12/13

C.H. Robinson's AI-Driven Growth Strategy Earns BofA's Buy Rating and Higher Price Target

C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW) hosted its first Investor Day in seven years, setting ambitious targets for 2026, including operating income of $900 million to $1 billion and mid-cycle operating margins in the mid-30% range. BofA Global Research has reiterated its "Buy" rating, raising the price objective to $130 from $123, based on a 25.5x multiple of 2025 estimated EPS, which has been increased to $5.10 from $4.90. The report highlights CHRW's focus on profitable share gains and AI-enabled productivity, with CEO Dave Bozeman emphasizing the company's strategy to leverage scale, data, and technology to enhance value in the fragmented U.S. brokerage market.

Key drivers include a projected 0-5% annual market volume growth between 2025-2026 and significant gains from market share, gross margin expansion, and cost reductions. The company is also capitalizing on secular tailwinds from increased brokerage penetration in the $400 billion for-hire trucking market. "CHRW is leveraging Gen AI to add material value and drive margin expansion," noted Arun Rajan, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, underscoring the company's commitment to digital transformation.

C.H. Robinson's stock was trading at $113.18, down 0.77% as of December 13, 2024, at 9:40 AM.