摘要: |
The WorkBoat Composite Index began 2023 on an up note, rising 20 points, or 0.6% in January. For the month,winners topped losers by a 3-1 ratio. Among the winners was Houston-based tank barge operator Kirby Corp. The shares in the company were up 6.43, or 10%. On Jan. 31, Kirby an- nounced fourth quarter revenue of $730 million and adjusted earnings of 67 cents per share. This compares to 2021 fourth quarter revenue of $591 million and adjusted earnings of 27 cents per share. In Kirby's Jan. 31 earnings call, David Grzebinski, president and CEO, said the strong results reflected steady market fundamentals in both marine transportation and distribution and services. "We achieved strong fourth quarter results in both our segments and we expect that to continue into the first quarter," Grzebinski told analysts. "Steady demand driven in large part by high refinery utilization and chemical plant utilization should continue to support high barge utilization. Limited new barge construction combined with inflationary pressures are expected to further support inland rate increases. |