Forward Air (FWRD) Stock Overview
Operates as an asset-light freight and logistics company in the United States, Mexico, Europe, Asia, and Canada. More details
| Snowflake Score | |
|---|---|
| Valuation | 6/6 |
| Future Growth | 0/6 |
| Past Performance | 0/6 |
| Financial Health | 3/6 |
| Dividends | 0/6 |
Rewards
Risk Analysis
FWRD Community Fair Values
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Analyst Price Targets
Forward Air Corporation Competitors
Price History & Performance
| Historical stock prices | |
|---|---|
| Current Share Price | US$8.80 |
| 52 Week High | US$32.47 |
| 52 Week Low | US$7.86 |
| Beta | 1.59 |
| 1 Month Change | -61.32% |
| 3 Month Change | -68.37% |
| 1 Year Change | -47.59% |
| 3 Year Change | -91.04% |
| 5 Year Change | -90.92% |
| Change since IPO | 147.50% |
Recent News & Updates
Seeking Alpha • May 11
Forward Air: Throwing The Towel On Yet Another Special Situation
Summary Forward Air faces a busted bull case after a failed sale, major customer loss, and Amazon's disruptive logistics entry. FWRD's Q1 2026 revenue and earnings missed expectations, triggering a 43% post-earnings stock drop and return to single-digit prices. Asset sales may help de-lever, but EBITDA could fall sharply; a partial rebound to $15–$16/share requires multiple favorable developments. I am waiting for the opportunity to sell into strength, but this scenario in general has provided me with many insights on how to more cautiously approach special situation stocks.. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • May 01
FWRD: Strategic Review Outcome And 2026 EBITDA Multiple Will Drive Upside Potential
Analysts have trimmed their price targets on Forward Air, with recent Street research pointing to modest adjustments tied to an ongoing company review and updated views on earnings potential, including references to the shares trading around 8.5x 2026E EBITDA and perceived value at current levels. Analyst Commentary Recent research has highlighted that some bearish analysts are trimming expectations on Forward Air, pointing to a mix of company specific review outcomes and updated earnings assumptions.Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • May 11
Forward Air: Throwing The Towel On Yet Another Special Situation
Summary Forward Air faces a busted bull case after a failed sale, major customer loss, and Amazon's disruptive logistics entry. FWRD's Q1 2026 revenue and earnings missed expectations, triggering a 43% post-earnings stock drop and return to single-digit prices. Asset sales may help de-lever, but EBITDA could fall sharply; a partial rebound to $15–$16/share requires multiple favorable developments. I am waiting for the opportunity to sell into strength, but this scenario in general has provided me with many insights on how to more cautiously approach special situation stocks.. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • May 01
FWRD: Strategic Review Outcome And 2026 EBITDA Multiple Will Drive Upside Potential
Analysts have trimmed their price targets on Forward Air, with recent Street research pointing to modest adjustments tied to an ongoing company review and updated views on earnings potential, including references to the shares trading around 8.5x 2026E EBITDA and perceived value at current levels. Analyst Commentary Recent research has highlighted that some bearish analysts are trimming expectations on Forward Air, pointing to a mix of company specific review outcomes and updated earnings assumptions.Narrative Update • Apr 16
FWRD: Strategic Review And 2026 EBITDA Multiple Will Shape Upside Potential
Narrative update on Forward Air The analyst price target for Forward Air has been trimmed by $1, as analysts factor in updated expectations for revenue growth, profit margins, and forward P/E, while still pointing to perceived value based on the company's current EBITDA multiple and ongoing review process. Analyst Commentary Recent research moves show that some bearish analysts are trimming expectations for Forward Air, with price targets reduced by about $1 in one case and to $42 from $45 in another.Narrative Update • Feb 12
FWRD: Fair Value View Will Highlight Refined Pricing Versus Execution Risk
Analysts have raised their price target on Forward Air by $2, citing updated assumptions around revenue growth, profit margin, discount rate, and future P/E that modestly refine their view of the stock's risk and earnings profile. Analyst Commentary Bearish analysts are treating the updated price target, including the recent US$2 adjustment, as a fine tuning of risk rather than a strong endorsement of the current setup.Analysis Article • Feb 07
Forward Air's (NASDAQ:FWRD) Returns On Capital Not Reflecting Well On The Business
If you're not sure where to start when looking for the next multi-bagger, there are a few key trends you should keep an...Narrative Update • Jan 25
FWRD: Fair Value View Will Weigh Modest Upside Against Execution Risks
Analysts have raised their price target on Forward Air by $2, citing updated assumptions that include modestly higher revenue growth, slightly improved profit margins, and a marginally lower future P/E multiple in their models. Analyst Commentary While the latest price target move reflects refreshed modeling assumptions, some bearish analysts remain cautious and are using this update to highlight ongoing risks around execution, profitability, and valuation.Narrative Update • Jan 10
FWRD: Fair Value View Balances PE Deal Setback And Future Returns
Analysts have adjusted their price target on Forward Air to US$30.00, reflecting updated assumptions for slightly lower revenue growth, a largely unchanged profit margin outlook, and a marginally higher future P/E multiple. What's in the News Axios Pro reported that no private equity deal for Forward Air is imminent, and shares traded at US$17.05 in Monday afternoon trading, down US$3.09 or 15% (Axios Pro).Narrative Update • Dec 25
FWRD: Higher Required Returns Will Eventually Reward Patient Shareholders
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Forward Air from 32 dollars to 30 dollars, reflecting slightly higher discount rate assumptions, a modestly reduced profit margin outlook, and lower expected future valuation multiples, despite a small uplift in projected revenue growth. What's in the News Forward Air shares fell about 15%, dropping 3.09 dollars to 17.05 dollars after an Axios Pro report indicated no private equity deal is imminent (Axios Pro) The company reported no share repurchases between July 1, 2025 and September 30, 2025, leaving this tranche of its buyback program inactive during the quarter (company filing) Under its February 7, 2019 share repurchase authorization, Forward Air has cumulatively bought back 3,651,380 shares, or 13.39% of its outstanding stock, for a total of 302.47 million dollars (company filing) Valuation Changes The fair value estimate has been reduced modestly from 32 dollars to 30 dollars per share, a cut of about 6 percent.
Narrative Update • Dec 11
FWRD: Stable Margins And Buyback Support Will Drive Future Share Price Recovery
Analysts have nudged their price target on Forward Air slightly higher to reflect stable fair value at $34.00, modestly improved long term profit margin expectations, and only minor adjustments to forecast growth and earnings multiples. What's in the News Forward Air shares dropped about 15% to $17.05 after an Axios Pro report indicated that a private equity deal for the company is not imminent (Axios Pro) The company reported no share repurchases between July 1, 2025 and September 30, 2025, despite having an authorized buyback program (company filing) Forward Air has completed repurchasing 3,651,380 shares, representing 13.39% of its outstanding shares, for a total of $302.47 million under the buyback program announced on February 7, 2019 (company filing) Valuation Changes Fair Value Estimate, unchanged at $34.00 per share, indicating no revision to the core valuation anchor.Analysis Article • Dec 02
Revenues Tell The Story For Forward Air Corporation (NASDAQ:FWRD) As Its Stock Soars 29%
Those holding Forward Air Corporation ( NASDAQ:FWRD ) shares would be relieved that the share price has rebounded 29...Narrative Update • Nov 27
FWRD: Profit Margin Recovery Will Set Stage For Share Price Bounce
Analysts have updated their price target for Forward Air, maintaining it at $34.00 per share. They noted modest adjustments to key financial projections, reflecting recalibrated revenue growth and future profit margin expectations.Analysis Article • Nov 10
These 4 Measures Indicate That Forward Air (NASDAQ:FWRD) Is Using Debt In A Risky Way
Howard Marks put it nicely when he said that, rather than worrying about share price volatility, 'The possibility of...Narrative Update • Nov 07
FWRD: Share Buyback And Margin Reset Will Drive Rebound
Analysts have lowered their price target for Forward Air from $36.67 to $34.00. They cited shifts in profit margin expectations and updated valuation models as the reasons for this adjustment.Analysis Article • Oct 14
It's Down 26% But Forward Air Corporation (NASDAQ:FWRD) Could Be Riskier Than It Looks
Forward Air Corporation ( NASDAQ:FWRD ) shares have had a horrible month, losing 26% after a relatively good period...Analysis Article • Aug 22
Forward Air (NASDAQ:FWRD) Will Be Hoping To Turn Its Returns On Capital Around
What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can multiply in value over the long term? Firstly...Analysis Article • Jul 24
Here's Why Forward Air (NASDAQ:FWRD) Is Weighed Down By Its Debt Load
Howard Marks put it nicely when he said that, rather than worrying about share price volatility, 'The possibility of...Analysis Article • Jun 20
The Market Lifts Forward Air Corporation (NASDAQ:FWRD) Shares 34% But It Can Do More
Forward Air Corporation ( NASDAQ:FWRD ) shares have had a really impressive month, gaining 34% after a shaky period...New Narrative • May 29
Technology And Integration Will Drive Global Logistics Expansion
Integration of diverse logistics services, global expansion, and strategic cross-selling position Forward Air for substantial long-term growth.Seeking Alpha • Mar 23
Forward Air: Still Not Ready To Move Forward
Summary Forward Air faces significant financial challenges due to high debt from the Omni Logistics acquisition, with shares plummeting and net debt increasing. Despite some sequential improvements, the company's high-interest expenses and uncertain 2025 outlook make the investment highly risky. The company's leverage ratio is dangerously close to covenant limits, exacerbating financial instability amidst a slowing economy. Given the high uncertainties and potential rewards, I remain cautious and see no compelling risk-reward for investing in Forward Air. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Feb 03
Forward Air (NASDAQ:FWRD) Could Be Struggling To Allocate Capital
What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term? One...Analysis Article • Jan 01
Forward Air (NASDAQ:FWRD) Use Of Debt Could Be Considered Risky
Legendary fund manager Li Lu (who Charlie Munger backed) once said, 'The biggest investment risk is not the volatility...Seeking Alpha • Dec 17
Forward Air: Issues Remain And Valuation Is Stretched (Rating Downgrade)
Summary Forward Air's stock downgraded to sell due to underwhelming results, high financial risks, and tight debt covenants, with a new target price of $22 per share. The Omni merger has failed to meet pro forma EBITDA and cost-saving expectations, highlighting poor execution and inflated valuation multiples. Leverage and debt profile pose significant risks, with the company nearing covenant breaches and needing substantial recovery to avoid financial distress. Valuation multiple is overly generous; a fair multiple adjustment implies a 40% overvaluation, reflecting the high risk of missing future estimates. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Dec 06
Not Many Are Piling Into Forward Air Corporation (NASDAQ:FWRD) Just Yet
There wouldn't be many who think Forward Air Corporation's ( NASDAQ:FWRD ) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 0.4x is...Analysis Article • Oct 02
Forward Air (NASDAQ:FWRD) Could Be Struggling To Allocate Capital
If you're not sure where to start when looking for the next multi-bagger, there are a few key trends you should keep an...Seeking Alpha • Oct 01
Forward Air: Making Some Progress After A Considerable Mess
Summary Forward Air Corporation's acquisition of Omni Logistics led to significant debt and operating losses, causing a sharp decline in share price and investor confidence. New management has made strides, improving EBITDA and addressing leverage concerns, though the freight market remains soft and earnings are still under pressure. Despite improvements, the company's financial situation remains precarious, with net debt exceeding equity valuation and realistic earnings not yet viable. While the risk-reward ratio has improved, I remain cautious and see no need to take a heroic stance on Forward Air shares. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Aug 27
Forward Air Corporation (NASDAQ:FWRD) Stock Rockets 27% But Many Are Still Ignoring The Company
Forward Air Corporation ( NASDAQ:FWRD ) shares have continued their recent momentum with a 27% gain in the last month...Seeking Alpha • Jul 21
Forward Air: Freight Recession And Omni Drama Do Not Make The Stock Appealing
Summary Forward Air provides expedited less-than-truckload, full truckload, intermodal, and final mile solutions with extensive coverage across the US, Canada, and Mexico. The company's stock has plummeted due to a freight recession, the acquisition of Omni, ongoing litigation, and disappointing financial results. Analysts are expecting a revenue of $651.4 million and a loss of $0.21 per share for Forward Air's Q2 earnings, with a track record of missing estimates. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • May 06
Forward Air: A Show-Me Story That Could Unveil Upside Potential (Rating Upgrade)
Summary Forward Air and Omni completed their merger, but the stock has since declined by 55%. The company experienced leadership changes and stopped issuing guidance, leading to a continued decline in stock price. FWRD stock is now trading to a multiple below 3.5x, compared to previous levels above the sector average of 4.8x. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 11
Forward Air And Its Real Value
Summary Forward Air Corp. has acquired Omni Logistics, leading to concerns about debt and loss of ownership control for shareholders. The company's growth has declined due to supply chain issues and reduced consumer spending. Forward Air is positioned well in the LTL industry and has potential for long-term growth if the merger is successful. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 24
Forward Air: Understated Downside Risk As The Deal Is Set To Close
Summary Forward Air and Omni Logistics have reached a settlement agreement in their legal battle over a merger, with the transaction set to close on similar terms to the original agreement. The deal structure includes the issuance of common and preferred shares, with potential dilution and risks for common shareholders. The deal brings a significant valuation multiples expansion that coupled with higher debt increases the downside risk to around 40%. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Sep 11
We Think Forward Air (NASDAQ:FWRD) Can Stay On Top Of Its Debt
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously...Shareholder Returns
| FWRD | US Logistics | US Market | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7D | 0.5% | 3.1% | 1.0% |
| 1Y | -47.6% | 37.3% | 28.7% |
Return vs Industry: FWRD underperformed the US Logistics industry which returned 33.1% over the past year.
Return vs Market: FWRD underperformed the US Market which returned 27.1% over the past year.
Price Volatility
| FWRD volatility | |
|---|---|
| FWRD Average Weekly Movement | 17.2% |
| Logistics Industry Average Movement | 8.3% |
| Market Average Movement | 7.2% |
| 10% most volatile stocks in US Market | 16.4% |
| 10% least volatile stocks in US Market | 3.1% |
Stable Share Price: FWRD's share price has been volatile over the past 3 months compared to the US market.
Volatility Over Time: FWRD's weekly volatility has increased from 11% to 17% over the past year.
About the Company
| Founded | Employees | CEO | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 6,209 | Shawn Stewart | www.forwardair.com |
Forward Air Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an asset-light freight and logistics company in the United States, Mexico, Europe, Asia, and Canada. The company operates through three segments: Expedited Freight, Omni Logistics, and Intermodal. Its Expedited Freight segment provides expedited regional, inter-regional, and national less-than-truckload services; local pick-up and delivery services; and other services, which include shipment consolidation and deconsolidation, warehousing, customs brokerage, and other handling.
Forward Air Corporation Fundamentals Summary
| FWRD fundamental statistics | |
|---|---|
| Market cap | US$264.07m |
| Earnings (TTM) | -US$91.48m |
| Revenue (TTM) | US$2.46b |
0.1x
P/S Ratio-3.0x
P/E RatioIs FWRD overvalued?
See Fair Value and valuation analysisEarnings & Revenue
| FWRD income statement (TTM) | |
|---|---|
| Revenue | US$2.46b |
| Cost of Revenue | US$1.96b |
| Gross Profit | US$506.21m |
| Other Expenses | US$597.68m |
| Earnings | -US$91.48m |
Last Reported Earnings
Mar 31, 2026
Next Earnings Date
n/a
| Earnings per share (EPS) | -2.89 |
| Gross Margin | 20.55% |
| Net Profit Margin | -3.71% |
| Debt/Equity Ratio | 1,382.3% |
How did FWRD perform over the long term?
See historical performance and comparisonCompany Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/22 12:06 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/22 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Forward Air Corporation is covered by 19 analysts. 5 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Garrett Holland | Baird |
| Christopher Kuhn | Benchmark Company |
| Kenneth Hoexter | BofA Global Research |