Matson Inc

Matson projects its third-quarter ocean transportation operating income will be approximately 45% higher than the $147.4 million achieved in the third quarter of 2025, supported by a near-capacity China service. Chairman and CEO Matthew Cox said the strong second quarter was driven primarily by the China service, where freight rates exceeded expectations on demand from e-commerce, garments, and e-goods. Executive VP and CFO Joel M. Wine added that for the fourth quarter of 2026, ocean transportation operating income is expected to be modestly lower than the $136 million achieved in the fourth quarter of 2025 due to an elevated period of freight demand in that prior-year period. The company also raised its full-year outlook, now expecting consolidated operating income to be higher than the $499.8 million achieved in 2025, citing continued solid U.S. consumer demand and a stable transpacific trading environment. Southeast Asia expansion remains a key strategic priority, with cargo from the region now representing 20% to 25% of China service volume.

Matson announced preliminary second-quarter 2026 results, expecting consolidated operating income between $153.0 million and $160.0 million, with net income of $124.8 million to $130.3 million and diluted earnings per share of $4.12 to $4.30. The year-over-year increase in operating income was driven primarily by higher contribution from its China service, where container volume rose 15.2 percent on significantly higher demand and stronger freight rates. In domestic tradelanes, Hawaii volume fell 1.1 percent, Alaska volume decreased 2.3 percent, and Guam volume increased 4.4 percent. The company repurchased approximately 0.3 million shares for $67.8 million during the quarter and will hold its earnings call on August 3, 2026.

Matson shares surged 6.1% in the last trading session to close at $203.92 on heavy volume. The rally followed the company's announcement of a 5.6% increase in its quarterly dividend to 38 cents per share and a better-than-expected first-quarter 2026 earnings report. Analysts expect Matson to post quarterly earnings of $3.54 per share, up 21.2% year-over-year, on revenues of $882.91 million, a 6.3% increase. The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of 3, or Hold, while peer TFI International, which fell 1.3% to $141.66, holds a Zacks Rank of 2, or Buy.

John Wiley & Sons, AZZ, and Matson have announced dividend increases, offering potential havens for investors as market volatility returns. John Wiley & Sons declared a dividend of $0.36 per share payable on August 23, with a yield of 2.95% and a payout ratio of 34%. AZZ declared a dividend of $0.25 per share payable on August 30, yielding 0.51% with a payout ratio of 13%. Matson declared a dividend of $0.38 per share payable on September 3, yielding 0.74% with a payout ratio of 11%. The hikes come amid rising inflation and fears of a Federal Reserve rate hike, with the PCE price index jumping 4.1% year-over-year in May.

Several companies announced quarterly dividends. AZZ declared a first quarter cash dividend of $0.24 per share, payable on July 30, 2026 to shareholders of record on July 9, 2026. Lennar declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share for both Class A and Class B common stock, payable on July 24, 2026 to holders of record on July 10, 2026. Matson declared a third quarter dividend of $0.38 per common share, a two-cent or 5.6% increase over the previous quarter, payable on September 3, 2026 to shareholders of record on August 6, 2026. Marvell Technology announced a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share of common stock, payable on July 30, 2026 to stockholders of record on July 10, 2026. Woodward declared a cash dividend of $0.32 per share for the quarter, payable on September 3, 2026 to stockholders of record on August 20, 2026.

Matson has declared a third quarter dividend of $0.38 per common share, a two-cent or 5.6% increase over the previous quarter. The dividend will be paid on September 3, 2026 to shareholders of record as of August 6, 2026. Chairman and CEO Matt Cox noted this marks the fourteenth consecutive annual increase, reflecting business strength and confidence in long-term free cash flow growth.

John Dorfman of Dorfman Value Investments recommends a quintet of mid-cap stocks, arguing they can help portfolios perform differently from large-cap-dominated indices. The five picks are Dillard's, Matson, Cullen/Frost Bankers, National Fuel Gas, and Oshkosh. Dillard's trades at 13 times earnings and has appreciated 833% over the past decade. Matson, a Hawaii-based ocean shipper, sells for 14 times earnings and has returned 478% over ten years. Cullen/Frost Bankers has been profitable every year since 1868. National Fuel Gas, active across natural-gas production, pipelines, and utilities, trades at about 10 times earnings. Oshkosh, a maker of fire engines and military trucks, sells at 13 times forward earnings estimates. Mid-caps are up 15.4% this year through June 19, outpacing the 10.2% gain for large-caps.