Matson Rewards Shareholders With 5.9% Hike in Quarterly Dividend

Key Points - Matson, Inc. (MATX) announced a 5.9% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, raising it to 36 cents per share from 34 cents, effective September 4, 2025 [1][9] - This marks the thirteenth consecutive annual increase in Matson's quarterly dividend, reflecting the company's strong business performance and confidence in long-term free cash flow growth [2][4] - In Q1 2025, Matson returned $78.2 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, with $11.3 million in dividends and $66.9 million in share buybacks [2][9] - The company has consistently rewarded shareholders, with dividends totaling $44.8 million in 2024, $45 million in 2023, and $48 million in 2022, alongside significant share repurchase activities [2] - Dividend-paying stocks like MATX are considered safer investments, providing a steady income stream and acting as a hedge against economic uncertainty [3] - Other companies in the transportation sector, such as Delta Air Lines and FedEx, have also announced dividend hikes in 2025, indicating a broader trend of returning capital to shareholders [5][6][7]