Matson (NYSE:MATX) Announces Quarterly Earnings Results

Matson (NYSE:MATX) posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday. The shipping company reported $4.27 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.79 by $0.48, Zacks reports. Matson had a net margin of 12.92% and a return on equity of 15.90%. The business had revenue of $969.40 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $893.91 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.92 EPS. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 16.7% on a year-over-year basis.

Here are the key takeaways from Matson’s conference call:

• Matson raised its full-year 2026 outlook, expecting consolidated operating income, ocean transportation, and logistics operating income to exceed 2025 levels.
• China service volume increased 15.2% year over year in the second quarter, with CLX and MAX operating at or near capacity through peak season amid strong e-commerce, garment, and electronics demand and higher-than-expected freight rates.
• Management expects third-quarter ocean transportation operating income to rise approximately 45% year over year, driven by higher China-service volume and pricing, while resilient U.S. consumer demand and stable Trans-Pacific trade conditions support the outlook.
• Management expects fourth-quarter ocean transportation operating income to be modestly below the prior-year quarter because 2025 benefited from an unusually prolonged, tariff-related freight surge; SSAT’s 2026 contribution is also expected to fall below 2025’s $32.5 million.
• Matson reported consolidated operating income of $158.9 million, up $45.9 million year over year, and continues to generate strong cash flow while funding its Aloha Class vessel program; the first new vessel remains on schedule for delivery in the first quarter of 2027.

Matson Stock Performance

Shares of MATX stock opened at $207.44 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. Matson has a 52 week low of $86.97 and a 52 week high of $230.74. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.28 billion, a PE ratio of 15.24 and a beta of 1.27. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $199.69 and a two-hundred day moving average of $177.87.

Matson Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 3rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.38 per share. This is a boost from Matson’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.36. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 6th. This represents a $1.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. Matson’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 10.58%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on Matson in a research report on Monday, April 27th. They set an “overweight” rating and a $230.00 price target for the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c)” rating on shares of Matson in a report on Friday, May 29th. Finally, Zacks Research raised Matson to a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 29th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $203.33.

Key Matson News

Here are the key news stories impacting Matson this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Quarterly earnings beat expectations: Matson reported diluted EPS of $4.27, up from $2.92 a year earlier and above analyst estimates of approximately $3.74–$3.79. Revenue rose 16.7% year over year to $969.4 million, also exceeding consensus. Matson Tops Q2 Earnings and Revenue Estimates
• Positive Sentiment: Profitability improved sharply: Net income increased 36.6% to $129.4 million, operating income climbed 40.6% to $158.9 million, and EBITDA rose to $211.0 million from $163.6 million in the prior-year quarter. Matson Announces Second Quarter 2026 Results
• Positive Sentiment: Outlook raised: Management increased its full-year 2026 outlook, providing an additional catalyst for the stock by signaling confidence in continued operating momentum. Matson also repurchased approximately 0.3 million shares during the quarter. Matson Raises Full-Year Outlook
• Neutral Sentiment: Operating cash flow remained solid at $137.6 million, although capital expenditures increased to $181.8 million. Cash and equivalents rose to $119.3 million, while total liabilities edged higher. Matson Q2 2026 Earnings and Profitability
• Negative Sentiment: Third-party data shows substantial insider selling over the past six months, with 35 reported sales and no purchases. While such transactions may reflect routine diversification, the absence of insider buying could temper investor enthusiasm. Matson Insider Trading Activity

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, SVP Kuuhaku T. Park sold 2,500 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.19, for a total transaction of $450,475.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 10,984 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,979,206.96. This represents a 18.54% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, SVP Christopher A. Scott sold 3,305 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $180.14, for a total value of $595,362.70. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 11,228 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,022,611.92. The trade was a 22.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 23,963 shares of company stock valued at $4,349,268. Corporate insiders own 2.51% of the company’s stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Matson

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in MATX. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Matson during the second quarter worth approximately $28,000. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC purchased a new position in Matson in the third quarter worth approximately $30,000. Kestra Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in Matson in the fourth quarter worth approximately $67,000. Gilpin Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Matson during the 4th quarter worth approximately $68,000. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Matson during the 1st quarter worth approximately $78,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.76% of the company’s stock.

Matson Company Profile

Matson, Inc (NYSE: MATX) is a U.S.-based provider of ocean transportation and supply chain logistics services with a focus on Pacific trade lanes. The company operates a fleet of container ships that regularly service Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Micronesia and other Pacific islands, as well as mainland U.S. ports. Matson’s ocean transportation segment offers scheduled liner services, expedited shipping options and specialized project cargo handling for industries ranging from retail to heavy machinery.

In addition to its core liner operations, Matson offers ocean transportation services between Asia and the U.S.