KEX Q3 Deep Dive: Power Generation Surge and Stable Marine Margins Support Growth

Marine transportation service company Kirby (NYSE:KEX) reported Q3 CY2025 results exceeding the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 4.8% year on year to $871.2 million. Its GAAP profit of $1.65 per share was 2.3% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy KEX? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

StockStory’s Take

Kirby’s third quarter was characterized by a positive market response, driven by robust demand in its growing power generation business and disciplined execution across core segments. Management cited strong order volumes from data center and industrial customers, as well as resilience in coastal marine operations, as primary contributors. CEO David Grzebinski highlighted that “power generation has emerged as the leading contributor to growth in both revenue and operating income within the Distribution and Services segment,” while steady utilization and pricing supported stable margins in marine transportation. Near-term softness in inland marine activity was offset by operational efficiency and cost management.

Looking ahead, Kirby’s outlook is shaped by continued momentum in power generation, a healthy project backlog, and expectations of gradual improvement in inland marine conditions. Management sees ongoing demand from data centers and industrial clients as a key driver, with Grzebinski stating, “the backlog is...at a record...and it continues to grow.” While management anticipates some quarter-to-quarter variability in power generation results due to supply dynamics, they expect overall growth to remain strong. In marine, Kirby is monitoring barge utilization and contract renewals closely, aiming to capitalize on constrained industry supply and stable customer demand.

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management attributed the quarter’s performance to strong demand in power generation, resilient coastal marine fundamentals, and decisive cost discipline amid inland softness.

• Power generation expansion: Management emphasized a surge in orders from data centers and industrial customers, resulting in power generation revenues up 56% year-over-year. This segment is now the leading growth contributor within Distribution and Services. The backlog reached record levels, with Grzebinski indicating continued robust demand and a book-to-bill ratio well above 1, although quarter-to-quarter results may remain lumpy due to engine delivery schedules.
• Inland marine softness and stabilization: The inland marine business faced temporary headwinds from lighter feedstock mixes, improved weather, and reduced barge maintenance, leading to utilization in the mid-80% range and spot rate declines in the low to mid-single digits. However, management noted an improvement in utilization to nearly 88% entering the fourth quarter, with specialty fleets fully utilized and expectations for stabilization or improvement depending on chemical market recovery and seasonal weather impacts.
• Coastal marine strength: Coastal marine remained a bright spot, benefiting from high barge utilization in the mid- to high-90% range and limited vessel supply. Contract renewals drove mid-teens year-over-year price increases, and operating margins remained around 20%, reflecting strong pricing power and operational reliability.
• Distribution and Services resilience: Beyond power generation, commercial and industrial markets showed steady growth from marine repair and a modest recovery in on-highway services. Oil and gas remained mixed, with e-frac equipment offsetting conventional market declines, and overall segment operating income advanced 40% year-over-year on disciplined cost management.
• Capital allocation and liquidity: Kirby generated significant free cash flow in the quarter, enabling $120 million in share repurchases and maintaining a strong balance sheet with low leverage. Management reiterated their intent to allocate excess capital to both share buybacks and selective acquisitions if strategic opportunities arise.

Drivers of Future Performance

Kirby’s forward guidance is anchored by sustained power generation demand, stable marine fundamentals, and cautious optimism about inland market recovery.

• Data center and industrial power growth: Management expects continued expansion in power generation, supported by a robust backlog of orders from data centers and industrial clients. While some lumpiness is expected due to engine delivery timing, the overall growth trajectory is anticipated to remain in the low- to mid-teens percentage range annually, with new high-power node offerings under development.
• Inland marine recovery potential: Inland marine markets are forecasted to modestly improve as barge utilization trends higher and chemical sector activity shows early signs of stabilization. However, management remains cautious, citing macroeconomic and customer-specific risks that could affect spot pricing and contract renewals, particularly given the large volume of contracts up for renewal in the fourth quarter.
• Coastal marine pricing momentum: The coastal segment is expected to benefit from continued tight vessel supply and stable customer demand, supporting sustained high utilization and further pricing gains on contract renewals, even as management monitors for potential impacts from seasonal weather and customer activity shifts.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

Looking forward, StockStory analysts will monitor (1) the pace of power generation backlog conversion to revenue, especially from data center and industrial customers, (2) inland barge utilization rates and pricing trends as chemical markets recover, and (3) the outcome of major contract renewals in inland marine during the fourth quarter. Execution on cost management and capital deployment strategies will also be critical indicators for Kirby’s trajectory.

Kirby currently trades at $100.40, up from $88.72 just before the earnings. Is there an opportunity in the stock?The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

High Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.

Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.