chrw-20220331

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2022

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period From to

Commission File Number: 000-23189

C.H. ROBINSON WORLDWIDE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

41-1883630

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

14701 Charlson Road

Eden Prairie, MN 55347

(Address of principal executive officers, including zip code)

952-937-8500

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.10 par value	CHRW	Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Date File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

☒

Accelerated filer

☐

Emerging growth company

☐

Non-accelerated filer

☐

Smaller reporting company

☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of April 27, 2022, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, was 127,266,157.

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C.H. ROBINSON WORLDWIDE, INC.

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	PART I. Financial Information

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)	3
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Investment for the Three Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thre e Months Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021	6
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	26
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	26

	PART II. Other Information

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	27
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	27
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	27
Item 3.	Defaults Up on Senior Securities	27
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	27
Item 5.	Other Information	27
Item 6.	Exhibits	28
	Signatures	29

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

C.H. ROBINSON WORLDWIDE, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)


	March 31, 2022		December 31, 2021
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	242,809	$	257,413
Receivables, net of allowance for credit loss of $42,465 and $41,542	4,391,512		3,963,487
Contract assets, net of allowance for credit loss	504,604		453,660
Prepaid expenses and other	140,306		129,593

Total current assets	5,279,231		4,804,153
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	139,926		139,831
Goodwill	1,488,616		1,484,754
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	84,011		89,606
Right-of-use lease assets	297,425		292,559
Deferred tax assets	129,232		124,900
Other assets	102,897		92,309
Total assets	$	7,521,338	$	7,028,112

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	2,001,180	$	1,813,473
Outstanding checks	65,735		105,828
Accrued expenses:
Compensation	121,768		201,421
Transportation expense	385,603		342,778
Income taxes	143,656		100,265
Other accrued liabilities	182,754		171,266
Current lease liabilities	68,507		66,311
Current portion of debt	572,000		525,000
Total current liabilities	3,541,203		3,326,342

Long-term debt	1,593,756		1,393,649
Noncurrent lease liabilities	244,302		241,369
Noncurrent income taxes payable	28,617		28,390
Deferred tax liabilities	17,244		16,113
Other long-term liabilities	714		315
Total liabilities	5,425,836		5,006,178
Stockholders’ investment:
Preferred stock, $0.10 par value, 20,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding	—		—
Common stock, $0.10 par value, 480,000 shares authorized; 179,204 and 179,206 shares issued, 128,011 and 129,186 outstanding	12,801		12,919
Additional paid-in capital	680,857		673,628
Retained earnings	5,134,667		4,936,861
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(54,264)		(61,134)
Treasury stock at cost (51,193 and 50,020 shares)	(3,678,559)		(3,540,340)
Total stockholders’ investment	2,095,502		2,021,934
Total liabilities and stockholders’ investment	$	7,521,338	$	7,028,112

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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C.H. ROBINSON WORLDWIDE, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

(unaudited, in thousands except per share data)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2022		2021
Revenues:
Transportation		$	6,528,351	$	4,560,227
Sourcing		287,602		243,642
Total revenues		6,815,953		4,803,869
Costs and expenses:
Purchased transportation and related services		5,650,224		3,881,285
Purchased products sourced for resale		259,533		220,204
Personnel expenses		413,361		360,835
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses		147,361		118,216
Total costs and expenses		6,470,479		4,580,540
Income from operations		345,474		223,329
Interest and other income/expense, net		(14,174)		(11,260)
Income before provision for income taxes		331,300		212,069
Provision for income taxes		60,952		38,764
Net income		270,348		173,305
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		6,870		(7,286)
Comprehensive income		$	277,218	$	166,019

Basic net income per share		$	2.07	$	1.29
Diluted net income per share		$	2.05	$	1.28

Basic weighted average shares outstanding		130,499		134,508
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock awards		1,656		1,237
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		132,155		135,745

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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C.H. ROBINSON WORLDWIDE, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Investment

(unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)


	Common Shares Outstanding	Amount		Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Treasury Stock		Total Stockholders’ Investment
Balance December 31, 2021	129,186	$	12,919	$	673,628	$	4,936,861	$	(61,134)	$	(3,540,340)	$	2,021,934
Net income						270,348						270,348
Foreign currency adjustments								6,870				6,870
Dividends declared, $0.55 per share						(72,542)						(72,542)
Stock issued for employee benefit plans	418	42		(17,377)						26,239		8,904
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		24,606						—		24,606
Repurchase of common stock	(1,593)	(160)								(164,458)		(164,618)
Balance March 31, 2022	128,011	$	12,801	$	680,857	$	5,134,667	$	(54,264)	$	(3,678,559)	$	2,095,502


	Common Shares Outstanding	Amount		Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Treasury Stock		Total Stockholders’ Investment
Balance December 31, 2020	134,298	$	13,430	$	566,022	$	4,372,833	$	(45,998)	$	(3,026,354)	$	1,879,933
Net income						173,305						173,305
Foreign currency adjustments								(7,286)				(7,286)
Dividends declared, $0.51 per share						(69,606)						(69,606)
Stock issued for employee benefit plans	357	36		(21,805)						18,766		(3,003)
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	(26)	(3)		3								—
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		23,989						—		23,989
Repurchase of common stock	(1,386)	(139)								(129,006)		(129,145)
Balance March 31, 2021	133,243	$	13,324	$	568,209	$	4,476,532	$	(53,284)	$	(3,136,594)	$	1,868,187

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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C.H. ROBINSON WORLDWIDE, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited, in thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2022		2021
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	270,348	$	173,305
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	22,486		23,278
Provision for credit losses	1,672		(1,250)
Stock-based compensation	24,606		23,989
Deferred income taxes	(2,916)		3,869
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation	(4,965)		(7,853)
Other operating activities	42		488
Changes in operating elements, net of acquisitions:
Receivables	(424,025)		(437,862)
Contract assets	(51,439)		(43,495)
Prepaid expenses and other	(11,924)		(26,692)
Accounts payable and outstanding checks	143,980		206,237
Accrued compensation	(79,885)		(27,977)
Accrued transportation expense	42,825		24,044
Accrued income taxes	48,502		34,087
Other accrued liabilities	8,099		(1,959)
Other assets and liabilities	(1,334)		1,099
Net cash used for operating activities	(13,928)		(56,692)

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment	(10,046)		(5,435)
Purchases and development of software	(16,183)		(8,071)


Other investing activities	2,250		—
Net cash used for investing activities	(23,979)		(13,506)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from stock issued for employee benefit plans	25,366		17,709
Stock tendered for payment of withholding taxes	(16,462)		(20,712)
Repurchase of common stock	(161,279)		(130,204)
Cash dividends	(72,855)		(70,030)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	200,000		—

Proceeds from short-term borrowings	1,062,000		816,000
Payments on short-term borrowings	(1,015,000)		(566,000)


Net cash provided by financing activities	21,770		46,763

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	1,533		(2,750)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(14,604)		(26,185)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	257,413		243,796
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	242,809	$	217,611

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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C.H. ROBINSON WORLDWIDE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., and our subsidiaries (“the company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) are a global provider of transportation services and logistics solutions operating through a network of offices located in North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and South America. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., and our majority owned and controlled subsidiaries. Our minority interests in subsidiaries are not significant. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

Our reportable segments are NAST and Global Forwarding with all other segments included in All Other and Corporate. The All Other and Corporate reportable segment includes Robinson Fresh, Managed Services, Other Surface Transportation outside of North America, and other miscellaneous revenues and unallocated corporate expenses. For financial information concerning our reportable segments, refer to Note 9, Segment Reporting.

The condensed consolidated financial statements, which are unaudited, have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In our opinion, these financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements for the interim periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

Consistent with SEC rules and regulations, we have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. You should read the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, there were no recently issued or newly adopted accounting pronouncements that had, or are expected to have, a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 2. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The change in carrying amount of goodwill is as follows (in thousands):


	NAST		Global Forwarding		All Other and Corporate		Total
Balance, December 31, 2021	$	1,196,333	$	210,391	$	78,030	$	1,484,754

Foreign currency translation	3,323		634		(95)		3,862
Balance March 31, 2022	$	1,199,656	$	211,025	$	77,935	$	1,488,616

Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment on November 30, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units is less than their respective carrying value (“Step Zero Analysis”). If the Step Zero Analysis indicates it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units is less than their respective carrying value, an additional impairment assessment is performed (“Step One Analysis”). As part of our Step Zero Analysis, we determined that more likely than not criteria had not been met, and therefore a Step One Analysis was not required as of March 31, 2022.

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Identifiable intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):


	March 31, 2022						December 31, 2021
	Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Net		Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Net
Finite-lived intangibles
Customer relationships	$	171,902	$	(96,491)	$	75,411	$	169,308	$	(88,302)	$	81,006


Indefinite-lived intangibles
Trademarks	8,600		—		8,600		8,600		—		8,600
Total intangibles	$	180,502	$	(96,491)	$	84,011	$	177,908	$	(88,302)	$	89,606

Amortization expense for other intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2022		2021
Amortization expense		$	6,034	$	7,086

Finite-lived intangible assets, by reportable segment, as of March 31, 2022, will be amortized over their remaining lives as follows (in thousands):


	NAST		Global Forwarding		All Other and Corporate		Total
Remaining 2022	$	6,073	$	11,614	$	836	$	18,523
2023	8,096		12,477		1,118		21,691
2024	7,986		3,693		1,118		12,797
2025	7,857		2,372		1,118		11,347
2026	7,857		391		766		9,014
Thereafter	1,310		—		729		2,039
Total							$	75,411

NOTE 3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

Accounting guidance on fair value measurements for certain financial assets and liabilities requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

•Level 1 — Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

•Level 2 — Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

•Level 3 — Unobservable inputs reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions or external inputs from inactive markets.

A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

We had no Level 3 assets or liabilities as of and during the periods ended March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. There were no transfers between levels during the period.

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NOTE 4. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

The components of our short-term and long-term debt and the associated interest rates were as follows (dollars in thousands):


	Average interest rate as of					Carrying value as of
	March 31, 2022		December 31, 2021		Maturity	March 31, 2022		December 31, 2021
Revolving credit facility	1.34	%	1.23	%	October 2023	$	572,000	$	525,000
Senior Notes, Series A	3.97	%	3.97	%	August 2023	175,000		175,000
Senior Notes, Series B	4.26	%	4.26	%	August 2028	150,000		150,000
Senior Notes, Series C	4.60	%	4.60	%	August 2033	175,000		175,000
Receivables securitization facility (1)	0.82	%	0.73	%	November 2023	499,369		299,481
Senior Notes (1)	4.20	%	4.20	%	April 2028	594,387		594,168
Total debt						2,165,756		1,918,649
Less: Current maturities and short-term borrowing						(572,000)		(525,000)
Long-term debt						$	1,593,756	$	1,393,649

____________________________________________

(1) Net of unamortized discounts and issuance costs.

SENIOR UNSECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

We have a senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Credit Agreement") with a total availability of $1 billion and a maturity date of October 24, 2023. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement generally bear interest at a variable rate determined by a pricing schedule or the base rate (which is the highest of (a) the administrative agent's prime rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50 percent, or (c) the sum of applicable LIBOR plus 1.13 percent). In addition, there is a commitment fee on the average daily undrawn stated amount under each letter of credit issued under the facility ranging from 0.075 percent to 0.200 percent. The recorded amount of borrowings outstanding, if any, approximates fair value because of the short maturity period of the debt.

The Credit Agreement contains various restrictions and covenants that require us to maintain certain financial ratios, including a maximum leverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.00. The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default. If an event of default under the Credit Agreement occurs and is continuing, then the administrative agent may declare any outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement to be immediately due and payable. In addition, if we become the subject of voluntary or involuntary proceedings under any bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar law, then any outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement will automatically become immediately due and payable. On November 19, 2021, we amended the Credit Agreement to among other things, facilitate the terms of the Receivables Securitization Facility and include provisions for benchmark replacements to LIBOR.

NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

On August 23, 2013, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement with certain institutional investors (the “Purchasers”). On August 27, 2013, the Purchasers purchased an aggregate principal amount of $500 million of our Senior Notes, Series A, Senior Notes Series B, and Senior Notes Series C (collectively the “Notes”). Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. The fair value of the Notes approximated $503.5 million on March 31, 2022. We estimate the fair value of the Notes primarily using an expected present value technique, which is based on observable market inputs using interest rates currently available to companies of similar credit standing for similar terms and remaining maturities, and considering our own risk. If the Notes were recorded at fair value, they would be classified as Level 2.

The Note Purchase Agreement contains various restrictions and covenants that require us to maintain certain financial ratios, including a maximum leverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00, a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.00 to 1.00, and a maximum consolidated priority debt to consolidated total asset ratio of 15 percent.

The Note Purchase Agreement provides for customary events of default. The occurrence of an event of default would permit certain Purchasers to declare certain Notes then outstanding to be immediately due and payable. Under the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement, the Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at 100 percent of the principal amount being redeemed together with a “make-whole amount” (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement), and accrued and unpaid interest with respect to each Note. The obligations of the company under the Note Purchase Agreement and the Notes are guaranteed by C.H. Robinson Company, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, and by C.H. Robinson

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Company, Inc., a Minnesota corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the company. On November 19, 2021, we amended the Note Purchase Agreement to among other things, facilitate the terms of the Receivables Securitization Facility.

U.S. TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SECURITIZATION

On November 19, 2021, we entered into a receivables purchase agreement and related transaction documents with Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. to provide a receivables securitization facility (the “Receivables Securitization Facility”). The Receivables Securitization Facility is based on the securitization of our U.S. trade accounts receivable with a total availability of $500 million as of March 31, 2022. The interest rate on borrowings under the Receivables Securitization Facility is based on Bloomberg Short Term Bank Yield Index (“BSBY”) plus a margin. There is also a commitment fee we are required to pay on any unused portion of the facility. The Receivables Securitization Facility expires on November 17, 2023, unless extended by the parties and is recorded as a noncurrent liability as of March 31, 2022. The recorded amount of borrowings outstanding on the Receivables Securitization Facility approximates fair value because it can be redeemed on short notice and the interest rate floats. We consider these borrowings to be a Level 2 financial liability. Borrowings on the Receivables Securitization Facility are included within proceeds on long-term borrowings on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

The Receivables Securitization Facility contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants, and it also contains customary default and termination provisions, which provide for acceleration of amounts owed under the Receivables Securitization Facility upon the occurrence of certain specified events.

On February 1, 2022, we amended the Receivables Securitization Facility primarily to increase the total availability from $300 million to $500 million pursuant to the provisions of the existing agreement.

SENIOR NOTES

On April 9, 2018, we issued senior unsecured notes ("Senior Notes") through a public offering. The Senior Notes bear an annual interest rate of 4.20 percent payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15, until maturity on April 15, 2028. Taking into effect the amortization of the original issue discount and all underwriting and issuance expenses, the Senior Notes have an effective yield to maturity of approximately 4.39 percent per annum. The fair value of the Senior Notes, excluding debt discounts and issuance costs, approximated $618.8 million as of March 31, 2022, based primarily on the market prices quoted from external sources. The carrying value of the Senior Notes was $594.4 million as of March 31, 2022.

We may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time prior to their maturity at the applicable redemption prices described in the Senior Notes. Upon the occurrence of a “change of control triggering event” as defined in the Senior Notes (generally, a change of control of us accompanied by a reduction in the credit rating for the Senior Notes), we will generally be required to make an offer to repurchase the Senior Notes from holders at 101 percent of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.

The Senior Notes were issued under an indenture that contains covenants imposing certain limitations on our ability to incur liens or enter into sale and leaseback transactions above certain limits; and consolidate, or merge or transfer substantially all of our assets and those of our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. It also provides for customary events of default (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), which include among other things nonpayment, breach of covenants in the indenture, and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency. If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to the Senior Notes, the trustee or holders of at least 25 percent in principal amount outstanding of the Senior Notes may declare the principal and the accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all of the outstanding Senior Notes to be due and payable. These covenants and events of default are subject to a number of important qualifications, limitations, and exceptions that are described in the indenture. The indenture does not contain any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity to which we must adhere.

In addition to the above financing agreements, we have a $15 million discretionary line of credit with US Bank of which $7.9 million is currently utilized for standby letters of credit related to insurance collateral as of March 31, 2022. These standby letters of credit are renewed annually and were undrawn as of March 31, 2022.

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NOTE 5. INCOME TAXES

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes using the statutory federal income tax rate to our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, is as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2022		2021
Federal statutory rate		21.0	%	21.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		1.2		2.2
Share based payment awards		(1.3)		(3.2)
Other U.S. tax credits and incentives		(1.9)		(1.1)
Foreign tax credits		(0.8)		0.4
Foreign		(0.6)		(1.7)
Other		0.8		0.7
Effective income tax rate		18.4	%	18.3	%

We have asserted that the unremitted earnings of a limited number of our foreign subsidiaries are permanently reinvested to support expansion of our international business. If we repatriated all foreign earnings that are considered to be permanently reinvested, the estimated effect on income taxes payable would be an increase of approximately $2.0 million as of March 31, 2022.

On March 27, 2020, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act allowed for a deferral of the employer share of federal payroll taxes. We have recognized a payroll deferral of $14.7 million under the CARES Act due on December 31, 2022.

As of March 31, 2022, we have $43.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties. It is possible the amount of unrecognized tax benefit could change in the next 12 months as a result of a lapse of the statute of limitations and settlements with taxing authorities. The total liability for unrecognized tax benefits is expected to decrease by approximately $6.1 million in the next 12 months due to the lapsing of statutes of limitations. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to audits of U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax returns before 2015. We are currently under an Internal Revenue Service audit for 2015, 2016 and 2017 tax years.

NOTE 6. STOCK AWARD PLANS

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense as it vests. A summary of our total compensation expense recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for stock-based compensation is as follows (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2022		2021
Stock options	$	3,219	$	3,967
Stock awards	20,063		18,948
Company expense on ESPP discount	1,324		1,074
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	24,606	$	23,989

On May 9, 2019, our shareholders approved an amendment and restatement of our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the number of shares authorized for award by 4,000,000 shares. The Plan allows us to grant certain stock awards, including stock options at fair market value and performance shares and restricted stock units, to our key employees and outside directors. A maximum of 17,041,803 shares can be granted under this plan following the amendment and restatement. Approximately 415,630 shares were available for stock awards under the plan as of March 31, 2022. Shares subject to awards that expire or are canceled without delivery of shares or that are settled in cash generally become available again for issuance under the plan.

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Stock Options - We have awarded stock options to certain key employees through 2020. The fair value of these options was established based on the market price on the date of grant calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Changes in measured stock price volatility and interest rates were the primary reasons for changes in the fair value. These grants are being expensed based on the terms of the awards. As of March 31, 2022, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options was $23.3 million. The amount of future expense to be recognized will be based on the passage of time and the employees' continued employment.

Stock Awards - We have awarded performance-based restricted shares, performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”), and time-based restricted stock units. Nearly all of our awards contain restrictions on the awardees’ ability to sell or transfer vested awards for a specified period of time. The fair value of these awards is established based on the market price on the date of grant, discounted for any post-vesting holding restrictions. The discounts on outstanding grants with post-vesting holding restrictions varies from 12 percent to 24 percent and are calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model-protective put method. The duration of the restriction period to sell or transfer vested awards, changes in the measured stock price volatility and changes in interest rates are the primary reasons for changes in the discount. These grants are being expensed based on the terms of the awards.

Performance-based Awards

We have awarded performance-based restricted shares through 2020 to certain key employees and non-employee directors. These awards vest over a five-year period based on the company’s earnings growth. Beginning in 2021, we have awarded annually PSUs to certain key employees. These PSUs vest over a three-year period based on the company's cumulative three-year earnings per share growth and annual adjusted gross profit growth. These PSUs contain an upside opportunity of 200 percent contingent upon obtaining certain earnings per share and adjusted gross profit targets.

Time-based Awards

We award time-based restricted stock units to certain key employees and non-employee directors. Time-based awards granted through 2020 vest over a five-year period. Beginning in 2021, we have granted annually time-based awards that vest over a three-year period. These awards vest primarily based on the passage of time and the employee’s continued employment. These grants are being expensed based on the terms of the awards.

We granted 330,072 PSUs and 634,118 time-based restricted stock units on February 9, 2022. The performance-based and time-based awards had a weighted average grant date fair value of $76.74 and $74.67, respectively. Time-based awards are eligible to vest over a three-year period with a first vesting date of December 31, 2022.

We have also issued restricted stock units to certain key employees and non-employee directors, which are fully vested upon issuance. These units contain restrictions on the awardees’ ability to sell or transfer vested units for a specified period of time. The fair value of these units is established using the same method discussed above. These grants have been expensed during the year they were earned.

As of March 31, 2022, there was unrecognized compensation expense of $168.0 million related to previously granted stock awards assuming maximum achievement is obtained on our performance-based awards. The amount of future expense to be recognized will be based on the passage of time, the company’s earnings and adjusted gross profit growth, and certain other conditions.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan - Our 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") allows our employees to contribute up to $10,000 of their annual cash compensation to purchase company stock. Purchase price is determined using the closing price on the last day of each quarter discounted by 15 percent. Shares vest immediately. The following is a summary of the employee stock purchase plan activity (dollars in thousands):


Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
Shares purchased by employees	Aggregate cost to employees		Expense recognized by the company
81,951	$	7,503	$	1,324

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NOTE 7. LITIGATION

We are not subject to any pending or threatened litigation other than routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business operations, including certain contingent auto liability cases. For some legal proceedings, we have accrued an amount that reflects the aggregate liability deemed probable and estimable, but this amount is not material to our condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Because of the preliminary nature of many of these proceedings, the difficulty in ascertaining the applicable facts relating to many of these proceedings, the inconsistent treatment of claims made in many of these proceedings, and the difficulty of predicting the settlement value of many of these proceedings, we are often unable to estimate an amount or range of any reasonably possible losses. However, based upon our historical experience, the resolution of these proceedings is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

NOTE 8. ACQUISITIONS

Combinex Holding B.V.

On June 3, 2021, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of Combinex to strengthen our European road transportation presence. Total purchase consideration, net of cash acquired was $14.7 million, which was paid in cash.

Identifiable intangible assets and estimated useful lives are as follows (dollars in thousands):


	Estimated Life (years)
Customer relationships	7	$	3,942

There was $10.8 million of goodwill recorded related to the acquisition of Combinex. The Combinex goodwill is a result of acquiring and retaining the Combinex workforce and expected synergies from integrating its business into ours. Purchase accounting is considered complete. The goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes. The results of operations of Combinex have been included as part of the All Other and Corporate segment in our consolidated financial statements since June 3, 2021.

NOTE 9. SEGMENT REPORTING

Our reportable segments are based on our method of internal reporting, which generally segregates the segments by service line and the primary services they provide to our customers. We identify two reportable segments in addition to All Other and Corporate as summarized below:

•North American Surface Transportation—NAST provides freight transportation services across North America through a network of offices in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The primary services provided by NAST include truckload and less than truckload (“LTL”) transportation services.

•Global Forwarding—Global Forwarding provides global logistics services through an international network of offices in North America, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and South America and also contracts with independent agents worldwide. The primary services provided by Global Forwarding include ocean freight services, air freight services, and customs brokerage.

•All Other and Corporate—All Other and Corporate includes our Robinson Fresh and Managed Services segments, as well as Other Surface Transportation outside of North America and other miscellaneous revenues and unallocated corporate expenses. Robinson Fresh provides sourcing services including the buying, selling, and marketing of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other perishable items. Managed Services provides Transportation Management Services, or Managed TMS®. Other Surface Transportation revenues are primarily earned by Europe Surface Transportation. Europe Surface Transportation provides transportation and logistics services including truckload and groupage services across Europe.

The internal reporting of segments is defined, based in part, on the reporting and review process used by our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), our Chief Executive Officer. The accounting policies of our reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. We do not report our intersegment revenues by reportable segment to our CODM and do not believe they are a meaningful metric for evaluating the performance of our reportable segments.

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Reportable segment information as of, and for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, is as follows (dollars in thousands):


	NAST		Global Forwarding		All Other and Corporate		Consolidated
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
Total revenues	$	4,114,889	$	2,194,397	$	506,667	$	6,815,953
Income (loss) from operations	182,354		167,638		(4,518)		345,474
Depreciation and amortization	6,239		5,555		10,692		22,486
Total assets(1)	3,701,164		2,940,486		879,688		7,521,338
Average headcount	7,348		5,610		4,300		17,258

	NAST		Global Forwarding		All Other and Corporate		Consolidated
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Total revenues	$	3,211,423	$	1,156,039	$	436,407	$	4,803,869
Income (loss) from operations	136,784		90,589		(4,044)		223,329
Depreciation and amortization	6,625		5,649		11,004		23,278
Total assets(1)	3,218,084		1,582,967		795,572		5,596,623
Average headcount	6,537		4,735		3,725		14,997

_________________________________________

(1) All cash and cash equivalents are included in All Other and Corporate.

NOTE 10. REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

A summary of our total revenues disaggregated by major service line and timing of revenue recognition is presented below for each of our reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
	NAST		Global Forwarding		All Other and Corporate		Total
Major Service Lines
Transportation and logistics services(1)	$	4,114,889	$	2,194,397	$	219,065	$	6,528,351
Sourcing(2)	—		—		287,602		287,602
Total	$	4,114,889	$	2,194,397	$	506,667	$	6,815,953

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
	NAST		Global Forwarding		All Other and Corporate		Total
Major Service Lines
Transportation and logistics services(1)	$	3,211,423	$	1,156,039	$	192,765	$	4,560,227
Sourcing(2)	—		—		243,642		243,642
Total	$	3,211,423	$	1,156,039	$	436,407	$	4,803,869

____________________________________________

(1) Transportation and logistics services performance obligations are completed over time.

(2) Sourcing performance obligations are completed at a point in time.

We typically do not receive consideration and amounts are not due from our customer prior to the completion of our performance obligation and as such contract liabilities, as of March 31, 2022, and revenue recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 resulting from contract liabilities, were not significant. Contract assets and accrued expenses-transportation expense fluctuate from period to period primarily based upon shipments in-transit at period end.

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NOTE 11. LEASES

We determine if our contractual agreements contain a lease at inception. A lease is identified when a contract allows us the right to control an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Our lease agreements consist primarily of operating leases for office space, warehouses, office equipment, and a small number of intermodal containers. We do not have material financing leases. Frequently, we enter into contractual relationships with a wide variety of transportation companies for freight capacity, and utilize those relationships to efficiently and cost-effectively arrange the transport of our customers’ freight. These contracts typically have a term of 12 months or less and do not allow us to direct the use or obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of a specifically identified asset. Accordingly, these agreements are not considered leases.

Our operating leases are included on the consolidated balance sheets as right-of-use lease assets and lease liabilities. A right-of-use lease asset represents our right to use an underlying asset over the term of a lease, while a lease liability represents our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Current and noncurrent lease liabilities are recognized on commencement date at the present value of lease payments, including non-lease components, which consist primarily of common area maintenance and parking charges. Right-of-use lease assets are also recognized on the commencement date as the total lease liability plus prepaid rents. As our leases typically do not provide an implicit rate, we use our fully collateralized incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is influenced by market interest rates, our credit rating, and lease term and as such, may differ for individual leases.

Our lease agreements typically do not contain variable lease payments, residual value guarantees, purchase options, or restrictive covenants. Many of our leases include the option to renew for a period of months to several years. The term of our leases may include the option to renew when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option although these occurrences are seldom. We have lease agreements with lease components (e.g., payments for rent) and non-lease components (e.g., payments for common area maintenance and parking), which are all accounted for as a single lease component.

We do not have material lease agreements that have not yet commenced that are expected to create significant rights or obligations as of March 31, 2022.

Information regarding lease expense, remaining lease term, discount rate, and other select lease information is presented below as of March 31, 2022, and for the three months ended March 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
Lease Costs		2022		2021
Operating lease expense		$	21,645	$	21,562
Short-term lease expense		2,460		1,601
Total lease expense		$	24,105	$	23,163


	Three Months Ended March 31,
Other Lease Information	2022		2021
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	21,381	$	21,114
Right-of-use lease assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities	23,646		15,253


Lease Term and Discount Rate	As of March 31, 2022
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)(1)	6.2
Weighted average discount rate	2.9	%

____________________________________________

(1) The weighted average remaining lease term is significantly impacted by a 15-year lease related to office space in Chicago, IL, that commenced in 2018. Excluding this lease, the weighted average remaining lease term of our agreements is 4.4 years.

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The maturities of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2022, were as follows (in thousands):


Maturity of Lease Liabilities	Operating Leases
Remaining 2022	$	56,877
2023	76,550
2024	55,069
2025	39,236
2026	29,482
Thereafter	89,438
Total lease payments	346,652
Less: Interest	(33,843)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	312,809

NOTE 12. ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

Our allowance for credit losses is computed using a number of factors including our past credit loss experience, the aging of amounts due from our customers, our customers' credit ratings, in addition to other customer specific factors. We have also considered recent trends and developments related to the current macroeconomic environment in determining our ending allowance for credit losses for both accounts receivable and contract assets. The allowance for credit losses on contract assets was not significant.

A rollforward of our allowance for credit losses on our accounts receivable balance is presented below for the three months ended March 31, 2022:


Balance, December 31, 2021	$	41,542
Provision	1,177
Write-offs	(254)
Balance, March 31, 2022	$	42,465

Recoveries of amounts previously written off were not significant for the three months ended March 31, 2022.

NOTE 13. CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Accumulated other comprehensive loss is included in Stockholders' investment on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The recorded balance on March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, was $54.3 million and $61.1 million, respectively. The recorded balance on March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 is comprised solely of foreign currency adjustments, including foreign currency translation.

Other comprehensive income was $6.9 million compared to other comprehensive loss of $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Other comprehensive income and loss consisted of foreign currency adjustments, including foreign currency translation, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. Both periods were driven primarily by fluctuations in the Australian Dollar and the Singapore Dollar.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Our quarterly report on Form 10-Q, including this discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations and our disclosures about market risk, contains certain “forward-looking statements.” These statements represent our expectations, beliefs, intentions, or strategies concerning future events that, by their nature, involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements about our future performance, the continuation of historical trends, the sufficiency of our sources of capital for future needs, the effects of acquisitions or dispositions, the expected impact of recently issued accounting pronouncements, and the outcome or effects of litigation. Risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations include, but are not limited to, changes in economic conditions, including uncertain consumer demand; changes in market demand and pressures on the pricing for our services; fuel price increases or decreases, or fuel shortages; competition and growth rates within the global logistics industry; freight levels and increasing costs and availability of truck capacity or alternative means of transporting freight; risks associated with significant disruptions in the transportation industry; changes in relationships with existing contracted truck, rail, ocean, and air carriers; changes in our customer base due to possible consolidation among our customers; risks with reliance on technology to operate our business; cyber-security related risks; risks associated with operations outside of the United States; our ability to identify or complete suitable acquisitions; our ability to successfully integrate the operations of acquired companies with our historic operations; risks associated with litigation, including contingent auto liability and insurance coverage; risks associated with the potential impact of changes in government regulations; our ability to hire and retain a sufficient number of qualified personnel; risks associated with the changes to income tax regulations; risks associated with the produce industry, including food safety and contamination issues; the impact of war on the economy; changes to our capital structure; changes due to catastrophic events including pandemics such as COVID-19, and other risks and uncertainties, detailed in our Annual and Quarterly Reports. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from our expectations based on these and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2022 as well as the updates to these risk factors included in Part II—“Item 1A, Risk Factors,” herein.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update such statement to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date.

OVERVIEW

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (“C.H. Robinson,” “the company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is one of the world's largest logistics platforms. Our mission is to improve the world's supply chains through our people, processes, and technology by delivering exceptional value to our customers and suppliers. We provide freight transportation services and logistics solutions to companies of all sizes in a wide variety of industries. We operate through a network of offices in North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and South America. We offer a global suite of services using tailored, market-leading solutions built by and for supply chain experts. Our global network of supply chain experts work with our customers to drive better supply chain outcomes by leveraging our experience, data, digital solutions, and scale.

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Our adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross profit margin are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted gross profit is calculated as gross profit excluding amortization of internally developed software utilized to directly serve our customers and contracted carriers. Adjusted gross profit margin is calculated as adjusted gross profit divided by total revenues. We believe adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross profit margin are useful measures of our ability to source, add value, and sell services and products that are provided by third parties, and we consider adjusted gross profit to be a primary performance measurement. Accordingly, the discussion of our results of operations often focuses on the changes in our adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross profit margin. The reconciliation of gross profit to adjusted gross profit and gross profit margin to adjusted gross profit margin is presented below (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2022			2021
Revenues:
Transportation			$	6,528,351			$	4,560,227
Sourcing			287,602				243,642
Total revenues			6,815,953				4,803,869
Costs and expenses:
Purchased transportation and related services			5,650,224				3,881,285
Purchased products sourced for resale			259,533				220,204
Direct internally developed software amortization			5,734				4,647
Total direct costs			5,915,491				4,106,136
Gross profit / Gross profit margin			900,462		13.2	%	697,733		14.5	%
Plus: Direct internally developed software amortization			5,734				4,647
Adjusted gross profit / Adjusted gross profit margin			$	906,196	13.3	%	$	702,380	14.6	%

Our adjusted operating margin is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated as operating income divided by adjusted gross profit. We believe adjusted operating margin is a useful measure of our profitability in comparison to our adjusted gross profit, which we consider a primary performance metric as discussed above. The reconciliation of operating margin to adjusted operating margin is presented below (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2022			2021

Total revenues		$	6,815,953		$	4,803,869
Operating income		345,474			223,329
Operating margin		5.1		%	4.6		%

Adjusted gross profit		$	906,196		$	702,380
Operating income		345,474			223,329
Adjusted operating margin		38.1		%	31.8		%

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MARKET TRENDS

The North American surface transportation market continues to be impacted by tight carrier capacity although the market did start to soften within the first quarter of 2022. While driver availability challenges and supply chain disruptions caused by port congestion have continued, the market has started to show signs of improvement. Moderating demand combined with capacity entering the market has resulted in purchased transportation costs declining near the end of the first quarter of 2022. Despite these declines, purchased transportation costs continue to be well above historic levels and above those in the first quarter of 2021. Industry freight volumes, as measured by the Cass Freight Index, were flat during the first quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2021. This compares to a 7.5 percent increase for the same index during the first quarter of 2021. One of the metrics we use to measure market conditions is the truckload routing guide depth from our Managed Services business. Routing guide depth represents the number of carriers contacted prior to acceptance when procuring a transportation provider. The average routing guide depth of tender in the first quarter of 2022 was 1.7, representing that on average, the first or second carrier in a shipper's routing guide was executing the shipment in most cases. This average routing guide penetration was consistent with all of 2021. Within the first quarter of 2022, this metric declined and reached 1.5 by the end of the quarter as more capacity entered the market and demand began to soften resulting in first tender rates climbing across the industry.

The global forwarding market continues to be significantly impacted by supply chain disruptions caused by ongoing port congestion along with transportation equipment shortages. While port congestion remains challenging in the western United States, conditions showed signs of improvement in the first quarter of 2022, as more freight continues to be diverted to the southern and eastern United States. In addition, continued pandemic related shutdowns and the regional relocation of manufacturing in Asia have also resulted in shifts in the global supply chain and an easing of demand for ocean freight out of China. Demand in the air freight market showed signs of slowing in the first quarter of 2022 but remain above historic levels. Air freight conversions back to ocean freight have increased with more shippers seeking lower supply chain costs by tolerating the longer duration of ocean freight transit. Air freight capacity remains strained by a reduction of commercial flights since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, although the softening of demand has resulted in a decreased frequency of charter flights.

BUSINESS TRENDS

Our first quarter of 2022 surface transportation results benefited from the softening market conditions, as periods where the cost of purchased transportation begins to decline often result in improved adjusted gross profits per transaction in our portfolio. Industry freight volumes as measured by the Cass Freight Index were flat in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2021. Industry freight volumes increased approximately 7.5 percent during the first quarter of 2021. Our combined NAST truckload and less than truckload ("LTL") volume increased 1.0 percent during the first quarter of 2022 compared to a 5.5 percent increase during the first quarter of 2021. We have continued to reprice our contractual truckload business to reflect the elevated cost environment and participate to a greater extent in the spot market. As a result of our repricing efforts and the impact of the softening market conditions, our adjusted gross profit per shipment increased and the percentage of shipments with negative adjusted gross profit margins improved significantly in the first quarter of 2022. Our average truckload linehaul cost per mile, excluding fuel costs, increased 21.0 percent during the first quarter of 2022. Our average truckload linehaul rate charged to our customers, excluding fuel surcharges, increased approximately 20.5 percent during the first quarter of 2022.

In our global forwarding business, we continued to experience significant increases in purchased transportation costs for both ocean and air freight due to port congestion in addition to the equipment and labor shortages impacting the global forwarding market. This along with increased volumes has resulted in strong growth in both total revenue and cost of transportation for our ocean and air freight services. Ocean volumes increased 7.0 percent with strong growth in North America and Europe more than offsetting a modest decline in Asia resulting from pandemic-related shutdowns in China. Air freight tonnage increased 10.0 percent with strong growth in all regions we serve.

On June 3, 2021, we acquired Combinex Holding B.V. (“Combinex”) to further expand our European road transportation presence. Our consolidated results include the results of Combinex as of June 3, 2021.

SELECTED OPERATING PERFORMANCE AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT ITEMS

The following summarizes select first quarter 2022 year-over-year operating comparisons to the first quarter 2021:

•Total revenues increased 41.9 percent to $6.8 billion, driven primarily by higher pricing and higher volume across most of our services.

•Gross profits increased 29.1 percent to $900.5 million. Adjusted gross profits increased 29.0 percent to $906.2 million, primarily due to higher adjusted gross profit per transaction and higher volume across most of our services.

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•Personnel expenses increased 14.6 percent to $413.4 million, primarily due to higher headcount. Average headcount increased 15.1 percent.

•Other selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased 24.7 percent to $147.4 million, primarily due to higher purchased and contracted services, a non-recurring legal expense, and increased travel expenses.

•Income from operations totaled $345.5 million, up 54.7 percent due to the increase in adjusted gross profits, partially offset by the increase in operating expenses.

•Adjusted operating margin of 38.1 percent increased 630 basis points.

•Interest and other income/expenses totaled $14.2 million, consisting primarily of $14.5 million of interest expense, which increased $2.3 million versus last year due to a higher average debt balance.

•The effective tax rate in the quarter was 18.4 percent compared to 18.3 percent in the first quarter last year.

•Diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased 60.2 percent to $2.05.

•Cash flow from operations improved $42.8 million.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes our results of operations (dollars in thousands, except per share data):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2022			2021			% change
Revenues:
Transportation		$	6,528,351		$	4,560,227		43.2	%
Sourcing		287,602			243,642			18.0	%
Total revenues		6,815,953			4,803,869			41.9	%
Costs and expenses:
Purchased transportation and related services		5,650,224			3,881,285			45.6	%
Purchased products sourced for resale		259,533			220,204			17.9	%
Personnel expenses		413,361			360,835			14.6	%
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses		147,361			118,216			24.7	%
Total costs and expenses		6,470,479			4,580,540			41.3	%
Income from operations		345,474			223,329			54.7	%
Interest and other income/expense, net		(14,174)			(11,260)			25.9	%
Income before provision for income taxes		331,300			212,069			56.2	%
Provision for income taxes		60,952			38,764			57.2	%
Net income		$	270,348		$	173,305		56.0	%

Diluted net income per share		$	2.05		$	1.28		60.2	%

Average headcount		17,258			14,997			15.1	%

Adjusted gross profit margin percentage(1)
Transportation		13.5		%	14.9		%	(140 bps)
Sourcing		9.8		%	9.6		%	20 bps
Total adjusted gross profit margin		13.3		%	14.6		%	(130 bps)

________________________________

(1) Adjusted gross profit margin is a non-GAAP financial measure explained above.

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A reconciliation of our reportable segments to our consolidated results can be found in Note 9, Segment Reporting, in Part I, Financial Information of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Consolidated Results of Operations—Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

Total revenues and direct costs. Total transportation revenues and purchased transportation and related services increased significantly, primarily due to higher pricing in ocean and truckload, in addition to increased volumes most notably in truckload and ocean services. The higher pricing was driven by the continued supply chain disruptions impacting both global forwarding and surface transportation markets discussed above in the market and business trends sections. Our sourcing total revenue and purchased products sourced for resale increased as a result of higher cost and pricing per case and increased case volume across all customer verticals.

Gross profits and adjusted gross profits. Our transportation adjusted gross profits increased due to increased pricing in ocean, truckload and LTL services resulting in higher adjusted gross profits per transaction in addition to volume increases in truckload and ocean services. Our transportation adjusted gross profit margin decreased driven by the increased cost of purchased transportation in all of our service lines. Sourcing adjusted gross profits increased driven by an increase in case volume across all customer verticals.

Operating expenses. Personnel expenses increased primarily due to an increase in salaries and incentive compensation driven by an increase in average headcount. SG&A expenses increased due to increased purchased services including temporary labor in addition to higher claims and credit losses, warehouse and travel expense.

Interest and other income/expense. Interest and other income/expense primarily consisted of interest expense of $14.5 million in the first quarter of 2022 and a $1.5 million unfavorable impact of foreign currency revaluation and realized foreign currency gains and losses. Interest expense increased driven by a higher average debt balance in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2021. The first quarter of 2021 included a $2.9 million unfavorable impact of foreign currency revaluation and realized foreign currency gains and losses.

Provision for income taxes. Our effective income tax rate was 18.4 percent for the first quarter of 2022 compared to 18.3 percent for the first quarter of 2021. The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2022 was lower than the statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to the tax impact of U.S. tax credits and incentives, which reduced the effective tax rate by 1.9 percentage points, and the tax impact of share-based payment awards, which reduced the effective tax rate by 1.3 percentage points. These impacts were partially offset by the impact of our estimated annual effective tax rate on the first quarter of 2022. The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2021 was lower than the statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to the tax impact of share-based payment awards, which reduced the effective tax rate by 3.2 percentage points. Taxes on foreign earnings also contributed to a lower federal income tax rate, reducing our effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2021 by 1.7 percentage points. These impacts were partially offset by state income tax expense, which increased the effective income tax rate.

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NAST Segment Results of Operations


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)		2022		2021		% change
Total revenues		$	4,114,889	$	3,211,423	28.1	%
Costs and expenses:
Purchased transportation and related services		3,608,789		2,790,315		29.3	%
Personnel expenses		200,802		183,929		9.2	%
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses		122,944		100,395		22.5	%
Total costs and expenses		3,932,535		3,074,639		27.9	%
Income from operations		$	182,354	$	136,784	33.3	%

	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2022		2021		% change
Average headcount		7,348		6,537		12.4	%
Service line volume statistics
Truckload						4.0	%
LTL						(1.0)	%

Adjusted gross profits(1)
Truckload		$	334,910	$	280,304	19.5	%
LTL		150,742		120,117		25.5	%
Other		20,448		20,687		(1.2)	%
Total adjusted gross profits		$	506,100	$	421,108	20.2	%

________________________________

(1) Adjusted gross profit margin is a non-GAAP financial measure explained above.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

Total revenues and direct costs. NAST total revenues increased primarily due to higher truckload and LTL pricing and an increase in truckload volumes. Truckload pricing has remained at historic levels during the first quarter of 2022 due to tight carrier capacity caused by driver availability challenges and the supply chain disruptions facing the industry, as discussed above in the market trends section. Despite remaining well above historic levels, we did start to see truckload purchased transportation costs and pricing decline within the first quarter of 2022 driven by moderating demand and capacity entering the market. Total purchased transportation and related services increased, due to higher average truckload linehaul costs per mile and, to a lesser extent, higher purchased transportation costs per transaction in LTL services and volume increases in truckload services.

Gross profits and adjusted gross profits. NAST truckload adjusted gross profits increased due primarily to increased pricing resulting in higher adjusted gross profits per transaction, in addition to an increase in volume. The increased adjusted gross profit per transaction in truckload was the result of the continued progress repricing our contractual truckload business to reflect the elevated cost environment and the impact of softening market conditions, as our percentage of shipments with a negative adjusted gross profit margin decreased significantly in the first quarter of 2022. Our average truckload linehaul rate per mile charged to our customers, which excludes fuel surcharges, increased approximately 20.5 percent in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2021. Our truckload transportation costs, excluding fuel surcharges, increased approximately 21.0 percent. NAST LTL adjusted gross profits increased due to higher adjusted gross profits per transaction resulting from higher pricing.

Operating expenses. NAST personnel expenses increased primarily due to an increase in salaries and incentive compensation driven by an increase in average headcount. NAST SG&A expenses increased due to increased investments in technology, a non-recurring legal expense, and increased expenditures for purchased services including temporary labor. The operating expenses of NAST and all other segments include allocated corporate expenses. Allocated personnel expenses consist primarily of stock-based compensation allocated based upon segment participation levels in our equity plans. Remaining corporate allocations, including corporate functions and technology related expenses, are primarily included within each segment’s other selling and administrative expenses and allocated based upon relevant segment operating metrics.

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Global Forwarding Segment Results of Operations


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)		2022		2021		% change
Total revenues		$	2,194,397	$	1,156,039	89.8	%
Costs and expenses:
Purchased transportation and related services		1,872,549		941,739		98.8	%
Personnel expenses		101,276		81,009		25.0	%
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses		52,934		42,702		24.0	%
Total costs and expenses		2,026,759		1,065,450		90.2	%
Income from operations		$	167,638	$	90,589	85.1	%

	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2022		2021		% change
Average headcount		5,610		4,735		18.5	%
Service line volume statistics
Ocean						7.0	%
Air(1)						10.0	%
Customs						5.0	%

Adjusted gross profits(2)
Ocean		$	221,401	$	135,396	63.5	%
Air		60,567		45,247		33.9	%
Customs		27,495		24,223		13.5	%
Other		12,385		9,434		31.3	%
Total adjusted gross profits		$	321,848	$	214,300	50.2	%

________________________________

(1) Beginning in the second quarter of 2021, reported air volumes represent metric tons shipped. Previously reported statistics were based on transactional volumes and have been restated to conform with the current period presentation.

(2) Adjusted gross profit margin is a non-GAAP financial measure explained above.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

Total revenues and direct costs. Global Forwarding total revenues and direct costs increased due to higher pricing and volumes in our ocean services and, to a lesser extent, higher pricing and increased tonnage in air freight. The higher ocean and air freight pricing and costs were driven by the continued supply chain disruptions impacting the global forwarding market discussed above in the market and business trends section. Ocean volumes increased due to strong growth in North America and Europe more than offsetting a modest decline in Asia resulting from pandemic related shutdowns in China. Air freight tonnage increased due to strong growth in all regions we serve.

Gross profits and adjusted gross profits. Ocean and air freight transportation adjusted gross profits increased due to higher pricing resulting in higher adjusted gross profits per transaction, in addition to an increase in volumes. Customs adjusted gross profits increased due to an increase in transaction volume and a higher mix of value-added services.

Operating expenses. Personnel expenses increased primarily due to an increase in salaries and incentive compensation driven by an increase in average headcount. SG&A expenses increased due to increased investments in technology and increased purchased services including temporary labor.

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All Other and Corporate Segment Results of Operations

All Other and Corporate includes our Robinson Fresh and Managed Services segment, as well as Other Surface Transportation outside of North America and other miscellaneous revenues and unallocated corporate expenses.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)		2022		2021		% change
Total revenues		$	506,667	$	436,407	16.1	%
Income from operations		(4,518)		(4,044)		N/M

Adjusted gross profits(1)
Robinson Fresh		30,505		24,948		22.3	%
Managed Services		28,082		25,556		9.9	%
Other Surface Transportation		19,661		16,468		19.4	%
Total adjusted gross profits		$	78,248	$	66,972	16.8	%

________________________________

(1) Adjusted gross profit margin is a non-GAAP financial measure explained above.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

Total revenues and direct costs. Robinson Fresh total revenues increased due to higher pricing per case and increased case volume across all customer verticals. In addition, total revenues in Other Surface Transportation increased due to higher truckload pricing and volumes.

Gross profits and adjusted gross profits. Robinson Fresh adjusted gross profits increased due to an increase in case volume across all customer verticals. Managed Services adjusted gross profits increased due to an increase in freight under management, which was driven by growth with new and existing customers. Other Surface Transportation adjusted gross profits increased as a result of higher adjusted gross profits per transaction.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We have historically generated substantial cash from operations, which has enabled us to fund our organic growth while paying cash dividends and repurchasing stock. In addition, we maintain the following debt facilities as described in Note 4, Financing Arrangements (dollars in thousands):


Description	Carrying Value as of March 31, 2022		Borrowing Capacity		Maturity
Revolving credit facility	$	572,000	$	1,000,000	October 2023
Senior Notes, Series A	175,000		175,000		August 2023
Senior Notes, Series B	150,000		150,000		August 2028
Senior Notes, Series C	175,000		175,000		August 2033

Receivables securitization facility (1)	499,369		500,000		November 2023
Senior Notes (1)	594,387		600,000		April 2028
Total debt	$	2,165,756	$	2,600,000

______________________________________________

(1) Net of unamortized discounts and issuance costs.

We expect to use our current debt facilities and potentially other indebtedness incurred in the future to assist us in continuing to fund working capital, capital expenditures, possible acquisitions, dividends, and share repurchases.

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $242.8 million as of March 31, 2022 and $257.4 million as of December 31, 2021. Cash and cash equivalents held outside the United States totaled $226.5 million as of March 31, 2022 and $217.1 million as of December 31, 2021.

We prioritize our investments to grow the business, as we require some working capital and a relatively small amount of capital expenditures to grow. We are continually looking for acquisitions, but those acquisitions must fit our culture and enhance our growth opportunities.

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The following table summarizes our major sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2022		2021		% change
Sources (uses) of cash:
Cash used for operating activities	$	(13,928)	$	(56,692)	(75.4)	%

Capital expenditures	(26,229)		(13,506)

Other investing activities	2,250		—
Cash used for investing activities	(23,979)		(13,506)		77.5	%

Repurchase of common stock	(161,279)		(130,204)
Cash dividends	(72,855)		(70,030)
Net borrowings on debt	247,000		250,000
Other financing activities	8,904		(3,003)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities	21,770		46,763		(53.4)	%
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	1,533		(2,750)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	$	(14,604)	$	(26,185)

Cash flow from operating activities. Cash flow used for operating activities improved in the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021 due to increased net income, partially offset by unfavorable changes in working capital. The unfavorable changes in working capital were primarily related to a sequential increase in accounts receivable and contract assets partially offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued transportation expense. Both increases were driven by a sequential increase in pricing and volumes in nearly all services, most notably in global forwarding, during the first quarter of 2022. The increase in accounts receivable was driven by our global forwarding business where our days sales outstanding ratio is approximately double that of our NAST business. Despite the increase in accounts receivable, we are not experiencing a deterioration in the quality of our accounts receivables balance, and the results of the three months ended March 31, 2022 include sequential and year-over-year improvements in the percent of accounts receivable that are past due. Additionally, given the elevated price and cost environment resulting in an increasing accounts receivable balance, we are closely monitoring credit and collections activities to minimize risk as well as working with our customers to facilitate the movement of goods across their supply chains while also ensuring timely payment.

Cash used for investing activities. Capital expenditures consisted primarily of investments in software, which are intended to increase employee productivity, automate interactions with our customers and contracted carriers, and improve our internal workflows to help expand our adjusted operating margins and grow the business.

Subsequent to March 31, 2022, we sold an office building in Kansas City, Missouri, for a sales price of $55 million and expect to recognize a gain of approximately $25 million on the sale of the building in the three months ending June 30, 2022. We simultaneously entered into an agreement to lease the office building for 10 years.

Cash used for financing activities. Net borrowings on debt in the three months ended March 31, 2022 and the three months ended March 31, 2021 were to fund working capital needs and share repurchases. The increase in cash used for share repurchases was due to an increase in the number of shares repurchased and a higher average price per share during the three months ended March 31, 2022. The number of shares we repurchase, if any, during future periods will vary based on our cash position, other potential uses of our cash, and market conditions. Over the long term, we remain committed to our quarterly dividend and share repurchases to enhance shareholder value. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. We may seek to retire or purchase our outstanding Senior Notes through open market cash purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.

We believe that, assuming no change in our current business plan, our available cash, together with expected future cash generated from operations, the amount available under our credit facilities, and credit available in the market, will be sufficient to satisfy our anticipated needs for working capital, capital expenditures, and cash dividends for at least the next 12 months and the foreseeable future. We also believe we could obtain funds under lines of credit or other forms of indebtedness on short notice, if needed.

As of March 31, 2022, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Agreement, Note Purchase Agreement, and Senior Notes, and the Receivables Securitization.

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 1, Basis of Presentation, contained in this quarterly report and in the company's 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Refer to the company's 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion regarding our critical accounting policies and estimates. As of March 31, 2022, there were no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Refer to the company’s 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion on the company’s market risk. As of March 31, 2022, there were no material changes in market risk from those disclosed in the company’s 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms; and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 2022. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of March 31, 2022.

(b) Changes in internal controls over financial reporting.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2022, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are not subject to any pending or threatened litigation other than routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business operations. For some legal proceedings, we have accrued an amount that reflects the aggregate liability deemed probable and estimable, but this amount is not material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Because of the preliminary nature of many of these proceedings, the difficulty in ascertaining the applicable facts relating to many of these proceedings, the inconsistent treatment of claims made in many of these proceedings, and the difficulty of predicting the settlement value of many of these proceedings, we are often unable to estimate an amount or range of any reasonably possible additional losses. However, based upon our historical experience, the resolution of these proceedings is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors disclosed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and/or operating results.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides information about company purchases of common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2022:


	Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased (1)	Average Price Paid Per Share (or Unit)		Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)	Maximum Number of Shares (or Units) That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)
January 2022	484,690	$	106.67	476,218	21,159,170
February 2022	376,050	91.23		205,388	20,953,782
March 2022	913,093	104.12		909,837	20,043,945
First Quarter 2022	1,773,833	$	102.08	1,591,443	20,043,945

________________________________

(1) The total number of shares purchased based on trade date includes: (i) 1,591,443 shares of common stock purchased under the authorization described below; and (ii) 182,390 shares of common stock surrendered to satisfy minimum statutory tax obligations under our stock incentive plans.

(2) In December 2021, the Board of Directors increased the number of shares authorized for repurchase by 20,000,000 shares. As of March 31, 2022, there were 20,043,945 shares remaining for future repurchases. Repurchases can be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, including Rule 10b5-1 plans and accelerated repurchase programs.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibits filed with, or incorporated by reference into, this report:


10.1			First Amendment to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated February 1, 2022 by and among C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., C.H. Robinson Receivables, LLC, and the various conduit purchasers, committed purchasers and purchaser agents, and administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 23, 2022).

10.2+			Cooperation Agreement, dated February 28, 2022, by and among C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., Ancora Catalyst Institutional, LP, Pacific Point Wealth Management LLC and the other entities and natural persons party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 28, 2022).

31.1			Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2			Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1			Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2			Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101			Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the company for the period ended March 31, 2022 formatted in Inline XBRL (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

104			The cover page from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the company for the period ended March 31, 2022 formatted in Inline XBRL (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

+ Certain schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S_K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementary a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) upon request.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on April 29, 2022.


C.H. ROBINSON WORLDWIDE, INC.

By:						/s/ Robert C. Biesterfeld, Jr.
						Robert C. Biesterfeld, Jr.
						Chief Executive Officer


By:						/s/ Michael P. Zechmeister
						Michael P. Zechmeister
						Chief Financial Officer