 9.3% | 7.8% |
| Total Income | 922.40 | 9.3% | 7.8% |
| Expenditure | 800.04 | 8.6% | 10.6% |
| PBT | 118.41 | 13.1% | 4.5% |
| Net Profit | 89.73 | 10.5% | 4.8% |
| OPM | 13.27% | 0.51pp | 2.15pp |
| NPM | 9.73% | 0.11pp | 1.29pp |
| EPS | 1.68 | 11.3% | 0.0% |
Kirby Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2026 Results
30 Jul 2026 · 30 Jul, 1:31 am
Summary
Kirby Corporation announced second quarter 2026 results with total revenues of $922.4 million, up from $855.5 million in the prior year's second quarter. Earnings per share were $1.67, matching the prior year's figure but showing an 11% sequential increase. Both the Marine Transportation and Distribution and Services segments reported year-over-year revenue growth, driven by strong market fundamentals and customer demand. The company anticipates its full-year earnings per share growth to trend towards the upper end of its 5% to 15% guidance range.
Key Highlights
- 1
Kirby Corporation reported second quarter 2026 earnings per share of $1.67, which was in line with the prior year and up 11% sequentially.
- 2
Total revenues for the 2026 second quarter were $922.4 million, an increase from $855.5 million in the 2025 second quarter.
- 3
Marine transportation revenues increased 9% year-over-year to $537.0 million, driven by strengthening market fundamentals and strong customer demand.
- 4
Distribution and services revenues grew 6% year-over-year to $385.4 million, supported by continued growth in power generation and commercial and industrial activity.
- 5
The company returned $59.7 million of capital to shareholders through share repurchases during the second quarter of 2026.
- 6
Kirby expects results to trend toward the upper end of its full-year earnings per share growth guidance range of 5% - 15% based on current market conditions.
Management Comments
David Grzebinski
Our second quarter results reflected strong execution across both businesses, driving an 11% sequential increase in earnings per share. In marine transportation, the inland market continued to strengthen, supported by steady customer demand, healthy barge utilization, and pricing improvements across both term contract renewals and spot market activity. While marine transportation margins were impacted by previously disclosed fuel cost headwinds in inland marine and elevated shipyard activity in coastal marine, customer demand remained healthy and overall marine transportation conditions were constructive during the quarter. In distribution and services, results benefited from continued demand growth in power generation and sustained growth in commercial and industrial markets. Overall, our businesses performed well during the quarter and delivered solid results, reflecting healthy end-market conditions and a continued focus on operational excellence. In inland marine, market fundamentals remained constructive during the quarter, supported by strong refinery utilization, favorable customer activity, and barge utilization in the low-90% range. Spot market rates improved sequentially during the quarter, while term contract renewals increased in the low-single digits compared with the prior year. As previously communicated, rising fuel costs created a near-term headwind to margins during the quarter; however, cost escalators and rate recovery mechanisms are expected to reverse this margin headwind in the third quarter. The combination of steady demand, improving pricing, and disciplined execution supported operating margins in the high-teens range. In coastal marine, customer demand remained healthy, with barge utilization in the high-90% range. However, market-specific dynamics affecting smaller-capacity ATBs in the 80,000 to 100,000 barrel range led to low-single-digit declines in term contract renewal rates year-over-year. Despite these pressures, second quarter coastal revenues increased 10% year-over-year. Operating margins were in the low-to-mid-teens range, primarily due to elevated shipyard activity. In distribution and services, results reflected strong performance across several end markets. Second quarter revenues increased 6% year-over-year, driven by strong demand for behind-the-meter and backup power generation solutions and continued growth in commercial and industrial activity. Oil and gas activity also improved compared with the first quarter of 2026. Overall, the segment delivered solid results across its portfolio, demonstrating the strength of the Company’s market positions and momentum in several key growth areas. As we enter the second half of 2026, we remain encouraged by the momentum across our businesses. Inland marine fundamentals continue to strengthen, supported by healthy utilization and improving pricing, while power generation remains a significant contributor to growth in distribution and services. Backed by our market-leading positions and disciplined operating approach, we believe Kirby is well positioned to capitalize on opportunities across our end markets and deliver solid performance in the second half of the year. Based on current market conditions, we remain comfortable with our full-year earnings per share growth guidance of 5% to 15% and currently expect results to trend toward the upper end of the range.
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