Kirby expects 2023 capital spending $300M-$380M

Commenting on the outlook for the remainder of 2023, Mr. Grzebinski said, “We exited the quarter with continued strength in our businesses. Pricing in the marine market continues to improve and demand is strong. In distribution and services, despite persistent supply chain constraints and delays, demand for our products and services continues to grow, and we continue to receive new orders in manufacturing. Overall, we expect our businesses to deliver improved financial results in the coming quarters. While all of this is encouraging, we are mindful of challenges related to a slowing global economy and additional economic headwinds due to higher interest rates. Also, labor constraints and inflationary pressures continue contributing to rising costs across our businesses, although some of this is starting to moderate. Even with these uncertainties, we remain very positive and expect to drive strong cash flow from operations.” In inland marine, we anticipate continued gradual upward movement in pricing and margins in the second half of 2023 as steady demand and a limited availability of equipment is expected to keep the market tight. As a result, the Company expects further pricing improvements in the spot market, which currently represents approximately 45% of inland revenues. Term contracts are also expected to continue to reset higher to reflect improved market conditions and offset inflation. Overall, inland revenues are expected to grow by low double digits on a full year basis. Barring unexpected high cost inflation and rising fuel costs, the Company expects operating margins to continue improving as the year progresses and average in the high teens for the full year. In coastal marine, revenues and operating margins are being impacted this year by an approximate doubling of planned shipyard maintenance days with ballast water treatment installations on certain vessels. Kirby expects modestly improved customer demand through the balance of the year with barge utilization in the low to mid-90% range. Rates are expected to continue gradually improving as the industry is getting very close to supply and demand balance across the fleet. For the full year, coastal revenues are expected to be flat compared to 2022. Coastal operating margins are expected to be near break-even to low single digits on a full year basis. In distribution and services, favorable oilfield fundamentals and steady demand in commercial and industrial are expected to continue throughout 2023 and into 2024. In the oil and gas market, despite the near-term headwinds of lower commodity prices and flat to declining rig counts, we expect strong demand for manufacturing as well as for OEM products, parts, and services. Within manufacturing, the Company expects demand for environmentally friendly pressure pumping and e-frac power generation equipment to remain strong, with new orders and increased deliveries of new equipment during the year. Supply chain issues and long lead times are expected to persist in the near-term, contributing to some volatility as deliveries of new products shift between quarters and into 2024. In commercial and industrial, steady markets are expected to help drive full year revenue growth in the low double-digit percentage range, with increased activity in power generation, marine repair, and on-highway. Overall, the Company expects segment revenues to grow 10% to 20% on a full year basis with operating margins in the mid to high-single digits. Kirby expects to generate net cash provided from operating activities of $500 million to $580 million in 2023. 2023 capital spending is expected to range between $300 to $380 million. Approximately $240 million is associated with marine maintenance capital and improvements to existing inland and coastal marine equipment, including ballast water treatment systems on some coastal vessels, and facility improvements. Up to approximately $140 million is associated with growth capital spending in both our businesses.