Why C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (CHRW) Stock Is Down Today: Q3 2026 Earnings
Earnings results
- EPS beat +2.9%
Actual: $1.8 · Cons.: $1.75 (adjusted diluted EPS)
- Revenue beat +8.9%
Actual: $5.35806B · Cons.: $4.92B (GAAP revenue)
- Guidance
Expects 2026 capital spending of $65 million–$75 million and an effective tax rate of 18%–20%.
Earnings and the stock move
C.H. Robinson released third-quarter results on October 28 before open. Profit and sales exceeded estimates, but operating cash more than halved as higher freight rates tied up working capital. Cost concerns accompanied the selloff. Our analysis: cash conversion matters alongside earnings growth, especially with the proposed RXO acquisition still awaiting completion.
Q3 2026 earnings recap
C.H. Robinson fell 10.52% to $128.49 during trading on October 28, 2026 after reporting higher profit but weaker cash generation. Rising freight costs make cash conversion the next test.
- The freight broker arranges transport with outside carriers. Quarterly revenue rose 29.5% to $5.36 billion, helped by higher rates and shipment growth.
- Adjusted EPS, or profit per share excluding specified costs, was $1.8 versus a $1.75 estimate: a 2.9% beat. Revenue topped the $4.92 billion estimate by 8.9%; reported GAAP EPS was $1.67.
- The cash gap matters: operating cash fell to $124.1 million from $275.4 million. More money was tied up in day-to-day operations as transportation rates climbed.
- Truckload prices charged to customers rose 31.5%, while carrier costs rose 33.5%. Gross profit per shipment still improved, but keeping prices aligned with costs remains essential.
- The proposed RXO acquisition adds a separate financing and integration test. The signed agreement is expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to approvals; promised savings are future targets.
- The decline breaks the $132–$135 October range. The $125–$129 base from October 2025 is an older support area to watch, rather than a guaranteed floor.
Watch whether rising earnings turn into stronger cash flow and whether the stock recovers $135. Higher carrier costs, acquisition funding and another break below support could prolong the pressure.
Financials and technicals
Charts through Oct 27, 2026. The session move above may reflect later news.
Technical setup and risks
Watch older $125–$129 support from October 2025 and broken $132–$135 support from October 2026. A close above $135 would repair part of the break; below $125 would weaken the setup. Levels are conditional.
AI-assisted research with source and calculation checks. Prices may be delayed. Technical charts use the stated completed session, which can precede the quoted intraday move. Educational information; investing involves risk.