Core Insights - The U.S. stock market's AI-driven bull run from 2023 to 2025 has continued into 2026, benefiting various sectors, particularly old-economy stocks in industrials, finance, auto, materials, and construction [1] Group 1: Investment Opportunities - Investing in old-economy stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank is expected to yield profits in 2026, providing opportunities for portfolio diversification [2] - Five old-economy stocks with strong earnings results and favorable Zacks Rank include Parker-Hannifin Corp. (PH), The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS), GE Aerospace (GE), C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. (CHRW), and Carpenter Technology Corp. (CRS) [3] Group 2: Parker-Hannifin Corp. (PH) - Parker-Hannifin reported adjusted earnings of $7.65 per share for Q2 fiscal 2026, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.15, with total sales of $5.17 billion surpassing the consensus estimate of $5.04 billion [6] - The company benefits from steady demand in commercial and military markets, with a Win strategy driving margins and shareholder value [7][8] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for PH are 6.8% and 12.9%, respectively, for the current year, with a current dividend yield of 0.74% [11] Group 3: The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS) - Goldman Sachs reported Q4 2025 earnings per share of $14.01, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $11.77, while net revenues were $13.45 billion, slightly below the estimate of $13.61 billion [12] - The firm is focusing on its core strengths in investment banking and trading, with expansion in the private equity credit market expected to diversify revenue [14] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for GS are 8.6% and 10.3%, respectively, for the current year, with a current dividend yield of 1.70% [16] Group 4: GE Aerospace - GE Aerospace's Q4 adjusted earnings were $1.57 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.44, with adjusted revenues of $11.87 billion exceeding the estimate of $11.26 billion [17] - The company is experiencing strong demand for commercial engines and propulsion technologies, supported by rising defense budgets and robust air travel demand [18] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for GE are 13.8% and 17%, respectively, for the current year, with a current dividend yield of 0.45% [19] Group 5: C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. (CHRW) - C.H. Robinson reported Q4 2025 adjusted earnings of $1.23 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.12, while total revenues of $3.91 billion narrowly missed the estimate of $3.95 billion [20] - The company is focused on shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases, with AI integration enhancing operational efficiency [22] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for CHRW are 3.9% and 15.9%, respectively, for the current year, with a current dividend yield of 1.26% [23] Group 6: Carpenter Technology Corp. (CRS) - Carpenter Technology reported adjusted earnings of $2.33 per share for Q2 fiscal 2026, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.20, with net revenues of $728 million slightly below the estimate of $729 million [24] - The company is experiencing strong booking growth and robust demand in Aerospace and Defense, with a positive outlook supported by strategic acquisitions [26] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for CRS are 6.6% and 36.5%, respectively, for the current year, with a current dividend yield of 0.22% [27]

Core Insights - The freight market has been stagnant for nearly two years, but early signs indicate a potential upward shift, although this does not guarantee an easier environment for brokers [1] - Recent earnings calls from RXO and C.H. Robinson highlight the challenges brokers face as the market begins to strengthen, particularly regarding financial and operational stress [1] Group 1: RXO's Performance - RXO's fourth-quarter results reveal ongoing pricing pressure and margin compression, with the company struggling to balance carrier costs against cautious shipper demand [2] - The company reported a GAAP net loss of $46 million in the fourth quarter, which is a significant increase from a $25 million loss in the same quarter of 2024 and $14 million in the third quarter [5] - Brokers are experiencing difficulties not just at the bottom of the cycle, but as the market begins to improve, leading to uncomfortable decisions regarding margin sacrifice versus customer retention [2] Group 2: Market Dynamics - In an upward-inflating market, brokers face working capital strain as carrier rates increase faster than shipper pricing, requiring brokers to manage higher payments while awaiting contractual adjustments [4] - Operational stress is heightened by rising volatility, rewarding brokers with strong carrier relationships and real-time pricing visibility, while those relying on static models risk mispricing freight [5] Group 3: C.H. Robinson's Position - C.H. Robinson's earnings calls present a contrasting perspective, with management emphasizing productivity gains, cost discipline, and improved execution despite the challenging environment [6] - The market reacted positively to C.H. Robinson's performance, resulting in a stock price increase even amid mixed freight fundamentals [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the valuation of C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW), suggesting that a forward P/E multiple of 22x is not justified due to unclear fundamentals, advocating for a fundamentals-based approach to value investing [1] Group 1: Investment Philosophy - The company emphasizes the importance of long-term durability and affordability in investment choices, rather than simply focusing on low multiple stocks [1] - There is a belief that investing in successful companies carries risks, particularly the risk of overpaying, highlighting the significance of valuation [1] - The article notes that in certain situations, the potential for growth may outweigh immediate price concerns [1]

Core Viewpoint - C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW) has shown strong stock performance, with a 19.1% increase over the past month and a 24.2% gain since the beginning of the year, outperforming the Zacks Transportation sector and the Zacks Transportation - Services industry [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company has consistently exceeded earnings expectations, reporting an EPS of $1.23 against a consensus estimate of $1.12 in its last earnings report [2]. - For the current fiscal year, C.H. Robinson is projected to achieve earnings of $5.9 per share on revenues of $16.86 billion, reflecting a 15.91% increase in EPS and a 3.89% increase in revenues [3]. - For the next fiscal year, expected earnings are $6.83 per share on revenues of $18.08 billion, indicating a year-over-year change of 15.66% in EPS and 7.23% in revenues [3]. Valuation Metrics - The stock currently trades at a valuation of 33.8 times the current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is above the peer industry average of 23 times [7]. - On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock trades at 32.7 times compared to the peer group's average of 9.2 times [7]. - The PEG ratio stands at 2.1, suggesting that the stock is not among the top tier from a value perspective [7]. Zacks Rank and Style Scores - C.H. Robinson holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), supported by rising earnings estimates [8]. - The stock has a Value Score of D, while its Growth and Momentum Scores are A and B, respectively, resulting in a combined VGM Score of B [6][8].

Group 1 - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. has shown a positive stock performance, increasing more than 5% recently due to a solid quarterly report, indicating potential recovery in the freight market [1] - The company provides a range of logistics services, including freight transportation via truckload, air, and ocean shipping, as well as customs brokerage and warehousing [3]

Company Overview - C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. is a third-party logistics company based in Minnesota, providing freight transportation services and logistic solutions across various industries [11] - The company operates as an asset-light transportation provider, offering services ranging from specific shipment commitments to comprehensive and integrated logistics relationships [11] Investment Ratings - C.H. Robinson has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of B, indicating a favorable investment outlook [11] Growth Potential - The company is positioned as a top pick for growth investors, with a Growth Style Score of A, forecasting a year-over-year earnings growth of 15.9% for the current fiscal year [12] - In the last 60 days, five analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards for fiscal 2026, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.05 to $5.90 per share [12] - C.H. Robinson has an average earnings surprise of +10.8%, further enhancing its attractiveness to investors [12]

Core Viewpoint - Three stocks in the industrials sector are signaling potential warnings for momentum-focused investors as of February 3, 2026 [1] Group 1: Momentum Indicator - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a key momentum indicator that compares a stock's performance on days with price increases to days with price decreases [2] - An asset is generally considered overbought when the RSI exceeds 70, indicating potential caution for traders [2] Group 2: Overbought Stocks - The following companies are identified as major overbought players in the industrials sector: Matson Inc (NYSE:MATX), CH Robinson Worldwide Inc (NASDAQ:CHRW), and Energous Corp (NASDAQ:WATT) [3]

Core Insights - As of February 3, 2026, three stocks in the industrials sector are identified as potential warning signs for momentum-focused investors [1] Group 1: Momentum Indicator - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a key momentum indicator that compares a stock's performance on days with price increases to days with price decreases [2] - An asset is generally considered overbought when the RSI exceeds 70, indicating potential caution for traders [2] Group 2: Overbought Stocks - The following companies are listed as major overbought players in the industrials sector: - Matson Inc (NYSE:MATX) - CH Robinson Worldwide Inc (NASDAQ:CHRW) - Energous Corp (NASDAQ:WATT) [3]

Core Insights - The brokerage reported a Q4 revenue decline of 6.5% year-over-year to $3.9 billion, with operational income falling 1.3% to $181.4 million, primarily due to the sale of its Europe surface transportation business and lower pricing in ocean and truckload services [3][4] - The company has effectively utilized AI to enhance operational efficiency, particularly in resolving missed LTL pickups, resulting in faster freight movement and reduced return trips for missed pickups [4][5][6] Financial Performance - The North American Surface Transportation segment saw a 6.6% increase in profit year-over-year, reaching $141.3 million in Q4, attributed to a 3% rise in truckload volume driven by AI productivity gains [7] - The overall decline in revenue and operational income highlights challenges faced in a weak freight market, despite some segments performing well [3][4] Technology Utilization - Approximately 95% of checks on missed LTL pickups are now automated, saving over 350 hours of manual work daily, showcasing the impact of AI on operational efficiency [6] - The use of AI has enabled quicker access to information for freight experts, allowing for better decision-making and capturing of higher-margin shipments [7]

Core Viewpoint - C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. stock has experienced significant growth over the past year, but current performance raises questions about potential overvaluation [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - The current stock price of C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. is $193.71, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.01% in the current market session [1] - Over the past month, the stock price has increased by 18.32% [1] - In the past year, the stock has surged by 97.46% [1] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - The P/E ratio of C.H. Robinson Worldwide is 40.1, which is higher than the aggregate P/E ratio of 20.83 for the Air Freight & Logistics industry [6] - A higher P/E ratio may suggest that the company is expected to perform better in the future compared to its industry peers [6] - However, there are indications that the stock may be overvalued despite its better P/E ratio [7]