Kirby Corporation 2007 Fourth Quarter Net Earnings to Exceed Published Guidance

HOUSTON, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Kirby Corporation ("Kirby") (NYSE: KEX) announced today that it expects its 2007 fourth quarter net earnings to exceed $.62 per share, above the top end of Kirby's earnings guidance of $.57 to $.62 per share, and substantially above 2006 fourth quarter earnings of $.44 per share.

Joe Pyne, Kirby's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "As we enter 2008, both our core businesses remain strong and we expect our positive earnings trend to continue. We will address the 2008 first quarter and year guidance as part of our 2007 fourth quarter and year results to be released at 5:00 p.m. central time on Wednesday, January 30, followed by our conference call at 10:00 a.m. central time on Thursday, January 31, 2008."

Kirby Corporation, based in Houston, Texas, operates inland tank barges and towing vessels, transporting petrochemicals, black oil products, refined petroleum products and agricultural chemicals throughout the United States inland waterway system. Kirby also owns and operates four ocean-going barge and tug units transporting dry-bulk commodities in United States coastwise trade. Through the diesel engine services segment, Kirby provides after-market service for medium-speed and high-speed diesel engines and reduction gears used in marine, power generation and railroad applications.

Statements contained in this press release with respect to the future are forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's reasonable judgment with respect to future events. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated as a result of various factors, including cyclical or other downturns in demand, significant pricing competition, unanticipated additions to industry capacity, changes in the Jones Act or in U.S. maritime policy and practice, fuel costs, interest rates, weather conditions, and timing, magnitude and the number of acquisitions made by Kirby. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and Kirby assumes no obligation to update any such statements. A list of additional risk factors can be found in Kirby's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.