KIRBY CORPORATION JCP Investment Management LLC holding in Q3 2023 Form 13-F

Kirby Corporation specializes in two main business segments: marine transportation and distribution and services. In the marine transportation segment, Kirby operates as the largest domestic tank barge operator in the United States, transporting bulk liquid products such as petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products, and agricultural chemicals. This segment operates primarily through its Kirby Marine Transportation (KMT) division, which utilizes a fleet of tank barges and towing vessels across major U.S. waterways, including the Mississippi River System and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Kirby's fleet includes 1,094 inland tank barges and 28 coastal tank barges, serving a primarily contract-based customer base.

In the distribution and services segment, Kirby provides after-market services, genuine replacement parts, and equipment rental for engines, transmissions, and related machinery across various industries, including oilfield services and power generation. This segment, known as Kirby Distribution and Services (KDS), also manufactures specialized industrial equipment. Key operations include the overhaul and repair of diesel engines and parts for marine applications, as well as distribution and service of diesel engines and transmissions for on-highway and off-highway applications. KDS serves a diverse client base, including commercial and industrial markets, power generation, and oil and gas sectors, generating significant revenue from services and parts sales.

Kirby operates predominantly in the United States, with its business performance influenced by factors such as demand for bulk liquid commodities, economic activity, and refinery utilization. Its primary customers include petrochemical and refining companies, with no single customer dominating its revenue stream. The company's operations are structured into its two main segments, KMT and KDS, each catering to specific market needs and contributing to Kirby's overall revenue through a mix of long-term contracts and spot market opportunities.