Stephens Raises Price Target on Matson (MATX) After Strong Preliminary Q4 Results

Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) is included among the 13 Best February Dividend Stocks to Buy.

Stephens raised its price target on Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) to $213 from $190 on January 21. The firm maintained an Overweight rating after the company released preliminary Q4 earnings last week. Following the update, the firm lifted its fourth-quarter EPS estimate to $4.47 from $2.77, citing higher volumes disclosed by Matson, improved pricing, and ocean margins that came in well ahead of expectations.

During the preliminary earnings call, Chairman and CEO Matt Cox said the company finished the year with momentum. Consolidated fourth-quarter results exceeded expectations, helped by stronger-than-anticipated freight rates and volumes in the China service. Cox said demand for e-commerce and electronic goods continued to support shipping activity, while freight volumes remained solid across major customer segments.

He also noted that conditions in the Transpacific tradelane had stabilized after the US-China trade and economic agreement announced on October 30, 2025. According to Cox, the agreement reduced uncertainty around tariffs, port entry fees, global trade flows, and broader geopolitical risks. Looking ahead, Cox said Matson expects full-year 2026 consolidated operating income to be roughly in line with 2025, supported by steady US consumer demand and a more predictable Transpacific environment. For the fourth quarter of 2025, the company expects consolidated operating income between $135.0 million and $145.0 million. Net income is projected to range from $131.3 million to $146.3 million, with diluted EPS between $4.22 and $4.70. He added that fourth-quarter EPS includes an estimated $0.77 per share benefit from favorable income tax adjustments.

Matson plans to provide more detail on its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, along with its outlook for 2026, during its earnings call scheduled for February 24, 2026. Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) is an ocean transportation and logistics company operating through its Ocean Transportation and Logistics segments.

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