Industry Overview - The Zacks Transportation-Services industry is experiencing challenges due to inflation-induced elevated interest rates, weak freight rates, and ongoing supply-chain disruptions [1] - Companies in this industry provide logistics, leasing, and maintenance services, focusing on global logistics management and third-party logistics solutions [2] - The industry's performance is closely tied to the overall economy, with improvements in manufactured and retail goods positively impacting participants [2] Current Trends - Supply-chain disruptions and weak freight rates continue to negatively affect the industry, with the Cass Freight Shipment Index declining 5.2% year over year in September, marking a downward trend for nine consecutive months [3] - Companies are focusing on cost-cutting measures and improving productivity to address high expenses and weaker demand scenarios [5] Financial Performance - Companies are returning cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks, indicating financial strength; Expeditors announced a 5.8% increase in its quarterly dividend, while Matson also increased its dividend [4] - The Zacks Transportation-Services industry has underperformed the S&P 500 and the broader Transportation sector, gaining only 3.4% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's 31.1% and the sector's 11.3% [9] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 2.18X, lower than the S&P 500's 5.04X but higher than the sector's trailing 12-month P/S of 1.82X [10] Earnings Outlook - The Zacks Industry Rank for the Transportation-Services industry is 191, placing it in the bottom 24% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a negative earnings outlook [6][8] - Analysts have decreased the industry's 2025 earnings estimates by 22.3% from 2024 estimates, reflecting a loss of confidence in earnings growth potential [8] Notable Stocks - Matson, with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), has seen a 7.6% increase in the consensus estimate for 2025 earnings over the past 60 days and has gained 74.5% in the past year [13] - Expeditors, ranked 2 (Buy), has a positive liquidity position and has seen a 0.6% increase in the consensus estimate for 2024 earnings [16] - C.H. Robinson, ranked 3 (Hold), has also seen a 2.6% increase in the consensus estimate for 2025 earnings and has gained 28% in the past year [18]

Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q3 2024 increased by 7.0% to $4.644 billion, driven by higher pricing and volume in ocean services[123] - Gross profits rose by 15.5% to $723.8 million, while adjusted gross profits increased by 15.8% to $735.3 million, primarily due to higher adjusted gross profit per transaction in ocean and truckload services[123] - Income from operations surged by 58.7% to $180.1 million, attributed to the increase in adjusted gross profit[123] - Net income for Q3 2024 totaled $97.2 million, marking an 18.6% increase from the previous year[124] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose by 17.6% to $0.80[124] - Total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2024, increased by 7.0% to $4,644,641 compared to $4,341,030 in the same period of 2023[125] - Transportation revenues rose by 6.2% to $4,278,300, while sourcing revenues increased by 17.6% to $366,341 for the three months ended September 30, 2024[125] - Adjusted gross profit margin for transportation improved to 16.4% from 15.1% year-over-year, while total adjusted gross profit margin increased to 15.8% from 14.6%[125] - Adjusted gross profits for the third quarter of 2024 were $80.0 million, up 1.9% from $78.4 million in the third quarter of 2023[166] Operational Metrics - Ocean freight volumes increased by 7.0% and air freight tonnage rose by 20.0% compared to Q3 2023, reflecting strong execution and improved demand[122] - Adjusted operating margin improved by 660 basis points to 24.5%[123] - Average employee headcount decreased by 9.6% to 14,085 from 15,577 in the same quarter of 2023[125] - Average employee headcount in the NAST segment decreased by 10.9% to 5,595 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 6,278 in the same period of 2023[143] Expenses and Costs - Personnel expenses increased by 5.2% to $361.6 million, influenced by higher variable compensation despite a 9.6% decrease in average employee headcount[123] - Personnel expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024, included $2.8 million of severance and related personnel expenses[130] - Interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $22.1 million, reflecting a $0.2 million increase due to higher interest rates[132] - Total costs and expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024, increased by 5.6% to $4,464,522 compared to $4,227,508 in the prior year[125] - Total costs and expenses for the NAST segment decreased by 6.4% to $2,785,850 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2,974,849 in the same period of 2023[143] - Personnel expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, included $5.9 million of severance and related personnel expenses associated with the 2024 Restructuring Program[163] - The company incurred a $57.0 million loss related to the planned divestiture of its Europe Surface Transportation business in the third quarter of 2024[130] - Other SG&A expenses in the third quarter of 2024 included $57.0 million related to the planned divestiture of the Europe Surface Transportation business[168] - The company incurred $60.6 million of other SG&A expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, including a $57.0 million loss related to the divestiture of the Europe Surface Transportation business[172] Cash Flow and Debt - Cash flow from operations decreased by $443.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to an increase in net operating working capital[124] - Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $241.2 million, a decrease of 64.8% from $684.6 million in the same period of 2023[177] - Total debt as of September 30, 2024, was $1.6 billion, with a borrowing capacity of $2.4 billion[173] - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $142.7 million as of September 30, 2024, down from $145.5 million as of December 31, 2023[174] Segment Performance - Total revenues for the NAST segment decreased by 4.9% to $2,934,617 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $3,086,970 in the same period of 2023[143] - Adjusted gross profits for the NAST segment increased by 8.8% to $420,664 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $386,510 in the same period of 2023[145] - Global Forwarding total revenues increased by 58.7% to $1,141,190 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $719,045 in the same period of 2023[154] - Income from operations for the Global Forwarding segment increased by 154.0% to $160,649 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $63,254 in the same period of 2023[154] - Global Forwarding adjusted gross profits increased by 38.1% to $234,636 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $169,893 in the same period of 2023[154] Strategic Outlook - The company is prioritizing investments to grow market share and expand globally while looking for acquisitions that fit its culture and enhance growth opportunities[175] - The company believes that its available cash, along with expected future cash generated from operations and credit facilities, will be sufficient for working capital, capital expenditures, and cash dividends for at least the next 12 months[180] - As of September 30, 2024, the company was in compliance with all covenants under its debt agreements[181] Accounting and Risk - There were no material changes to the company's critical accounting policies and estimates as of September 30, 2024[184] - The company reported no material changes in market risk from those disclosed in the 2023 Annual Report as of September 30, 2024[185]

Core Insights - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. reported better-than-expected earnings for Q3, with earnings per share at $1.28, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $1.15 [2] - The company achieved quarterly sales of $4.645 billion, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $4.527 billion [2] - The CEO highlighted the company's strong execution and disciplined volume growth despite a prolonged freight recession [2] Financial Performance - Quarterly earnings per share: $1.28, beating the estimate of $1.15 [2] - Quarterly sales: $4.645 billion, exceeding the estimate of $4.527 billion [2] Analyst Reactions - BMO Capital analyst raised the price target from $92 to $115 while maintaining a Market Perform rating [2] - TD Cowen analyst increased the price target from $103 to $113 while maintaining a Hold rating [2] Stock Performance - Following the earnings announcement, C.H. Robinson shares fell by 5.9% to $103.18 [2] - Analysts have a consensus price target with a high of $140 issued by UBS [3]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, providing a framework for investors to identify high-potential securities [2][3] - Each stock is rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] Value Score - The Value Score identifies attractive stocks using financial ratios like P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales, focusing on undervalued opportunities [3] Growth Score - The Growth Score assesses a company's financial health and future outlook, analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score evaluates stocks based on price trends and earnings estimate changes, helping investors capitalize on upward or downward price movements [4] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores, offering a comprehensive rating that highlights stocks with strong value, growth, and momentum [5] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to simplify portfolio building, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [6][7] Stock Example: C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW) - C.H. Robinson Worldwide is a third-party logistics company with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of B [10] - The company has a Momentum Style Score of A, with shares increasing by 1.1% over the past four weeks [11] - Analysts have revised CHRW's earnings estimate upwards, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate rising by $0.08 to $4.21 per share, and an average earnings surprise of 10.3% [11]

Core Viewpoint - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (CHRW) reported strong third-quarter 2024 results, with both earnings and revenues exceeding expectations, indicating effective execution and growth despite a challenging freight environment [1][3]. Financial Performance - Quarterly earnings per share (EPS) reached $1.28, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.12 and showing year-over-year improvement [1]. - Total revenues amounted to $4.64 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.50 billion, and reflecting a 6.9% year-over-year increase driven by higher pricing and volume in ocean services [2]. - Adjusted gross profits rose 15.8% year over year to $735.3 million, attributed to increased gross profit per transaction in ocean and truckload services [2]. - The adjusted operating margin improved to 24.5%, up 660 basis points from the previous year [2]. Segmental Results - North American Surface Transportation reported total revenues of $2.93 billion, a decline of 4.9% year over year due to lower truckload pricing, which was below expectations [4]. - Global Forwarding's revenues surged 58.7% year over year to $1.14 billion, significantly exceeding expectations, driven by higher pricing and volume in ocean services [5]. - Revenues from other sources increased 6.3% year over year to $568.83 million, also surpassing expectations, with adjusted gross profits rising 18.1% [6]. Operational Insights - Operating expenses increased by 6.5% year over year to $555.1 million [3]. - The transportation unit generated an adjusted gross profit of $702.31 million, up 15.6% from the prior year, with notable growth in ocean services [7]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - At the end of the third quarter, cash and cash equivalents stood at $131.70 million, up from $113.16 million in the previous quarter, while long-term debt slightly decreased to $1.41 billion [8]. - The company generated $108.1 million in cash from operations and returned $77.1 million to shareholders, including $73 million in dividends and $4.1 million in share repurchases [9]. Future Outlook - Capital expenditures for 2024 are now projected to be between $75 million and $85 million, revised down from the previous estimate [10]. Market Performance - C.H. Robinson's shares have increased by 26.9% year to date, outperforming both its industry and the S&P 500 [11].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 15.8% year-over-year increase in adjusted gross profit (AGP), amounting to an increase of $100 million [36] - Q3 adjusted income from operations saw a 75% increase year-over-year, driven by improvements in gross margin and productivity [12][36] - The net debt-to-EBITDA leverage ratio improved to 2.08 times, down from 2.4 times at the end of Q2 [45] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American Surface Transportation (NAST) adjusted gross profit per truckload increased by 21% year-over-year and 5% sequentially [19] - Global Forwarding experienced a 230% year-over-year increase in adjusted income from operations, with a 7% increase in ocean shipments and a 20% increase in air tonnage [10][11] - NAST gross margin improved by 180 basis points, despite a 3.5% decrease in truckload volume [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cash freight shipment index was down 2.8% year-over-year in Q3, marking the lowest Q3 reading since 2010, except for the pandemic year of 2020 [21] - Load-to-truck ratios retreated to 4:1 or lower for most of Q3, indicating a prolonged period of capacity oversupply [23] - Q4 is typically a seasonally weaker quarter, with a 10-year average decline of 3.3% from Q3 to Q4 [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deploying a new operating model to improve efficiency and service quality while preparing for a potential market rebound [17][48] - Investments in sales organization and technology are aimed at capturing growth opportunities in targeted customer segments [25][26] - The company aims to decouple headcount growth from volume growth, enhancing operational leverage and productivity [9][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by a prolonged freight recession but expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate through it [7][17] - The team is committed to continuous improvement and disciplined execution, preparing for a market rebound [16][48] - Management expects to maintain a focus on margin expansion and operational discipline, regardless of market conditions [49][50] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 with approximately $1 billion in liquidity, highlighting its financial strength during a challenging market [44] - Capital expenditures for 2024 are expected to be between $75 million and $85 million, down from previous guidance [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on NAST operating margin and gross margin for Q4 - Management expressed confidence in maintaining discipline and productivity initiatives, expecting continued improvement in operating margins [55][56] Question: Concerns about productivity and margin expansion without market volume tailwinds - Management emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and control over internal processes, regardless of market conditions [60][62] Question: Market conditions and potential inflection points - Management noted the need for a demand inflection to stabilize the market, with ongoing capacity exits but insufficient to create a significant change [68][69] Question: Impact of pull-forward on revenue growth - Management indicated that pull-forward effects were not material, particularly in truckload, while acknowledging some impact in Global Forwarding [74] Question: Competitive dynamics and shifts towards asset-based carriers - Management acknowledged the competitive landscape changes but expressed confidence in their market position and ability to capture wallet share [106][108]

C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW) reported $4.64 billion in revenue for the quarter ended September 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 7%. EPS of $1.28 for the same period compares to $0.84 a year ago. The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.5 billion, representing a surprise of +3.16%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +14.29%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $1.12. While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and ear ...

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Group 1: Earnings Performance - C.H. Robinson Worldwide reported quarterly earnings of $1.28 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.12 per share, and up from $0.84 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 14.29% [1] - The company posted revenues of $4.64 billion for the quarter ended September 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.16% and increasing from $4.34 billion year-over-year [2] Group 2: Stock Performance and Market Comparison - C.H. Robinson shares have increased approximately 25% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 22.3% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.06 on revenues of $4.5 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $4.21 on revenues of $17.9 billion [7] Group 3: Industry Outlook - The Transportation - Services industry, to which C.H. Robinson belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 34% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [8] - The performance of C.H. Robinson's stock may be influenced by the overall outlook for the industry, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions [5][8]

[Financial Performance Overview](index=1&type=section&id=Financial%20Performance%20Overview) The company achieved strong Q3 and YTD 2024 financial performance, with significant profitability and income growth [Third Quarter 2024 Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Third%20Quarter%202024%20Highlights) C.H. Robinson reported a significant year-over-year increase in profitability for the third quarter of 2024, driven by strong execution and disciplined growth. Gross profits rose 15.5% to $723.8 million, and income from operations surged 58.7% to $180.1 million. Adjusted EPS increased by 45.5% to $1.28, reflecting a substantial improvement in operating leverage and productivity Q3 2024 Key Financial Metrics (YoY) | Metric | Q3 2024 | YoY Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Gross Profits | $723.8 million | +15.5% | | Income from Operations | $180.1 million | +58.7% | | Adjusted Operating Margin | 24.5% | +660 bps | | Diluted EPS | $0.80 | +17.6% | | Adjusted EPS | $1.28 | +45.5% | | Cash from Operations | $108.1 million | -$97.2 million | - The decrease in cash generated by operations was attributed to an increase in net operating working capital related to higher ocean rates[2](index=2&type=chunk) [Management Commentary](index=1&type=section&id=Management%20Commentary) CEO Dave Bozeman attributed the strong Q3 results to improved execution from the new operating model, which focuses on disciplined volume growth, yield optimization, and increased efficiency. He emphasized the cultural shift towards proactive problem-solving and accountability, noting that while the company is early in its journey, the operating model is enhancing strategic execution and performance - The company is deploying a new operating model focused on strong execution, disciplined volume growth, and delivering exceptional service[3](index=3&type=chunk) - Management highlighted improved quality of volume and expanded NAST gross profit margin due to a focus on testing market conditions and optimizing yield[3](index=3&type=chunk) - The company remains on track to deliver over **30%** compound growth in productivity from the end of **2022** to the end of **2024**[3](index=3&type=chunk) [Summary of Third Quarter of 2024 Results](index=3&type=section&id=Summary%20of%20Third%20Quarter%20of%202024%20Results) In Q3 2024, total revenues increased by 7.0% to $4.6 billion, primarily due to higher pricing and volume in ocean services. Adjusted gross profits grew 15.8% to $735.3 million. Despite a 6.5% rise in operating expenses, which included a $57.0 million loss on a planned divestiture, income from operations increased by 58.7% to $180.1 million. Net income rose 18.6% to $97.2 million Q3 2024 Financial Performance vs. Q3 2023 | Metric | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $4.6 billion | $4.3 billion | +7.0% | | Gross Profits | $723.8 million | $626.6 million | +15.5% | | Adjusted Gross Profits | $735.3 million | $634.8 million | +15.8% | | Income from Operations | $180.1 million | $113.5 million | +58.7% | | Net Income | $97.2 million | $81.9 million | +18.6% | | Diluted EPS | $0.80 | $0.68 | +17.6% | - Operating expenses increased **6.5%** to **$555.1 million**, mainly due to a **$57.0 million** loss on the planned divestiture of the Europe Surface Transportation business and higher variable compensation, despite a **9.6%** decline in average employee headcount[6](index=6&type=chunk) - The effective tax rate was **32.4%**, a significant increase from **11.7%** in Q3 2023, driven by higher pre-tax income and non-recurring discrete items[9](index=9&type=chunk) [Summary of 2024 Year-to-Date Results](index=4&type=section&id=Summary%20of%202024%20Year-to-Date%20Results) For the first nine months of 2024, total revenues rose 1.2% to $13.5 billion. Adjusted gross profits increased 4.8% to $2.1 billion. Income from operations grew 19.2% to $485.3 million, and net income increased 7.6% to $316.4 million. The results reflect higher profitability in ocean and truckload services, partially offset by a $57.0 million loss on a planned divestiture YTD 2024 Financial Performance vs. YTD 2023 | Metric | YTD 2024 | YTD 2023 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $13.5 billion | $13.4 billion | +1.2% | | Gross Profits | $2.0 billion | $2.0 billion | +4.4% | | Adjusted Gross Profits | $2.1 billion | $2.0 billion | +4.8% | | Income from Operations | $485.3 million | $407.2 million | +19.2% | | Net Income | $316.4 million | $294.2 million | +7.6% | | Diluted EPS | $2.63 | $2.46 | +6.9% | - Operating expenses for the nine-month period increased by **1.0%**, primarily due to the **$57.0 million** loss on the planned divestiture of the Europe Surface Transportation business[13](index=13&type=chunk) - Average employee headcount declined by **10.5%** year-to-date, reflecting ongoing cost optimization efforts[13](index=13&type=chunk) [Segment Performance](index=5&type=section&id=Segment%20Performance) Global Forwarding and NAST segments showed strong Q3 profitability, despite NAST revenue declines, while other segments reported mixed results [North American Surface Transportation (NAST)](index=5&type=section&id=North%20American%20Surface%20Transportation%20(NAST)%20Results) The NAST segment's Q3 revenues decreased 4.9% to $2.9 billion due to lower truckload pricing. However, profitability improved significantly, with adjusted gross profits up 8.8% to $420.7 million and income from operations increasing 32.7% to $148.8 million. This was driven by a 21.5% increase in truckload adjusted gross profit per mile and a 10.9% reduction in average employee headcount NAST Q3 2024 Financial Results (in thousands) | Metric | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $2,934,617 | $3,086,970 | (4.9)% | | Adjusted Gross Profits | $420,664 | $386,510 | 8.8% | | Income from Operations | $148,767 | $112,121 | 32.7% | - Truckload adjusted gross profits increased **16.6%**, driven by a **21.0%** increase in adjusted gross profit per shipment, despite a **3.5%** decrease in truckload shipments[19](index=19&type=chunk) - LTL adjusted gross profits increased **3.7%**, driven by a **2.5%** increase in LTL volume and a **1.0%** increase in adjusted gross profit per order[19](index=19&type=chunk) - Adjusted operating margin for NAST expanded by **640 basis points** to **35.4%**[19](index=19&type=chunk) [Global Forwarding](index=6&type=section&id=Global%20Forwarding%20Results) The Global Forwarding segment delivered exceptionally strong Q3 results, with revenues increasing 58.7% to $1.1 billion, driven by higher pricing and volume in ocean services. Adjusted gross profits grew 38.1% to $234.6 million. Income from operations reached $88.1 million, a dramatic increase from $3.5 million in the prior year, leading to a 3,550 basis point expansion in adjusted operating margin to 37.6% Global Forwarding Q3 2024 Financial Results (in thousands) | Metric | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $1,141,190 | $719,045 | 58.7% | | Adjusted Gross Profits | $234,636 | $169,893 | 38.1% | | Income from Operations | $88,115 | $3,491 | N/M | - Ocean adjusted gross profits surged **57.4%**, driven by a **47.0%** increase in adjusted gross profit per shipment and a **7.0%** increase in shipments[21](index=21&type=chunk) - Air adjusted gross profits increased **11.4%**, driven by a **20.0%** increase in metric tons shipped[21](index=21&type=chunk) - Operating expenses decreased **11.9%**, primarily due to prior-year restructuring expenses and current-year cost optimization efforts, including a **10.4%** reduction in average employee headcount[21](index=21&type=chunk) [All Other and Corporate](index=7&type=section&id=All%20Other%20and%20Corporate%20Results) In Q3, this segment saw mixed results. Robinson Fresh adjusted gross profits increased 18.1% to $36.7 million. However, Managed Services adjusted gross profits decreased 5.0% due to lower volume, and Other Surface Transportation adjusted gross profits fell 14.7%, primarily due to weakness in Europe truckload All Other and Corporate Adjusted Gross Profits Q3 2024 (in thousands) | Service Line | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Robinson Fresh | $36,708 | $31,083 | 18.1% | | Managed Services | $27,949 | $29,427 | (5.0)% | | Other Surface Transportation | $15,296 | $17,936 | (14.7)% | - The increase in Robinson Fresh adjusted gross profits was attributed to growth in integrated supply chain solutions for retail and foodservice customers[23](index=23&type=chunk) - The decrease in Other Surface Transportation was primarily driven by a **17.0%** decrease in Europe truckload adjusted gross profits[23](index=23&type=chunk) [Financial Details and Outlook](index=7&type=section&id=Financial%20Details%20and%20Outlook) The company reported increased interest and foreign currency expenses, a higher effective tax rate, and decreased operating cash flow despite capital returns [Other Income Statement Items](index=7&type=section&id=Other%20Income%20Statement%20Items) Interest and other expenses for Q3 totaled $36.3 million, including $22.1 million in interest expense and a $15.1 million net loss from foreign currency. The effective tax rate rose to 32.4% from 11.7% last year. The company updated its full-year 2024 effective tax rate guidance to a range of 18% to 20% - Interest and other income/expense, net was a **$36.3 million** expense, which included a **$15.1 million** net loss from foreign currency revaluation[24](index=24&type=chunk) - The Q3 effective tax rate was **32.4%**, up from **11.7%** in Q3 2023[25](index=25&type=chunk) - The company now expects its full-year 2024 effective tax rate to be between **18%** and **20%**[25](index=25&type=chunk) [Cash Flow and Capital Distribution](index=8&type=section&id=Cash%20Flow%20and%20Capital%20Distribution) Cash from operations in Q3 was $108.1 million, a decrease from $205.2 million in the prior year, primarily due to a $190.0 million decline in cash provided by changes in net operating working capital. The company returned $77.1 million to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases. Capital expenditures for 2024 are now expected to be between $75 million and $85 million Q3 2024 Cash Flow & Capital Allocation | Metric | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash from Operations | $108.1 million | $205.2 million | | Cash Dividends | $73.0 million | - | | Stock Repurchases | $4.1 million | - | | Total Returned to Shareholders | $77.1 million | - | | Capital Expenditures | $17.3 million | - | - The decrease in operating cash flow was mainly due to a **$165.5 million** sequential increase in net operating working capital in Q3 2024, compared to a **$24.5 million** decrease in Q3 2023[27](index=27&type=chunk) - Updated 2024 capital expenditure guidance is now **$75 million** to **$85 million**[28](index=28&type=chunk) [Financial Statements and Reconciliations](index=10&type=section&id=Financial%20Statements%20and%20Reconciliations) The company presents non-GAAP reconciliations and consolidated financial statements, detailing income, balance sheet, and cash flow for performance and position [GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation](index=11&type=section&id=GAAP%20to%20Non-GAAP%20Reconciliation) The company provides non-GAAP metrics such as adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating margin, and adjusted EPS to offer a clearer view of core performance. These adjustments primarily exclude items like amortization of certain software, restructuring costs, and losses on divestitures. For Q3 2024, adjusted operating margin was 24.5%, and adjusted EPS was $1.28, significantly higher than their GAAP counterparts due to a $57.0 million loss on a planned divestiture Q3 2024 GAAP vs. Non-GAAP Reconciliation | Metric | GAAP | Adjustments | Non-GAAP (Adjusted) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Gross Profit | $723.8M | +$11.4M | $735.3M | | Income from Operations | $180.1M | +$61.5M | $241.6M | | Operating Margin | 3.9% | - | 24.5% | | Net Income | $97.2M | +$58.3M | $155.5M | | Diluted EPS | $0.80 | +$0.48 | $1.28 | - Adjusted gross profit is calculated by excluding the amortization of internally developed software used to directly serve customers and carriers[37](index=37&type=chunk) - Adjustments for Q3 2024 included a **$57.0 million** pre-tax loss on the planned divestiture of the Europe Surface Transportation business and **$4.4 million** in pre-tax restructuring costs[43](index=43&type=chunk) [Consolidated Financial Statements](index=14&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) The consolidated financial statements provide a detailed view of the company's financial position and performance. The income statement shows a 19.2% year-to-date increase in operating income. The balance sheet indicates total assets grew to $5.61 billion from $5.23 billion at year-end 2023. The cash flow statement reveals a decrease in cash from operations for the nine-month period, from $684.6 million in 2023 to $241.2 million in 2024 [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income](index=14&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Income) For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, total revenues were $13.54 billion, a 1.2% increase YoY. Income from operations rose 19.2% to $485.3 million, and net income increased 7.6% to $316.4 million, resulting in a diluted EPS of $2.63 Condensed Income Statement - Nine Months Ended Sep 30 (in thousands) | Account | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenues | $13,540,300 | $13,374,556 | 1.2% | | Total Costs and Expenses | $13,054,958 | $12,967,378 | 0.7% | | Income from Operations | $485,342 | $407,178 | 19.2% | | Net Income | $316,384 | $294,156 | 7.6% | | Diluted EPS | $2.63 | $2.46 | 6.9% | [Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=17&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) As of September 30, 2024, the company had total assets of $5.61 billion, up from $5.23 billion at the end of 2023. Total liabilities increased to $3.97 billion from $3.81 billion, and total stockholders' investment grew to $1.64 billion from $1.42 billion over the same period Balance Sheet Highlights (in thousands) | Account | Sep 30, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash and Cash Equivalents | $131,704 | $145,524 | | Total Current Assets | $3,338,986 | $2,880,694 | | Total Assets | $5,613,355 | $5,225,280 | | Total Current Liabilities | $2,240,837 | $2,051,993 | | Total Liabilities | $3,973,289 | $3,806,583 | | Total Stockholders' Investment | $1,640,066 | $1,418,697 | [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](index=18&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows) For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was $241.2 million, a significant decrease from $684.6 million in the prior-year period. Net cash used for investing activities was $59.1 million, and net cash used for financing activities was $184.2 million, which included $220.3 million in cash dividends Cash Flow Summary - Nine Months Ended Sep 30 (in thousands) | Activity | 2024 | 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Cash from Operating Activities | $241,154 | $684,615 | | Net Cash used for Investing Activities | ($59,099) | ($66,651) | | Net Cash used for Financing Activities | ($184,244) | ($651,519) | | Net Change in Cash | ($2,842) | ($40,263) |