Matson (MATX) vs Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Matson (MATX) has outperformed Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) over the past year, gaining 133.7% versus a loss of 34.6%. Over five years, MATX leads with a +175.0% price change compared with -41.6% for NCLH. Norwegian Cruise Line is the larger company by market cap ($7.11 billion vs $6.81 billion), about 1.0 times the size.
On valuation, Norwegian Cruise Line trades at a lower forward P/E (9.5x vs 13.6x for Matson). Matson pays a dividend yielding 0.63%, while Norwegian Cruise Line does not currently pay one. Matson converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.3% versus 4.3%.
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 | MATX | NCLH |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $227.79 | $15.49 |
| Market cap | $6.81B | $7.11B |
| 1-day change | +2.18% | +2.92% |
| YTD return | +84.37% | -30.60% |
| 1-year return | +133.70% | -34.59% |
| 5-year return | +175.04% | -41.61% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 15.32 | 9.56 |
| Forward P/E | 13.55 | 9.54 |
| EPS (TTM) | $14.87 | $1.62 |
| Dividend yield | 0.63% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $1.44 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $3.34B | $9.83B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -2.26% | +3.67% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $444.80M | $423.25M |
| Gross margin | — | 42.62% |
| Operating margin | 14.94% | 15.88% |
| Net margin | 13.30% | 4.31% |
| 52-week high | $240.87 | $25.13 |
| 52-week low | $86.97 | $13.63 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -5.43% | -38.36% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +15.79% | +29.63% |
| Average volume | 288.97K | 16.76M |
| Shares outstanding | 29.90M | 459.19M |
| Employees | 4,170 | 44,500 |
| 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
- MATX has outperformed NCLH by 168.3 percentage points over the past year.
- Matson trades at a higher earnings multiple (15.3x vs 9.6x trailing P/E).
- Matson is more profitable, keeping 13.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 4.3 cents for Norwegian Cruise Line.
- Norwegian Cruise Line grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+3.67% vs -2.26%).
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
About Norwegian Cruise Line
NCLH stock →Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a cruise company in North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally. It offers itineraries to destinations, such as Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Alaska; and inter-island itinerary in Hawaii.
Consumer Discretionary · Marine Transportation · 44,500 employees
MATX vs NCLH FAQ
Which is bigger, Matson or Norwegian Cruise Line?
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) is larger, with a market capitalization of $7.11B compared with $6.81B for Matson (MATX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MATX or NCLH?
MATX returned +133.70% over the past 12 months, compared with -34.59% for NCLH (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, MATX or NCLH?
NCLH has the lower trailing P/E at 9.6, versus 15.3 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, Matson or Norwegian Cruise Line?
Matson pays a dividend yielding 0.63%, while Norwegian Cruise Line does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Matson and Norwegian Cruise Line in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Marine Transportation industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.