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Matson Inc (MATX)
NYSE:MATX

Matson (MATX) AI Stock Analysis

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MATX

Matson

(NYSE:MATX)

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Neutral 68 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:68Neutral
Price Target:
$170.00
▲(55.76% Upside)
Action:DowngradedDate:01/23/26
The score reflects strong underlying profitability and a conservative balance sheet, offset by weakening revenue/free-cash-flow trends and cautious earnings guidance tied to China-service softness. Technicals show a strong uptrend but are very overbought, while valuation is supportive due to the low P/E despite a modest dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Strong Cash Flows
Strong cash flows indicate Matson's ability to fund operations and investments without relying heavily on external financing, supporting long-term growth.
Healthy Balance Sheet
A healthy balance sheet with low leverage enhances financial stability and flexibility, enabling Matson to navigate industry challenges effectively.
Strategic Positioning
Strategic positioning in key markets like the Pacific region strengthens Matson's competitive advantage and supports sustained market leadership.
Negative Factors
Decline in China Service Volume
A significant decline in China service volume reflects challenges in maintaining market share and revenue in a key segment, impacting overall growth.
Decreased Operating Income
A decrease in operating income suggests potential difficulties in cost management and profitability, which could hinder long-term financial performance.
Free Cash Flow Decline
A decline in free cash flow growth may limit Matson's ability to invest in growth opportunities and manage financial obligations, affecting future performance.

Matson (MATX) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Matson Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionMatson, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides ocean transportation and logistics services. The company's Ocean Transportation segment offers ocean freight transportation services to the domestic non-contiguous economies of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, as well as to other island economies in Micronesia. It primarily transports dry containers of mixed commodities, refrigerated commodities, packaged foods and beverages, building materials, automobiles, and household goods; livestock; seafood; general sustenance cargo; and garments, footwear, e-commerce, and other retail merchandise. This segment also operates an expedited service from China to Long Beach, California, and various islands in the South Pacific, as well as Okinawa, Japan; and provides container stevedoring, refrigerated cargo services, inland transportation, container equipment maintenance, and other terminal services to ocean carriers on the Hawaiian islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai, as well as in the Alaska locations of Anchorage, Kodiak, and Dutch Harbor. In addition, the company offers vessel management and container transshipment services. Its Logistics segment provides multimodal transportation brokerage services, including domestic and international rail intermodal, long-haul and regional highway trucking, specialized hauling, flat-bed and project, less-than-truckload, and expedited freight services; less-than-container load consolidation and freight forwarding services; warehousing and distribution services; supply chain management services, and non-vessel operating common carrier freight forwarding services. The company serves the U.S. military, freight forwarders, retailers, consumer goods, automobile manufacturers, and other customers. The company was formerly known as Alexander & Baldwin Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Matson, Inc. in June 2012. Matson, Inc. was founded in 1882 and is headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii.
How the Company Makes MoneyMatson generates revenue primarily through its ocean transportation and logistics services. The company's key revenue streams include freight transportation for containerized cargo, which accounts for a significant portion of its earnings, particularly in the Hawaii and Alaska markets. Additionally, Matson earns income through logistics services that encompass inland transportation, warehousing, and distribution. The company has established strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including shipping agents and logistics providers, enhancing its service offerings and expanding its market reach. Seasonal demand fluctuations, especially for goods transported to Hawaii, and contracts with government and commercial customers also play a crucial role in its revenue generation.

Matson Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Operating Income by Segment
Operating Income by Segment
Chart InsightsOcean Transportation is the clear driver of Matson’s earnings volatility—its outsized swings drove the pandemic-era windfall and the subsequent downturn—while Logistics has been steadier but too small to offset ocean weakness. Recent partial recovery in ocean income is fragile: management flags weaker China volumes and lower freight rates as ongoing headwinds, offset only partly by Alaska strength and SSAT JV gains. Watch China service volumes, freight-rate trends, and SSAT contributions for the next leg of margin recovery or further downside.
Data provided by:The Fly

Matson Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 04, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 24, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed picture with notable operational and financial challenges, especially in the China service and logistics segments. However, there were positive elements such as increased container volume in Alaska, strong cash flows, and the positive impact of the U.S.-China trade deal. The challenges in operating income and specific market segments were significant, but the company's strategic positioning and financial resilience were also emphasized.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Increase in Container Volume in Alaska
Matson's container volume for the third quarter of 2025 increased 4.1% year-over-year, supported by an additional northbound sailing and higher AAX volume.
SSAT Terminal Joint Venture Performance
The SSAT terminal joint venture contributed $9.3 million, representing a year-over-year increase of $2.4 million, primarily due to higher lift revenue.
Strong Cash Flows
For the trailing 12 months, Matson generated cash flow from operations of $544.9 million, exceeding the aggregate spend on maintenance CapEx, dividends, and share repurchases by $55.8 million.
Successful Share Repurchase Program
Year-to-date, Matson repurchased approximately 2 million shares for a total cost of $229.3 million, continuing its commitment to returning excess capital to shareholders.
Positive U.S.-China Trade Deal Impact
The trade and economic deal between the U.S. and China announced on October 30 included a 1-year suspension of port entry fees and a cumulative 10% reduction in tariffs on Chinese imports, which is expected to reduce planning uncertainty.
Negative Updates
Decreased Operating Income
Consolidated operating income decreased by $81.3 million year-over-year, primarily due to lower contributions from Ocean Transportation and Logistics.
Decline in China Service Volume and Freight Rates
Container volume in the China service decreased by 12.8% year-over-year, with lower year-over-year freight rates due to continued uncertainty and volatility from tariffs and global trade.
Challenges in Guam and Hawaii Markets
Container volume in Guam decreased by 4.2% year-over-year, and Hawaii tourism softened due to tariff uncertainties, resulting in a challenging environment for these markets.
Expected Lower Fourth Quarter Operating Income
For the fourth quarter 2025, consolidated operating income is expected to be approximately 30% lower year-over-year.
Logistics Operating Income Decline
Logistics operating income in the third quarter was $1.8 million lower than the same period last year due to lower contributions from freight forwarding, transportation brokerage, and supply chain management.
Company Guidance
During the Matson Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call, significant guidance was provided regarding Matson's future expectations and performance metrics. For the fourth quarter of 2025, Matson anticipates consolidated operating income to be approximately 30% lower year-over-year due to decreased freight rates and volumes in the China service. The company expects logistics operating income to also be modestly lower than the previous year. Matson highlighted a 12.8% year-over-year decrease in container volume for its China service in Q3 2025, primarily due to global trade uncertainties. Conversely, Hawaii and Alaska saw increases in container volumes of 0.3% and 4.1%, respectively, while Guam experienced a 4.2% decrease. For the full year 2025, Matson expects container volume in Hawaii to remain comparable to 2024 levels, while Alaska is projected to see a modest increase. The SSAT terminal joint venture contributed $9.3 million in Q3 2025, a $2.4 million increase year-over-year. Matson's share repurchase program was also discussed, with 0.6 million shares repurchased in Q3 2025 at a total cost of $66.4 million. The company remains optimistic about a more stable trading environment following a trade and economic deal between the U.S. and China, which includes a 1-year suspension of port entry fees and a 10% reduction in tariffs on Chinese imports.

Matson Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Solid profitability and financial stability (TTM net margin 12.70%, EBIT margin 16.19%, low debt-to-equity 0.27, ROE 16.23%), but growth is weakening with TTM revenue down (-2.36%) and free cash flow growth declining (-22.64%).
Income Statement
75
Positive
Matson's income statement shows a mixed performance. The company has experienced a decline in revenue growth recently, with a -2.36% TTM revenue growth rate, indicating potential challenges in maintaining sales momentum. However, profitability remains strong with a net profit margin of 12.70% and an EBIT margin of 16.19% in the TTM, suggesting efficient cost management. The gross profit margin has decreased slightly to 23.29% in the TTM, which may indicate rising costs or pricing pressures. Overall, while profitability metrics are solid, the negative revenue growth is a concern.
Balance Sheet
80
Positive
Matson's balance sheet is relatively strong, with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27 in the TTM, indicating prudent financial leverage. The return on equity is healthy at 16.23%, reflecting effective use of shareholder funds to generate profits. The equity ratio stands at 58.42%, suggesting a solid capital structure with a good proportion of assets financed by equity. Overall, the balance sheet reflects financial stability and a conservative approach to debt management.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
The cash flow statement reveals some challenges, with a significant decline in free cash flow growth of -22.64% in the TTM, which could impact future investment capabilities. However, the operating cash flow to net income ratio is strong at 1.01, indicating good cash generation relative to net income. The free cash flow to net income ratio is also robust at 0.77, suggesting that the company is generating sufficient cash to cover its earnings. Despite the recent decline in free cash flow, the overall cash flow position remains relatively healthy.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.38B3.42B3.09B4.34B3.93B2.38B
Gross Profit787.80M855.90M623.90M1.53B1.37B479.00M
EBITDA830.80M916.00M690.50M1.68B1.45B494.30M
Net Income429.70M476.40M297.10M1.06B927.40M193.10M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets4.60B4.60B4.29B4.33B3.69B2.90B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments92.70M266.80M134.00M249.80M282.40M14.40M
Total Debt719.00M749.00M725.00M910.70M1.06B1.00B
Total Liabilities1.91B1.94B1.89B2.03B2.03B1.94B
Stockholders Equity2.69B2.65B2.40B2.30B1.67B961.20M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow334.90M457.70M262.10M1.06B658.80M237.50M
Operating Cash Flow542.80M767.80M510.50M1.27B984.10M429.80M
Investing Cash Flow-363.70M-336.10M-338.20M-729.30M-323.40M-177.00M
Financing Cash Flow-359.10M-301.20M-289.70M-576.60M-392.70M-261.50M

Matson Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price109.14
Price Trends
50DMA
142.46
Positive
100DMA
122.06
Positive
200DMA
114.90
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
6.60
Positive
RSI
67.77
Neutral
STOCH
84.64
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For MATX, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 109.14 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 162.07, below the 50-day MA of 142.46, and below the 200-day MA of 114.90, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 6.60 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 67.77 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 84.64 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for MATX.

Matson Risk Analysis

Matson disclosed 31 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Matson reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Matson Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
81
Outperform
$1.98B4.0413.70%3.64%3.82%-13.73%
79
Outperform
$6.86B20.2710.53%1.59%3.35%
76
Outperform
$2.06B6.0016.57%2.94%-29.82%-16.77%
68
Neutral
$5.22B12.7516.38%1.13%1.88%9.30%
67
Neutral
$2.81B47.062.50%1.59%-13.87%-82.48%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
62
Neutral
$3.50B3.4925.25%20.35%1.63%-30.30%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
MATX
Matson
167.75
26.19
18.50%
CMRE
Costamare
17.19
9.88
135.22%
DAC
Danaos
109.98
29.63
36.88%
KEX
Kirby
130.94
30.04
29.77%
SBLK
Star Bulk Carriers
25.24
10.22
68.04%
ZIM
ZIM
29.27
12.41
73.55%

Matson Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Matson to Present at Stephens 2025 Investment Conference
Positive
Nov 18, 2025

Matson, Inc. announced its participation in the Stephens 2025 Annual Investment Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 18, 2025, where it will present an overview of the company and respond to questions. The presentation will highlight Matson’s strategic positioning in the Pacific, its premium service offerings, and its financial strength, including a new vessel program and significant stock repurchases. These initiatives underscore Matson’s commitment to maintaining strong market positions and returning capital to shareholders, while leveraging growth opportunities in ocean transportation and logistics services.

The most recent analyst rating on (MATX) stock is a Buy with a $142.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Matson stock, see the MATX Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 23, 2026