Ocean Transportation operating income decreased $0.2 million, or 0.7 percent, during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared with the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to higher vessel operating costs, including fuel-related expenses, and the timing of fuel-related surcharge collections, partially offset by higher freight rates in China.
The Company’s SSAT terminal joint venture investment contributed $0.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to a loss of $1.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by higher lift volume.
Logistics — Three months ended March 31, 2024 compared with 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | Change | |
Logistics revenue | | $ | 143.1 | | $ | 153.8 | | $ | (10.7) | | (7.0) | % |
Operating costs and expenses | | | (133.8) | | | (142.9) | | | 9.1 | | (6.4) | % |
Operating income | | $ | 9.3 | | $ | 10.9 | | $ | (1.6) | | (14.7) | % |
Operating income margin | | | 6.5 | % | | 7.1 | % | | | | | |
Logistics revenue decreased $10.7 million, or 7.0 percent, during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared with the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower revenue in transportation brokerage.
Logistics operating income decreased $1.6 million, or 14.7 percent, during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared with the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a lower contribution from transportation brokerage.
Liquidity, Cash Flows and Capital Allocation
Matson’s Cash and Cash Equivalents decreased by $108.1 million from $134.0 million at December 31, 2023 to $25.9 million at March 31, 2024. As of March 31, 2024, the Company’s Capital Construction Fund had a balance of $606.8 million consisting of cash and cash equivalents and investments in fixed-rate U.S. Treasuries. Matson generated net cash from operating activities of $36.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $96.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023. Capital expenditures totaled $55.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared with $35.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Total debt decreased by $10.1 million during the three months to $430.5 million as of March 31, 2024, of which $390.8 million was classified as long-term debt.2 As of March 31, 2024, Matson had available borrowings under its revolving credit facility of $644.2 million.
During the first quarter 2024, Matson repurchased approximately 0.4 million shares for a total cost of $48.9 million. As of the end of the first quarter 2024, there were approximately 2.0 million shares remaining in the Company’s share repurchase program. Matson’s Board of Directors also declared a cash dividend of $0.32 per share payable on June 6, 2024 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 9, 2024.
On April 19, 2024, Matson received a federal tax refund related to the Company’s 2021 federal tax return of $118.6 million as well as $10.2 million in interest income earned on the tax refund.
2 Total debt is presented before any reduction for deferred loan fees as required by GAAP.