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Exhibit 99.1
KIRBY CORPORATION
Contact:  Brian Carey
713-435-1413

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KIRBY CORPORATION ANNOUNCES 2017 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS

·
2017 second quarter earnings per share of $0.48 compared with $0.72 in the 2016 second quarter

·
2017 third quarter earnings per share guidance of $0.40 to $0.55 compared with $0.59 earned in the 2016 third quarter

·
Full year 2017 earnings per share guidance range narrowed to $1.80 to $2.10 from prior guidance of $1.70 to $2.20, and compared to $2.62 earned in 2016, and does not include any impact from the pending purchase of Stewart & Stevenson LLC

Houston, Texas (July 26, 2017) – Kirby Corporation (“Kirby”) (NYSE: KEX) today announced net earnings attributable to Kirby for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017 of $25.8 million, or $0.48 per share, compared with $38.9 million, or $0.72 per share, for the 2016 second quarter. Second quarter net earnings includes pre-tax expenses of $0.7 million, or approximately $0.01 per share, related to the pending acquisition of Stewart & Stevenson LLC (“S&S”).  Consolidated revenues for the 2017 second quarter were $473.3 million compared with $441.6 million reported for the 2016 second quarter.

David Grzebinski, Kirby’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Our second quarter reflected trends across our businesses consistent with late 2016 and the 2017 first quarter.  In particular, results in our land-based diesel engine business continue to drive higher, surpassing our expectations.  While product demand in that market has been slow to build relative to upswings we’ve experienced in the past, service demand has been robust enough for us to reach near-peak operating margins, even on relatively low revenue.  We are excited about the potential for a combination of improving operational leverage from increased throughput, and higher revenue as product sales improve.  Our revised 2017 outlook, discussed in more detail below, was prompted by recognition of this market strength combined with a more conservative view in our marine markets for the year.”

Mr. Grzebinski continued, “The macro backdrop is as encouraging as it’s been since we entered the land-based services market, with equipment broadly in a state of disrepair and a long tail of pent up service demand lagging the increase in the rig count over the past twelve months.  We believe our decision to purchase S&S is well timed.  The transaction will unlock new strategic opportunities for our distribution and services business, and afford us an opportunity to expand the service capability at S&S, while enhancing an already good position for further strengthening of the market.”

Mr. Grzebinski concluded, “We remain steadfast in our view of the long-term potential in our marine transportation markets.  The inland market, in particular, has experienced one of the most severe and long-lasting downturns in the past three decades. This sets up a market that is conducive to both consolidation and a lack of capital investment by the competition, which plays to Kirby’s strength and future growth opportunities.  We are committed and have the balance sheet capacity to pursue the right acquisitions in the inland marine market, and we expect to emerge from this downturn larger and more efficient, with unparalleled customer service in the industry.”

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Segment Results – Marine Transportation
Marine transportation revenues for the 2017 second quarter were $331.3 million compared with $378.3 million for the 2016 second quarter.  Operating income for the 2017 second quarter was $35.8 million compared with $72.7 million for the 2016 second quarter.

In the inland market, barge utilization was in the mid-80% to high 80% range for the quarter, compared to the high 80% to low 90% range in the first quarter.  Operating conditions improved due to better weather, which enhanced operating efficiency and drove lower utilization compared to the first quarter.  Seasonally weak demand for the transportation of agricultural chemicals also drove modestly lower sequential utilization.  Demand for inland tank barge transportation of petrochemicals and black oil was stable year-over-year, while demand for refined petroleum products and agricultural chemicals was lower.  Both term and spot contract pricing were at lower levels relative to the second quarter of 2016.  Spot pricing remained stable compared to the 2017 first quarter.  The operating margin for the inland business was in the mid-teens.

In the coastal market, tank barge utilization was in the high 60% to mid-70% range during the second quarter as the market became incrementally weaker relative to earlier in the year.  Demand for the transportation of black oil, petrochemicals, and dry products was stable, while demand for the transportation of refined petroleum products and crude oil was lower than the 2016 second quarter, as weakness in those markets persists due to an oversupply of barrel capacity.  The trend of coastal vessels moving into the spot market at the expiration of term contracts continued, increasing idle time and voyage costs.  The operating margin for the coastal marine business was in the negative low-single digits.

The marine transportation segment’s 2017 second quarter operating margin was 10.8% compared with 19.2% for the second quarter of 2016 as a result of weaker term and spot pricing in the inland market and increased idle time and voyage costs in the coastal market as more barges operated in the spot market.

Segment Results – Diesel Engine Services
Diesel engine services revenues for the 2017 second quarter were $142.1 million with operating income of $16.4 million, compared with 2016 second quarter revenues of $63.3 million and an operating loss of $2.0 million.

The higher revenues and operating income as compared to the second quarter of 2016 were due to improved demand for the remanufacturing of pressure pumping units, rebuilt transmissions, and an increase in the sale of new pressure pumping units.  Orders for new pressure pumping equipment were received during the quarter, and are expected to ship in the third quarter.  In our marine diesel engine services business, revenues declined compared to the 2016 second quarter due to customer deferrals of major overhauls, particularly in the Midwest and on the East Coast.  Demand in the power generation market was slightly lower than the 2016 second quarter, and was comparable to the 2017 first quarter.

2

The diesel engine services operating margin was 11.5% for the 2017 second quarter compared with (3.1)% for the 2016 second quarter primarily as a result of increased activity and efficiency in the land-based market.

Cash Generation
EBITDA of $189.0 million for the 2017 first six months compares with EBITDA of $230.3 million for the first six months of 2016.  Cash flow was used to fund capital expenditures of $92.5 million, including $7.1 million for new inland tank barge and towboat construction, $25.5 million for progress payments on the construction of one new coastal articulated tank barge and tugboat unit (“ATB”), two 4900 horsepower coastal tugboats and six 5000 horsepower coastal ATB tugboats, and $59.9 million primarily for upgrades to the existing inland and coastal fleets.  Total debt as of June 30, 2017 was $591.5 million and Kirby’s debt-to-capitalization ratio was 19.3%.

Outlook
Commenting on the 2017 third quarter and full year market outlook and guidance, Mr.  Grzebinski said, “Our earnings guidance for the 2017 third quarter is $0.40 to $0.55 per share compared with $0.59 per share for the 2016 third quarter.  Our full year earnings guidance is narrowed to $1.80 to $2.10 per share.  Third quarter and full year guidance contemplates inland marine utilization in the mid-80% range at the low end and low 90% range at the high end.  While we hoped to see modest pricing gains in our inland business in the second half of 2017, we are tempering that expectation as it now seems more likely to occur in 2018. As a result, the difference between the low and high end of guidance is dependent on inland tank barge utilization and flat pricing.  In our coastal market, we expect utilization in the mid-60% to low 70% range for the third quarter and low 70% to mid-70% range for the full year.  We expect quarterly negative operating margins in the range of the low single digits to high single digits.  For the full year in the coastal business we are guiding to negative operating margins in the mid-single digits on the low end and low single digits on the high end.”

Mr. Grzebinski continued, “In our diesel engine services markets, we anticipate pressure pumping remanufacturing and transmission overhaul service work in our land-based business will maintain current levels in the third quarter and remain strong through year end, with revenue for the year of $400 million to $450 million versus prior guidance of $290 million to $340 million.  We expect a minor sequential decline for the marine and power generation businesses for the remainder of the year due to the deferral of service work by marine customers.”

Mr. Grzebinski concluded, “With respect to S&S, we expect to close on the transaction during the third quarter, and plan to provide earnings guidance for the remainder of 2017 on our third quarter earnings call.”

Kirby expects 2017 capital spending to be in the $165 to $185 million range, unchanged from previous guidance.  Capital spending guidance includes approximately $50 million in progress payments on new coastal equipment, including a 155,000 barrel ATB, two 4900 horsepower and six 5000 horsepower coastal tugboats.  The balance of $115 to $135 million is primarily for six new inland tank barges and capital upgrades and improvements to existing inland and coastal marine equipment and facilities, as well as diesel engine services facilities.


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Conference Call
A conference call is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. central time tomorrow, Thursday, July 27, 2017, to discuss the 2017 second quarter performance as well as the outlook for the 2017 third quarter and year.  The conference call number is 888-317-6003 for domestic callers and 412-317-6061 for international callers.  The confirmation number is 5398439.  An audio playback will be available at 1:00 p.m. central time on Thursday, July 27, 2017, through 5:00 p.m. central time on Thursday, August 3, 2017, by dialing 877-344-7529 for domestic callers and 412-317-0088 for international callers.  The replay access code is 10110291.  A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available to the public and a replay available after the call by visiting Kirby’s website at http://www.kirbycorp.com/.

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 include a non-GAAP financial measure, EBITDA, which Kirby defines as net earnings attributable to Kirby before interest expense, taxes on income, depreciation and amortization.  A reconciliation of EBITDA with GAAP net earnings attributable to Kirby is included in this press release.  This earnings press release includes marine transportation performance measures, consisting of ton miles, revenue per ton mile, towboats operated and delay days.  Comparable performance measures for the 2016 year and quarters are available at Kirby’s website, http://www.kirbycorp.com/, under the caption Performance Measurements in the Investor Relations section.

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.  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, 2016 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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.  Kirby also operates offshore dry-bulk barge and tugboat units engaged in the offshore transportation of dry-bulk cargoes in the United States coastal trade.  Through the diesel engine services segment, Kirby provides after-market service for medium-speed and high-speed diesel engines and reduction gears used in marine and power generation applications.  Kirby also distributes and services diesel engines, transmissions and pumps, and manufactures and remanufactures oilfield service equipment, including pressure pumping units, for land-based oilfield service and oil and gas operator and producer markets.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

   
Second Quarter
   
Six Months
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(unaudited, $ in thousands except per share amounts)
 
Revenues:
                 
Marine transportation
 
$
331,265
   
$
378,303
   
$
674,917
   
$
756,646
 
Diesel engine services
   
142,063
     
63,279
     
290,116
     
143,669
 
     
473,328
     
441,582
     
965,033
     
900,315
 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Costs of sales and operating expenses
   
324,540
     
276,897
     
669,836
     
565,807
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
46,531
     
42,842
     
92,649
     
93,303
 
Taxes, other than on income
   
6,344
     
5,468
     
12,993
     
10,872
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
48,293
     
49,661
     
96,463
     
98,285
 
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets
   
139
     
(94
)
   
40
     
(161
)
     
425,847
     
374,774
     
871,981
     
768,106
 
Operating income
   
47,481
     
66,808
     
93,052
     
132,209
 
Other income (expense)
   
(1
)
   
179
     
(117
)
   
314
 
Interest expense
   
(4,465
)
   
(4,513
)
   
(8,922
)
   
(8,706
)
Earnings before taxes on income
   
43,015
     
62,474
     
84,013
     
123,817
 
Provision for taxes on income
   
(17,043
)
   
(23,365
)
   
(30,396
)
   
(46,224
)
Net earnings
   
25,972
     
39,109
     
53,617
     
77,593
 
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
(194
)
   
(167
)
   
(356
)
   
(552
)
                                 
Net earnings attributable to Kirby
 
$
25,778
   
$
38,942
   
$
53,261
   
$
77,041
 
                                 
Net earnings per share attributable to Kirby common stockholders:
                               
Basic
 
$
0.48
   
$
0.72
   
$
0.99
   
$
1.43
 
Diluted
 
$
0.48
   
$
0.72
   
$
0.99
   
$
1.43
 
Common stock outstanding (in thousands):
                               
Basic
   
53,586
     
53,451
     
53,564
     
53,446
 
Diluted
   
53,645
     
53,526
     
53,627
     
53,505
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   
Second Quarter
   
Six Months
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(unaudited, $ in thousands)
 
EBITDA: (1)
                       
Net earnings attributable to Kirby
 
$
25,778
   
$
38,942
   
$
53,261
   
$
77,041
 
Interest expense
   
4,465
     
4,513
     
8,922
     
8,706
 
Provision for taxes on income
   
17,043
     
23,365
     
30,396
     
46,224
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
48,293
     
49,661
     
96,463
     
98,285
 
   
$
95,579
   
$
116,481
   
$
189,042
   
$
230,256
 
                                 
Capital expenditures
 
$
46,744
   
$
60,525
   
$
92,509
   
$
111,048
 
Acquisitions of businesses and marine equipment
 
$
-
   
$
120,991
   
$
-
   
$
120,991
 
                                 
                   
June 30,
 
                    2017     2016  
     
(unaudited, $ in thousands)
 
Long-term debt, including current portion
   
$
591,535
   
$
798,687
 
Total equity
   
$
2,477,388
   
$
2,350,679
 
Debt to capitalization ratio
     
19.3
%
   
25.4
%

5

MARINE TRANSPORTATION STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

   
Second Quarter
   
Six Months
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(unaudited, $ in thousands)
 
                         
Marine transportation revenues
 
$
331,265
   
$
378,303
   
$
674,917
   
$
756,646
 
                                 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Costs of sales and operating expenses
   
217,557
     
228,592
     
447,691
     
455,344
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
27,586
     
26,600
     
55,464
     
59,297
 
Taxes, other than on income
   
5,849
     
4,953
     
11,947
     
9,791
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
44,507
     
45,432
     
88,795
     
89,693
 
     
295,499
     
305,577
     
603,897
     
614,125
 
                                 
Operating income
 
$
35,766
   
$
72,726
   
$
71,020
   
$
142,521
 
                                 
Operating margins
   
10.8
%
   
19.2
%
   
10.5
%
   
18.8
%


DIESEL ENGINE SERVICES STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

   
Second Quarter
   
Six Months
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(unaudited, $ in thousands)
 
                         
Diesel engine services revenues
 
$
142,063
   
$
63,279
   
$
290,116
   
$
143,669
 
                                 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Costs of sales and operating expenses
   
106,983
     
48,305
     
222,145
     
110,463
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
15,381
     
13,178
     
31,075
     
28,309
 
Taxes, other than income
   
482
     
502
     
1,023
     
1,053
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
2,862
     
3,262
     
5,784
     
6,618
 
     
125,708
     
65,247
     
260,027
     
146,443
 
                                 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
16,355
   
$
(1,968
)
 
$
30,089
   
$
(2,774
)
                                 
Operating margins
   
11.5
%
   
(3.1
)%
   
10.4
%
   
(1.9
)%


OTHER COSTS AND EXPENSES

   
Second Quarter
   
Six Months
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(unaudited, $ in thousands)
 
                         
General corporate expenses
 
$
4,501
   
$
4,044
   
$
8,017
   
$
7,699
 
                                 
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets
 
$
139
   
$
(94
)
 
$
40
   
$
(161
)


6

MARINE TRANSPORTATION PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
 
   
Second Quarter
   
Six Months
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Inland Performance Measurements:
                       
Ton Miles (in millions) (2)
   
2,818
     
2,792
     
5,795
     
5,540
 
Revenue/Ton Mile (cents/tm) (3)
   
7.9
     
8.8
     
7.9
     
8.9
 
Towboats operated (average) (4)
   
220
     
241
     
228
     
241
 
Delay Days (5)
   
1,367
     
2,035
     
3,634
     
4,271
 
Average cost per gallon of fuel consumed
 
$
1.72
   
$
1.35
   
$
1.75
   
$
1.31
 
                                 
Barges (active):
                               
Inland tank barges
     
849
     
901
 
Coastal tank barges
     
67
     
69
 
Offshore dry-cargo barges
     
5
     
6
 
Barrel capacities (in millions):
                 
Inland tank barges
     
17.4
     
18.3
 
Coastal tank barges
     
6.1
     
6.1
 


(1)
Kirby has historically evaluated its operating performance using numerous measures, one of which is EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure.  Kirby defines EBITDA as net earnings attributable to Kirby before interest expense, taxes on income, depreciation and amortization.  EBITDA is presented because of its wide acceptance as a financial indicator.  EBITDA is one of the performance measures used in Kirby’s incentive bonus plan.  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.  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)
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.
(3)
Inland marine transportation revenues divided by ton miles.  Example:  Second quarter 2017 inland marine transportation revenues of $223,647,000 divided by 2,818,000,000 inland marine transportation ton miles = 7.9 cents.
(4)
Towboats operated are the average number of owned and chartered towboats operated during the period.
(5)
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.
 
 
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