SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Matson, Inc. and all wholly-owned subsidiaries, after elimination of significant intercompany amounts. Significant investments in businesses, partnerships, and limited liability companies in which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest, but has the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for under the equity method. A controlling financial interest is one in which the Company has a majority voting interest or one in which the Company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity.

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year: The period end for Matson, Inc. is December 31. The period end for MatNav occurred on the last Friday in December, except for Matson Logistics Warehousing whose period closed on December 31. There were 52 weeks included in the MatNav 2012 and 2011 fiscal years and 53 weeks in 2010.

Risks and Uncertainties

Risks and Uncertainties: Factors that could adversely impact the Company’s operations or financial results include, but are not limited to, the following: unfavorable economic conditions in the U.S., Guam, or Asian markets that result in a further decrease in consumer confidence or market demand for, or prices of, the Company’s services and products; increased competition; replacement of the Company’s significant operating agreements; reduction in credit availability; downgrade in the Company’s credit rating that affects its ability to secure adequate financing or increase the cost of financing; failure to comply with restrictive financial covenants in the Company’s credit facilities; insolvency of the Company’s insurance carriers; insolvency or failure of joint venture partner to perform; loss or insolvency of significant agents, customers, or vendors; unfavorable political conditions in domestic or international markets; strikes or work stoppages; increased cost of energy, commodities, or labor; noncompliance with or changes in laws and regulations relating to the Company’s business, including environmental laws or climate change legislation or regulation; unfavorable litigation or legal proceedings or government inquiries or investigations; adverse weather conditions; changes in the legal and regulatory environment; changes in accounting and taxation standards, including an increase in tax rates; an inability to achieve the Company’s overall long-term goals; an inability to protect the Company’s information systems; future impairment charges; increased pension costs; inadequate internal controls; material warranty and construction defect claims; and global or regional catastrophic events.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates: The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. Estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to: (i) asset impairments, (ii) legal contingencies, (iii) allowance for doubtful accounts, (iv) self-insured liabilities, (v) goodwill and intangible assets impairment, (vi) pension and postretirement estimates, and (vii) income taxes. Future results could be materially affected if actual results differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. The Company carries these investments at cost, which approximates fair value. Outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit totaled $19.6 million and $10.7 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and are reflected as current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:  The Company values its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques described in the FASB’s accounting standard for fair value measurements.  Level 1 inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices observable for the asset or liability.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.  The Company uses Level 1 inputs for the fair values of its cash equivalents.  The Company uses Level 2 inputs for its long term debt.  These inputs include interest rates for similar financial instruments. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and short-term borrowings approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of the instruments.  The fair value the Company’s debt is calculated based upon interest rates available for debt with terms and maturities similar to the Company’s existing debt arrangements.

	Carrying Value at		Fair Value Measurements at
	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2012
(in millions)	Total		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash & cash equivalents	$	19.9	$	19.9	$	19.9	$	—	$	—
Accounts and notes receivable	174.7		174.7		—		174.7		—
Variable rate debt	24.0		24.0		—		24.0		—
Fixed rate debt	295.1		316.8		—		316.8		—

	Carrying Value at		Fair Value Measurements a
	December 31, 2011		December 31, 2011
(in millions)	Total		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash & cash equivalents	$	9.8	$	9.8	$	9.8	$	—	$	—
Accounts and notes receivable	167.7		167.7		—		167.7		—
Variable rate debt	61.0		61.0		—		61.0		—
Fixed rate debt	136.5		148.1		—		148.1		—

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:  Allowances for doubtful accounts are established by management based on estimates of collectability. Estimates of collectability are principally based on an evaluation of the current financial condition the Company’s customers and their payment history, which are regularly monitored by the Company. The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts, included on the consolidated balance sheets as an offset to “Accounts and notes receivable,” for the three years ended December 31, 2012 were as follows (in millions):

	Balance at Beginning of year		Expense		Write-offs and Other			Balance at End of Year
2012	$	5.3	$	0.7	$	(1.3	)	$	4.7
2011	$	6.1	$	—	$	(0.8	)	$	5.3
2010	$	8.1	$	—	$	(2.0	)	$	6.1

Dry-docking

Dry-docking:  Under U.S. Coast Guard rules, administered through the American Bureau of Shipping’s alternative compliance program, all vessels must meet specified seaworthiness standards to remain in service. Vessels must undergo regular inspection, monitoring and maintenance, referred to as “dry-docking,” to maintain the required operating certificates. These dry-docks occur on scheduled intervals ranging from two to five years, depending on the vessel’s age. Because the dry-docks enable the vessel to continue operating in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard requirements and provide future economic benefits, the costs of these scheduled dry-docks are deferred and amortized until the next regularly scheduled dry-dock period. Routine vessel maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend asset lives are charged to expense as incurred. Deferred amounts are included on the consolidated balance sheets in non-current other assets. Amortized amounts are charged to operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Changes in deferred dry-docking costs are included in the consolidated statements of cash flows in cash flows from operating activities.

Depreciation

Depreciation:  Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives of property are as follows:

Classification	Range of Life (in years)
Vessels	10 to 40
Machinery and equipment	2 to 20
Terminal facilities	3 to 35

During the fourth quarter of 2012, Matson extended the useful life of certain of its vessels based on extensive modifications and improvements that extended the useful lives of these vessels. The increase in the useful life of the vessels resulted in a reduction in depreciation expense of $1.1 million.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets:  Long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets, are reviewed for possible impairment annually and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In such an evaluation, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by the asset are compared with the amount recorded for the asset to determine if its carrying value is not recoverable. If this review determines that the recorded value will not be recovered, the amount recorded for the asset is reduced to estimated fair value. The Company has evaluated certain long-lived assets, including intangible assets, for impairment.  During 2012 the Company determined that it had an impairment related to intangible assets at Matson Logistics.  The Company recorded impairment expense of $2.1 million for 2012, which is included in operating expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income.  No impairment charges were recorded in 2011 and 2010.  These asset impairment analyses are highly subjective because they require management to make assumptions and apply considerable judgments to, among others, estimates of the timing and amount of future cash flows, expected useful lives of the assets, uncertainty about future events, including changes in economic conditions, changes in operating performance, changes in the use of the assets, and ongoing cost of maintenance and improvements of the assets, and thus, the accounting estimates may change from period to period. If management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur in future periods, the Company’s financial condition or its future operating results could be materially impacted.

Impairment of Investment

Impairment of Investment: The Company’s investments in a terminal joint venture is reviewed for impairment annually and whenever there is evidence that fair value may be below carrying cost. An investment is written down to fair value if fair value is below carrying cost and the impairment is other-than-temporary. In evaluating the fair value of an investment and whether any identified impairment is other-than-temporary, significant estimates and considerable judgments are involved.  These estimates and judgments are based, in part, on the Company’s current and future evaluation of economic conditions in general, as well as a joint venture’s current and future plans. Additionally, these impairment calculations are highly subjective because they also require management to make assumptions and apply judgments to estimates regarding the timing and amount of future cash flows, probabilities related to various cash flow scenarios, and appropriate discount rates based on the perceived risks, among others. In evaluating whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, the Company considers all available information, including the length of time and extent of the impairment, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the joint venture, the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value, and projected industry and economic trends, among others. Changes in these and other assumptions could affect the projected operational results and fair value of the terminal joint venture, and accordingly, may require valuation adjustments to the Company’s investments that may materially impact the Company’s financial condition or its future operating results. For example, if current market conditions deteriorate significantly or a joint venture’s plans change materially, impairment charges may be required in future periods, and those charges could be material.  The Company has not recorded any impairment related to its investment in the terminal joint venture for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

Impairment of Vessels

Impairment of Vessels: The Company operates an integrated network of vessels, containers, and terminal equipment; therefore, in evaluating impairment, the Company groups its assets at the ocean transportation entity level, which represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available. The Company’s vessels and equipment are reviewed for possible impairment annually and whenever events or circumstances, such as recurring operating losses, indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable. In evaluating impairment, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by the asset group are compared with the amount recorded for the asset group to determine if its carrying value is not recoverable. If this review determines that the recorded value will not be recovered, the amount recorded for the asset group is reduced to estimated fair value. These asset impairment loss analyses are highly subjective because they require management to make assumptions and apply considerable judgments to, among other things, estimates of the timing and amount of future cash flows, expected useful lives of the assets, uncertainty about future events, including changes in economic conditions, changes in operating performance, changes in the use of the assets, and ongoing costs of maintenance and improvements of the assets, and thus, the accounting estimates may change from period to period. If management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur in future periods, the Company’s financial condition or its future operating results could be materially impacted. The Company has not recorded any impairment related to its vessels for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets:  Goodwill and intangibles are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as other non-current assets. Recorded goodwill is related to the acquisition of logistic service entities and related earn out obligations. Recorded intangible assets are related to Logistics entity acquisitions. The Company reviews goodwill for potential impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. There were no impairments of goodwill in 2012, 2011, or 2010.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in millions):

	Goodwill
Balance, December 31, 2010	$	27.0
Additions	—
Balance, December 31, 2011	27.0
Additions	—
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	27.0

Intangible assets for the years ended December 31 included the following (in millions):

	2012								2011
	Gross								Gross
	Carrying		Impairment			Accumulated			Carrying		Accumulated
	Amount		Charges			Amortization			Amount		Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:
Customer lists	$	11.8	$	(2.1	)	$	(6.2	)	$	11.8	$	(5.6	)
Other	3.8		—			(3.4		)	3.8		(3.3		)
Total assets	$	15.6	$	(2.1	)	$	(9.6	)	$	15.6	$	(8.9	)

Aggregate intangible asset amortization was $0.7 million, $0.9 million, and $1.3 million for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Estimated amortization expenses related to intangibles over the next five years are as follows (in millions):

	Estimated Amortization
2013	$		0.7
2014	0.7
2015	0.7
2016	0.7
2017	0.7
Thereafter	0.4
Total	$	3.9

Recognition of revenues and expenses

Recognition of revenues and expenses:  Voyage revenue is recognized ratably over the duration of a voyage based on the relative transit time in each reporting period.  Voyage expenses are recognized as incurred.  Hawaii, Guam, and certain Pacific island service freight rates are provided in tariffs filed with the Surface Transportation Board of the U.S. Department of Transportation; for other Pacific island services, the rates are filed with the Federal Maritime Commission.  The China service rates are predominately established by individual contracts with customers.

The revenue for logistics services includes the total amount billed to customers for transportation services.  The primary costs include purchased transportation services.  Revenue and the related purchased transportation costs are recognized based on relative transit time, commonly referred to as the “percentage of completion” method.  The Company reports revenue on a gross basis.  The Company serves as principal in transactions because it is responsible for the contractual relationship with the customer, has latitude in establishing prices, has discretion in supplier selection, and retains credit risk.

The primary sources of revenue for warehousing services are storage, handling, and value-added packaging.  For customer dedicated warehouses, storage revenue is recognized as earned over the life of the contract.  Storage revenue generated by the public warehouses is recognized in the month the service is provided according to the terms of the contract.  Handling and value-added packaging revenue and expense are recognized in proportion to the services completed.

Non-voyage costs

Non-voyage costs:  Charter hire, terminal operating overhead, and general and administrative expenses are charged to expense as incurred.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations: The termination of certain business lines are classified as discontinued operations if the operations and cash flows of the assets clearly can be distinguished from the remaining assets of the Company, if cash flows for the assets have been, or will be, eliminated from the ongoing operations of the Company, if the Company will not have a significant continuing involvement in the operations of the assets sold, and if the amount is considered material.  As a result the operations for the Company’s second China Long Beach Express Service (“CLX2”) and A&B have been restated to be shown as discontinued operations.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans:  Certain ocean transportation subsidiaries are members of the Pacific Maritime Association (“PMA”) and the Hawaii Stevedoring Industry Committee, which negotiate multiemployer pension plans covering certain shoreside bargaining unit personnel. The subsidiaries directly negotiate multiemployer pension plans covering other bargaining unit personnel. Pension costs are accrued in accordance with contribution rates established by the PMA, the parties to a plan or the trustees of a plan. Several trusteed, non-contributory, single-employer defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans cover substantially all other employees.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation:  The Company records compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors. The Company’s various equity plans are more fully described in Note 10.

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (EPS) of Common Stock

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (“EPS”) of Common Stock: Basic earnings per share are determined by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the year. The calculation of diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of unexercised non-qualified stock options and non-vested stock units. The computation of weighted average dilutive shares outstanding excluded non-qualified stock options to purchase 0.5 million, 1.4 million, and 1.6 million shares of common stock for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. These amounts were excluded because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock for the periods presented and, therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive.

The denominator used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows (in millions):

	Year Ended December 31, 2012							Year Ended December 31, 2011							Year Ended December 31, 2010
				Weighted	Per						Weighted	Per					Weighted	Per
				Average	Common						Average	Common					Average	Common
	Net			Common	Share			Net			Common	Share			Net		Common	Share
	Income			Shares	Amount			Income			Shares	Amount			Income		Shares	Amount
Basic:
Income from continuing operations	$	52.0		42.3	$	1.23		$	45.8		41.6	$	1.10		$	70.5	41.2	$	1.71
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	(6.1		)	42.3	(0.14		)	(11.6		)	41.6	(0.28		)	21.6		41.2	0.52
	45.9				$	1.09		34.2				$	0.82		92.1			$	2.23
Effect of Dilutive Securities				0.4							0.4						0.3
Diluted:
Income from continuing operations	52.0			42.7	1.22			45.8			42.0	1.09			70.5		41.5	1.70
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	(6.1		)	42.7	(0.14		)	(11.6		)	42.0	(0.28		)	21.6		41.5	0.52
	$	45.9			$	1.08		$	34.2			$	0.81		$	92.1		$	2.22

Income Taxes

Income Taxes:  Deferred income taxes are provided for the tax effect of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are adjusted to the extent necessary to reflect tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse.  Adjustments may be required to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities due to changes in tax laws and audit adjustments by tax authorities.  To the extent adjustments are required in any given period, the adjustments would be included within the tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income and/or Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Prior to the Separation, the Company joined in filing consolidated federal and consolidated or combined state income tax returns with the Former Parent Company. However, the Company’s tax provision had been computed as if it had filed separate, stand-alone federal and state income tax returns.

In connection with the Separation, Matson incurred certain financial advisory, legal, tax and other professional fees, a portion of which is not deductible under the tax regulations. Accordingly, the Company’s income taxes for 2012, were increased by approximately $1.7 million, related to the non-deductibility of certain Separation costs.

Also in connection with the Separation, Matson entered into a Tax Sharing Agreement with A&B that governs the respective rights, responsibilities and obligations of the companies after the Separation with respect to tax liabilities and benefits, tax attributes, tax contests and other tax sharing regarding U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income taxes, other tax matters and related tax returns.  A&B has liability to Matson with respect to Matson’s consolidated or combined U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income tax liability for the taxes that are attributed to A&B’s businesses and relative contribution to state and other taxable income of the Matson consolidated or combined group relating to the taxable periods in which A&B was a part of that group.  The Tax Sharing Agreement specifies the portion, if any, of this tax liability for which Matson and A&B will bear responsibility, and Matson and A&B agreed to indemnify each other against any amounts for which they are not responsible.  Under the Tax Sharing Agreement, Matson also generally will be responsible for any taxes that arise from the failure of the Separation, together with certain related transactions, to qualify as tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes within the meaning of Sections 355 and 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as amended, to the extent such failure to qualify is attributable to actions, events or transactions relating to Matson’s stock, assets or business, or a breach of the relevant representations or covenants made by Matson in the Tax Sharing Agreement, the materials submitted to the Internal Revenue Service in connection with the ruling request relating to the Separation or the representation letter provided to counsel in connection with such counsel’s issuance of a tax opinion relating to certain aspects of the Separation.  In addition, each of Matson and A&B generally will be responsible for a portion of any taxes that arise from the failure of the Separation, together with certain related transactions, to qualify as tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes within the meaning of Sections 355 and 368 of the Code, if such failure is for any reason for which neither Matson nor A&B is responsible. The Tax Sharing Agreement also imposes restrictions on the respective abilities of Matson and A&B to engage in certain actions following the Separation.

Significant judgment is required in determining the Company’s tax liabilities in the multiple jurisdictions in which the Company operates and in dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations.  Significant judgment is also involved in estimating the impact of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken with respect to the application of complex tax laws.  Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with management’s expectations could materially affect the Company’s financial condition and/or its future operating results.

The Company has not recorded a valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets.  A valuation allowance would be established if, based on the weight of available evidence, management believes that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a recorded deferred tax asset would not be realized in future periods.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive Income (Loss): Comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in Shareholders’ Equity, except those resulting from capital stock transactions. Accumulated other comprehensive loss principally includes amortization of deferred pension/postretirement costs.

Environmental Costs

Environmental Costs: Environmental exposures are recorded as a liability and charged to operating expense when the environmental liability has been incurred and can be reasonably estimated. If the aggregate amount of the liability and the amount and timing of cash payments for the liability are fixed or reliably determinable, the environmental liability is discounted. An environmental liability has been incurred when both of the following conditions have been met: (i) litigation has commenced or a claim or an assessment has been asserted, or, based on available information, commencement of litigation or assertion of a claim or an assessment is probable, and (ii) based on available information, it is probable that the outcome of such litigation, claim, or assessment will be unfavorable. If a range of probable loss is determined, the Company will record the obligation at the low end of the range unless another amount in the range better reflects the expected loss.

Self-Insured Liabilities

Self-Insured Liabilities: The Company is self-insured for certain losses that include, but are not limited to, employee health, certain workers’ compensation, general liability, and real and personal property claims.  When feasible, the Company obtains third-party insurance coverage to limit its exposure to these claims.  When estimating its self-insured liabilities, the Company considers a number of factors, including historical claims experience, demographic factors, and valuations provided by independent third-parties.  Periodically, management reviews its assumptions and the valuations provided by independent third-parties to determine the adequacy of the Company’s self-insured liabilities.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards:  In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amended guidance that requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The revised standard eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. The revised standard is to be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted the revised standard effective January 1, 2012. The standard changed the presentation of the Company’s financial statements but did not affect the calculation of net income, comprehensive income or earnings per share.

In September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance governing the testing of goodwill for impairment. The revised standard allows an entity to use a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of a reporting unit. If, after considering all relevant events and circumstances, an entity determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount, then the entity is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity will be required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The guidance also expands upon the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider between annual impairment tests in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2012, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operation.

Rounding

Rounding:  Amounts in the consolidated financial statements and Notes are rounded to millions, but per-share calculations and percentages were determined based on amounts before rounding. Accordingly, a recalculation of some per-share amounts and percentages, if based on the reported data, may be slightly different.