Group 1 - The article discusses the upgrade of C.H. Robinson Worldwide's rating from sell to hold due to improvements in the macro environment [1] - The author emphasizes a fundamentals-based approach to value investing, focusing on companies with long-term durability and robust balance sheets [1] - There is a critique of the misconception that low multiple stocks are inherently cheap, highlighting the importance of valuation in investment decisions [1] Group 2 - The article does not contain any disclosures related to stock positions or business relationships with the companies mentioned [2] - It clarifies that past performance is not indicative of future results and does not provide specific investment recommendations [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 integrated relationships [11] Investment Ratings - C.H. Robinson is currently rated as 2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, indicating a favorable investment outlook [11] - The company has a VGM Score of B, reflecting a combination of value, growth, and momentum characteristics [11][12] Financial Metrics - C.H. Robinson has a Value Style Score of B, supported by attractive valuation metrics, including a forward P/E ratio of 20.75 [12] - Over the last 60 days, six analysts have revised their earnings estimates higher for fiscal 2025, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.06 to $4.84 per share [12] - The company has demonstrated an average earnings surprise of 21.7%, indicating strong performance relative to expectations [12]

Core Viewpoint - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (CHRW) reported mixed fourth-quarter 2024 results, with earnings exceeding expectations while revenues fell short [1][2]. Financial Performance - Quarterly earnings per share (EPS) reached $1.21, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.12 and reflecting a 142% year-over-year increase [1]. - Total revenues amounted to $4.18 billion, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.47 billion and showing a 0.9% decline year over year due to lower truckload volume and pricing, partially offset by higher ocean services pricing [2]. - Adjusted gross profits increased by 10.7% year over year to $684.6 million, driven by higher adjusted gross profit per transaction in truckload and ocean services [2]. Segmental Results - North American Surface Transportation reported total revenues of $2.80 billion, down 6.6% year over year, attributed to lower truckload volume and pricing, with adjusted gross profits growing 6.2% to $403.8 million [4]. - Global Forwarding's total revenues rose 24.7% year over year to $883.96 million, benefiting from higher pricing in ocean services, with adjusted gross profits increasing 25.6% to $203.8 million [5]. - Revenues from other sources decreased 2.8% year over year to $497.98 million, falling short of expectations [6]. Operating Metrics - Adjusted operating margin improved to 26.8%, a 940 basis point increase from the previous year, while operating expenses decreased by 2% year over year to $500.8 million [3]. - The transportation unit delivered an adjusted gross profit of $684.62 million, up 10.7% from the prior year, with varying growth rates across service lines [7]. Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns - CHRW generated $267.9 million in cash from operations in the fourth quarter, significantly higher than $47.3 million in the prior-year quarter, driven by increased net income and changes in net operating working capital [9]. - The company returned $82.8 million to shareholders, including $74.5 million in cash dividends and $8.3 million through share repurchases [10]. Balance Sheet - At the end of the fourth quarter, cash and cash equivalents stood at $145.76 million, up from $131.70 million in the prior quarter, while long-term debt decreased to $921.85 million from $1.41 billion [8]. Outlook - Capital expenditures for 2025 are projected to be between $75 million and $85 million [11].

分组1 - C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW) reported quarterly earnings of $1.21 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.12 per share, and showing a significant increase from $0.50 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 8.04% [1][2] - The company posted revenues of $4.18 billion for the quarter ended December 2024, which was 6.42% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate and a slight decrease from $4.22 billion in the same quarter last year [2] - C.H. Robinson has surpassed consensus EPS estimates in all four of the last quarters and has topped consensus revenue estimates two times during the same period [2][6] 分组2 - The stock has gained approximately 6.3% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 3.2% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.02 on revenues of $4.51 billion, while for the current fiscal year, the estimate is $4.82 on revenues of $18.38 billion [7] - The Transportation - Services industry, to which C.H. Robinson belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 40% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [8]

Financial Performance - Total revenues decreased by 0.9% year-over-year to $4.2 billion in Q4 2024 [10] - Adjusted gross profits increased by 10.7% year-over-year to $685 million in Q4 2024 [10] - Income from operations increased by 71.1% year-over-year to $184 million in Q4 2024 [10] - Net income per share increased by 369.2% year-over-year to $1.22 in Q4 2024 [10] - Adjusted income from operations increased by 79% year-over-year in Q4 [5] Segment Results - North American Surface Transportation (NAST) adjusted gross profits increased by 6.2% year-over-year in Q4 2024 [13] - Global Forwarding (GF) adjusted gross profits increased by 25.6% year-over-year in Q4 2024 [13] - All Other & Corporate adjusted gross profits increased by 1.2% year-over-year in Q4 2024 [13] - NAST truckload adjusted gross profit increased 9.5% year-over-year [17] - Ocean volume grew 3.5% year-over-year & air tonnage grew 15.5% year-over-year in Global Forwarding [16] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on deploying a new operating model to improve service, gain market share, streamline processes, and optimize costs [11]

[Financial Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Financial%20Highlights) [Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Fourth%20Quarter%20Highlights) Q4 2024 profitability surged, with gross profits up **10.4%** to **$672.9 million** and income from operations increasing **71.1%** Q4 2024 Key Financial Metrics | Metric | Q4 2024 Value | YoY Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Gross Profits | $672.9 million | +10.4% | | Income from Operations | $183.8 million | +71.1% | | Adjusted Operating Margin | 26.8% | +940 bps | | Diluted EPS | $1.22 | +369.2% | | Adjusted EPS | $1.21 | +142.0% | | Cash Generated by Operations | $267.9 million | +$220.6 million | - The significant increase in profitability was attributed to **disciplined execution**, a focus on **quality of volume**, and improvements in **gross profit margin**, **productivity improvements**, and **operating leverage**[5](index=5&type=chunk) [Full-Year 2024 Key Metrics](index=1&type=section&id=Full-Year%20Key%20Metrics) Full-year 2024 gross profits increased **5.8%** to **$2.7 billion**, income from operations rose **30.0%**, but cash from operations declined Full-Year 2024 Key Financial Metrics | Metric | Full-Year 2024 Value | YoY Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Gross Profits | $2.7 billion | +5.8% | | Income from Operations | $669.1 million | +30.0% | | Adjusted Operating Margin | 24.2% | +440 bps | | Diluted EPS | $3.86 | +41.9% | | Adjusted EPS | $4.51 | +36.7% | | Cash Generated by Operations | $509.1 million | -$222.9 million | - The decrease in cash from operations was attributed to an increase in **net operating working capital**, which was related to **higher ocean rates**[5](index=5&type=chunk) [Management Commentary](index=2&type=section&id=Management%20Commentary) [CEO's Perspective](index=2&type=section&id=CEO's%20Perspective) CEO Bozeman attributed Q4 financial improvement to the **new operating model**, driving **disciplined execution** and **productivity gains** across segments - The **new Robinson operating model** is credited with enabling **disciplined execution**, leading to higher **quality of volume**, greater **productivity improvements**, and expanded **profit margins**[6](index=6&type=chunk) - In the NAST segment, **dynamic costing/pricing tools** and **revenue management practices** improved **gross profit margins** both year-over-year and sequentially, despite rising transportation costs[6](index=6&type=chunk) - The Global Forwarding business achieved **over 15% productivity improvement** for the full year by **decoupling headcount growth from volume growth**, reducing average headcount by **more than 10%** while growing ocean and air shipments[7](index=7&type=chunk) - Over **2023** and **2024**, the company delivered compounded **productivity growth of 30% or more** in both Global Forwarding and NAST, which are viewed as **evergreen improvements**[7](index=7&type=chunk) [Consolidated Financial Performance](index=4&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Financial%20Performance) [Fourth Quarter 2024 Performance Summary](index=4&type=section&id=Summary%20of%20Fourth%20Quarter%20of%202024%20Results) Q4 2024 revenues decreased **0.9%** to **$4.2 billion**, but adjusted gross profits rose **10.7%**, leading to a **71.1%** increase in income from operations Q4 2024 vs Q4 2023 Financial Results | Metric | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $4.2 billion | $4.2 billion | -0.9% | | Adjusted Gross Profits | $684.6 million | $618.6 million | +10.7% | | Operating Expenses | $500.8 million | $511.0 million | -2.0% | | Income from Operations | $183.8 million | $107.4 million | +71.1% | | Net Income | $149.3 million | $31.0 million | +382.1% | | Diluted EPS | $1.22 | $0.26 | +369.2% | | Adjusted EPS | $1.21 | $0.50 | +142.0% | - Personnel expenses decreased by **2.1%** to **$354.4 million**, primarily due to **cost optimization** and **productivity improvements**, with average employee headcount declining by **9.5%**[10](index=10&type=chunk) - The effective tax rate dropped to **11.4%** from **55.3%** in the prior year's quarter, driven by **non-recurring discrete items**, **higher U.S. tax credits**, and **increased tax benefits from stock-based compensation**[10](index=10&type=chunk) [Full-Year 2024 Performance Summary](index=5&type=section&id=Summary%20of%202024%20Year-to-Date%20Results) Full-year 2024 revenues increased **0.7%** to **$17.7 billion**, adjusted gross profits grew **6.2%**, and income from operations rose **30.0%** Full-Year 2024 vs 2023 Financial Results | Metric | Full-Year 2024 | Full-Year 2023 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $17.7 billion | $17.6 billion | +0.7% | | Adjusted Gross Profits | $2.8 billion | $2.6 billion | +6.2% | | Operating Expenses | $2.1 billion | $2.1 billion | +0.3% | | Income from Operations | $669.1 million | $514.6 million | +30.0% | | Net Income | $465.7 million | $325.1 million | +43.2% | | Diluted EPS | $3.86 | $2.72 | +41.9% | | Adjusted EPS | $4.51 | $3.30 | +36.7% | - Personnel expenses decreased by **0.6%** due to **cost optimization**, with average employee headcount declining by **10.3%**[12](index=12&type=chunk) - Other SG&A expenses increased by **2.5%**, primarily due to a **$44.5 million** **loss on the planned divestiture of the Europe Surface Transportation business**[12](index=12&type=chunk) [Segment Performance](index=6&type=section&id=Segment%20Performance) [North American Surface Transportation (NAST)](index=6&type=section&id=North%20American%20Surface%20Transportation%20(NAST)) Q4 2024 NAST revenues decreased **6.6%** to **$2.8 billion**, but adjusted gross profits rose **6.2%**, leading to a **38.1%** increase in income from operations NAST Q4 2024 Financial Results (in thousands) | Metric | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $2,802,700 | $3,000,650 | -6.6% | | Adjusted Gross Profits | $403,764 | $380,157 | +6.2% | | Income from Operations | $132,528 | $95,958 | +38.1% | - Truckload adjusted gross profits increased **9.5%** due to a **17.0%** increase in adjusted gross profit **per shipment**, which offset a **6.5%** decrease in truckload shipments[13](index=13&type=chunk) - LTL adjusted gross profits increased **4.5%**, driven by a **2.5%** increase in volume and a **2.0%** increase in adjusted gross profit **per order**[13](index=13&type=chunk) [Global Forwarding](index=7&type=section&id=Global%20Forwarding) Q4 2024 Global Forwarding revenues increased **24.7%** to **$884.0 million**, adjusted gross profits grew **25.6%**, leading to a **129.6%** surge in income from operations Global Forwarding Q4 2024 Financial Results (in thousands) | Metric | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $883,968 | $708,814 | +24.7% | | Adjusted Gross Profits | $203,801 | $162,322 | +25.6% | | Income from Operations | $51,827 | $22,576 | +129.6% | - Ocean adjusted gross profits increased **27.7%**, driven by a **23.5%** increase in adjusted gross profit **per shipment** and a **3.5%** increase in shipments[14](index=14&type=chunk) - Air adjusted gross profits surged **45.4%**, driven by a **26.0%** increase in adjusted gross profit **per metric ton** and a **15.5%** increase in **metric tons** shipped[14](index=14&type=chunk) [All Other and Corporate](index=8&type=section&id=All%20Other%20and%20Corporate) Q4 2024 All Other and Corporate saw mixed results, with Robinson Fresh adjusted gross profits up **15.7%**, while Managed Solutions and Other Surface Transportation declined All Other and Corporate Adjusted Gross Profits Q4 2024 (in thousands) | Division | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Robinson Fresh | $35,983 | $31,093 | +15.7% | | Managed Solutions | $28,133 | $28,846 | -2.5% | | Other Surface Transportation | $12,942 | $16,205 | -20.1% | - The increase in Robinson Fresh adjusted gross profits was due to an increase in **integrated supply chain solutions** for retail and foodservice customers[16](index=16&type=chunk) - The decrease in Other Surface Transportation was primarily due to a **19.4%** decrease in Europe truckload adjusted gross profits[16](index=16&type=chunk) [Financial Position and Cash Flow](index=8&type=section&id=Financial%20Position%20and%20Cash%20Flow) [Other Income Statement Items](index=8&type=section&id=Other%20Income%20Statement%20Items) Q4 2024 net interest and other expense decreased to **$15.4 million**, with the effective tax rate dropping to **11.4%** from **55.3%** - Interest expense decreased by **$2.8 million** versus Q4 **2023**, attributed to a **lower average debt balance** and **lower variable interest rates**[17](index=17&type=chunk) - The Q4 effective tax rate was **11.4%**, down from **55.3%** in the prior year. The company expects a full-year effective tax rate of **18% to 20%** for **2025**[18](index=18&type=chunk) [Cash Flow Generation and Capital Distribution](index=9&type=section&id=Cash%20Flow%20Generation%20and%20Capital%20Distribution) Q4 2024 cash from operations increased by **$220.6 million** to **$267.9 million**, and **$82.8 million** was returned to shareholders - Cash from operations increased by **$220.6 million** in Q4 **2024** compared to Q4 **2023**, driven by a **$118.3 million** increase in net income and an **$81.3 million** **positive change in net operating working capital**[19](index=19&type=chunk) - In Q4 **2024**, the company returned **$82.8 million** to shareholders, consisting of **$74.5 million** in dividends and **$8.3 million** in stock buybacks[20](index=20&type=chunk) - Capital expenditures for **2025** are projected to be in the range of **$75 million to $85 million**[20](index=20&type=chunk) [Financial Statements and Reconciliations](index=11&type=section&id=Financial%20Statements%20and%20Reconciliations) [Adjusted Gross Profit by Service Line](index=11&type=section&id=Adjusted%20Gross%20Profit%20by%20Service%20Line) Q4 2024 total adjusted gross profits increased **10.7%** to **$684.6 million**, driven by strong Air, Ocean, and Sourcing performance Adjusted Gross Profits by Service Line - Q4 2024 (in thousands) | Service Line | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Truckload | $261,527 | $243,839 | +7.3% | | LTL | $141,982 | $136,602 | +3.9% | | Ocean | $127,139 | $99,191 | +28.2% | | Air | $40,856 | $28,224 | +44.8% | | Customs | $26,467 | $23,730 | +11.5% | | Sourcing | $32,269 | $27,635 | +16.8% | | **Total** | **$684,623** | **$618,623** | **+10.7%** | [GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation](index=12&type=section&id=GAAP%20to%20Non-GAAP%20Reconciliation) The company reconciles GAAP to non-GAAP measures, adjusting Q4 2024 gross profit from **$672.9 million** to **$684.6 million** for restructuring and divestiture impacts - Adjusted gross profit is calculated by excluding the **amortization of internally developed software** from GAAP gross profit. In Q4 **2024**, this amortization was **$11.8 million**[27](index=27&type=chunk) - Adjusted operating margin for Q4 **2024** was **26.8%**, a **940 basis points** increase from **17.4%** in Q4 **2023**. Excluding restructuring and loss on divestiture, the margin was **26.9%**, a **1,020 basis points** increase[27](index=27&type=chunk) - For Q4 **2024**, adjustments to net income included pre-tax **restructuring costs** of **$13.2 million** and a pre-tax **gain on divestiture** of **$12.6 million**[28](index=28&type=chunk) [Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements](index=15&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) Consolidated financial statements show Q4 net income up **382.1%** to **$149.3 million**, total assets at **$5.30 billion**, and full-year operating cash flow at **$509.1 million** [Statements of Income](index=15&type=section&id=Statements%20of%20Income) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands) | Metric | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | Full-Year 2024 | Full-Year 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $4,184,656 | $4,221,887 | $17,724,956 | $17,596,443 | | Income from Operations | $183,799 | $107,429 | $669,141 | $514,607 | | Net Income | $149,306 | $30,973 | $465,690 | $325,129 | | Diluted EPS | $1.22 | $0.26 | $3.86 | $2.72 | [Balance Sheets](index=18&type=section&id=Balance%20Sheets) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) | Metric | Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Current Assets | $2,969,603 | $2,880,694 | | Total Assets | $5,297,926 | $5,225,280 | | Total Current Liabilities | $2,324,898 | $2,051,993 | | Total Liabilities | $3,575,875 | $3,806,583 | | Total Stockholders' Investment | $1,722,051 | $1,418,697 | [Statements of Cash Flow](index=19&type=section&id=Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flow) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow (in thousands) | Metric | Twelve Months Ended Dec 31, 2024 | Twelve Months Ended Dec 31, 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | $509,084 | $731,946 | | Net Cash Used for Investing Activities | ($74,288) | ($82,787) | | Net Cash Used for Financing Activities | ($416,099) | ($717,833) | | Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period | $145,762 | $145,524 |

Earnings Report and Estimates - C H Robinson (CHRW) is scheduled to report fourth-quarter 2024 results on Jan 29, after market close [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CHRW's fourth-quarter 2024 earnings per share has been revised upward by 1 8% in the past 60 days to $1 12, implying a 124% surge from the year-ago actuals [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $4 47 billion, indicating a 5 9% increase from fourth-quarter 2023 actuals [2] - CHRW has surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the past four quarters, with an average beat of 10 3% [3] Revenue and Segment Performance - Revenues from the service line transportation segment are estimated at $4 17 billion, up 6% from the fourth-quarter 2023 actuals [4] - Revenues from the sourcing segment are forecasted at $380 8 million [4] - North American Surface Transportation's fourth-quarter revenues are estimated at $3 billion, a 0 3% increase from the year-ago reported figure [5] - Revenues from the Global Forwarding segment are anticipated to be $878 million, implying a 23 3% increase from the year-ago reported figure [5] Operational Efficiency and Earnings Potential - CHRW's operational efficiency, driven by robust cost-cutting initiatives, is expected to bolster the company's bottom-line performance [6] - The company has an Earnings ESP of +5 71%, with the Most Accurate Estimate pegged at $1 18, 6 cents above the Zacks Consensus Estimate [8] - CHRW currently holds a Zacks Rank 2, increasing the odds of an earnings beat [8] Other Transportation Stocks - JetBlue Airways (JBLU) has an Earnings ESP of +5 02% and a Zacks Rank 3, with fourth-quarter 2024 results scheduled for release on Jan 28 [11] - JBLU has surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the preceding four quarters, with an average beat of 62 8% [11] - Southwest Airlines (LUV) has an Earnings ESP of +6 78% and a Zacks Rank 2, with fourth-quarter results set for release on Jan 30 [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LUV's fourth-quarter 2024 earnings has moved north by 32 2% in the past 90 days [12] - LUV's earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the preceding four quarters, delivering an average surprise of 111 6% [12]

Stock Performance - CHRW shares have gained 17.5% in the past six months, outperforming its industry and the S&P 500 [1] - The stock has shown an impressive run on the bourse this year [1] Investment Ratings - CHRW has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of B, indicating strong investment potential [4] - Stocks with a VGM Score of A or B combined with a Zacks Rank 1 or 2 offer the best investment opportunities [4] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q1 2025 earnings has increased by 3% in the past 90 days [5] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has risen by 5.8% in the past 90 days [5] Earnings Surprise History - CHRW has surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average beat of 10.3% [6] Earnings Growth Expectations - CHRW's Q1 2025 earnings are expected to grow 19.8% year over year [7] - CHRW's 2025 earnings are expected to grow 10.9% year over year [7] Shareholder Returns - CHRW has made uninterrupted dividend payments for over 25 years [8] - In the first nine months of 2024, CHRW returned $282.8 million to shareholders, including $218.9 million in dividends and $63.9 million in share repurchases [8] Operational Focus - CHRW is focused on cost-cutting measures and improving productivity to mitigate high expenses and weaker-than-expected demand [9] Peer Comparison - American Airlines (AAL) has a Zacks Rank 1 and an expected earnings growth rate of 16% for the current year [10][11] - AAL has an average earnings surprise beat of 124.4% and its shares have risen 16.4% in the past year [11] - United Airlines (UAL) has a Zacks Rank 2 and an expected earnings growth rate of 1.3% for the current year [10][11] - UAL has an average earnings surprise beat of 26.9% and its shares have surged 122.9% in the past year [12] Investment Potential - CHRW has performed well in the past year and has the potential to sustain its momentum in the future [13]

Core Viewpoint - The transportation sector is expected to perform well in 2025, driven by various positive factors including strong air-travel demand, e-commerce growth, and shareholder-friendly measures [4][14]. Group 1: Sector Performance - The transportation sector has declined by 4% compared to the S&P 500's rally of 25.3% year-to-date [2]. - The sector is diversified, including airlines, railroads, package delivery companies, and truckers, with most participants performing well due to tailwinds like solid air-travel demand and online e-commerce growth [14]. Group 2: Company Highlights - ZIM Integrated Shipping Services has a market capitalization of $2.20 billion and a Zacks Rank 1, with a consensus estimate for 2025 earnings improving by over 100% in the past 90 days [5][18]. - Wabtec Corporation has a market capitalization of $33.18 billion, a Zacks Rank 2, and an expected earnings growth rate of 12.7% for 2025, with a 4.1% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 90 days [6][20]. - C.H. Robinson has a market capitalization of $12.87 billion, a Zacks Rank 2, and an expected earnings growth rate of 11.1% for 2025, with a 5.6% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 90 days [7][21][13]. - The Greenbrier Companies has a market capitalization of $1.96 billion, a Zacks Rank 1, and an expected earnings growth rate of 6.7% for 2025, with an 11% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 90 days [11][19].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Transportation-Services industry is facing challenges such as inflation-induced elevated interest rates, supply-chain disruptions, and weak freight rates [1] - The Cass Freight Shipment Index declined by 0.7% year over year in November, indicating a deteriorating trend since January 2024 [1] - The industry has declined by 7.5% year to date, compared to a 27.8% appreciation of the S&P 500 Index [2] Company Performance - Matson, Inc. (MATX) has a market capitalization of $4.77 billion and a Zacks Rank 1, with expected earnings growth rates of 78.7% for Q4 2024 and 58.7% for the full year [9][10] - Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD) has a market capitalization of $16.23 billion and a Zacks Rank 2, with expected earnings growth rates of 27.5% for Q4 2024 and 8.4% for the full year [11][12] - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (CHRW) has a market capitalization of $12.87 billion and a Zacks Rank 2, with expected earnings growth rates of over 100% for Q4 2024 and 33.3% for the full year [13][15] Financial Strategies - Industry players are actively making dividend payments and repurchasing shares, indicating financial strength and confidence in business [5] - Expeditors announced a 5.8% increase in its quarterly dividend in May 2024, while Matson also announced a quarterly dividend increase in June [5]