C.H. Robinson Worldwide's stock surged 6.11% in after-hours trading following the release of its first-quarter financial results, which showed the freight forwarder beating profit expectations through effective cost-control measures.

The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.35 for the quarter, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $1.24 and representing a 15.4% increase from the same period last year. Revenue came in at $4.01 billion, slightly below expectations of $4.03 billion, but investors focused on the earnings beat.

Management attributed the strong profitability to disciplined cost management, including the use of artificial intelligence for routine functions and productivity improvements from its "Lean AI" strategy. The company also noted it maintained margins in its North American Surface Transportation segment despite market challenges and gained market share for the 12th consecutive quarter.