UTi Worldwide Inc.’s adjusted first-quarter profit met Wall Street profit expectations, although charges reduced its net income.

The Long Beach freight-forwarding company on Thursday reported net income of $8.74 million (8 cents a share) for the quarter ended April 30, compared with net income of $10.07 million (10 cents) a year earlier. The company said it had to use more of its working capital to fund duties and carrier costs on behalf of customers because of increases in volume and carrier rates.

Adjusted for one-time items, net income was $13.3 million (13 cents). Revenue rose more than 13 percent to $1.20 billion. Airfreight forwarding revenue jumped 19 percent, while ocean freight forwarding rose a more modest 3.6 percent.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters on average expected adjusted per-share profit of 13 cents on revenue of $1.14 billion.

During a conference call with analysts, Chief Executive Eric W. Kirchner warned that because of the uncertain global economy, some customers appeared to be holding back on ordering new goods, which could slow his business.

“Companies are taking their foot off the gas right now and taking a step back,” Kirchner said. “I think there’s a wait-and-see attitude.”

Shares closed down 63 cents, or 3 percent, to $20.73 on the New York Stock Exchange.