Kirby Corporation (KEX)

Net profit margin

		Dec 31, 2023	Sep 30, 2023	Jun 30, 2023	Mar 31, 2023	Dec 31, 2022	Sep 30, 2022	Jun 30, 2022	Mar 31, 2022	Dec 31, 2021	Sep 30, 2021	Jun 30, 2021	Mar 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Sep 30, 2020	Jun 30, 2020	Mar 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019	Sep 30, 2019	Jun 30, 2019	Mar 31, 2019
Net income (ttm)	US$ in thousands	222,935	198,338	174,465	145,555	122,291	95,943	-207,878	-226,145	-246,954	-235,711	56,508	71,320	-272,546	-291,973	-271,475	-249,190	142,347	115,133	108,962	90,277
Revenue (ttm)	US$ in thousands	3,047,864	2,978,815	2,959,644	2,883,549	2,748,750	2,612,051	2,466,984	2,328,190	2,210,984	2,118,857	2,025,957	2,015,773	2,171,408	2,337,579	2,507,821	2,737,704	2,838,399	2,903,965	2,942,001	2,973,630
Net profit margin		7.31%	6.66%	5.89%	5.05%	4.45%	3.67%	-8.43%	-9.71%	-11.17%	-11.12%	2.79%	3.54%	-12.55%	-12.49%	-10.83%	-9.10%	5.02%	3.96%	3.70%	3.04%

December 31, 2023 calculation

Net profit margin = Net income (ttm) ÷ Revenue (ttm)
= $222,935K ÷ $3,047,864K
= 7.31%

Net profit margin is a key financial ratio that measures a company's profitability by expressing its net income as a percentage of total revenue. Kirby Corp.'s net profit margin has shown a generally positive trend over the past eight quarters, indicating improving profitability.

In Q1 2022, Kirby Corp. faced a challenge with a negative net profit margin of -9.58%, likely due to operational or one-time expenses impacting its earnings. However, the company managed to significantly improve its performance in subsequent quarters. In Q2 2022, the net profit margin improved to -8.32%, albeit still negative.

From Q3 2022 onwards, Kirby Corp. saw a turnaround in its profitability. The net profit margin increased consistently, reaching 7.21% in Q4 2023, the highest level in the given period. This positive trend suggests that the company has effectively managed its costs and operations to enhance profitability.

Overall, the increasing trend in Kirby Corp.'s net profit margin indicates improving efficiency in generating profit from its operations. Investors and stakeholders may view this positively as a sign of the company's ability to drive earnings growth and enhance shareholder value.