Carnival (CCL) vs Matson (MATX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Matson (MATX) has outperformed Carnival (CCL) over the past year, gaining 131.5% versus a loss of 8.9%. Over five years, MATX leads with a +169.2% price change compared with +10.5% for CCL. Carnival is the larger company by market cap ($35.21 billion vs $6.77 billion), about 5.2 times the size.
On valuation, Carnival trades at a lower forward P/E (10.2x vs 13.5x for Matson). Carnival offers the higher dividend yield (1.72% vs 0.64%). Matson converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.3% versus 10.4%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CCL | MATX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $26.19 | $226.28 |
| Market cap | $35.21B | $6.77B |
| 1-day change | +0.13% | +1.51% |
| YTD return | -14.37% | +80.43% |
| 1-year return | -8.92% | +131.48% |
| 5-year return | +10.48% | +169.16% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 11.54 | 15.22 |
| Forward P/E | 10.22 | 13.46 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.27 | $14.87 |
| Dividend yield | 1.72% | 0.64% |
| Annual dividend | $0.45 | $1.44 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $26.62B | $3.34B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.40% | -2.26% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $2.76B | $444.80M |
| Operating margin | 16.84% | 14.94% |
| Net margin | 10.37% | 13.30% |
| 52-week high | $34.03 | $240.87 |
| 52-week low | $21.45 | $86.97 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -23.05% | -6.06% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +29.58% | +16.56% |
| Average volume | 21.07M | 290.34K |
| Shares outstanding | 1.34B | 29.90M |
| Employees | 160,000 | 4,170 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Marine Transportation | Marine Transportation |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Carnival is about 5.2 times larger than Matson by market value ($35.21B vs $6.77B).
- MATX has outperformed CCL by 140.4 percentage points over the past year.
- Matson trades at a higher earnings multiple (15.2x vs 11.5x trailing P/E).
- Carnival offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.72% vs 0.64%).
- Carnival grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+6.40% vs -2.26%).
About Carnival
CCL stock →Carnival Corporation Ltd., a cruise company, provides leisure travel services. The company operates through four segments: North America Cruise Operations, Europe Cruise Operations, Cruise Support, and Tour and Other.
Consumer Discretionary · Marine Transportation · 160,000 employees
About Matson
MATX stock →Matson, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of ocean transportation and logistics services. It operates through two segments, Ocean Transportation and Logistics.
Consumer Discretionary · Marine Transportation · 4,170 employees
CCL vs MATX FAQ
Which is bigger, Carnival or Matson?
Carnival (CCL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $35.21B compared with $6.77B for Matson (MATX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CCL or MATX?
MATX returned +131.48% over the past 12 months, compared with -8.92% for CCL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CCL or MATX?
CCL has the lower trailing P/E at 11.5, versus 15.2 for MATX. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Carnival or Matson?
Carnival has the higher yield at 1.72%, compared with 0.64% for Matson.
Are Carnival and Matson in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Marine Transportation industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.