STOCK TITAN

Forward Air Q3 operating income rises 192.5% to $43.9M

Quarter-end liquidity was $446 million and net leverage was 4.7x, while operating cash flow declined 33.0% year over year.

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Sentiment and the balance of points

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Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Forward Air Corporation (FWRD) reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of $673.9 million, up 6.7% from a year earlier and its second consecutive quarter of record revenue. Operating income rose to $43.9 million from $15.0 million, and operating margin was 6.5% versus 2.4%. Consolidated EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure calculated under its credit agreement, was $101.5 million, up 30.7%.

Expedited Freight revenue increased 30.5% to $337.4 million and operating income rose to $36.5 million from $19.4 million. Omni Logistics revenue declined 8.0% to $312.3 million, while operating income increased to $12.2 million from $9.7 million. Intermodal revenue rose 8.8% to $63.5 million and operating income increased to $5.2 million from $4.1 million.

At quarter end, liquidity was $446 million and the net leverage ratio was 4.7x under the credit agreement. Operating cash flow was $35.3 million, down 33.0% year over year, and free cash flow was $33.3 million, down 31.8%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2026, the company reported an operating loss of $137.0 million, including a $244.0 million goodwill impairment.

4 points · 0 major

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Rhea-AI gives every point it takes from this document a weight. Minor counts 1, Moderate 3 and Major 9, so one Major point outweighs several Minor ones. The bar adds up the weights on each side, and when neither side holds more than 65% of the total the balance reads Mixed.

It reads the document as published, with the same rules for every company, and it does not look at what the market expected or at how the stock traded, so a point can be objectively good on a day the stock falls.

Rhea-AI Sentiment measures something else, the tone of the wording.

1 major · 3 points

How the balance works

Positive

  • Moderate pointRevenue increased 6.7% to $673.9 million year over year.
  • Moderate pointOperating income rose 192.5% to $43.9 million.
  • Moderate pointConsolidated EBITDA increased 30.7% to $101.5 million.
  • Moderate pointIncome from continuing operations was $9.1 million, versus a $23.8 million loss.

Negative

  • Major pointNine-month operating loss was $137.0 million, including a $244.0 million goodwill impairment. 43% of market cap
  • Moderate pointOperating cash flow declined 33.0% to $35.3 million.
  • Moderate pointFree cash flow declined 31.8% to $33.3 million.

Filing Explained

The presentation’s debt schedule shows no long-term debt maturities until December 2030; this is a timing disclosure, not debt repayment: Forward lists $1,770 million of first-lien debt, and its revolver was undrawn except for $39 million of letters of credit.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Operating revenues $673.9 million Three months ended September 30, 2026; up 6.7% year over year
Operating income $43.9 million Three months ended September 30, 2026; up 192.5% year over year
Operating margin 6.5% Three months ended September 30, 2026; compared with 2.4% in 2025
Income from continuing operations $9.1 million Three months ended September 30, 2026; compared with a $23.8 million loss in 2025
Consolidated EBITDA $101.5 million Three months ended September 30, 2026; non-GAAP measure, up 30.7% year over year
Net cash provided by operating activities $35.3 million Three months ended September 30, 2026; down 33.0% year over year
Free cash flow $33.3 million Three months ended September 30, 2026; non-GAAP measure, down 31.8% year over year
Liquidity $446 million At the end of the third quarter of 2026
Consolidated EBITDA financial
"Consolidated EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure calculated pursuant to our Term Loan Credit Agreement"
Consolidated EBITDA is a measure of a parent company’s total operating earnings across all its subsidiaries, calculated before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (non‑cash charges). It shows the group’s raw cash‑generation and operating performance independent of financing and accounting choices, so investors use it like comparing the horsepower of an entire fleet rather than individual cars to judge core profitability and to compare firms on a more even footing.
free cash flow financial
"free cash flow is an important measure of its ability to repay maturing debt"
Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.
Net Leverage Ratio financial
"Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio 4.7x"
The net leverage ratio measures how much debt a company has compared to its available assets or earnings, after accounting for its cash and liquid assets. It helps investors understand how heavily a company relies on borrowed money to finance its operations and growth. A higher ratio indicates greater financial risk, while a lower ratio suggests a more cautious approach to borrowing.
Operating Ratio financial
"Operating Ratio 89.2% 92.5%"
A company's operating ratio is a simple percentage that shows how much of its revenue is eaten up by the costs of running the business — calculated by dividing operating expenses by operating revenue. For investors it signals efficiency and profit potential: a lower operating ratio means the company keeps more of each dollar it earns (like a household with lower bills keeping more of its paycheck), while a higher ratio suggests tighter margins and less room to absorb shocks.
Operating revenues $673.9 million +6.7% year over year
Operating income $43.9 million +192.5% year over year
Income from continuing operations $9.1 million Compared with a $23.8 million loss in 2025
Consolidated EBITDA $101.5 million +30.7% year over year
Net cash provided by operating activities $35.3 million -33.0% year over year
Free cash flow $33.3 million -31.8% year over year

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

How much revenue did FWRD report in Q3 2026?

Forward Air reported $673.9 million in revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2026, up 6.7% from the same quarter in 2025.

What were FWRD's liquidity and net leverage at September 30, 2026?

Liquidity was $446 million and the net leverage ratio was 4.7x, calculated pursuant to the Senior Secured Loan Credit Agreement.

When are FWRD's next long-term debt maturities?

The company stated that it has no long-term debt maturities until December 2030.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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0000912728false00009127282026-11-092026-11-09

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
Washington, D.C. 20549
________________________

FORM 8-K
______________
 
CURRENT REPORT
 
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 9, 2026

FORWARD AIR CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware62-1120025
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
3200 Olympus Boulevard, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas
75019
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
000-22490
(Commission File Number)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (817) 552-5270
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par valueFWRDNASDAQ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth 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. ☐





Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On November 9, 2026, Forward Air Corporation (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2026. On November 9, 2026, the Company also posted an earnings presentation on the Company’s Investor Relations website at ir.forwardaircorp.com.

The information furnished under this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 9.01.  Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d) Exhibits.

No.Exhibit
99.1
Press Release of Forward Air Corporation, dated November 9, 2026
99.2
Forward Air Q3 2026 Earnings and Business Update Presentation Slides
104Cover Page Interactive File (the cover page tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document)



































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 hereunto duly authorized.

FORWARD AIR CORPORATION
Date: November 9, 2026
By:/s/ Shawn Stewart
Name:Shawn Stewart
Title:President and Chief Executive Officer

 


forwardlogoa05.jpg
NEWS RELEASE

FORWARD AIR CORPORATION REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2026 RESULTS

Record Revenue in Consecutive Quarters

Operating Income of $44 Million and Consolidated EBITDA of $101 Million

Execution at all Three Segments Contribute to Strong Performance

DALLAS – (BUSINESS WIRE) – November 9, 2026 – Forward Air Corporation (NASDAQ:FWRD) (the “Company,” “Forward,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) today reported financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2026, as presented in the tables below.

“We are pleased to deliver another quarter of very solid results,” said Shawn Stewart, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Consolidated operating revenue improved to $674 million compared to $632 million in the third quarter a year ago and it’s the second quarter in a row that we reported the best revenue results in Forward Air Corporation’s history. Operating income for the quarter almost tripled from last year coming in at $44 million compared to $15 million in the third quarter 2025.

“On a segment basis, we performed well across all aspects of our business and hit on all cylinders. Expedited Freight reported its best operating revenue, operating income and Reported EBITDA in nearly three years. The Omni Logistics segment continues to see an increase in demand for its contract logistics and air and ocean services and reported its best Reported EBITDA margin since the beginning of 2024. The Intermodal segment saw an increase in drayage per shipment contributing to its highest revenue in more than three years.

“These results reflect investments we have made and our focus on execution across the breadth of logistics services we provide around the world. We believe the work that has been done and the resulting foundation that has been established over the past few years has positioned the company to take advantage of current market conditions. We are encouraged by the progress, while also recognizing that there is always more work to be done to maintain momentum. Going forward, we intend to stay focused on delivering best-in-class service, and providing reliable, dependable solutions that exceed our customers’ expectations,” concluded Stewart.

Jamie Pierson, Chief Financial Officer, added, “For the third quarter we reported Consolidated EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure calculated pursuant to our Term Loan Credit Agreement, of $101 million compared to $78 million in the same quarter a year ago and yet another stair step up in performance. On a last twelve months basis, Consolidated EBITDA was $342 million as of the end of the third quarter.

“Following our improved operations and quality of earnings, liquidity also improved to $446 million at the end of the third quarter which was a sequential improvement of $45 million compared to the second quarter 2026, and we reported our lowest net leverage ratio since the first quarter of 2024,” concluded Pierson.




Three Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)20262025$ Change% Change
Operating revenues$673,861 $631,763 $42,098 6.7 %
Operating income $43,895 $15,007 $28,888 192.5 %
Operating margin6.5 %2.4 %410 bps
Income (loss) from continuing operations$9,120 $(23,757)$32,877 138.4 %
Net income (loss) from continuing operations per diluted share$0.34 $(0.52)$0.86 165.4 %
Net cash provided by operating activities$35,316 $52,714 $(17,398)(33.0)%
Non-GAAP Financial Measures: (1)
Consolidated EBITDA$101,471 $77,650 $23,821 30.7 %
Free cash flow$33,338 $48,893 $(15,555)(31.8)%
(1) Reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures are provided below the financial tables.

Review of Financial Results

Forward Air will hold a conference call to discuss third quarter 2026 results on Monday, November 9 at 4:30 p.m. ET. The Company’s conference call will be available online on the Investor Relations portion of the Company’s website at ir.forwardaircorp.com, or by dialing (800) 579-2543, Access Code: FWRDQ326.

A replay of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations portion of the Company’s website at ir.forwardaircorp.com, which we use as a primary mechanism to communicate with our investors. Investors are urged to monitor the Investor Relations portion of the Company’s website to easily find or navigate to current and pertinent information about us.

About Forward Air Corporation

Forward is a leading asset-light provider of transportation services across the United States, Canada and Latin America. We provide expedited less-than-truckload services, including local pick-up and delivery, shipment consolidation/deconsolidation, warehousing, and customs brokerage by utilizing a comprehensive national network of terminals. In addition, we offer truckload brokerage services, including dedicated fleet services, and intermodal, first- and last-mile, high-value drayage services, both to and from seaports and railheads, dedicated contract and Container Freight Station warehouse and handling services. Forward also operates a full portfolio of multimodal solutions, both domestically and internationally, via Omni Logistics. Omni Logistics is a global provider of air, ocean and ground services for mission-critical freight. We are more than a transportation company. Forward is a single resource for your shipping needs. For more information, visit our website at www.forwardair.com.

2


Forward Air Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2026202520262025
Operating revenues:
Expedited Freight$337,407 $258,554 $929,176 $765,631 
Omni Logistics312,313 339,584 953,278 991,370 
Intermodal63,453 58,332 176,269 179,970 
Corporate and Eliminations(39,312)(24,707)(129,780)(73,083)
Operating revenues673,861 631,763 1,928,943 1,863,888 
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation343,573 316,390 963,242 923,952 
Salaries, wages and employee benefits122,964 131,909 368,580 419,314 
Operating leases49,775 52,150 149,740 150,448 
Depreciation and amortization37,539 37,748 114,322 111,914 
Insurance and claims13,251 12,719 40,427 43,261 
Fuel expense6,339 5,029 17,910 15,956 
Other operating expenses56,525 60,811 167,692 159,751 
Impairment of goodwill— — 244,006 — 
Total operating expenses629,966 616,756 2,065,919 1,824,596 
Operating income (loss):
Expedited Freight36,461 19,445 91,400 54,574 
Omni Logistics12,206 9,749 (217,074)20,310 
Intermodal5,186 4,102 12,511 14,059 
Corporate and Eliminations(9,958)(18,289)(23,813)(49,651)
Operating income (loss) 43,895 15,007 (136,976)39,292 
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense, net(44,096)(44,775)(131,404)(135,648)
Foreign exchange loss(1,344)(539)(212)(6,114)
Other income (expense), net10,680 6,935 (4,708)383 
Total other expense(34,760)(38,379)(136,324)(141,379)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes9,135 (23,372)(273,300)(102,087)
Income tax expense15 385 1,634 3,225 
Income (loss) from continuing operations9,120 (23,757)(274,934)(105,312)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax— — (2,075)— 
Net income (loss)9,120 (23,757)(277,009)(105,312)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest(2,259)(7,507)(46,769)(25,842)
Net income (loss) attributable to Forward Air$11,379 $(16,250)$(230,240)$(79,470)
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Forward Air:
Continuing operations$0.34 $(0.52)$(7.01)$(2.60)
Discontinued operations— — (0.05)— 
Net income (loss) per basic share$0.34 $(0.52)$(7.06)$(2.60)
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Forward Air:
Continuing operations$0.34 $(0.52)$(7.01)$(2.60)
Discontinued operations— — (0.05)— 
Net income (loss) per diluted share$0.34 $(0.52)$(7.06)$(2.60)
3


Expedited Freight Segment Information and Operating Statistics
(unaudited and in thousands, except per shipment and per hundredweight)
Three Months Ended September 30,
2026% of Revenue 2025% of Revenue$ Change% Change
Operating revenues:
Network (1)
$242,042 71.7 %$194,035 75.0 %$48,007 24.7 %
Truckload67,540 20.0 %42,401 16.4 %25,139 59.3 %
Other27,825 8.3 %22,118 8.6 %5,707 25.8 %
Total operating revenues337,407 100.0 %258,554 100.0 %78,853 30.5 %
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation179,504 53.2 %125,265 48.4 %54,239 43.3 %
Salaries, wages and employee benefits56,370 16.7 %54,403 21.0 %1,967 3.6 %
Operating leases17,577 5.2 %15,797 6.1 %1,780 11.3 %
Depreciation and amortization8,563 2.5 %10,160 3.9 %(1,597)(15.7)%
Insurance and claims10,355 3.1 %10,415 4.0 %(60)(0.6)%
Fuel expense3,343 1.0 %2,155 0.8 %1,188 55.1 %
Other operating expenses25,234 7.5 %20,914 8.3 %4,320 20.7 %
Total operating expenses300,946 89.2 %239,109 92.5 %61,837 25.9 %
Operating income$36,461 10.8 %$19,445 7.5 %$17,016 87.5 %
(1)Network revenue is comprised of linehaul, pickup and/or delivery, and fuel surcharge revenue, and excludes accessorial and Truckload revenue.
Three Months Ended
September 30,
20262025% Change
Business days64 64 — %
Tonnage (1)
Total pounds707,893 612,449 15.6 %
Pounds per day11,061 9,570 15.6 %
Shipments (1)
Total shipments787 729 8.0 %
Shipments per day12.3 11.4 7.9 %
Weight per shipment899 841 6.9 %
Revenue per hundredweight (2)
$34.18 $31.70 7.8 %
Revenue per hundredweight, ex fuel (2)
$24.34 $24.98 (2.6)%
Revenue per shipment (2)
$307.51 $266.48 15.4 %
Revenue per shipment, ex fuel (2)
$219.01 $209.99 4.3 %
(1)Excludes accessorial and Truckload products.
(2)Includes intercompany revenue between the Network and Truckload revenue streams.
4


Omni Logistics Segment Information
(unaudited and in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
2026% of Revenue 2025% of Revenue$ Change% Change
Operating revenues:
Ground$106,043 34.0 %$164,591 48.5 %$(58,548)(35.6)%
Contract Logistics109,436 35.0 %97,464 28.7 %11,972 12.3 %
Air and Ocean96,834 31.0 %77,529 22.8 %19,305 24.9 %
Total operating revenues312,313 100.0 %339,584 100.0 %(27,271)(8.0)%
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation179,156 57.4 %196,312 57.8 %(17,156)(8.7)%
Salaries, wages and employee benefits46,780 15.0 %58,373 17.2 %(11,593)(19.9)%
Operating leases25,221 8.1 %29,979 8.8 %(4,758)(15.9)%
Depreciation and amortization23,124 7.4 %22,832 6.7 %292 1.3 %
Insurance and claims930 0.3 %(59)— %989 nm
Fuel expense461 0.1 %874 0.3 %(413)(47.3)%
Other operating expenses24,435 7.8 %21,524 6.3 %2,911 13.5 %
Total operating expenses300,107 96.1 %329,835 97.1 %(29,728)(9.0)%
Operating income$12,206 3.9 %$9,749 2.9 %$2,457 25.2 %
nm = not meaningful
Intermodal Segment Information
(unaudited and in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
2026% of Revenue2025% of Revenue$ Change% Change
Operating revenues$63,453 100.0 %$58,332 100.0 %$5,121 8.8 %
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation24,225 38.2 %19,331 33.1 %4,894 25.3 %
Salaries, wages and employee benefits13,055 20.6 %14,198 24.3 %(1,143)(8.1)%
Operating leases6,867 10.8 %6,288 10.8 %579 9.2 %
Depreciation and amortization3,861 6.1 %4,382 7.5 %(521)(11.9)%
Insurance and claims2,999 4.7 %2,900 5.0 %99 3.4 %
Fuel expense2,535 4.0 %1,999 3.4 %536 26.8 %
Other operating expenses4,725 7.4 %5,132 8.9 %(407)(7.9)%
Total operating expenses58,267 91.8 %54,230 93.0 %4,037 7.4 %
Operating income$5,186 8.2 %$4,102 7.0 %$1,084 26.4 %

Three Months Ended
September 30,
20262025% Change
Drayage shipments62,028 60,976 1.7 %
Drayage revenue per shipment$986 $864 14.1 %
5


Forward Air Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited and in thousands)
September 30, 2026December 31, 2025
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$184,932 $105,996 
Accounts receivable, net392,442 343,559 
Other receivables4,172 6,147 
Prepaid expenses26,102 28,045 
Other current assets41,526 37,254 
Total current assets649,174 521,001 
Property and equipment, net264,087 297,882 
Operating lease right-of-use assets347,006 412,535 
Goodwill278,706 522,712 
Other intangible assets, net836,815 906,791 
Other long-term assets56,696 58,023 
Total assets$2,432,484 $2,718,944 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$124,601 $121,752 
Accrued expenses149,584 114,422 
Other current liabilities65,601 69,130 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities104,778 107,026 
Current portion of finance lease liabilities14,464 15,995 
Total current liabilities459,028 428,325 
Long-term debt1,696,511 1,687,248 
Liabilities under Tax Receivable Agreement26,794 11,548 
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion265,636 327,011 
Finance lease liabilities, less current portion14,632 22,387 
Deferred income taxes24,162 27,221 
Other long-term liabilities54,662 53,540 
Total liabilities2,541,425 2,557,280 
Shareholders' (deficit) equity:
Preferred stock— — 
Common stock337 313 
Additional paid-in capital578,788 559,551 
Accumulated deficit(679,001)(447,100)
Accumulated other comprehensive income140 580 
Total Forward Air shareholders' (deficit) equity(99,736)113,344 
Noncontrolling interest(9,205)48,320 
Total shareholders' (deficit) equity(108,941)161,664 
Total liabilities and shareholders' (deficit) equity$2,432,484 $2,718,944 
6


Forward Air Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited and in thousands)
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2026202520262025
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $9,120 $(23,757)$(277,009)$(105,312)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization37,539 37,748 114,322 111,914 
Impairment of goodwill— — 244,006 — 
Share-based compensation expense2,967 3,380 6,999 11,049 
Change in Tax Receivable Agreement liability — (6,028)15,488 836 
Deferred income tax benefit(195)4,202 (2,969)(523)
Non-cash interest expense3,736 3,361 10,963 10,207 
Gains on sales of businesses(6,979)— (10,628)— 
Other1,195 (112)5,386 2,287 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable(36,237)1,054 (72,257)(15,891)
Other receivables2,676 (582)2,177 (273)
Other current and noncurrent assets(6,256)(5,337)(5,324)4,382 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities27,750 38,785 45,017 48,436 
Net cash provided by operating activities 35,316 52,714 76,171 67,112 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment1,104 294 3,657 1,789 
Purchases of property and equipment(3,082)(4,115)(13,241)(20,765)
Proceeds from sales of businesses, net16,248 — 24,987 — 
Other— (31)— — 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities14,270 (3,852)15,403 (18,976)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of finance lease liabilities(4,134)(3,610)(12,508)(12,986)
Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility— — — 85,000 
Repayments of borrowings under credit facility— — — (85,000)
Proceeds from common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan— — 734 434 
Payment of minimum tax withholdings on share-based awards and other(36)(52)(841)(1,053)
Net cash used in financing activities (4,170)(3,662)(12,615)(13,605)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash68 (153)(23)557 
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS45,484 45,047 78,936 35,088 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period139,448 95,307 105,996 105,266 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$184,932 $140,354 $184,932 $140,354 

7


Forward Air Corporation Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this press release, the Company includes financial measures that are derived on the basis of methodologies other than in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company believes that meaningful analysis of its financial performance requires an understanding of the factors underlying that performance, including an understanding of items that are non-operational. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operating, compensation and planning decisions as well as evaluating the Company’s performance.

This press release contains the following non-GAAP financial measures: earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for each segment (“Reported EBITDA”), Consolidated EBITDA, Adjusted Operating Income and free cash flow.

All non-GAAP financial measures are presented on a continuing operations basis.

The Company believes that Reported EBITDA improves comparability from period to period by removing the impact of its capital structure (interest and financing expenses), asset base (depreciation and amortization) and tax impacts. The Company believes that free cash flow is an important measure of its ability to repay maturing debt or fund other uses of capital that it believes will enhance shareholder value.

The Company is also providing Consolidated EBITDA calculated in accordance with our credit agreement as we believe it provides investors with important information regarding our financial condition and compliance with our obligations under our credit agreement.

Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative to or substitute for, the Company’s financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company has included, for the periods indicated, a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Investors and other readers are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations of the non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures set forth below.

8


The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Reported EBITDA and Consolidated EBITDA:
Three Months EndedNine Months EndedLast Twelve Months
September 30,September 30,
(in thousands)2026202520262025September 30, 2026
Net income (loss)$9,120 $(23,757)$(277,009)$(105,312)$(313,422)
Interest expense, net44,096 44,775 131,404 135,648 176,503 
Income tax expense (benefit)15 385 1,634 3,225 (7,063)
Depreciation and amortization37,539 37,748 114,322 111,914 155,046 
Reported EBITDA90,770 59,151 (29,649)145,475 11,064 
Impairment of goodwill— — 244,006 — 244,006 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax— — 2,075 — 2,075 
Transaction and integration costs3,685 5,852 11,208 25,751 16,930 
Severance costs1,088 2,769 2,742 5,173 3,312 
Change in Tax Receivable Agreement liability— (6,028)15,488 836 12,905 
Optimization project costs199 1,010 264 2,732 20,029 
Gains on disposition of businesses, net(6,779)— (9,653)— (9,653)
Proforma savings657 4,063 1,971 12,767 3,978 
Proforma dispositions1,264 (1,096)878 (2,152)269 
Other10,587 11,929 25,354 37,475 36,737 
Consolidated EBITDA$101,471 $77,650 $264,684 $228,057 $341,652 

The following is a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to operating income, excluding the goodwill impairment charge, or adjusted operating income:
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
(in thousands)2026202520262025
Operating income (loss)$43,895 $15,007 $(136,976)$39,292 
Impairment of goodwill— — 244,006 — 
Adjusted operating income$43,895 $15,007 $107,030 $39,292 

The following is a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow:
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
(in thousands)
2026202520262025
Net cash provided by operating activities$35,316 $52,714 $76,171 $67,112 
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment1,104 294 3,657 1,789 
Purchases of property and equipment(3,082)(4,115)(13,241)(20,765)
Free cash flow$33,338 $48,893 $66,587 $48,136 



9


Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements included in this press release relate to management’s expectations regarding: the Company’s beliefs regarding the Intermodal segment and changing market conditions.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. The following is a list of factors, among others, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements: economic factors such as tariffs, recessions, inflation, higher interest rates and tightening supply environment, the risk of customer loss, the risk of management and employee loss, the creditworthiness of our customers and their ability to pay for services rendered, the inability to maintain our historical growth rate because of a decreased volume of freight or decreased average revenue per pound of freight moving through our network, market acceptance of our service offerings, increasing competition and pricing pressure, our dependence on our senior management team and the potential effects of changes in employee status, seasonal trends, the occurrence of certain weather events, restrictions in our charter and bylaws, and the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and as may be identified in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

We caution readers that any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and they should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, which reflect management's opinion as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise unless required by law.
Contact:

Investors:
Tony Carreño
investorrelations@forwardair.com

Media:
Hannah Weeg
HWeeg@forwardair.com
10
Forward Air Corporation Earnings Presentation 3Q26 November 9, 2026


 

E a r n i n g s P r e s e n t a t i o n Statements & Disclaimers 2 Forward Looking Statements This presentation contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements included in this presentation relate to: expectations regarding customer demand for services of Forward Air Corporation (“Forward,” “we,” “us” or “our”); our outlook on the freight market, including expectations regarding freight market conditions, capacity and the pace and extent of any freight market recovery; our expectations regarding revenue growth, margin improvement relative to our peers and the realization of synergies and operational improvements following the Omni acquisition; our goals to achieve sustainable growth and long-term profitability; our expectations regarding the definitive agreement with our largest customer, including the services and revenue expected to be retained, the revenue we expect to generate from the customer in 2026, 2027 and 2028, the term of the agreement and the anticipated timing of the transition of certain services to other providers; our plans and expectations regarding the disposition of non- core assets, including the anticipated timing and completion of the sale of our Intermodal business and the expected use of proceeds therefrom; our deleveraging goals; our expectations regarding liquidity, cash flow generation and continued improvement in our results of operations; and our future debt service requirements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. The following is a list of factors, among others, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements: economic factors such as recessions, inflation, higher interest rates and downturns in customer business cycles; the outcome of our review of strategic alternatives; our ability to execute on a strategic sale of non-core assets, including our Intermodal business, on the anticipated timing and terms, or at all; the risk that our largest customer transitions a greater portion of its business than currently anticipated, that the transition otherwise occurs on terms less favorable than expected or that revenue from the customer does not meet our expectations; our ability to achieve ongoing strategic, financial and other benefits as we continue to transform our business after the acquisition of Omni Logistics, including the realization of expected synergies and the achievement of deleveraging targets within the expected timeframes or at all; the risk of customer loss; the risk of additional impairments to goodwill; the risk of management and employee loss; the creditworthiness of our customers and their ability to pay for services rendered; our inability to maintain our historical growth rate because of a decreased volume of freight or decreased average revenue per pound of freight moving through our network; the availability and compensation of qualified Leased Capacity Providers and freight handlers as well as contracted, third-party carriers needed to serve our customers’ transportation needs; our inability to manage our information systems and the occurrence of cybersecurity risks and events; market acceptance of our service offerings; claims for property damage, personal injuries or workers’ compensation; enforcement of and changes in governmental regulations; environmental, tax, insurance and accounting matters; the handling of hazardous materials; changes in fuel prices; loss of a major customer; increasing competition and pricing pressure; evolving macroeconomic factors, including the imposition of additional tariffs, potential escalation from trading partners, the uncertainty surrounding trade policy, including the extent to which increased tariffs will affect our operations and strategic plan, and our limited visibility into the impact of tariffs on third-party shipments; our dependence on our senior management team and the potential effects of changes in employee status; seasonal trends; the occurrence of certain weather events; restrictions in our charter and bylaws; and the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and as may be identified in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. We caution readers that any forward-looking statement made by us in this presentation is based only on information currently available to us, and readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, which reflects management’s opinion only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise unless required by law. Non-GAAP Measures To supplement the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), we have included Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin %, Consolidated EBITDA, Consolidated EBITDA Margin %, Adjusted Operating Income, Net Leverage Ratio, Net Debt, Reported EBITDA, Reported EBITDA Margin %, LTM Reported EBITDA, LTM Reported EBITDA Margin %, Unlevered Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Operating Cash Flow, each of which is a non-GAAP financial measure (each, a “Non-GAAP Measure”), in this presentation. The reconciliation of each Non-GAAP Measure to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP can be found in the Appendix to this presentation. Because each Non-GAAP Measure excludes certain items as described herein, it may not be indicative of the results that Forward expects to recognize for future periods. As a result, each Non-GAAP Measure should be considered in addition to, and not a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company is also providing Consolidated EBITDA, Liquidity, and Net Leverage Ratio calculated in accordance with Forward’s credit agreement as we believe these measures provide investors with important information regarding our liquidity, financial condition and compliance with our obligations under our credit agreement.


 

01 Combined Overview 02 3Q26 Results 03 Liquidity, Leverage and Cash Flow 04 Investment Rationale 05 Closing Summary 06 Appendix E a r n i n g s P r e s e n t a t i o n Agenda 3


 

E a r n i n g s P r e s e n t a t i o n Combined Overview 4


 

C o m b i n e d O v e r v i e w Who We Are: A Story of Transformation and Excellence Our Heritage Forward Air's revolutionary expedited ground freight network, established in 1981, and Omni’s innovative logistics solutions, founded in 2000, represent decades of excellence in logistics innovation. Our Combined Strength Together, we have created a logistics powerhouse that combines Forward Air's robust North American LTL network with Omni's global logistics solutions, delivering unprecedented value and capabilities to our customers. Our Future We are positioned to be a leading force in global logistics, offering comprehensive solutions that span continents and streamline supply chains. 5


 

C o m b i n e d O v e r v i e w By the Numbers $2.5B FY 2025 Revenue $305M FY 2025 CEBITDA1 6K+ Total Employees 2K+ Freight Handlers2 3.7M+ Total Shipments3 0.1% Claims Ratio4 230+ Global Facilities 21 Countries 6 1. Consolidated EBITDA (“CEBITDA”). Reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures available in the Appendix. 2. Freight handlers included in Total Employees. 3. Total Ground, Intermodal, Air and Ocean shipments per year managed by Expedited Freight, Omni Logistics and Intermodal segments. 4. Combined claims ratio for Expedited Freight and Omni Logistics. Calculated as claims amount paid divided by revenue for FY25. All figures for FY25


 

Ground Transportation Air & Ocean Customs Intermodal Drayage Contract Logistics • Expedited Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Services • Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping • Brokerage Services • Pickup and Delivery • Cross border trucking services • Container Freight Station • Flatbed transportation • Oversized and specialized equipment • High Value Cargo • Hand Carry • Next Flight Out /Time Critical/ Hand Carry • Express Air - 3 to 5 day • Economy Air - 5 to 8 day • Customs Brokerage • Air Charter • Full Container Load (FCL) • Less than Container Load (LCL) • Multimodal Air/Ocean/Ground Freight Solutions • Project cargo (oversized/non- containerized) • Nationwide port and rail drayage of domestic and international containers • Secured container storage • Rail intermodal (domestic and international containers) • Yard hostling / jockey services • Focus on high value, value-added services, supply chain solutions • Servicing high-tech, data center, medical and complex verticals for supply chain and end customer distribution • End-to-end capability for reverse logistics solutions including in-house sorting and repairs • Product testing • Wholesale fulfillment – Pick and pack • eCommerce fulfillment services Customs Brokerage Free Trade Zone and Bonded Warehouse C o m b i n e d O v e r v i e w Our key product groups provide end-to-end capabilities 7 ~ 63% of revenue Legacy Forward Expedited Freight and Intermodal, and Omni Logistics ground freight Omni Logistics air and ocean forwarding, warehousing & distribution and value-added service All figures for FY25 ~ 13% of revenue ~ 9% of revenue ~ 15% of revenue


 

C o m b i n e d O v e r v i e w Scalable global footprint 1. Approximated split based on consolidated FY25 revenues by country from shipments directly transported under our control. 8 ~90% ~2% ~8% <1% United States Americas (ex U.S.) APAC EMEA • ~10% of revenue generated outside of the United States1 • 230+ global facilities in 21 countries • No single customer represented more than 10% of revenue in 2025 • Top 10 customers account for ~26% of revenue FY25 Revenue % by Customer Region1 All figures for FY25


 

E a r n i n g s P r e s e n t a t i o n 3Q26 Results 9


 

3 Q 2 6 R e s u l t s 3Q26 Highlights 3Q26 $674 Revenue $44 Operating Income $101 Consolidated EBITDA1 15.1% Margin $446 Liquidity 4.7x LTM Net Leverage2 10 1. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures available in the Appendix. 2. Calculated pursuant to Senior Secured Loan Credit Agreement. Details in the Liquidity, Leverage and Cash Flow section of this presentation. In millions, except for LTM Net Leverage


 

3 Q 2 6 R e s u l t s | C o n s o l i d a t e d Consolidated Results by Quarter 3Q26 Highest in Company History 1. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures available in the Appendix. Calculated pursuant to the Senior Secured Loan Credit Agreement. Prior-period figures adjusted to reflect the disposition of a business. 2. As previously reported. Revenue Consolidated EBITDA1 & Consolidated EBITDA Margin %1 11 In millions, except for margin 2 22 2 2 2 2 2 $78 $77 $71 $93 $101 12.3% 12.2% 12.1% 13.8% 15.1% 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 2 22 2 $632 $631 $582 $673 $674 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 $79 $76 $71 $93


 

3 Q 2 6 R e s u l t s | E x p e d i t e d F r e i g h t Expedited Freight Segment Results by Quarter 1. Segment totals do not include intercompany eliminations or corporate unallocated expenses. 2. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures available in the Appendix. Segment Revenue1 Reported EBITDA2 & Reported EBITDA Margin2 12 In millions, except for margin $259 $247 $273 $319 $337 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 $30 $25 $28 $43 $45 11.5% 10.1% 10.4% 13.6% 13.3% 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26


 

3 Q 2 6 R e s u l t s | E x p e d i t e d F r e i g h t Expedited Freight Segment: Year over year pricing and margin 13 Revenue per CWT, ex fuel1,2 & Reported EBITDA Margin3 Revenue per Shipment, ex fuel1,2 & Reported EBITDA Margin3 $24.98 $24.30 $24.50 $24.26 $24.34 11.5% 10.1% 10.4% 13.6% 13.3% 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 Revenue per CWT, ex fuel Reported EBITDA Margin -2.6% $210 $206 $212 $215 $219 11.5% 10.1% 10.4% 13.6% 13.3% 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 Revenue per Shipment, ex fuel Reported EBITDA Margin +4.3% 1. Excludes accessorial and Truckload products. 2. Includes intercompany revenue between the Network and Truckload revenue streams. 3. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures available in the Appendix. • Revenue per CWT, ex fuel, was impacted by the strategy to fill underutilized capacity on specific lanes that contributed to a year over year tonnage per day increase of 15.6% and shipments per day increase of 7.9% in the third quarter • This strategy helped the Expedited Freight segment report the best operating revenue, operating income and Reported EBITDA since the beginning of 2024 • Increase in revenue per shipment, ex fuel, favorably impacted by a 6.9% increase in weight per shipment


 

3 Q 2 6 R e s u l t s | E x p e d i t e d F r e i g h t Expedited Freight Segment Financial Results 3Q 2026 3Q 2025 Change Revenue1 $337 $259 30.5% Operating Income1 $36 $19 87.5% Operating Ratio 89.2% 92.5% 3.3% Reported EBITDA1 $45 $30 52.1% Reported EBITDA Margin 13.3% 11.5% 1.9% LTL Shipments per Workday2 12.3 11.4 7.9% LTL Tonnage per Workday2 11,061 9,570 15.6% LTL Revenue per Shipment ex-fuel $219 $210 4.3% 14 1. In millions 2. In thousands


 

0.18% 0.14% 0.12% 0.13% 0.13% 0.15% 0.12% 0.11% 0.08% 0.07% 0.05% 2021 2022 2023 2024 1Q25 2Q25 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 3 Q 2 6 R e s u l t s | E x p e d i t e d F r e i g h t Expedited Freight Segment: Continued superior service 15 Expedited Freight Segment Claims Ratio1 • Industry-leading claims ratio of ~0.1% • Superior service to 96% of all continental United States zip codes • Maintaining priority focus on customer service during integration and transformation 1. Expedited Freight segment only. Calculated as claims amount paid divided by revenue.


 

3 Q 2 6 R e s u l t s | O m n i L o g i s t i c s Omni Logistics Segment Results by Quarter Continued Strong Results and Improved Margins Reported EBITDA2 & Reported EBITDA Margin %2Segment Revenue1 16 1. Segment totals do not include intercompany eliminations or corporate unallocated expenses. 2. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures available in the Appendix. Excludes impairment of goodwill. In millions, except for margin $33 $36 $25 $38 $35 9.6% 10.0% 8.3% 11.2% 11.3% 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 $340 $360 $302 $339 $312 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26


 

Omni Segment Financial Results 3Q 2026 3Q 2025 Change Revenue1 $312 $340 (8.0%) Operating Income1 $12 $10 25.2% Operating Ratio 96.1% 97.1% 1.0% Reported EBITDA1 $35 $33 8.4% Reported EBITDA Margin 11.3% 9.6% 1.7% 3 Q 2 6 R e s u l t s | O m n i L o g i s t i c s 17 1. In millions


 

3 Q 2 6 R e s u l t s | I n t e r m o d a l Intermodal Segment Results by Quarter Continued Industry Leading Margins 1. Segment totals do not include intercompany eliminations or corporate unallocated expenses. 2. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures available in the Appendix. Reported EBITDA2 & Reported EBITDA Margin %2Segment Revenue1 In millions, except for margin 18 $8 $7 $5 $10 $9 14.5% 14.2% 10.1% 16.7% 14.3% 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 $58 $51 $53 $60 $63 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26


 

Intermodal Segment Financial Results 3Q 2026 3Q 2025 Change Revenue1 $63 $58 8.8% Operating Income1 $5 $4 26.4% Operating Ratio 91.8% 93.0% 1.2% Reported EBITDA1 $9 $8 6.6% Reported EBITDA Margin 14.3% 14.5% (0.3%) Drayage Shipments 62,028 60,976 1.7% Drayage Revenue per Shipment $986 $864 14.1% 3 Q 2 6 R e s u l t s | I n t e r m o d a l 19 1. In millions


 

E a r n i n g s P r e s e n t a t i o n Liquidity, Leverage and Cash Flow 20


 

L i q u i d i t y , L e v e r a g e a n d C a s h F l o w Resilient cash generation 1. Non-GAAP financial metrics. “Operating Cash Flow” and “Unlevered Free Cash Flow” represent the change in Unrestricted Cash less discrete items identified on this slide. 2. Includes remaining Transaction & Integration Fees. 21 Operating Cash Flow1 In millions $79 $32 $58 $46 $51 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 Change in Cash $45 ($34) $35 ($2) $45 (+) Debt Service 24 58 23 57 22 (-) Proceeds from the sale of a Business, net -- -- -- (9) (16) Unlevered Free Cash Flow 70 24 58 46 51 (+) Transaction/Integration Fees 10 8 -- -- -- Operating Cash Flow $79 $32 $58 $46 $51 2 21 1


 

L i q u i d i t y , L e v e r a g e a n d C a s h F l o w YTD 2026 Cash Bridge 22 Change in Cash 1. Non-GAAP financial metric. “Operating Cash Flow” and “Unlevered Free Cash Flow” represent the change in Unrestricted Cash less discrete items identified on this slide. 2. Includes remaining Transaction & Integration Fees. • YTD 2026: $155M of operating cash flow more than covered $101M of debt service • $25M of net proceeds from the sale of two businesses supplemented internally generated cash flow In millions $106 $155 $25 $(101) $185 12/31 Cash Balance Operating Cash Flow Proceeds from Sale of Business Debt Service 9/30 Cash Balance $- $50 $100 $150 $200 $250 $300 $350 1,2


 

$273 $261 $261 $261 $261 $123 $91 $115 $112 $170 $17 $15 $26 $27 $15 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 L i q u i d i t y , L e v e r a g e a n d C a s h F l o w Liquidity and Leverage Lowest Leverage Since Omni Transaction Closed Net Leverage1 Net Leverage Ratio1 Required Covenant Leverage Ratio1 Net Cash1,3 Revolving Credit Facility4 Foreign Subsidiary Deduction * 23 * * * * 1. Calculated pursuant to Senior Secured Loan Credit Agreement. 2. Includes Term Loan, Senior Secured Notes, and Revolving Credit Facility, excludes finance leases. 3. Excludes foreign subsidiaries and restricted cash. 4. Undrawn revolver balance. 5. Totals may not foot due to rounding. 6. 3Q25 has been updated to reflect proforma EBITDA add-backs of cost saving initiatives taken in 3Q25 and 4Q25. In millions 5.5x 5.5x 5.5x 5.2x 4.7x 5.75x 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 Liquidity5 $413 $367 $402 $401 $446 Gross Cash* $140 $106 $141 $139 $185 In millions 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 Term Loan B $1,045 $1,045 $1,045 $1,045 $1,045 Senior Sec. Notes $725 $725 $725 $725 $725 First Lien Debt2 $1,770 $1,770 $1,770 $1,770 $1,770 Net Cash1,3 $123 $91 $115 $112 $170 Net Debt $1,647 $1,679 $1,655 $1,658 $1,600 Consolidated LTM EBITDA1,6 $297 $305 $303 $318 $342 Net Leverage Ratio1 5.5x 5.5x 5.5x 5.2x 4.7x


 

L i q u i d i t y , L e v e r a g e a n d C a s h F l o w No debt maturities over the next 4 years 1. Credit Facility undrawn as of 9/30/2026 other than $39 million letters of credit issued through facility. 24 $300 $1,045 $725 2026 2027 2028 2029 (Jan) 2030 (Dec) 2031 (Oct) Revolving Credit Facility First Lien Term Loan Senior Secured Notes No Long-Term Debt Maturities Until December 2030 Debt maturities by year In millions


 

E a r n i n g s P r e s e n t a t i o n Investment Rationale 25


 

I n v e s t m e n t R a t i o n a l e Laying the foundation for future profitable growth Strong brand, customer value proposition and loyalty Robust North American LTL network with international logistics capabilities Superior service with consistently low claims ratio of 0.1%1 Differentiated and diversified solutions with global scale Highly customizable and specialized service offering of vertically-integrated solutions Scalable growth with over 230 global facilities in 21 countries Rationalized cost structure poised for profitable growth Asset-light business model with normalizing free cash flow generation In 3Q26 reported best revenue results in company history 26 1. Combined claims ratio for Expedited Freight and Omni as of FY25. Calculated as claims amount paid divided by revenue for FY25.


 

7.4% 7.5% 7.7% 8.9% 10.0% 32.4% 24.8% 18.5% 13.3% 11.7% 11.5% 10.6% 9.8% 5.9% 5.5% 4.4% 0.5% 14.1% 14.0% 13.8% 11.7% 11.4% 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 Comp 1 Comp 2 Comp 3 Comp 4 Comp 5 Comp 1 Comp 2 Comp 3 Comp 4 Comp 5 Comp 1 Comp 2 Comp 3 Comp 4 I n v e s t m e n t R a t i o n a l e Meaningful upside as we close margin gap with peers 1. For comparability purposes, Reported EBITDA Margin is calculated as Operating Income plus depreciation & amortization and impairment of goodwill and changes in TRA liability. 2. Using 2Q26 LTM figures for peers and Forward Air segments. 3. Segment averages are weighted based on revenue (excludes Forward segments). 4. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures available in the Appendix. 20.2% Average3 5.4% Average3 12.7% Average3 27 Forward Consolidated Less-than-Truckload 3PL / Freight Forwarders Truckload / Intermodal LTM Reported EBITDA margin1,4 LTM 2Q26 Peer and Forward Segment Reported EBITDA Margin1,2 Ex pe di te d Fr ei gh t O m ni Lo gi st ic s In te rm od al C om bi ne d LTM 2Q26 for Peers and FWRD segments


 

E a r n i n g s P r e s e n t a t i o n Closing Summary 01 Reports highest quarterly revenue in company history in consecutive quarters 02 Expedited Freight segment leads strong quarter and reports best results since the beginning of 2024 03 Execution at all three segments contributed to strong quarterly performance 04 Liquidity improves to $446 million 05 Realizing the benefits of diversified product portfolio 28


 

E a r n i n g s P r e s e n t a t i o n Appendix 29


 

A p p e n d i x 30 1. Non-GAAP financial measures. Totals may not foot due to rounding. 2. Consolidated EBITDA calculated pursuant to the Senior Secured Loan Credit Agreement. 3. Net of transaction costs incurred at closing; excludes disposition-related costs expensed in prior periods. 4. Primarily consist of share-based comp, facility closing costs, foreign exchange and indirect taxes. In millions, except for margin Quarterly Net Income to Adjusted and Consolidated EBITDA Reconciliation Adjusted & Consolidated EBITDA Reconciliation 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 LTM (9/30/2026) Net (loss) income ($24) ($36) ($40) ($246) $9 ($313) Interest expense 45 45 44 44 44 177 Income tax (benefit) expense 0 (9) 2 (0) 0 (7) Depreciation and amortization 38 41 39 38 38 155 Reported EBITDA1 $59 $41 $44 ($164) $91 $11 Impairment of goodwill -- -- -- 244 -- 244 Transaction and integration costs 6 6 3 5 4 17 Discontinued Operations/Final Mile -- -- -- 2 -- 2 Severance costs 3 1 1 1 1 3 Change in TRA Liability (6) (3) 17 (1) -- 13 Optimization project costs 1 -- -- 0 0 0 Abandoned software project costs -- 20 (0) 0 0 20 Gain on disposition of business, net³ -- -- -- (3) (7) (10) Other4 12 11 7 8 11 37 Adjusted EBITDA1 $75 $76 $70 $92 $99 $337 Pro forma of dispositions (1) (1) (0) (0) 1 0 Pro forma Corporate/Overhead Headcount Reduction -- 1 1 1 1 3 3Q 2025 Cost Reduction Initiatives 3 -- -- -- -- -- 4Q 2025 Cost Reduction Initiatives 1 1 -- -- -- 1 Consolidated EBITDA1,2 $78 $77 $71 $93 $101 $342 Consolidated First Lien Indebtedness 1,770 Net Cash & Cash Equivalents (170) Net Debt $1,600 Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio 4.7x


 

A p p e n d i x 311. Non-GAAP financial measures. Totals may not foot due to rounding. 2. Consolidated EBITDA calculated pursuant to the Senior Secured Loan Credit Agreement. 3. Net of transaction costs incurred at closing; excludes disposition-related costs expensed in prior periods. 4. Primarily consist of share-based comp, facility closing costs, foreign exchange and indirect taxes. In millions LTM Net Income to Adjusted and Consolidated EBITDA Reconciliation Adjusted & Consolidated EBITDA Reconciliation LTM 3Q25 LTM 4Q25 LTM 1Q26 LTM 2Q26 LTM 3Q26 Net (loss) income ($141) ($142) ($121) ($346) ($313) Interest expense 184 181 179 177 177 Income tax (benefit) expense 70 (5) (23) (7) (7) Depreciation and amortization 150 153 154 155 155 Reported EBITDA1 $263 $186 $189 ($21) $11 Impairment of goodwill (79) -- -- 244 244 Transaction and integration costs 36 31 20 19 17 Discontinued Operations/Final Mile -- -- -- 2 2 Severance costs 7 6 5 5 3 Change in TRA Liability 1 (2) 15 7 13 Optimization project costs 13 3 2 1 0 Abandoned software project costs -- 20 20 20 20 Gain on disposition of business, net³ -- -- -- (3) (10) Other4 40 49 44 38 37 Adjusted EBITDA1 $281 $293 $294 $313 $337 Pro forma synergies 1 -- -- -- -- Pro forma savings 5 -- -- -- -- Pro forma of dispositions (5) (3) (3) (2) 0 Pro forma Corporate/Overhead Headcount Reduction -- 1 1 2 3 3Q 2025 Cost Reduction Initiatives 12 9 6 3 -- 4Q 2025 Cost Reduction Initiatives 3 5 4 3 1 Consolidated EBITDA1,2 $297 $305 $303 $318 $342


 

A p p e n d i x Consolidated LTM Financials by Quarter 32 1. Totals may not foot due to rounding. 2. Excluding impairment of goodwill and non-operating items. In millions, except for margin Consolidated1 LTM 3Q25 LTM 4Q25 LTM 1Q26 LTM 2Q26 LTM 3Q26 Operating revenue $2,497 $2,495 $2,464 $2,518 $2,560 Operating expenses Purchased transportation 1,243 1,244 1,224 1,257 1,284 Salaries, wages, and employee benefits 549 536 509 494 485 Operating leases 199 204 205 206 203 Depreciation and amortization 150 153 154 155 155 Insurance and claims 63 59 57 56 56 Fuel expense 21 20 19 21 22 Other operating expenses 235 243 243 255 251 Impairment of goodwill (79) -- -- 244 244 Total operating expenses 2,382 2,459 2,412 2,687 2,700 Operating income (loss) $115 $36 $52 ($169) ($140) (+) Impairment of goodwill (79) -- -- 244 244 Adjusted operating income (loss) 36 36 52 75 104 (+) Depreciation and amortization 150 153 154 155 155 (+) Other² (1) (3) (17) (7) (4) Reported EBITDA excluding impairment and other non-operating adjustments $185 $186 $189 $223 $255 Reported EBITDA Margin % excluding impairment and other non-operating adjustments 7.4% 7.5% 7.7% 8.9% 10.0% 2


 

A p p e n d i x Segment Performance – Expedited Freight 33 1. Segment totals do not include intercompany eliminations or corporate unallocated expenses. 2. Totals may not foot due to rounding. In millions, except for margin Expedited Freight1,2 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 LTM 2Q26 LTM 3Q26 Operating revenue $259 $247 $273 $319 $337 $1,097 $1,176 Operating expenses Purchased transportation 125 122 142 168 180 556 611 Salaries, wages, and employee benefits 54 50 56 58 56 217 219 Operating leases 16 16 16 16 18 64 65 Depreciation and amortization 10 10 8 8 9 37 35 Insurance and claims 10 9 10 10 10 40 40 Fuel expense 2 2 2 4 3 10 11 Other operating expenses 21 24 19 20 25 84 89 Total operating expenses 239 232 253 284 301 1,008 1,069 Operating income $19 $15 $20 $35 $36 $90 $107 (+) Depreciation and amortization 10 10 8 8 9 37 35 Reported EBITDA $30 $25 $28 $43 $45 $126 $142 Reported EBITDA Margin % 11.5% 10.1% 10.4% 13.6% 13.3% 11.5% 12.1%


 

A p p e n d i x Segment Performance – Omni Logistics 34 1. Segment totals do not include intercompany eliminations or corporate unallocated expenses. 2. Totals may not foot due to rounding. 3. Reported EBITDA and Reported EBITDA Margin shown excluding impairment of goodwill. In millions, except for margin Omni Logistics1,2 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 LTM 2Q26 LTM 3Q26 Operating revenue $340 $360 $302 $339 $312 $1,340 $1,313 Operating expenses Purchased transportation 196 208 169 190 179 763 746 Salaries, wages, and employee benefits 58 55 53 62 47 229 218 Operating leases 30 32 28 27 25 117 112 Depreciation and amortization 23 26 24 24 23 97 98 Insurance and claims (0) 1 0 0 1 2 3 Fuel expense 1 1 1 0 0 3 2 Other operating expenses 22 27 26 20 24 95 98 Impairment of goodwill - - - 244 - 244 244 Total operating expenses 330 350 302 569 300 1,550 1,520 Operating income (loss) $10 $10 $1 ($230) $12 ($210) ($207) (+) Impairment of goodwill - - - 244 - 244 244 Adjusted Operating income (loss) $10 $10 $1 $14 $12 $34 $37 (+) Depreciation and amortization 23 26 24 24 23 97 98 Reported EBITDA3 $33 $36 $25 $38 $35 $132 $134 Reported EBITDA Margin %3 9.6% 10.0% 8.3% 11.2% 11.3% 9.8% 10.2%


 

A p p e n d i x Segment Performance – Intermodal 35 1. Segment totals do not include intercompany eliminations or corporate unallocated expenses. 2. Totals may not foot due to rounding. In millions, except for margin Intermodal1,2 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 LTM 2Q26 LTM 3Q26 Operating revenue $58 $51 $53 $60 $63 $222 $227 Operating expenses Purchased transportation 19 17 19 22 24 78 83 Salaries, wages, and employee benefits 14 12 14 14 13 54 53 Operating leases 6 5 6 6 7 23 24 Depreciation and amortization 4 4 4 4 4 17 16 Insurance and claims 3 3 3 2 3 10 10 Fuel expense 2 1 2 3 3 8 9 Other operating expenses 5 5 4 3 5 17 17 Total operating expenses 54 48 52 54 58 207 211 Operating income (loss) $4 $3 $1 $6 $5 $14 $15 (+) Depreciation and amortization 4 4 4 4 4 17 16 Reported EBITDA $8 $7 $5 $10 $9 $31 $32 Reported EBITDA Margin % 14.5% 14.2% 10.1% 16.7% 14.3% 14.0% 13.9%


 

A p p e n d i x Expedited Freight Segment Operating Metrics 36 Shipments per Day1 Weight per Shipment Revenue per Shipment, excluding fuel1,2 In thousands In pounds (9.0)% (10.9)% (15.4)% (12.3)% (9.0)% (4.3)% 1.7% 7.9% YoY % change 5.0% 1.6% 2.7% (1.9)% (1.2)% 3.2% 5.3% 6.9% YoY % change 4.0% 4.1% 4.6% 1.6% 1.2% 2.1% 2.9% 4.3% YoY % change 1. Excludes accessorial and Truckload products. 2. Includes intercompany revenue between the Network and Truckload revenue streams. 12.2 11.5 11.5 11.4 11.1 11.0 11.7 12.3 4Q24 1Q25 2Q25 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 856 840 843 841 846 867 888 899 4Q24 1Q25 2Q25 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26 $203 $208 $209 $210 $206 $212 $$215 $219 4Q24 1Q25 2Q25 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 2Q26 3Q26


 

Forward Air Corporation (NASDAQ: FWRD) IR Contact | Tony Carreño investorrelations@forwardair.com https://ir.forwardaircorp.com


 

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