Operating Income Substantial Improvement
Operating income rose to $20 million in Q1 2026 from $5 million a year ago, representing a +300% increase and reflecting improved profitability amid transformation efforts.
Stable to Slightly Improved Adjusted EBITDA
Consolidated EBITDA (credit-agreement basis) was $70 million vs. $73 million a year ago (-4.1%), while adjusted EBITDA was $70 million vs. $69 million a year ago (+1.4%), showing underlying stability in earnings.
Segment Strength — Expedited Freight
Expedited Freight EBITDA improved to $28 million from $26 million (+7.7%) with the segment maintaining the same margin of 10.4% year-over-year and improving sequentially.
OmniLogistics Margin Improvement
OmniLogistics reported EBITDA of $25 million (roughly flat vs. $26M prior year) while margin increased from 7.9% to 8.3% (+0.4 percentage points), driven by higher-margin contract logistics volume.
Strong Operating Cash Flow and Liquidity Position
Net cash provided by operating activities was $46 million vs. $28 million a year ago (+$18M, >+60%). Ending liquidity was $402 million (comprised of $141M cash and $261M revolver availability), up $35M vs. end of 2025; cash balance was the highest in eight quarters.
Strategic Actions to Enhance Value and Delever
Board pivoting to sell non-core assets (intermodal plus two smaller legacy Omni businesses) representing approximately $390–$394 million of 2025 revenue (management cited roughly $230M intermodal and ~$160M for the two Omni units) to delever and focus on core services.
Macro Indicators and Pricing Tailwinds
Management highlighted favorable macro signs: Manufacturing PMIs above 50 for four months, inventory-to-sales ratios declining, and freight pricing momentum (spot truckload rates up ~40% since late last year and tender rejection rates ~2x).
Recognition and Brand Strength
Forward Air earned industry recognition — named 2026 Surface Carrier of the Year by the Air Forwarders Association and listed in Newsweek’s Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2026 — underscoring service reputation and transformation progress.