MATSON ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY 4Q25 RESULTS, PROVIDES 2026 OUTLOOK AND ANNOUNCES 4Q25 EARNINGS CALL DATE
Rhea-AI Summary
Matson (NYSE: MATX) provided preliminary 4Q25 results, a 2026 outlook and an earnings call date (Feb 24, 2026). The company expects 4Q25 consolidated operating income of $135.0–$145.0 million, 4Q25 net income of $131.3–$146.3 million and 4Q25 diluted EPS of $4.22–$4.70. Fourth-quarter EPS includes an estimated $0.77 benefit from positive income tax adjustments, with an implied 4Q25 effective tax rate of 3.9–7.7%. Matson said full‑year 2026 consolidated operating income is expected to approach 2025 levels. Cash and cash equivalents were approximately $141.9 million (excluding $532.7 million in CCF); total debt was $361.2 million. The company repurchased ~0.7 million shares for $78.1 million in 4Q25. Tradelane volumes: Other +11.6%, China -7.2%, Hawaii +0.6%, Guam +4.4%, Alaska -3.3% (FEU basis).
Positive
- 4Q25 operating income guidance of $135.0–$145.0 million
- 4Q25 diluted EPS guidance of $4.22–$4.70
- $0.77 per-share benefit from positive income tax adjustments
- Repurchased ~0.7 million shares for $78.1 million in 4Q25
- Other containers volume +11.6% YoY in 4Q25 (FEU)
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, MATX gained 1.02%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +3.5% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 35 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $46M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $4.57B at that time. Trading volume was above average at 1.6x the daily average, suggesting increased trading activity.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
MATX was up 1.02% with mixed but generally positive peer moves: KEX +1.35%, SBLK +3.10%, ZIM +3.65%, BWLP +0.42%, while HAFN was flat. No momentum scanner confirmation of a coordinated sector move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 11 | Investor conference | Positive | +1.6% | Participation in Stephens 2025 investor conference to present company overview. |
| Nov 04 | Earnings results | Negative | -1.9% | 3Q25 revenue and income declined versus 3Q24 with lower operating income. |
| Oct 23 | Dividend declaration | Positive | -0.6% | Declared fourth-quarter cash dividend of $0.36 per common share. |
| Oct 20 | Earnings date | Neutral | +0.3% | Announced timing and call details for 3Q25 earnings release. |
| Aug 29 | Leadership changes | Neutral | -1.3% | Promoted three executives to new leadership roles in operations and Alaska. |
Recent news has often seen modest price reactions, with earnings and dividend items sometimes producing counterintuitive, small moves relative to their qualitative tone.
Over the last six months, Matson’s news flow has centered on capital markets visibility, quarterly earnings, capital returns, and leadership changes. In 3Q25, results declined year-over-year but still supported substantial buybacks. A $0.36 quarterly dividend was maintained, and management participated in investor conferences to highlight the story. Executive promotions in Alaska operations reshaped the leadership team. Today’s preliminary 4Q25 results and 2026 operating income outlook extend this narrative of active capital allocation, sustained profitability, and ongoing investor communication.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement provided preliminary 4Q25 earnings with operating income of $135–$145M and diluted EPS of $4.22–$4.70, including a $0.77 tax-related benefit. Management expects 2026 operating income to approach 2025 levels and detailed mixed trade-lane volumes, including lower China FEUs but growth in Hawaii and Guam. Liquidity appears solid with $141.9M of cash plus $532.7M in a Capital Construction Fund and $78.1M of 4Q25 share repurchases. Investors may watch the February 24, 2026 call for more color on demand trends.
Key Terms
diluted EPS financial
Forty-foot equivalent units (FEU) technical
terminal operating lease asset financial
impairment charge financial
effective tax rate financial
Capital Construction Fund financial
webcast technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
- Expects 4Q25 consolidated operating income to be
to$135.0 .0 million$145 - Expects 4Q25 net income and diluted EPS to be
to$131.3 and$146.3 million to$4.22 , respectively$4.70 - 4Q25 diluted EPS includes a benefit of approximately
due to positive income tax adjustments$0.77 - Expects full year 2026 consolidated operating income to approach the level achieved in full year 2025
- Repurchased approximately 0.7 million shares in 4Q25
Matt Cox, Matson's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Matson had a solid finish to the year with consolidated fourth quarter results that exceeded our expectations. During the quarter, our
Mr. Cox added, "For the fourth quarter 2025, we expect consolidated operating income to be
Fourth Quarter Tradelane Volume (Forty-foot equivalent units (FEU)) (1)(2)(3):
For the three months ended December 31, 2025 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024 and on a FEU basis:
Hawaii container volume increased 0.6 percent primarily due to higher general demand;Alaska container volume decreased 3.3 percent primarily due to one less northbound sailing compared to the year ago period, partially offset by higher AAX volume;China container volume was 7.2 percent lower;Guam container volume was 4.4 percent higher primarily due to higher general demand; and- Other containers volume increased 11.6 percent.
________________________ | |
(1) | Approximate volume included for the period are based on the voyage departure date, but revenue and operating income are adjusted to reflect the |
(2) | |
(3) | Other containers includes containers from services in various islands in |
Other Items
- SSAT Impairment Charge Last Year: In the fourth quarter 2024, operating income, net income and diluted EPS included an impairment charge related to the write-down of a terminal operating lease asset at SSAT, which impacted fourth quarter 2024 operating income, net income and diluted EPS by
,$18.4 million and$14.0 million per share, respectively.$0.42 - Income Taxes: Income taxes for the fourth quarter 2025 is estimated to be
to$6.0 , which implies an effective tax rate for the quarter of 3.9 to 7.7 percent, due to the benefit of positive income tax adjustments. Compared to an effective income tax rate of 22.0 percent, the midpoint of this fourth quarter income taxes range would benefit diluted EPS by approximately$11.0 million per share for the quarter.$0.77 - Liquidity and Debt: Matson's cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2025 was approximately
.9 million, which excluded$141 .7 million in cash on deposit within the Capital Construction Fund ("CCF"). Total debt as of December 31, 2025 was$532 .(4)$361.2 million - Share Repurchases: During the fourth quarter of 2025, Matson repurchased approximately 0.7 million shares for a total cost of
.1 million.(5) As of December 31, 2025, the Company had approximately 1.1 million shares remaining in its share repurchase program.$78
A slide presentation that accompanies this press release is available on the Company's website at www.matson.com, under Investors.
(4) Total debt is presented before any reduction for deferred loan fees as required by GAAP. |
Teleconference and Webcast
A conference call is scheduled on February 24, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. ET when Matt Cox, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Joel Wine, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will discuss Matson's fourth quarter results.
Date of Conference Call: | Tuesday, February 24, 2026 |
Scheduled Time: | 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. HT |
The conference call will be broadcast live along with an additional slide presentation on the Company's website at www.matson.com, under Investors.
Participants may register for the conference call at:
https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI2f86b7aed35545c9bacf93a43078cde7
Registered participants will receive the conference call dial-in number and a unique PIN code to access the live event. While not required, it is recommended you join 10 minutes prior to the event starting time. A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the event by accessing the webcast link at www.matson.com, under Investors.
About the Company
Founded in 1882, Matson (NYSE: MATX) is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services. Matson provides a vital lifeline of ocean freight transportation services to the domestic non-contiguous economies of
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation those statements regarding outlook; operating income; consumer demand; and the trading environment. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statement, including but not limited to risks and uncertainties relating to repeal, invalidation, substantial amendment or waiver of the Jones Act or changes in its application, or the Company were determined not to be a
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SOURCE Matson, Inc.