MATSON, INC. ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2023 RESULTS; PROVIDES 2024 OUTLOOK
- Strong net income of $62.4 million reported for the fourth quarter of 2023.
- Consolidated revenue for the fourth quarter 2023 was $788.9 million.
- Decline in consolidated operating income in 2023 due to lower volume and freight rates in China service.
- Expectation of stable trade dynamics in 2024 with higher Ocean Transportation operating income.
- SSAT joint venture investment expected to contribute higher in 2024.
- Logistics segment experienced lower operating income in the fourth quarter of 2023.
- Challenging business conditions expected for transportation brokerage in 2024.
- Expectation of lower consolidated operating income in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023.
- Anticipated depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $180 million for 2024.
- Interest income expected to be approximately $35 million in 2024.
- Decline in Ocean Transportation operating income due to lower freight rates in China.
- Lower Logistics operating income in the fourth quarter of 2023.
- Expectation of lower operating income for Logistics segment in 2024.
- Consolidated operating income for the first quarter of 2024 expected to be lower than in 2023.
Insights
Matson, Inc.'s reported earnings and outlook reflect a cautious stability in the face of shifting market dynamics. The earnings per share (EPS) and net income for the fourth quarter and full year indicate a company responding to industry headwinds, such as the year-over-year decline in Ocean Transportation operating income, influenced by lower freight rates and higher operating costs. These factors are critical for assessing the company's financial health and future performance.
Investors should note the decline in net income compared to the previous year, as it signals potential challenges in profitability. However, the expectation for 2024 operating income to approximate 2023 levels suggests management's confidence in maintaining financial stability. The forecasted lower operating income in the first quarter of 2024, however, may indicate potential short-term volatility, which could impact stock performance. The projected effective tax rate reduction for 2024 could have a positive effect on net income, providing a slight buffer against operational income declines.
Capital and vessel dry-docking expenditures, alongside the share repurchase program, demonstrate a commitment to long-term asset health and shareholder value. These actions, coupled with a stable dividend, may reassure investors of the company's sound capital allocation strategy despite the challenging environment.
The logistics and transportation sector is highly sensitive to economic fluctuations and Matson's performance offers a microcosmic view of broader trends. The reported increase in container volume in China and the steady U.S. consumer demand are positive indicators of resilience in the Transpacific trade lane. However, the lower freight rates and higher operating costs could be symptomatic of competitive pressures and operational inefficiencies that need to be addressed for long-term sustainability.
The outlook for 2024, with operating income expected to approximate the previous year's level, suggests a stable yet cautious market position. The anticipated challenges in transportation brokerage, which may lead to lower operating income, highlight the need for robust strategies to navigate a potentially softening market. The company's performance in different geographic segments, such as Hawaii, Guam and Alaska, with varying degrees of volume change, underscores the importance of regional economic health and consumer spending patterns in shaping business outcomes.
Matson's strategic focus on maintaining volume in key markets, despite economic headwinds, positions it to potentially leverage any upturn in market conditions. However, the company must continue to optimize its cost structure and pricing strategies to mitigate the impact of lower freight rates and higher operating costs.
- 4Q23 EPS of
$1.78 - Full Year 2023 EPS of
$8.32 - Full Year 2023 Net Income and EBITDA of
and$297.1 million , respectively$516.7 million - 2024 Consolidated Operating Income expected to approximate 2023 level
- 1Q24 Consolidated Operating Income expected to be lower than 1Q23 level
"Matson's Ocean Transportation and Logistics business segments performed well in the fourth quarter, capping off a solid year for both business segments" said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Matt Cox. "Our China service experienced solid freight demand with higher year-over-year volume but lower year-over-year freight rates, which when combined with higher operating costs across all tradelanes resulted in a year-over-year decline in Ocean Transportation operating income. Logistics operating income in the quarter also declined year-over-year, which contributed to the year-over-year decline in consolidated operating income. For the full year 2023, our consolidated operating income declined primarily due to lower volume and freight rates in our
Mr. Cox added, "Currently in the Transpacific marketplace, we continue to see steady
Fourth Quarter 2023 Discussion and Outlook for 2024
Ocean Transportation: The Company's container volume in the
In
In
In
The contribution in the fourth quarter 2023 from the Company's SSAT joint venture investment was
Absent a significant change in trajectory of the
Logistics: In the fourth quarter 2023, operating income for the Company's Logistics segment was
Consolidated Operating Income: For full year 2024, the Company expects consolidated operating income to approximate the
Depreciation and Amortization: For the full year 2024, the Company expects depreciation and amortization expense to be approximately
Interest Income: The Company expects interest income for the full year 2024 to be approximately
Interest Expense: The Company expects interest expense for the full year 2024 to be approximately
Other Income (Expense): The Company expects full year 2024 other income (expense) to be approximately
Income Taxes: In the fourth quarter 2023, the Company's effective tax rate was 26.0 percent. For the full year 2024, the Company expects its effective tax rate to be approximately 22.0 percent.
Capital and Vessel Dry-docking Expenditures: For the full year 2023, the Company made capital expenditure payments excluding new builds of
Results By Segment | ||||||||||||
Ocean Transportation — Three months ended December 31, 2023 compared with 2022 | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||||
Ocean Transportation revenue | $ | 639.7 | $ | 633.0 | $ | 6.7 | 1.1 | % | ||||
Operating costs and expenses | (573.3) | (553.2) | (20.1) | 3.6 | % | |||||||
Operating income | $ | 66.4 | $ | 79.8 | $ | (13.4) | (16.8) | % | ||||
Operating income margin | 10.4 | % | 12.6 | % | ||||||||
Volume (Forty-foot equivalent units (FEU), except for automobiles) (1) | ||||||||||||
35,400 | 36,100 | (700) | (1.9) | % | ||||||||
10,100 | 10,800 | (700) | (6.5) | % | ||||||||
17,800 | 17,900 | (100) | (0.6) | % | ||||||||
34,900 | 28,300 | 6,600 | 23.3 | % | ||||||||
5,000 | 4,900 | 100 | 2.0 | % | ||||||||
Other containers (2) | 4,700 | 5,000 | (300) | (6.0) | % |
____________________ | |
(1) | Approximate volumes included for the period are based on the voyage departure date, but revenue and operating income are adjusted to reflect the percentage of revenue and operating income earned during the reporting period for voyages in transit at the end of each reporting period. |
(2) | Includes containers from services in various islands in |
Ocean Transportation revenue increased
On a year-over-year FEU basis,
Ocean Transportation operating income decreased
The Company's SSAT terminal joint venture investment contributed
Ocean Transportation — Year ended December 31, 2023 compared with 2022 | ||||||||||||
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||||
Ocean Transportation revenue | $ | 2,477.0 | $ | 3,544.6 | $ | (1,067.6) | (30.1) | % | ||||
Operating costs and expenses | (2,182.2) | (2,263.4) | 81.2 | (3.6) | % | |||||||
Operating income | $ | 294.8 | $ | 1,281.2 | $ | (986.4) | (77.0) | % | ||||
Operating income margin | 11.9 | % | 36.1 | % | ||||||||
Volume (Forty-foot equivalent units (FEU), except for automobiles) (1) | ||||||||||||
144,000 | 148,500 | (4,500) | (3.0) | % | ||||||||
39,400 | 41,300 | (1,900) | (4.6) | % | ||||||||
80,000 | 84,900 | (4,900) | (5.8) | % | ||||||||
140,700 | 163,100 | (22,400) | (13.7) | % | ||||||||
20,100 | 21,100 | (1,000) | (4.7) | % | ||||||||
Other containers (2) | 17,500 | 22,500 | (5,000) | (22.2) | % |
____________________ | |
(1) | Approximate volumes included for the period are based on the voyage departure date, but revenue and operating income are adjusted to reflect the percentage of revenue and operating income earned during the reporting period for voyages in transit at the end of each reporting period. |
(2) | Includes containers from services in various islands in |
Ocean Transportation revenue decreased
On a year-over-year FEU basis,
Ocean Transportation operating income decreased
The Company's SSAT terminal joint venture investment contributed
Logistics — Three months ended December 31, 2023 compared with 2022 | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||||
Logistics revenue | $ | 149.2 | $ | 168.6 | $ | (19.4) | (11.5) | % | ||||
Operating costs and expenses | (140.3) | (155.8) | 15.5 | (9.9) | % | |||||||
Operating income | $ | 8.9 | $ | 12.8 | $ | (3.9) | (30.5) | % | ||||
Operating income margin | 6.0 | % | 7.6 | % |
Logistics revenue decreased
Logistics operating income decreased
Logistics — Year ended December 31, 2023 compared with 2022 | ||||||||||||
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||||
Logistics revenue | $ | 617.6 | $ | 798.4 | $ | (180.8) | (22.6) | % | ||||
Operating costs and expenses | (569.6) | (726.0) | 156.4 | (21.5) | % | |||||||
Operating income | $ | 48.0 | $ | 72.4 | $ | (24.4) | (33.7) | % | ||||
Operating income margin | 7.8 | % | 9.1 | % |
Logistics revenue decreased
Logistics operating income decreased
Liquidity, Cash Flows and Capital Allocation
Matson's Cash and Cash Equivalents decreased by
During the fourth quarter 2023, Matson repurchased approximately 0.5 million shares for a total cost of
Teleconference and Webcast
A conference call is scheduled on February 20, 2024 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 20, 2024 |
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.vevent.com/register/BI699bc0b39e6a47fc97bb30c15cb03937
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
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
This press release, the Form 8-K and the information to be discussed in the conference call include non-GAAP measures. While Matson reports financial results in accordance with
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 operating income; depreciation and amortization, including dry-docking amortization; interest income; interest expense; other income (expense); tax rate; capital and vessel dry-docking expenditures; cash flow expectations and uses of cash and cash flows; volume, freight rates and demand; seasonality trends; consumer demand; consumer-related spending activity; trade dynamics; economic growth and drivers in
MATSON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income | ||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Years Ended | |||||||||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||
(In millions, except per share amounts) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
Operating Revenue: | ||||||||||||
Ocean Transportation | $ | 639.7 | $ | 633.0 | $ | 2,477.0 | $ | 3,544.6 | ||||
Logistics | 149.2 | 168.6 | 617.6 | 798.4 | ||||||||
Total Operating Revenue | 788.9 | 801.6 | 3,094.6 | 4,343.0 | ||||||||
Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||
Operating costs | (644.4) | (641.0) | (2,470.7) | (2,811.5) | ||||||||
Income from SSAT | 4.1 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 83.1 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | (73.3) | (69.0) | (283.3) | (261.0) | ||||||||
Total Costs and Expenses | (713.6) | (709.0) | (2,751.8) | (2,989.4) | ||||||||
Operating Income | 75.3 | 92.6 | 342.8 | 1,353.6 | ||||||||
Interest income | 9.8 | 6.9 | 36.0 | 8.2 | ||||||||
Interest expense | (2.4) | (3.7) | (12.2) | (18.0) | ||||||||
Other income (expense), net | 1.6 | 2.2 | 6.4 | 8.5 | ||||||||
Income before Taxes | 84.3 | 98.0 | 373.0 | 1,352.3 | ||||||||
Income taxes | (21.9) | (20.0) | (75.9) | (288.4) | ||||||||
Net Income | $ | 62.4 | $ | 78.0 | $ | 297.1 | $ | 1,063.9 | ||||
Basic Earnings Per Share | $ | 1.80 | $ | 2.11 | $ | 8.42 | $ | 27.28 | ||||
Diluted Earnings Per Share | $ | 1.78 | $ | 2.10 | $ | 8.32 | $ | 27.07 | ||||
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding: | ||||||||||||
Basic | 34.7 | 36.9 | 35.3 | 39.0 | ||||||||
Diluted | 35.1 | 37.2 | 35.7 | 39.3 |
MATSON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
(In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
ASSETS | ||||||
Current Assets: | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 134.0 | $ | 249.8 | ||
Other current assets | 468.3 | 509.8 | ||||
Total current assets | 602.3 | 759.6 | ||||
Long-term Assets: | ||||||
Investment in SSAT | 85.5 | 81.2 | ||||
Property and equipment, net | 2,089.9 | 1,962.5 | ||||
Goodwill | 327.8 | 327.8 | ||||
Intangible assets, net | 176.4 | 174.9 | ||||
Capital Construction Fund | 599.4 | 518.2 | ||||
Other long-term assets | 413.3 | 505.8 | ||||
Total long-term assets | 3,692.3 | 3,570.4 | ||||
Total assets | $ | 4,294.6 | $ | 4,330.0 | ||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||
Current Liabilities: | ||||||
Current portion of debt | $ | 39.7 | $ | 76.9 | ||
Other current liabilities | 522.6 | 504.7 | ||||
Total current liabilities | 562.3 | 581.6 | ||||
Long-term Liabilities: | ||||||
Long-term debt, net of deferred loan fees | 389.3 | 427.7 | ||||
Deferred income taxes | 669.3 | 646.5 | ||||
Other long-term liabilities | 273.0 | 377.3 | ||||
Total long-term liabilities | 1,331.6 | 1,451.5 | ||||
Total shareholders' equity | 2,400.7 | 2,296.9 | ||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 4,294.6 | $ | 4,330.0 |
MATSON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
(In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: | ||||||||||
Net income | $ | 297.1 | $ | 1,063.9 | $ | 927.4 | ||||
Reconciling adjustments: | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 144.4 | 141.3 | 135.9 | |||||||
Amortization of operating lease right of use assets | 142.0 | 153.0 | 103.3 | |||||||
Deferred income taxes | 19.6 | 90.2 | 33.2 | |||||||
Loss (Gain) on disposal of property and equipment | 0.6 | (1.5) | (0.8) | |||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 23.8 | 18.3 | 19.3 | |||||||
Income from SSAT | (2.2) | (83.1) | (56.3) | |||||||
Distributions from SSAT | — | 47.3 | 46.9 | |||||||
Other | (2.7) | — | — | |||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||
Accounts receivable, net | (10.9) | 74.6 | (90.3) | |||||||
Deferred dry-docking payments | (24.1) | (25.7) | (36.3) | |||||||
Deferred dry-docking amortization | 25.3 | 24.9 | 24.3 | |||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 33.5 | (45.2) | (48.1) | |||||||
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities | 10.9 | (31.7) | 39.6 | |||||||
Operating lease liabilities | (144.8) | (154.1) | (99.7) | |||||||
Other long-term liabilities | (2.0) | (0.3) | (14.3) | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 510.5 | 1,271.9 | 984.1 | |||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: | ||||||||||
Capitalized vessel construction expenditures | (52.9) | (62.4) | (14.9) | |||||||
Capital expenditures (excluding vessel construction expenditures) | (195.5) | (146.9) | (310.4) | |||||||
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.9 | |||||||
Payments for intangible asset acquisitions | (12.4) | (3.0) | — | |||||||
Cash and interest deposits into Capital Construction Fund | (128.5) | (582.8) | (31.2) | |||||||
Withdrawals from Capital Construction Fund | 49.9 | 64.6 | 31.2 | |||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (338.2) | (729.3) | (323.4) | |||||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: | ||||||||||
Repayments of debt | (76.9) | (111.5) | (59.3) | |||||||
Proceeds from revolving credit facility | — | — | 304.3 | |||||||
Repayments of revolving credit facility | — | — | (376.1) | |||||||
Payment of financing costs | — | — | (3.0) | |||||||
Dividends paid | (45.0) | (48.0) | (45.9) | |||||||
Repurchase of Matson common stock | (155.2) | (397.0) | (198.3) | |||||||
Tax withholding related to net share settlements of restricted stock units | (12.6) | (20.1) | (14.4) | |||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (289.7) | (576.6) | (392.7) | |||||||
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash | (117.4) | (34.0) | 268.0 | |||||||
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, Beginning of the Year | 253.7 | 287.7 | 19.7 | |||||||
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, End of the Year | $ | 136.3 | $ | 253.7 | $ | 287.7 | ||||
Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, at End of the Year: | ||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | 134.0 | $ | 249.8 | $ | 282.4 | ||||
Restricted Cash | 2.3 | 3.9 | 5.3 | |||||||
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, End of the Year | $ | 136.3 | $ | 253.7 | $ | 287.7 | ||||
Supplemental Cash Flow Information: | ||||||||||
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest | $ | 11.1 | $ | 16.2 | $ | 19.3 | ||||
Income tax paid, net of income tax refunds | $ | 7.5 | $ | 215.2 | $ | 241.6 | ||||
Non-cash Information: | ||||||||||
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities | $ | 10.8 | $ | 5.5 | $ | 6.4 | ||||
Non-cash payments for intangible asset acquisitions | $ | 2.7 | $ | 2.2 | $ | — |
MATSON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||
Net Income to EBITDA Reconciliations | ||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||||
(In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
Net Income | $ | 62.4 | $ | 78.0 | $ | (15.6) | ||||
Subtract: | Interest income | (9.8) | (6.9) | (2.9) | ||||||
Add: | Interest expense | 2.4 | 3.7 | (1.3) | ||||||
Add: | Income taxes | 21.9 | 20.0 | 1.9 | ||||||
Add: | Depreciation and amortization | 35.8 | 35.3 | 0.5 | ||||||
Add: | Dry-dock amortization | 6.7 | 6.3 | 0.4 | ||||||
EBITDA (1) | $ | 119.4 | $ | 136.4 | $ | (17.0) | ||||
Years Ended | ||||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||||
(In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
Net Income | $ | 297.1 | $ | 1,063.9 | $ | (766.8) | ||||
Subtract: | Interest income | (36.0) | (8.2) | (27.8) | ||||||
Add: | Interest expense | 12.2 | 18.0 | (5.8) | ||||||
Add: | Income taxes | 75.9 | 288.4 | (212.5) | ||||||
Add: | Depreciation and amortization | 142.2 | 139.2 | 3.0 | ||||||
Add: | Dry-dock amortization | 25.3 | 24.9 | 0.4 | ||||||
EBITDA (1) | $ | 516.7 | $ | 1,526.2 | $ | (1,009.5) |
____________________ | |
(1) | EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (including deferred dry-docking amortization). EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income (as determined in accordance with GAAP), as an indicator of our operating performance, or to cash flows from operating activities (as determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of liquidity. Our calculation of EBITDA may not be comparable to EBITDA as calculated by other companies, nor is this calculation identical to the EBITDA used by our lenders to determine financial covenant compliance. |
1 UHERO report dated December 15, 2023: https://uhero.hawaii.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23Q4_Forecast.pdf
2 Total debt is presented before any reduction for deferred loan fees as required by GAAP.
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SOURCE Matson, Inc.
FAQ
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