C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
Third-Party Logistics (3PL) and Freight BrokerageFounded 1905- Updated July 2025
Reviewed by Swet Parvadiya
Last reviewed: July 2025
CorpDigest
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
Financial Performance
Last reviewed: July 2025 · By Swet Parvadiya
Revenue
$16.4B
Market Cap
$11.5B
Net Income
$430M
Employees
16,000
The company generated $16.4 billion in gross freight revenue in FY2024, down from $18.7 billion in 2023, reflecting the combination of intentional low-margin freight shedding under CEO Mike Short's restructuring and the normalization of freight rates from the 2021-2022 pandemic-era premium. Net revenue — what remains after paying carriers, the actual economic output of the brokerage — was approximately $4.2 billion, representing a 25% net revenue margin. Revenue declining from $18.7 billion in 2023 to $16.4 billion in 2024 looks alarming until you understand that the decline was partially intentional. Net revenue of approximately $4.2 billion represents a 25.6% net revenue margin, the measure that isolates C.H. Robinson's actual economic contribution from the pass-through carrier costs. Market capitalization of approximately $11.5 billion against $16.4 billion in gross revenue or $4.2 billion in net revenue prices the company at approximately 2.7x net revenue — a modest multiple for a platform business with proprietary data advantages.
Revenue Trend Analysis
YoY Change
-100%
Peak Year
2023
Trend
Declining Trend
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. has reported revenue across 3 fiscal years. The most recent year saw a 100% decline versus the prior year. Revenue peaked in 2023 at $18.7B. Out of 2 reported periods, 0 showed growth and 2 showed a decline.
| Fiscal Year | Revenue | Net Income | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024 | $16.4B | $430M | -12.3% |
| FY2023 | $18.7B | — | — |
Source: SEC EDGAR filings, annual earnings releases, and verified financial disclosures.
Click any row to see year details.
C.H. Robinson's $430 million 2024 net income on $16.4 billion revenue represents 2.6% net margin, characteristic of brokerage business with thin per-transaction margins compensated by enormous shipment volumes. Gross profit margins of approximately 13-18% reflect brokerage spreads between customer rates and carrier costs, with operating margins of 5-7% after substantial technology, sales, and operational expenses. Profitability has declined dramatically from 2022 peak ($850 million net income) reflecting freight recession pressures on rates and volumes. Free cash flow generation supports continued operations including dividends ($2.46 annual representing 4%+ yield), share buybacks during favorable conditions, and continued technology investment. Future profitability recovery depends on freight market cycle improvement supporting both rate increases and volume growth, with company strategically positioned for continued operations through cycle.
C.H. Robinson manages freight cycle volatility through multiple strategies: diversified service offerings (truckload, intermodal, international, fresh) providing partial earnings counterbalancing across freight modes, customer diversification (90,000+ customers reducing concentration risk), cost flexibility scaling operations with revenue (variable compensation, technology investment), and conservative balance sheet supporting through-cycle operations. Historical cycles including 2007-2009 freight recession (revenue declined 25%) and various other downturns have been navigated successfully, with company emerging from each cycle stronger competitively. Current 2022-2024 cycle has been particularly challenging due to magnitude of post-COVID rate decline, though management continues operational discipline. Future cycle management benefits from accumulated experience plus technology investment supporting operational flexibility. The variable revenue model (revenue declines with rates) creates challenges that asset-based carriers don't face equivalently.
C.H. Robinson maintains $2.46 annual dividend representing 4%+ yield, with 26 consecutive years of dividend increases supporting Dividend Aristocrat positioning attractive to income-focused investors. The dividend's sustainability through freight cycle volatility demonstrates company's financial discipline supporting dividend continuity during operational challenges. Current dividend coverage of approximately 70% of earnings (during 2024 cyclical trough) provides reasonable cushion for cyclical pressures, though continued severe freight recession could create dividend pressure. Strategic priority of dividend continuation reflects management commitment to shareholder returns through cycles, with dividend reduction representing significant negative signal management has historically avoided. Future dividend sustainability depends on freight market normalisation supporting profitability recovery, with various financial flexibility levers (buyback reduction, expense management) supporting continued payment during temporary difficulties.
C.H. Robinson allocates capital across dividends (consistent $300+ million annual payments), share buybacks ($200-500 million when conditions favorable), technology investment supporting Navisphere platform, and selective acquisitions strengthening capabilities. The capital framework reflects mature business economics with limited reinvestment opportunities for organic growth, supporting return of substantial free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. Recent capital allocation has emphasised dividend continuity during freight recession with reduced buyback activity reflecting prudent cash conservation. Technology investment remains substantial ($500+ million annually) supporting competitive position regardless of cyclical conditions. Future capital allocation likely continues balanced approach across dividends, selective buybacks during favorable conditions, and continued technology investment supporting long-term competitive position.
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CorpDigest. "C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. Revenue & Financials." CorpDigest, https://corpdigest.com/company/ch-robinson/financials.<div style="font-family:system-ui,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;padding:12px 16px;max-width:520px"><strong>C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. reported $16B in revenue (FY2024).</strong><br>Source: <a href="https://corpdigest.com/company/ch-robinson/financials" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CorpDigest — C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. financials</a></div>