FWRD official logo FWRD
FWRD 2-star rating from Upturn Advisory
Forward Air Corporation (FWRD) company logo

Forward Air Corporation (FWRD)

Forward Air Corporation (FWRD) 2-star rating from Upturn Advisory
$27.06
Last Close (24-hour delay)
Profit since last BUY7.38%
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BUY since 26 days
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Upturn Advisory Summary

01/09/2026: FWRD (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.

Upturn Star Rating

Upturn 2 star rating for performance

Below Average Performance

These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, often underperform the market, warranting careful consideration before investing.

Number of Analysts

2 star rating from financial analysts

6 Analysts rated it

Limited analyst coverage, niche firm, research info may be scarce.

1 Year Target Price $35

1 Year Target Price $35

Analysts Price Target For last 52 week
$35 Target price
52w Low $9.79
Current$27.06
52w High $35.47

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit 73.15%
Avg. Invested days 34
Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating
Upturn Star Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 3.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 4.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 01/09/2026

Key Highlights

Company Size Small-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 820.27M USD
Price to earnings Ratio -
1Y Target Price 35
Price to earnings Ratio -
1Y Target Price 35
Volume (30-day avg) 6
Beta 1.35
52 Weeks Range 9.79 - 35.47
Updated Date 01/8/2026
52 Weeks Range 9.79 - 35.47
Updated Date 01/8/2026
Dividends yield (FY) -
Basic EPS (TTM) -4.05

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

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Earnings Date

Report Date -
When -
Estimate -
Actual -

Profitability

Profit Margin -4.64%
Operating Margin (TTM) 3.3%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 1.54%
Return on Equity (TTM) -52.85%

Valuation

Trailing PE -
Forward PE -
Enterprise Value 2832747836
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.33
Enterprise Value 2832747836
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.33
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.13
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 10.76
Shares Outstanding 31248234
Shares Floating 22192496
Shares Outstanding 31248234
Shares Floating 22192496
Percent Insiders 1.99
Percent Institutions 110.28
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Icon representing Upturn AI-generated SWOT analysis summary Upturn AI SWOT

Forward Air Corporation

Forward Air Corporation(FWRD) company logo displayed in Upturn AI summary

Company Overview

Company history and background logo History and Background

Forward Air Corporation was founded in 1997 as a provider of expedited less-than-truckload (LTL) freight services. The company has evolved to offer a comprehensive suite of transportation and logistics solutions. Key milestones include its IPO in 2000, strategic acquisitions to expand service offerings, and a focus on building a technology-driven platform to enhance efficiency and customer experience.

Company business area logo Core Business Areas

  • Expedited LTL: Provides time-definite, expedited less-than-truckload freight services, primarily serving the eastern half of the United States. This segment focuses on reliability and speed for critical shipments.
  • Truckload: Offers dedicated truckload services, including expedited and premium truckload, for customers requiring exclusive use of a trailer and driver for their shipments.
  • Intermodal: Leverages intermodal transportation (combining truck and rail) to provide cost-effective and environmentally friendly long-haul shipping solutions.
  • Warehousing and Distribution: Provides temperature-controlled warehousing and distribution services, including cross-docking, sortation, and value-added services.

leadership logo Leadership and Structure

Forward Air Corporation is led by a seasoned executive team with experience in the transportation and logistics industry. The company operates with a divisional structure aligned with its core business segments, allowing for specialized focus and operational efficiency. Key leadership roles include CEO, CFO, and heads of various operational and sales divisions.

Top Products and Market Share

Product Key Offerings logo Key Offerings

  • Expedited LTL Services: [object Object]
  • Dedicated Truckload Solutions: [object Object]
  • Intermodal Drayage: [object Object]

Market Dynamics

industry overview logo Industry Overview

The freight transportation and logistics industry is characterized by its cyclical nature, dependence on economic activity, and increasing demand for speed, visibility, and sustainability. Technological advancements, driver shortages, and fluctuating fuel prices are ongoing challenges.

Positioning

Forward Air positions itself as a premium provider of expedited and reliable transportation solutions. Its competitive advantages lie in its extensive network, proprietary technology, and a focus on specialized services that cater to customers with critical shipping needs. The company leverages its strong relationships with owner-operators and a well-established infrastructure to maintain its service levels.

Total Addressable Market (TAM)

The TAM for the freight and logistics market in the US is in the hundreds of billions of dollars, encompassing LTL, truckload, intermodal, and related services. Forward Air is positioned to capture a significant share of the expedited and premium segments within this broader market, particularly in its core operating regions.

Upturn SWOT Analysis

Strengths

  • Strong brand reputation for reliability and on-time delivery.
  • Extensive network of terminals and dedicated owner-operator fleet.
  • Proprietary technology platform for enhanced visibility and efficiency.
  • Focus on high-margin expedited and premium freight services.
  • Diversified service offerings beyond traditional LTL.

Weaknesses

  • Sensitivity to economic downturns impacting freight volumes.
  • Reliance on owner-operators can lead to capacity constraints.
  • Potential for increased operating costs due to fuel price volatility.
  • Competition from larger, more diversified logistics providers.

Opportunities

  • Expansion into new geographic markets.
  • Leveraging technology for further operational efficiencies and customer solutions.
  • Growth in e-commerce driving demand for expedited shipping.
  • Strategic acquisitions to broaden service capabilities or market reach.
  • Increased demand for temperature-controlled and specialized logistics.

Threats

  • Economic recession reducing freight demand.
  • Intensifying competition leading to price pressures.
  • Rising labor costs and driver shortages.
  • Regulatory changes impacting the transportation industry.
  • Disruptions in the supply chain due to unforeseen events.

Competitors and Market Share

Key competitor logo Key Competitors

  • XPO Logistics (XPO)
  • Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL)
  • FedEx Corporation (FDX)
  • United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS)

Competitive Landscape

Forward Air's competitive advantages include its specialization in expedited LTL and its strong network in the eastern US. However, it faces intense competition from larger, more diversified players like UPS and FedEx, which have vast networks and broader service portfolios. XPO Logistics and ODFL are significant LTL competitors. Forward Air's strategy focuses on differentiated service and premium pricing for its specialized offerings.

Growth Trajectory and Initiatives

Historical Growth: Forward Air has demonstrated a historical growth trajectory driven by organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, particularly in its expedited LTL and truckload segments. The company has focused on expanding its network and enhancing its service capabilities to capture market share.

Future Projections: Future growth projections for Forward Air Corporation are influenced by factors such as economic conditions, industry trends, and the company's strategic initiatives. Analyst estimates typically focus on revenue growth, earnings per share expansion, and potential market penetration in new areas.

Recent Initiatives: Recent strategic initiatives by Forward Air may include investments in technology for improved operational efficiency, expansion of its intermodal and warehousing services, and potentially further acquisitions to bolster its market position and service portfolio.

Summary

Forward Air Corporation is a well-established player in the expedited freight and logistics sector, leveraging its network and technology to provide reliable services. Its strengths lie in its specialized offerings and customer focus, while challenges include market volatility and intense competition. The company has opportunities for growth through technology and market expansion, but must remain vigilant against economic headwinds and competitor strategies.

Similar Stocks

Sources and Disclaimers

Data Sources:

  • Company Investor Relations
  • Financial News Outlets (e.g., Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg)
  • Market Research Reports
  • Industry Publications

Disclaimers:

This JSON output is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The data provided is based on publicly available information and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date. Investors should conduct their own due diligence before making any investment decisions.

Information icon for Upturn AI Summarization accuracy disclaimer AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.

Information icon for Upturn AI Summarization data freshness disclaimer Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.

Information icon warning about Upturn AI Fundamental Rating based on potentially old data Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.

Information icon warning about potential inaccuracies or hallucinations in Upturn AI-generated summaries AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.

About Forward Air Corporation

Exchange NASDAQ
Headquaters Greeneville, TN, United States
IPO Launch date 1993-11-16
President, CEO & Director Mr. Shawn Stewart
Sector Industrials
Industry Integrated Freight & Logistics
Full time employees 6319
Full time employees 6319

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. It operates through three segments: Expedited Freight, Omni Logistics, and Intermodal. The 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. This segment offers expedited truckload brokerage, dedicated fleet, and high security and temperature-controlled logistics services. Its Omni Logistics segment offers full suite of global logistics services, such as air and ocean freight consolidation and forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing and distribution, time-definite transportation services, and other supply chain solutions. The Intermodal segment provides intermodal container drayage services; and contract and container freight station warehouse and handling services. It serves freight forwarders, third-party logistics companies, integrated air cargo carriers and passenger, passenger and cargo airlines, steamship lines, and retailers. Forward Air Corporation was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Greeneville, Tennessee.