Benchmark Reiterates Buy Rating on C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW)

Benchmark analyst Christopher Kuhn reiterated a Buy rating and $160.00 price target on C.H. Robinson Worldwide (NASDAQ: CHRW).

The analyst commented, "Buy-rated CHRW reported 4Q25 adjusted EPS of $1.23, up 1.7% y/y and ahead of our $1.16 estimate (FactSet $1.12). While the quarter benefited from some below-the-line items, it was still an operational beat. Despite strong performance over the past year, the stock traded up 5%–7% in the aftermarket, reflecting solid execution in the face of well-known industry headwinds. Freight activity remains soft—highlighted by the Cass Freight Shipment Index posting its 13th consecutive quarterly y/y decline (down 7.6% in 4Q)—yet CHRW again gained share. NAST volumes grew 1% y/y, including 3% growth in truckload. NAST gross margins expanded 20 bps y/y, an impressive outcome given transportation costs spiked in the final five weeks of the quarter due to seasonal capacity tightening, three winter storms, and incremental pressure from cumulative enforcement of commercial driver regulations. Transportation cost pressure has continued into January. Ocean rates declined sharply y/y on reduced demand and increased capacity, consistent with our expectations. Even so, improved revenue-management discipline drove a 120 bps y/y increase in Global Forwarding gross margins, supporting net revenue that came in 14% above our estimate despite a 22% y/y decline in ocean adjusted gross profit. CHRW continues to execute well on its strategic initiatives. The growing impact of AI-driven automation and its lean operating model is contributing to sustained market-share gains, disciplined revenue management, a cost-of-hire advantage versus the market, and ongoing productivity improvements. 4Q adjusted operating profit of $197.5m (up 7.1% y/y) exceeded our $192.2m estimate (consensus $186.8) with a 320-bps y/y increase in adjusted operating margin. Our estimates and price target are under review, and we will follow up with additional detail."

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on C.H. Robinson Worldwide click here. For more ratings news on C.H. Robinson Worldwide click here.

Shares of C.H. Robinson Worldwide closed at $184.28 yesterday.

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