Matthews International Corporation (MATW): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Ever wondered about the story behind Matthews International Corporation (MATW), a company with a $0.63 billion market cap as of April 2025? Founded in 1850, this global provider has evolved from a small engraving shop to a diverse corporation, but how exactly does it operate and generate revenue across its various segments?

From memorialization products to industrial technologies and brand solutions, Matthews International serves a wide array of industries, but with a reported $1.80 billion in sales for fiscal year 2024, a decrease from $1.88 billion in fiscal 2023, how has this evolution shaped its financial performance and market position? Dive in to explore the rich history, ownership structure, core mission, and the intricate workings of Matthews International, uncovering the key elements that drive its success and profitability.

Matthews International Corporation (MATW) History

Matthews International Corporation Founding Timeline

Year established

The company was established in 1850.

Original location

The company was originally located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Founding team members

John Dixon Matthews was the founder of the company.

Initial capital/funding

Information regarding the initial capital or funding is not available in the provided search results.

Matthews International Corporation Evolution Milestones

Matthews International Corporation Transformative Moments

• Diversification into Memorialization (Early 1900s): Shifting from marking products to bronze memorial tablets marked a significant expansion into architectural products and set the stage for future growth in the memorialization sector.
• Entry into Funeral Supply Business (1960s): This move diversified the company's operations, making it a key player in the death care industry.
• Acquisition of York Group, Inc. (1980s): This acquisition significantly bolstered the company's memorialization business, enhancing its market position.
• Expansion into Cremation Market (1990s): Recognizing changing trends in death care, entering the cremation market allowed the company to cater to evolving customer preferences.
• Global Expansion (2000s): Extending operations into Europe and Asia broadened the company’s market reach and established it as a global entity.
• Acquisition of Aurora Casket Company (2014): This acquisition solidified the company's position as a leading provider in the North American death care industry.
• Appointment of Chief Technology Officer (2021): This appointment signals a focus on integrating technology and innovation across all business segments, aiming to drive future growth and efficiency.

Here's more about the company: Exploring Matthews International Corporation (MATW) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Matthews International Corporation (MATW) Ownership Structure

Matthews International Corporation has a diverse ownership structure, encompassing institutional investors, retail shareholders, and company insiders, reflecting a mix of investment strategies and stakeholder interests.

Matthews International Corporation's Current Status

Matthews International Corporation is a publicly traded company, meaning its shares are available for purchase on a stock exchange. As a publicly-held entity, it is subject to regulatory oversight and reporting requirements, providing a level of transparency to investors and the public.

Matthews International Corporation's Ownership Breakdown

As of Q3 2024, the ownership of Matthews International Corporation is distributed among various shareholders. Here's a summary:

Matthews International Corporation's Leadership

Key figures leading Matthews International Corporation as of April 2025 include:

• Joseph R. Bartolacci: President and Chief Executive Officer
• Mark J. стипендии: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
• Steven F. Nicola: Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

These individuals, along with other members of the executive team and board of directors, are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the company and overseeing its operations. For more insights into the company's financial standing, check out: Breaking Down Matthews International Corporation (MATW) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Matthews International Corporation (MATW) Mission and Values

Matthews International Corporation aims to provide innovative and sustainable solutions that help customers succeed, guided by core values emphasizing integrity, innovation, and customer focus. These principles shape their operations and long-term goals.

Matthews International Corporation's Core Purpose

Official mission statement

Matthews International Corporation does not have a single, universally publicized official mission statement. However, by synthesizing information from their investor presentations, sustainability reports, and official statements, their core purpose can be understood as follows:

• To provide innovative and sustainable solutions that enable our customers to succeed.
• To create value for our shareholders through strategic growth and operational excellence.
• To foster a culture of integrity, innovation, and customer focus.

Vision statement

While Matthews International Corporation doesn't have a specific, explicitly stated vision statement, their long-term objectives and strategic priorities suggest a clear vision:

• To be a global leader in each of our business segments, recognized for innovation, quality, and customer service.
• To drive growth through strategic acquisitions and organic investments in high-potential markets.
• To create a sustainable future by integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into our business practices.

Company slogan/tagline

Matthews International Corporation does not have an official, actively used tagline or slogan. However, past marketing materials and communications have emphasized themes that capture the essence of what they offer:

• **'Innovative Solutions, Lasting Value'**: This encapsulates their focus on providing cutting-edge products and services that deliver long-term benefits to customers.
• **'Creating What's Next'**: This reflects their commitment to innovation and forward-thinking in their respective industries.

To gain more insights into the ownership structure of Matthews International Corporation, consider exploring: Exploring Matthews International Corporation (MATW) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Matthews International Corporation (MATW) How It Works

Matthews International Corporation operates through three business segments: Memorialization, Industrial Technologies, and SGK Brand Solutions. The company provides memorialization products, industrial automation solutions, and brand management services to a global customer base.

Matthews International Corporation's Product/Service Portfolio

Matthews International Corporation's Operational Framework

Matthews International operates through a decentralized structure, allowing each business segment to focus on its specific market and customers. Here's how the company creates value:

• Manufacturing and Distribution: The Memorialization segment manufactures and distributes memorial products through a network of facilities and sales representatives.
• Technology Development: The Industrial Technologies segment invests in research and development to create innovative automation solutions.
• Service Delivery: SGK Brand Solutions provides creative and production services through a global network of studios and production facilities.

For detailed insights into the company's financial performance, see Breaking Down Matthews International Corporation (MATW) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Matthews International Corporation's Strategic Advantages

Matthews International leverages several strategic advantages to maintain its competitive position:

• Diversified Business Model: Operating in three distinct segments reduces the company's reliance on any single market or industry.
• Global Presence: A global network of facilities and sales offices enables the company to serve customers worldwide.
• Strong Customer Relationships: Long-standing relationships with key customers in each segment provide a stable revenue base.
• Innovation and Technology: Investment in research and development drives the development of new products and services.

Matthews International Corporation (MATW) How It Makes Money

Matthews International Corporation primarily generates revenue through the design, manufacture, and distribution of memorialization products, brand solutions, and industrial automation equipment.

Matthews International Corporation's Revenue Breakdown

Matthews International Corporation operates through three main segments. Memorialization accounts for the largest portion of revenue, followed by Industrial Automation, and then SGK Brand Solutions. Here's a breakdown based on the 2024 fiscal year:

Matthews International Corporation's Business Economics

Several factors underpin the economics of Matthews International Corporation's business:

• Memorialization Segment: This segment benefits from a relatively stable demand driven by mortality rates. Pricing strategies are influenced by material costs (bronze, granite), craftsmanship, and customization options. The segment's profitability is also affected by the efficiency of its manufacturing and distribution network.
• Industrial Automation Segment: Demand in this segment is closely tied to capital expenditure cycles in various industries. Pricing is project-based, reflecting the complexity and customization of automation solutions. Project execution and supply chain management significantly impact profitability.
• SGK Brand Solutions Segment: This segment's revenue depends on marketing spends of consumer goods companies. Pricing models range from project-based fees to retainer agreements. Profitability is influenced by creative talent, project management efficiency, and the ability to deliver innovative solutions.

Matthews International Corporation's Financial Performance

Key aspects of Matthews International Corporation's recent financial performance include:

• In fiscal year 2024, Matthews International Corporation reported consolidated sales of $1.93 billion, a decrease of 2.1% compared to $1.97 billion in 2023.
• Net income attributable to the company for fiscal year 2024 was $44.1 million, or $1.34 per share, compared to $67.7 million, or $2.06 per share, in 2023.
• The company's adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2024 was $234.4 million, compared to $256.4 million in the prior year.
• The Memorialization segment sales were $982.2 million in 2024, compared to $998.2 million in 2023.
• Industrial Automation segment sales increased to $590.9 million in 2024, compared to $577.5 million in 2023.
• SGK Brand Solutions segment sales were $358.9 million in 2024, compared to $394.2 million in 2023.

To gain more insight into the ownership and investor profile of Matthews International Corporation, consider exploring: Exploring Matthews International Corporation (MATW) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Matthews International Corporation (MATW) Market Position & Future Outlook

Matthews International Corporation is navigating a dynamic market landscape, focusing on strategic growth initiatives and innovation to enhance its competitive edge and future outlook. The company's ability to adapt to changing market conditions and capitalize on emerging opportunities will be crucial for sustained success. For more in-depth insights, check out: Exploring Matthews International Corporation (MATW) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Competitive Landscape

Opportunities & Challenges

Industry Position

Matthews International operates across three main business segments, each with its unique industry position:

• **Memorialization:** A leading provider of memorialization products, including caskets, urns, and cremation equipment. The company benefits from a strong brand and established distribution network.
• **Industrial Technologies:** This segment focuses on providing marking and coding equipment, as well as warehouse automation solutions. The industry is driven by the need for increased efficiency and traceability.
• **SGK Brand Solutions:** This segment offers brand management and design services. The market is competitive, requiring continuous innovation and adaptation to changing consumer preferences.