Is Kirby Corporation a Buy?

Kirby Corporation is a leading operator of domestic tank barges within the United States. Its Marine Transportation division specializes in moving bulk liquid products, providing comprehensive marine transport and towing services. These operations cover an extensive network, including the Mississippi River System, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, all three U.S. coastlines, and extend to Alaska and Hawaii. The company transports a wide array of materials, such as petrochemicals, various black and refined petroleum products, and agricultural chemicals, primarily via tank barge. This segment also manages offshore dry-bulk barges and their accompanying tugboat units, facilitating the coastal transport of dry-bulk commodities across the U.S. As of December 31, 2021, Kirby's substantial fleet consisted of 1,025 inland tank barges, approximately 255 inland towboats, 31 coastal tank barges, 29 coastal tugboats, 4 offshore dry-bulk cargo barges, 4 offshore tugboats, and a single docking tugboat. The Distribution and Services segment focuses on providing critical support and equipment solutions. This includes selling aftermarket services and authentic replacement parts for a diverse range of machinery, such as engines, transmissions, reduction gears, electric motors, drives, controls, electrical distribution and control systems, energy storage battery systems, and related oilfield service equipment. A key offering is the rebuilding of essential components like diesel engines, transmissions, and reduction gears, along with other related equipment used across various sectors including oilfield services, marine, power generation, on-highway transportation, and other industrial applications. Additionally, this division rents out vital equipment, including generators, industrial compressors, high-capacity lift trucks, and refrigeration trailers. Kirby further extends its capabilities by manufacturing and remanufacturing oilfield service equipment, notably pressure pumping units, as well as producing electric power generation equipment, specialized electrical distribution and control systems, and robust energy storage/battery systems tailored for oilfield clients. Kirby Corporation serves a broad clientele, encompassing both various private businesses and the United States government. Established in 1921, the company was initially known as Kirby Exploration Company, Inc., before its renaming to Kirby Corporation in 1990. Its corporate headquarters are located in Houston, Texas.