Matson Sees Q4 Operating Income Up About 50% as China-Service Freight Rates Stay High

Matson, Inc. expects consolidated operating income in the fourth quarter of 2026 to be about 50% higher year over year, as strong demand and elevated freight rates continue in its China service.

The company expects demand and elevated rates in the China service to persist through year-end and into early 2027. Matson also expects some of the capacity constraints supporting those rates to ease.

The outlook follows a third quarter that Matson characterized as stronger than expected. Management identified the China service as the primary driver of that performance, pointing to strong demand and elevated freight rates.

The forecast covers Matson’s consolidated operating income. Normal seasonal patterns across its other business lines and a higher expected tax rate are also factors in the fourth-quarter outlook.

Weather disruptions, blank sailings and port congestion contributed to capacity constraints. Matson’s outlook allows for some of those constraints to normalize while demand and elevated China-service rates continue into early 2027.