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Matson raises 4Q 2014 outlook

Written by Nick Blenkey
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JANUARY 9, 2015 — U.S.-flag ocean carrier  Matson, Inc. (NYSE: MATX), yesterday announced a higher operating income outlook for the fourth quarter 2014 and made preliminary comments on its its outlook for 2015,
Ocean Transportation: In the fourth quarter 2014, Matson expects ocean transportation operating income to be approximately $45.0 million primarily driven by higher than expected freight rates in its China service and continued rate and volume growth in Hawaii and Guam. In addition, the timing of fuel surcharge collections in the Hawaii and Guam services positively impacted operating income performance in the quarter as bunker fuel prices declined sharply, leading to better than expected fuel surcharge collections relative to fuel expenditures.  As a result, Matson lowered its fuel surcharge in two separate announcements during the fourth quarter.
For the full year 2015, ocean transportation operating income is expected to be flat to modestly higher than 2014 levels.
Logistics: In the fourth quarter 2014, the company expects operating income to be approximately $3.0 million primarily driven by continuing improvements in volume, yield, and warehouse operations.  For the full year 2015, the Company expects Logistics operating income to exceed 2014 levels.

The full year 2015 outlook excludes any future effects from the September 2013 molasses incident and the pending transaction with Horizon Lines, Inc., under which Matson will acquire the stock of Horizon, which will include Horizon’s Alaska operations and the assumption of all of Horizon’s non-Hawaii business liabilities.

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