UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2024

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File No. 000-22490

FORWARD AIR CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

	Tennessee			62-1120025
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)				(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1915 Snapps Ferry Road	Building N	Greeneville	TN	37745
(Address of principal executive offices)				(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (423) 636-7000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value	FWRD	The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 

Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes x  No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ☐ 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. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  

Yes ¨  No x

 The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value, as of August 2, 2024 was 27,699,916.

Table of Contents
Forward Air Corporation
		Page
		Number
	Part I: Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity – Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023	8
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – June 30, 2024	9
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	29
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	55
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	55
	Part II: Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	56
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	56
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	56
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	56
Item 5.	Other Information	56
Item 6.	Exhibits	57
Signatures		58

2

Part I.	Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited).

Forward Air Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited and in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
	June 30, 2024		December 31, 2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	84,886	$	121,969
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	19,769		39,604
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $2,780 in 2024 and $2,206 in 2023	368,927		153,267
Other receivables	1,476		5,408
Prepaid expenses	39,186		25,682
Other current assets	44,379		1,098
Total current assets	558,623		347,028
Noncurrent restricted cash equivalents	—		1,790,500
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $279,027 in 2024 and $250,185 in 2023	328,934		258,095
Operating lease right-of-use assets	323,821		111,552
Goodwill	545,380		278,706
Other acquired intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $178,870 in 2024 and $127,032 in 2023	1,230,699		134,789
Other assets	79,859		58,863
Total assets	$	3,067,316	$	2,979,533
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	143,455	$	45,430
Accrued expenses	117,431		62,948
Other current liabilities	53,064		71,727
Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations	16,875		12,645
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	89,188		44,344
Total current liabilities	420,013		237,094
Finance lease obligations, less current portion	34,957		26,736
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,677,315		—
Long-term debt held in escrow	—		1,790,500
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion	243,217		71,598
Liabilities under tax receivable agreement	13,270		—
Other long-term liabilities	43,126		47,144
Deferred income taxes	271,201		42,200
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares - 5,000,000; no shares issued or outstanding in 2024 and 2023	—		—
Preferred stock, Class B, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares - 15,000; issued and outstanding shares - 12,105 in 2024 and none in 2023	—		—
Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares - 50,000,000; issued and outstanding shares - 27,698,891 in 2024 and 25,670,663 in 2023	277		257
Additional paid-in capital	512,638		283,684
Retained (deficit) earnings	(228,151)		480,320
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,000)		—
Total Forward Air shareholders' equity	283,764		764,261
Noncontrolling interest	80,453		—
Total shareholders' equity	364,217		764,261
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	3,067,316	$	2,979,533

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

Forward Air Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income
(unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023
Operating revenue	$	643,666	$	333,622
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation	321,587		141,967
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	144,000		73,963
Operating leases	46,258		22,896
Depreciation and amortization	48,639		13,245
Insurance and claims	14,698		12,761
Fuel expense	5,859		5,202
Other operating expenses	65,666		37,263
Impairment of goodwill	1,092,714		—
Total operating expenses	1,739,421		307,297
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(1,095,755)		26,325
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense, net	(47,265)		(2,585)
Foreign exchange gain	1,567		—
Other income, net	40		—
Total other expense	(45,658)		(2,585)
(Loss) income before income taxes	(1,141,413)		23,740
Income tax (benefit) expense	(174,942)		6,613
Net (loss) income from continuing operations	(966,471)		17,127
(Loss) income from discontinued operation, net of tax	(4,876)		2,824
Net (loss) income	(971,347)		19,951
Net (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(325,914)		—
Net (loss) income attributable to Forward Air	$	(645,433)	$	19,951
Basic net (loss) income per share attributable to Forward Air:
Continuing operations	$	(23.29)	$	0.65
Discontinued operations	(0.18)		0.11
Net (loss) income per basic share	$	(23.47)	$	0.76
Diluted net (loss) income per share attributable to Forward Air:
Continuing operations	$	(23.29)	$	0.65
Discontinued operations	(0.18)		0.11
Net (loss) income per diluted share	$	(23.47)	$	0.76
Dividends per share	$	—	$	0.24
Net (loss) income	$	(971,347)	$	19,951
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(849)		—
Comprehensive (loss) income	(972,196)		19,951
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(325,914)		—
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Forward Air	$	(646,282)	$	19,951

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statement

4

Forward Air Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income
(unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023
Operating revenues	$	1,185,479	$	691,331
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation	598,602		287,138
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	272,867		140,610
Operating leases	85,061		46,969
Depreciation and amortization	80,425		25,617
Insurance and claims	27,579		26,019
Fuel expense	11,105		10,888
Other operating expenses	178,613		80,569
Impairment of goodwill	1,092,714		—
Total operating expenses	2,346,966		617,810
(Loss) income from operations	(1,161,487)		73,521
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense, net	(88,018)		(4,940)
Foreign exchange gain	899		—
Other income, net	49		—
Total other expense	(87,070)		(4,940)
(Loss) income before income taxes	(1,248,557)		68,581
Income tax (benefit) expense	(193,292)		17,550
Net (loss) income from continuing operations	(1,055,265)		51,031
(Loss) income from discontinued operation, net of tax	(4,876)		5,288
Net (loss) income	(1,060,141)		56,319
Net (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(352,996)		—
Net (loss) income attributable to Forward Air	$	(707,145)	$	56,319
Basic net (loss) income per share attributable to Forward Air:
Continuing operations	$	(27.53)	$	1.94
Discontinued operations	(0.18)		0.20
Net (loss) income per basic share	$	(27.71)	$	2.14
Diluted net (loss) income per share attributable to Forward Air:
Continuing operations	$	(27.53)	$	1.93
Discontinued operations	(0.18)		0.20
Net (loss) income per diluted share	$	(27.71)	$	2.13
Dividends per share	$	—	$	0.48
Net (loss) income	$	(1,060,141)	$	56,319
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,000)		—
Comprehensive (loss) income	(1,061,141)		56,319
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(352,996)		—
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Forward Air	$	(708,145)	$	56,319

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

Forward Air Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited and in thousands)
	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023
Operating activities:
Net (loss) income from continuing operations	$	(1,055,265)	$	51,031
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income of continuing operations to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of continuing operations
Depreciation and amortization	80,425		25,617
Impairment of goodwill	1,092,714		—
Share-based compensation expense	5,187		5,796
Provision for revenue adjustments	2,159		2,812
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(163,604)		2,182
Other	6,469		(1,733)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from the purchase of acquired businesses:
Accounts receivable	(42,265)		38,690
Other receivables	5,531		—
Other current and noncurrent assets	(56,637)		10,609
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	28,362		(17,550)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of continuing operations	(96,924)		117,454
Investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	1,406		3,171
Purchases of property and equipment	(19,396)		(16,836)
Purchase of a business, net of cash acquired	(1,565,242)		(56,703)
Other	(174)		—
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations	(1,583,406)		(70,368)
Financing activities:
Repayments of finance lease obligations	(9,127)		(3,923)
Proceeds from credit facility	—		45,000
Payments on credit facility	(80,000)		(30,750)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(60,591)		—
Payment of earn-out liability	(12,247)		—
Payments of dividends to shareholders	—		(12,600)
Repurchases and retirement of common stock	—		(79,792)
Proceeds from common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	369		421
Payment of minimum tax withholdings on share-based awards	(1,361)		(4,292)
Contributions from subsidiary held for sale	—		11,309
Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations	(162,957)		(74,627)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	745		—
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents from continuing operations	(1,842,542)		(27,541)
Cash from discontinued operation:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of discontinued operation	(4,876)		12,112
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operation	—		(739)
Net cash used in financing activities of discontinued operation	—		(11,373)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	(1,847,418)		(27,541)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of period of continuing operations	1,952,073		45,822
Cash at beginning of period of discontinued operation	—		—
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	(1,847,418)		(27,541)

6

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period of continuing operations	$	104,655	$	18,281
Forward Air Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	84,886	$	18,281
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	19,769		—
Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents shown in the statement of cash flow:	$	104,655	$	18,281
Non-Cash Transactions:
Equipment acquired under finance leases	$	6,881	$	14,994

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

Forward Air Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(unaudited and in thousands)
	Common Stock			Preferred Stock - Class B Amount			Preferred Stock - Class C Amount			Additional Paid-in Capital		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Retained (Deficit) Earnings		Noncontrolling Interest		Total Shareholders' Equity
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
Balance at December 31, 2023	25,671	$	257	—	$	—	—	$	—	$	283,684	$	—	$	480,320	$	—	$	764,261
Net loss	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		(61,712)		(27,082)		(88,794)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(151)		—		—		(151)
Shares issued - acquisition	700	7		4	—		1	—		223,425		—		—		433,449		656,881
Share-based compensation expense	—	—		—	—		—	—		1,567		—		—		—		1,567
Payment of minimum tax withholdings on share-based awards	(33)	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		(1,326)		—		(1,326)
Issuance of share-based awards	100	1		—	—		—	—		(1)		—		—		—		—
Balance at March 31, 2024	26,438	$	265	4	$	—	1	$	—	$	508,675	$	(151)	$	417,282	$	406,367	$	1,332,438
Net loss	—	—		—	—		—	—		—				(645,433)		(325,914)		(971,347)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(849)		—		—		(849)
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	21	—		—	—		—	—		355		—		—		—		355
Conversion of preferred C series	1,210	12		8	—		(1)	—		(12)		—		—		—		—
Share-based compensation expense	—	—		—	—		—	—		3,620		—		—		—		3,620
Issuance of share-based awards	30	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		—		—		—
Balance at June 30, 2024	27,699	$	277	12	$	—	—	$	—	$	512,638	$	(1,000)	$	(228,151)	$	80,453	$	364,217

	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		Total Shareholders’ Equity
	Shares	Amount
Balance at December 31, 2022	26,462	$	265	$	270,855	$	436,124	$	707,244
Net income	—	—		—		36,368		36,368
Share-based compensation expense	—	—		3,149		—		3,149
Payment of dividends to shareholders	—	—		4		(6,349)		(6,345)
Payment of minimum tax withholdings on share-based awards	(40)	—		—		(4,292)		(4,292)
Repurchases and retirement of common stock	(474)	(5)		—		(50,486)		(50,491)
Issuance of share-based awards	105	1		(1)		—		—
Balance at March 31, 2023	26,053	$	261	$	274,007	$	411,365	$	685,633
Net income	—	—		—		19,951		19,951
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	4	—		421		—		421
Share-based compensation expense	—	—		3,160		—		3,160
Payment of dividends to shareholders	—	—		5		(6,260)		(6,255)
Repurchases and retirement of common stock	(285)	(3)		—		(29,298)		(29,301)
Issuance of share-based awards	14	—		—		—		—
Balance at June 30, 2023	25,786	$	258	$	277,593	$	395,758	$	673,609

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

8

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

1.    Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Forward Air Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Forward Air” or the “Company”) is a leading asset-light freight and logistics company. The Company has three reportable segments: Expedited Freight, Intermodal and Omni Logistics. The Company conducts business in North and South America, Europe, and Asia.

The Expedited Freight segment provides expedited regional, inter-regional and national less-than-truckload (“LTL”) and truckload services. Expedited Freight also offers customers local pick-up and delivery and other services including shipment consolidation and deconsolidation, warehousing, customs brokerage and other handling services.

The Intermodal segment provides first- and last-mile high value intermodal container drayage services both to and from seaports and railheads. Intermodal also offers dedicated contract and container freight station (“CFS”) warehouse and handling services.

The Omni Logistics segment provides a full suite of global logistics services. Services include air and ocean freight consolidation and forwarding, custom brokerage, warehousing and distribution, time-definite transportation services and other supply chain solutions.

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements include Forward Air Corporation and its wholly-owned and majority owned domestic and foreign subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company held interests in two wholly-owned subsidiaries of Omni Newco, LLC (“Omni”), GN Bondco, LLC and GN Loanco, LLC, that were considered Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). VIEs are legal entities in which equity investors do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to independently finance its activities, or as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack the power through voting or similar rights to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact its economic performance, or do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity or the right to receive expected residual returns of the entity. Consolidation of a VIE is required if a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of the VIE.

Interests in these VIEs are evaluated to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary. This evaluation gives appropriate consideration to the design of the entity and the variability that the entity was designed to create and pass along, the relative power of each party, and to the Company’s obligation to absorb losses or receive residual returns of the entity. The Company concluded that the VIEs should be consolidated as of December 31, 2023 because the Company had (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits, which could potentially be significant. On January 25, 2024 (“the Closing”), the Company completed the acquisition of Omni (“the Omni Acquisition”) pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 10, 2023 (the “Merger Agreement”) and amended by Amendment No. 1, dated as of January 22, 2024 (the “Amended Merger Agreement”). The VIEs were acquired as part of the Omni Acquisition and assumed into the Company's consolidated subsidiaries as of January 25, 2024. Refer to Note 4, Acquisitions, for additional disclosures regarding the Company’s previously held VIEs.

The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year.

9

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

Foreign Currency

Foreign currency amounts attributable to foreign operations have been translated into United States dollars. Assets and liabilities are translated to United States dollars at period-end exchange rates and income and expense items are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the period. Translation adjustments are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in stockholders’ equity within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and gains and losses, which result from foreign currency transactions, are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.

Restricted Cash

As of June 30, 2024, the Company had restricted cash in the amount of $19,769 related to letters of credit, which guarantee the Company’s obligations for potential claims exposure for insurance coverage.

2.     Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when the Company satisfies the performance obligation by the delivery of a shipment in accordance with contractual agreements, bills of lading (“BOLs”) and general tariff provisions. The amount of revenue recognized is measured as the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services pursuant to a contract with a customer. A contract exists once the Company enters into a contractual agreement with a customer. The Company does not recognize revenue in cases where collectability is not probable, and defers recognition until collection is probable or payment is received.

The Company generates revenue from the delivery of a shipment and the completion of related services. Revenue for the delivery of a shipment is recorded over time to coincide with when customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of the delivery services. Accordingly, revenue billed to a customer for the transportation of freight are recognized over the transit period as the performance obligation to the customer is satisfied. The Company determines the transit period for a shipment based on the pick-up date and the delivery date, which may be estimated if delivery has not occurred as of a reporting period. The determination of the transit period and how much of it has been completed as of a given reporting date may require the Company to make judgments that impact the timing of revenue recognized. For delivery of shipments with a pick-up date in one reporting period and a delivery date in another reporting period, the Company recognizes revenue based on relative transit time in each reporting period. A portion of the total revenue to be billed to the customer after completion of a delivery is recognized in each reporting period based on the percentage of total transit time that has been completed at the end of the applicable reporting period. Upon delivery of a shipment or related service, customers are billed according to the applicable payment terms. Related services are a separate performance obligation and include accessorial charges such as terminal handling, storage, equipment rentals and customs brokerage.

Revenue is classified based on the line of business as the Company believes that best depicts the nature, timing and amount of revenue and cash flows. For all lines of business, the Company records revenue on a gross basis as it is the principal in the transaction as the Company has discretion to determine the amount of consideration. Additionally, the Company has the discretion to select drivers and other vendors for the services provided to customers. These factors, discretion in the amount of consideration and the selection of drivers and other vendors, support revenue recognized on a gross basis.

10

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

3.    Discontinued Operation

As previously disclosed, in December 2023, the Company made a decision to divest of the Final Mile business and the sale was completed on December 20, 2023. As a result, the results of operations of Final Mile, have been presented under the caption “(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax” in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.

Summarized Discontinued Operation Financial Information

A summary of the results of operations classified as a discontinued operation, net of tax, in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 is as follows:

	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2023		June 30, 2023
Operating revenue	$	68,560	$	137,917
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation	39,676		79,722
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	12,723		25,596
Operating leases	3,288		6,463
Depreciation and amortization	1,268		2,531
Insurance and claims	599		1,123
Fuel expense	72		170
Other operating expenses	7,048		15,113
Total operating expenses	64,674		130,718
Income from discontinued operation before income taxes	3,886		7,199
Income tax expense	1,062		1,911
Income from discontinued operation, net of tax	$	2,824	$	5,288

4.    Acquisitions

Expedited Freight Acquisition

In January 2023, the Company acquired certain assets of Land Air Express, Inc. (“Land Air”) for $56,567. Land Air, headquartered in Bowling Green, Kentucky, offers a variety of less-than-truckload services including guaranteed, standard, exclusive, same day, hot shot and pickup and delivery, and operates in over 25 terminals across the United States. The acquisition of Land Air is expected to accelerate the expansion of the Company’s national terminal footprint, particularly in the middle part of the United States, and strategically position the Company to better meet the current and future needs of customers. The acquisition was funded using cash flow from operations and proceeds from the Company’s credit facility. The results of Land Air have been included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of and from the date of acquisition. The associated goodwill has been included in the Company’s Expedited Freight reportable segment.

11

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

Acquisition of Omni

On January 25, 2024, the Company completed the Omni Acquisition pursuant to the Merger Agreement, as amended by the Amended Merger Agreement. Omni, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is an asset-light, high-touch logistics and supply chain management company with customer relationships in high-growth end markets. Omni delivers domestic and international freight forwarding, fulfillment services, customs brokerage, distribution, and value-added services for time-sensitive freight to U.S.-based customers operating both domestically and internationally. Pursuant to the Amended Merger Agreement, through a series of transactions involving the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively, with the other transactions contemplated by the Amended Merger Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements referred to therein, the “Transactions”), the Company acquired Omni for a combination of (a) $100,499 in cash (which includes pre-acquisition Omni costs of approximately $80 million) and (b) 14,015 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock, on an as-converted and as-exchanged basis (the “Equity Consideration”) consisting of: (i) 1,910 shares of common stock (of which 1,210 were issued upon conversion of the Series C Preferred Units upon approval of the Company’s shareholders at the 2024 Annual Shareholders Meeting held on June 3, 2024 (the “Conversion Approval”)) and (ii) 12,105 Opco Class B Units (as defined below) and corresponding Series B Preferred Units (as defined below), which are exchangeable into shares of Common Stock (of which 7,670 units were issued upon conversion of the units of Opco (defined below) designated as “Opco Series C-2 Preferred Units” upon the Conversion Approval. The Equity Consideration represents, as of June 30, 2024, 34% of the Company’s outstanding common stock on a fully-diluted and as-exchanged basis.

Prior to the consummation of the Transactions, the Company completed a restructuring, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company contributed all of its operating assets to Clue Opco LLC, a newly formed subsidiary of the Company (“Opco”). Opco has been structured as an umbrella partnership C corporation through which the existing direct and certain indirect equity holders of Omni (“Omni Holders”) hold a portion of the Equity Consideration in the form of units of Opco designated as “Class B Units” (“Opco Class B Units”) and corresponding Series B Preferred Units. Effective as of the Closing, the Company operates its business through Opco, which indirectly holds all of the assets and operations of the Company and Omni. Opco is governed by an amended and restated limited liability company agreement of Opco that became effective at the Closing (“Opco LLCA”).

At the Closing, the Company, Opco, Omni Holders and certain other parties entered into a tax receivable agreement (the “Tax Receivable Agreement”), which sets forth the agreement among the parties regarding the sharing of certain tax benefits realized by the Company as a result of the Transactions. Pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement, the Company is generally obligated to pay certain Omni Holders 83.5% of (a) the total tax benefit that the Company realizes as a result of increases in tax basis in Opco’s assets resulting from certain actual or deemed distributions and the future exchange of units of Opco for shares of securities of the Company (or cash) pursuant to the Opco LLCA, (b) certain pre-existing tax attributes of certain Omni Holders that are corporate entities for tax purposes, (c) the tax benefits that the Company realizes from certain tax allocations that correspond to items of income or gain required to be recognized by certain Omni Holders, and (d) other tax benefits attributable to payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company consolidated the activities of GN Bondco, LLC (VIE) and GN Loanco, LLC (VIE) with the proceeds from the Notes (as defined below) and New Term Loan (as defined below) recorded in “Noncurrent restricted cash equivalents” and the corresponding long-term debt recorded in “Long-term debt held in escrow” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company deposited the appropriate funds into escrow on behalf of GN Bondco, LLC and GN Loanco, LLC in connection with the interest accrued through the Closing. For the interest funded but unpaid as of December 31, 2023, the corresponding amounts were recorded in “Restricted cash equivalents” and “Accrued expenses” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, while held in escrow, the proceeds from the Notes and New Term Loan were invested in a liquid, short-term instrument. The receivable for the interest earned through December 31, 2023 was recorded in “Restricted cash equivalents” and “Other receivables” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

At the Closing, the funds held in escrow were released, the aforementioned VIEs were dissolved, and the proceeds were distributed to the Company to affect the Transactions. The Notes and New Term Loans are discussed in Note 6, Indebtedness.

12

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

The Omni Acquisition enables the Company to provide a differentiated service offering and expanded geographic footprint to customers. In addition, the combination of these complementary businesses positions the Company to deliver integrated global supply chain solutions for customers’ most service-sensitive logistics needs. Goodwill recognized related to the preliminary purchase price represents planned operational synergies, expanded geographic reach of our services, and strategic market positioning. The results of Omni have been included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of and from the date of acquisition. The associated goodwill has been included in the Omni reportable segment and is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Consideration transferred of Omni

The acquisition-date fair value sources of the consideration transferred consists of the followings:

	Omni
Cash	$	100,499
Liabilities under tax receivable agreement	13,270
Common shares	32,795
Series B preferred shares (each issued with a corresponding Opco class B unit)	207,880
Series C preferred shares	56,713
Opco C-2 preferred units	359,493
Extinguishment of Omni's indebtedness	1,543,003
Preliminary consideration transferred	$	2,313,653

13

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date are presented in the following table:

	Land Air		Omni
	January 31, 2023		January 25, 2024
Tangible assets:
Cash	$	—	$	78,260
Accounts receivable	—		181,570
Property and equipment	738		75,292
Other assets	—		35,639
Operating lease right-of-use assets	—		234,025
Total tangible assets	738		604,786
Intangible assets:
Customer relationships	35,200		1,062,729
Non-compete agreements	—		42,509
Trademarks and other	—		42,510
Goodwill	20,629		1,359,388
Total intangible assets	55,829		2,507,136
Total assets acquired	56,567		3,111,922
Liabilities assumed:
Current liabilities	—		156,408
Finance lease obligations	—		14,606
Operating lease liabilities	—		234,025
Other liabilities	—		643
Deferred income taxes	—		392,587
Total liabilities assumed	—		798,269
Net assets acquired	$	56,567	$	2,313,653

The estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on the Company’s best estimates and assumptions using the information available as of the acquisition date through the date of this filing. As a part of the Omni Acquisition, the interest in Opco not owned by Company was valued to be $433,449 on January 25, 2024 and is disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this acquisition on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The primary areas of the acquisition accounting that are not yet finalized include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) finalizing the review and valuation of the acquired tangible and intangible assets and liabilities (including the models, key assumptions, inputs, and estimates) and (2) finalizing the identification of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed and identified. Actual values may differ (possibly materially) when final information becomes available that differs from our current estimates. We believe that the information gathered to date provides a reasonable basis for estimating the preliminary fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company expects to finalize the valuation as soon as practicable, but no later than one year from the acquisition date.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company recorded $10,018 and $71,942 of transactions and integration costs incurred in connection with the Omni Acquisition. The transaction and integration costs were recorded in “Other operating expenses” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

14

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

The preliminary estimated useful life of acquired intangible assets as of the acquisition date are summarized in the following table:

	Estimated Useful Lives
	Land Air	Omni
Customer relationships	15 years	12 years
Non-compete agreements	—	5 years
Trademarks and other	—	5 years

Supplemental Pro Forma Information

The following table represents the pro forma financial information as if Omni had been included in the consolidated results of the Company since January 1, 2023 (unaudited and in thousands):

	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023
Pro forma revenue	$	1,267,479	$	1,355,921
Pro forma net loss from continuing operations	(1,293,405)		(71,355)

The pro forma financial information adjusts the revenue and net loss for amortization of the intangible assets and the fair value adjustments of the assets acquired in connection with the Omni Acquisition as if the Closing had occurred on January 1, 2023.

5.    Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the six months ended June 30, 2024 are summarized as follows:

	Expedited Freight		Intermodal		Omni Logistics		Consolidated
Balance as of December 31, 2023	$	141,720	$	136,986	$	—	$	278,706
Acquisition	—		—		1,359,388		1,359,388
Impairment	—		—		(1,092,714)		(1,092,714)
Balance as of June 30, 2024	$	141,720	$	136,986	$	266,674	$	545,380

The Company's accumulated impairment loss for the Omni Logistics segment is $1,092,714 as of June 30, 2024. The Company’s accumulated goodwill impairment also includes $25,686 related to impairment charges the Company recorded during 2016 pertaining to its Truckload Services reporting unit. The Truckload Services reporting unit operates within the Expedited Freight reportable segment.

The Company tests goodwill for impairment, at the reporting unit level, annually as of June 30 and when events or circumstances indicate that fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying value. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, for example, a component. If the fair value of the reporting unit is below its carrying value, the difference between the total fair value of the reporting unit and the carrying value is recognized as an impairment to the reporting unit's goodwill.

The Company’s annual impairment analyses were performed as of June 30, 2024 for all reporting units. For the reporting units in the Expedited Freight and Intermodal reportable segments, we performed a discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis and these reporting units continue to result in an excess of fair value over carrying value.

15

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

The Omni reporting unit’s fair value was calculated using a DCF model and a guideline public company method, with each method weighted equally. Under the DCF model, the fair value of a reporting unit is the present value of estimated future cash flows and is based on all known or knowable information at the measurement date. Under the guideline public company method, the fair value is based upon market multiples derived from publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics of the reporting unit. The inputs to both the DCF and the guideline public company method are Level 3 valuation inputs. Primarily due to a decrease in the market value of the Company’s common stock during the second quarter of 2024, as a result of many factors including, but not limited to, general market factors, credit rating downgrades, and changes in executive leadership, and the inherent uncertainty associated with the combined enterprise, the Omni Logistics reporting unit’s fair value was determined to be less than its carrying value. As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $1,092,714 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. The goodwill impairment expense was recorded in the Impairment of goodwill caption on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Additionally, as qualifying measurement-period adjustments are made to the Omni purchase price allocation, which is not yet finalized (See Note 4, Acquisitions), adjustments to the goodwill impairment may be required.

Other Intangible Assets

Changes in the carrying amount of acquired intangible assets during the six months ended June 30, 2024 are summarized as follows:

	Gross Carrying Amount
	Customer Relationships1		Non-Compete Agreements		Trade Names		Total
Balance as of December 31, 2023	$	253,914	$	6,407	$	1,500	$	261,821
Acquisition	1,062,729		42,509		42,510		1,147,748
Balance as of June 30, 2024	$	1,316,643	$	48,916	$	44,010	$	1,409,569

	Accumulated Amortization
	Customer Relationships1		Non-Compete Agreements		Trade Names		Total
Balance as of December 31, 2023	$	118,993	$	6,539	$	1,500	$	127,032
Amortization expense	44,690		3,606		3,542		51,838
Balance as of June 30, 2024	$	163,683	$	10,145	$	5,042	$	178,870

1 Carrying value as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is inclusive of $16,501 of accumulated impairment.

16

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

6.    Indebtedness

Long-term debt consisted of the following as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

	June 30, 2024		December 31, 2023
Term Loan, expiring 2030 1	$	1,045,000	$	—
Senior Secured Notes, maturing 2031 1	725,000		—
Debt issuance discount	(57,095)		—
Debt issuance costs 2	(35,590)		—
Total long-term debt	$	1,677,315	$	—
1 On December 31, 2023 the debt instruments and related proceeds were consolidated but were restricted under an escrow agreement contingent upon the Closing of the Omni Acquisition.
2 Debt issuance costs of $10,692 related to the Revolving Credit Facility are recorded in Other Assets.

Senior Secured Notes

In order to finance a portion of the cash consideration payable for the Omni Acquisition and the costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transaction, GN Bondco, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Omni, (the “Escrow Issuer” and consolidated VIE) completed a private offering of $725,000 aggregate principal amount of its 9.5% senior secured notes due 2031 (the “Notes”) in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). As of December 31, 2023, the Notes were included in Long-term debt held in escrow on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Upon the Closing, Opco assumed the Escrow Issuer’s obligations under the Notes. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 9.5% per annum, payable semiannually in cash in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing April 15, 2024. The Notes were issued at 98.0% of the face amount and will mature on October 15, 2031. Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of October 2, 2023, between the Escrow Issuer and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and notes collateral agent.

The Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $100,000. Prior to October 15, 2026, Opco may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to 100.000% of the principal amount thereof plus the applicable “make-whole” premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. On or after October 15, 2026, Opco may redeem some or all of the Notes at the following prices (expressed as a percentage of principal), plus in each case accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date: (a) in the case of a redemption occurring during the 12-month period commencing October 15, 2026, at a redemption price of 104.750%; (b) in the case of a redemption occurring during the 12-month period commencing on October 15, 2027, at a redemption price of 102.375%; and (c) in the case of a redemption occurring on or after October 15, 2028, at a redemption price of 100.000%. In addition, at any time prior to October 15, 2026, Opco may redeem up to 40.000% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes in an amount not to exceed the amount of net cash proceeds from one or more equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 109.5% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. Upon the occurrence of a “change of control”, Opco will be required to offer to repurchase all of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes at a purchase price of 101.000% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase.

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility

In order to finance a portion of the cash consideration payable for the Omni Acquisition and the costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transaction, GN Loanco, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Omni, (the “Escrow Loan Borrower” and consolidated VIE), entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent and as initial term loan lender on December 19, 2023. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Escrow Loan Borrower obtained senior secured term B loans in an aggregate principal amount of $1,125,000 (the “New Term Loans”) and the ability to draw down up to $400,000 under a line of credit (the “Revolving Credit Facility”).

17

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

The New Term Loans bear interest based, at Opco’s election, on (a) SOFR plus an applicable margin or (b) the base rate plus an applicable margin. The base rate is equal to the highest of the following: (i) the prime rate; (ii) 0.50% above the overnight federal funds rate; and (iii) the one-month Term SOFR plus 1.00%. The applicable margin for Term SOFR loans is 4.50% and the applicable margin for base rate loans is 3.50%. The New Term Loans are subject to customary amortization of 1.00% per year. The New Term Loans were issued at 96.0% of the face amount and will mature on December 19, 2030.

No borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility were made in connection with the Omni Acquisition. The Revolving Credit Facility will mature on January 25, 2029. Loans made under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest based, at Opco’s election, on (a) SOFR plus an applicable margin or (b) the base rate plus an applicable margin. Until delivery of a compliance certificate in respect of the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2024, the applicable margin for SOFR loans is 4.25% and the applicable margin for base rate loans is 3.25%. Thereafter, the applicable margin can range from 3.75% to 4.25% for SOFR loans and from 2.75% to 3.25% for base rate loans, in each case depending on Opco’s first lien net leverage ratio, as set forth in the Credit Agreement. Upon closing of the Omni Acquisition, Opco assumed the Escrow Loan Borrower’s obligations under the Credit Agreement, which were further secured by certain guarantors. Opco’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the Company and each of Opco’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries (subject to customary exceptions).

On February 12, 2024, Opco and the parties to the Credit Agreement entered into Amendment No. 2 (“Amendment No. 2”) to the Credit Agreement, which (a) modifies the financial performance covenant in the Credit Agreement by temporarily increasing the 4.50:1.00 maximum consolidated first lien net leverage ratio permitted by the covenant to (i) 6.00:1.00 (for the second and third quarters of 2024), (ii) 5.50:1.00 (for the fourth quarter of 2024), (iii) 5.25:1.00 (for the first quarter of 2025), (iv) 5.00:1.00 (for the second quarter of 2025) and (v) 4.75:1.00 (for the third quarter of 2025) and (b) reduces the revolving credit commitments available under the Credit Agreement from an aggregate principal amount of $400,000 to an aggregate principal amount of $340,000. If the financial performance covenant is not met, the Company will lose access to the Revolving Credit Facility. Amendment No. 2 also amends certain other terms of the Credit Agreement.

Prior to the effectiveness of Amendment No. 2, on February 12, 2024, Opco repaid $80,000 aggregate principal amount of the New Term Loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

Both the Notes and Revolving Credit Facility contain covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company, without the approval of the required lenders, to engage in certain mergers, consolidations, asset sales, dividends and stock repurchases, investments, and other transactions or to incur liens or indebtedness in excess of agreed thresholds, as set forth in the Credit Agreement. As of the date of this report, the Company was in compliance with these aforementioned covenants.

18

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

As of June 30, 2024 the Company had no outstanding borrowings under this revolving credit facility.

Former Credit Facility

In September 2017, the Company entered into a five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) with a maximum aggregate principal amount of $150,000, with a sublimit of $30,000 for letters of credit and a sublimit of $30,000 for swing line loans. The maturity date of the Facility was September 29, 2022. In April 2020, the Company entered into the first amendment to the Facility, which increased the maximum aggregate principal amount to $225,000. The Facility could have been increased by up to $25,000 to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $250,000 pursuant to the terms of the amended credit agreement, subject to the lenders’ agreement to increase their commitments or the addition of new lenders extending such commitments. In July 2021, the Company entered into the second amendment to the Facility, which extended the maturity date to July 20, 2026 and changed the interest rate options available under the Facility. In December 2021, the Company entered into the third amendment to the Facility, which increased the amount available for borrowing under the Facility to $450,000, consisting of a $300,000 revolving line of credit and a term loan of $150,000. In connection with the third amendment, the Company borrowed $150,000 under the term loan and simultaneously repaid $150,000 on the revolving line of credit from the borrowings received. Under the third amendment, the Facility could have been increased by up to $75,000 to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $525,000 pursuant to the terms of the amended credit agreement, subject to the lenders’ agreement to increase their commitments or the addition of new lenders extending such commitments. Such increases to the Facility could have been in the form of additional revolving credit loans, term loans or a combination thereof, and were contingent upon there being no events of default under the Facility.

As of December 31, 2023 the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Facility. No borrowings were made under the Facility prior to the extinguishment upon the Closing.

Letters of Credit

The Company had an arrangement under the Facility to issue letters of credit, which guarantee the Company’s obligations for potential claims exposure for insurance coverage. As of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024, outstanding letters of credit totaled $19,769.

19

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

7.    Net (Loss) Income Per Share

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Restricted shares have non-forfeitable rights to dividends and as a result, are considered participating securities for purposes of computing net income per common share pursuant to the two-class method. Diluted net income per common share assumes the exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of performance share awards using the treasury stock method when the effects of such assumptions are dilutive.

20

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

A reconciliation of net income attributable to Forward Air and weighted-average common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net income per share during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 is as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023		June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023
Numerator:
Net (loss) income from continuing operations	$	(640,557)	$	17,127	$	(702,269)	$	51,031
Net (loss) income from discontinued operation	(4,876)		2,824		(4,876)		5,288
Net (loss) income attributable to Forward Air	(645,433)		19,951		(707,145)		56,319
Dividends allocated to Opco C-2 Preferred Units			—		—		—
Income allocated to participating securities from continuing operations	—		(104)		—		(268)
Income allocated to participating securities from discontinued operation	—		(17)		—		(28)
Income allocated to participating securities	—		(121)		—		(296)
Numerator for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share for continuing operations	$	(624,201)	$	17,023	$	(729,919)	$	50,763
Numerator for basic and diluted net income per share for discontinued operation	$	(4,876)	$	2,807	$	(4,876)	$	5,260
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net (loss) income per share - weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	26,803		25,935		26,513		26,144
Dilutive stock options and performance share awards	—		100		—		114
Denominator for diluted net (loss) income per share - weighted-average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding	26,803		26,035		26,513		26,258
Basic net (loss) income per share attributable to Forward Air:
Continuing operations	$	(23.29)	$	0.65	$	(27.53)	$	1.94
Discontinued operation	(0.18)		0.11		(0.18)		0.20
Net (loss) income per basic share	$	(23.47)	$	0.76	$	(27.71)	$	2.14
Diluted net (loss) income per share attributable to Forward Air:
Continuing operations	$	(23.29)	$	0.65	$	(27.53)	$	1.93
Discontinued operation	(0.18)		0.11		(0.18)		0.20
Net (loss) income per diluted share1	$	(23.47)	$	0.76	$	(27.71)	$	2.13
1Rounding may impact summation of amounts.

21

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

The number of shares that were not included in the calculation of net income per diluted share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2024	June 30, 2023	June 30, 2024	June 30, 2023
Anti-dilutive stock options	285	112	285	101
Anti-dilutive performance shares	89	18	13	14
Anti-dilutive restricted shares and deferred stock units	428	73	168	58
Total anti-dilutive shares	802	203	466	173

8.    Income Taxes

The Company is taxed as a C corporation and is subject to federal and state income taxes. The Company’s sole material tax asset is Opco, which is a limited liability company that is taxed as a partnership for federal and certain state and local income tax purposes. Opco’s net taxable income and related tax credits, if any, are passed through to its partners and included in the partner’s tax returns. The income tax burden on the earnings taxed to the noncontrolling interest holders is not reported by the Company in its condensed consolidated financial statements. As a result, the Company’s effective tax rate differs materially from the statutory rate. For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $193,292 and income tax expense of $17,550, respectively. The effective tax rate of 15.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 varied from the statutory United States federal income tax rate of 21.0% primarily due to the effect of the tax impact of the goodwill impairment charge, noncontrolling interest, non-deductible executive compensation, excess tax benefits realized on share-based awards, partially offset by state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, and foreign taxes. The effective tax rate of 27.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2023 varied from the statutory United States federal income tax rate of 21.0% primarily due to the effect of state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, and non-deductible executive compensation, partially offset by excess tax benefits realized on share-based awards.

The Company recognizes income tax benefits from uncertain tax positions where the realization of the ultimate benefit is uncertain. As of both June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had $153 of unrecognized income tax benefits, all of which would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. As of both June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $82. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or Canadian examinations by tax authorities for years before 2017.

The Company also maintains a valuation allowance to reserve against its state net operating loss carryforwards of $395. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company assessed the likelihood that its deferred tax assets would be recovered from estimated future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. In making this assessment, all available evidence was considered including economic climate, as well as reasonable tax planning strategies. The Company believes it is more likely than not that it will realize its remaining net deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance, in future years.

In connection with the Omni Acquisition, the Company entered into a Tax Receivable Agreement with certain Omni Holders. As of June 30, 2024, the Company recorded a Tax Receivable Agreement liability of approximately $13,270, after concluding that such Tax Receivable Agreement payments would be probable based on estimates of future taxable income over the term of the Tax Receivable Agreement. The determination of the Tax Receivable Agreement liability requires the Company to make judgments in estimating the amount of tax attributes as of the date of exchanges (such as cash to be received by the Company on a hypothetical sale of assets and allocation of gain or loss to the Company at the time of the exchanges taking into consideration partnership tax rules). The amounts payable under the Tax Receivable Agreement will also vary depending upon a number of factors, including tax rates in effect, as well as the amount, character, and timing of the taxable income of Opco in the future and the expected realization of tax benefits with respect to deferred tax assets related to tax attributes subject to Tax Receivable Agreement, which may result in a valuation allowance recorded against the deferred tax assets. If other tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement are determined to be payable, additional Tax Receivable Agreement liabilities may be considered probable at that time.

22

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development enacted model rules for a new global minimum tax framework, also known as Pillar Two, and certain governments globally have enacted, or are in the process of enacting, legislation considering these model rules. These rules did not have a material impact on our taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”), continues to put forth various initiatives, including Pillar Two rules which include the introduction of a global minimum tax at a rate of 15%. European Union member states agreed to implement the OECD’s Pillar Two rules with effective dates of January 1, 2024 and January 1, 2025, for different aspects of the directive and most have already enacted legislation. A number of other countries are also implementing similar legislation. As of June 30, 2024, based on the countries in which we do business that have enacted legislation effective January 1, 2024, the impact of these rules to our financial statements was not material. This may change as other countries enact similar legislation and further guidance is released. We continue to closely monitor regulatory developments to assess potential impacts.

9.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities into one of three levels based on the assumptions used in valuing the asset or liability. Estimates of fair value financial assets and liabilities are based on a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Observable inputs (highest level) reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs (lowest level) reflect internally developed market assumptions. In accordance with this guidance, fair value measurements are classified under the following hierarchy:

•Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

•Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

•Level 3 - Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are summarized below:

	As of June 30, 2024
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Liabilities under tax receivable agreement	$	—	$	—	$	13,270	$	13,270
	As of December 31, 2023
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Liabilities under tax receivable agreement	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, accounts receivable, other receivables and accounts payable are valued at their carrying amounts in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments.

As of June 30, 2024, the estimated fair value of the Company’s finance lease obligation, based on current borrowing rates, was $49,944, compared to its carrying value of $51,832. As of December 31, 2023, the estimated fair value of the Company’s finance lease obligation, based on current borrowing rates, was $38,926, compared to its carrying value of $39,381.

The carrying value of the long-term debt approximates fair value based on the borrowing rates currently available for a loan with similar terms and average maturity.

23

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

10.    Shareholders’ Equity

Series B Preferred Stock

Pursuant to Articles of Amendment to the Restated Charter of the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Tennessee at the Closing (the “Charter Amendment”), the Company established the terms of a new series of preferred stock of the Company designated as “Series B Preferred Stock” (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), and, at the Closing, certain Omni Holders received fractional units (the “Series B Preferred Units”) each representing one one-thousandth of a share of the Company Series B Preferred Stock. Each Series B Preferred Unit will, together with a corresponding Opco Class B Unit, be exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof into one share of the Company’s common stock.

Holders of Series B Preferred Units and holders of the Company’s common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters to be voted on by the Company’s shareholders, subject to limited exceptions. Each holder of record of Series B Preferred Units is entitled to cast one vote for each such unit.

Pursuant to the Charter Amendment, the Series B Preferred Units have a liquidation preference of $0.01 per unit and are not entitled to receive any dividends independent of their corresponding Opco Class B Units. A Series B Preferred Unit and its corresponding Opco Class B Unit may only be transferred together as a single, combined unit.

Series C Preferred Stock

Pursuant to the Charter Amendment, the Company established the terms of a new series of convertible preferred stock of the Company designated as “Series C Preferred Stock” (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), and, at Closing, certain Omni Holders received fractional units (each, a “Series C Preferred Unit”) each representing one one-thousandth of a share of Series C Preferred Stock. The Series C Preferred Units were converted into shares of the Company’s common stock upon approval of the Conversion Proposal as further discussed above. Prior to the conversion of the Series C Preferred Units the liquidation preference of the Series C Preferred Units was equal to $110.00 per unit, subject to adjustment for any in-kind payment of the Annual Coupon as described below (the “Liquidation Preference”). In addition, the Series C Preferred Units accrue on each anniversary of issuance a cumulative annual dividend (without any interim accrual) equal to the product of (a) the 14.0% rate fixed at Closing multiplied by (b) the Liquidation Preference (the “Annual Coupon”). The Annual Coupon will be paid, at the Company’s option, in cash or in-kind by automatically increasing the Liquidation Preference in an equal amount.

Commencing on the sixth anniversary of the Closing (and, thereafter, only during the 60-day period following any anniversary of the Closing), the Series C Preferred Units will be callable at the Company’s option in whole (and not in part), at a call price per Series C Preferred Unit equal to (a) the product of (i) the greater of (A) the outstanding liquidation preference of such Series C Preferred Unit and (B) the product of (x) the number of shares of the Company’s common stock into which such Series C Preferred Unit would be convertible upon the receipt of the Conversion Approval, and (y) the 20-day volume-weighted average price per share of the Company’s common stock during a defined period prior to the call, and (ii) 103%, plus (b) the amount of all declared and unpaid dividends in respect of such Series C Preferred Unit.

Cash Dividends

During each quarter of 2023, the Board declared and the Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per common share. No dividends were declared during the six months ended June 30, 2024.

Stock Repurchase Program

On February 5, 2019, the Board approved a stock repurchase plan authorizing the repurchase of up to 5,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “2019 Repurchase Plan”). The 2019 Repurchase Plan expires when the shares authorized for repurchase are exhausted or the 2019 Repurchase Plan is canceled.

24

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock through open market transactions. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company repurchased through open market transactions 759 shares of common stock for $79,792, or an average of $105.09 per share. All shares received were retired upon receipt, and the excess of the purchase price over the par value per share was recorded to “Retained (Deficit) Earnings” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of June 30, 2024, the remaining shares permitted to be repurchased under the 2019 Repurchase Plan were approximately 1,349 shares.

11.    Commitments and Contingencies

Contingencies

On September 26, 2023, Rodney Bell, Michael A. Roberts and Theresa Woods, (collectively, the "Plaintiffs"), three of our shareholders, filed a complaint against us and certain of its directors and officers in the Third District Chancery Court sitting in Greeneville, Tennessee (the "Shareholder Complaint"). The Shareholder Complaint alleges, among other things, that our shareholders have the right to vote on certain transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and sought an injunction against the consummation of the transaction until a shareholder vote was held. The court initially granted a temporary restraining order enjoining the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement but later dissolved it on October 25, 2023. Thereafter and as described below, on the Closing, the parties to the Amended Merger Agreement completed the Omni Acquisition. On May 2, 2024, Plaintiff Michael Roberts, together with the Cambria County Employees Retirement System filed a stipulation and proposed order seeking leave of court to file an amended class action complaint seeking damages, among other forms of relief. Upon receiving leave of the court, on May 15, 2024, the Plaintiffs filed the amended complaint. Like the earlier complaints, it challenges our determination not to subject the Omni Acquisition to a shareholder vote. We disagree with the allegations of the amended complaint and are in the process of defending the matter.

The Company is party to various legal claims and actions incidental to its business, including claims related to vehicle liability, workers’ compensation, property damage and employee medical benefits. The Company accrues for the uninsured portion of contingent losses from these and other pending claims when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Based on the knowledge of the facts, the Company believes the resolution of claims and pending litigation, taking into account existing reserves, will not have a material adverse effect on the condensed consolidated financial statements. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict, and the Company’s view of these matters may change in the future as the litigation and related events unfold.

Insurance coverage provides the Company with primary and excess coverage for claims related to vehicle liability, workers’ compensation, property damage and employee medical benefits.

25

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

For vehicle liability, the Company retains a portion of the risk. Below is a summary of the Company’s risk retention on vehicle liability insurance coverage maintained by the Company up to $10,000 (in thousands):

	Company Risk Retention		Frequency	Layer	Policy Term
Expedited Freight¹
LTL business	$	5,000	Occurrence/Accident¹	$0 to $5,000	10/1/2023 to 10/1/2024
Truckload business	$	5,000	Occurrence/Accident¹	$0 to $5,000	10/1/2023 to 10/1/2024
LTL, Truckload and Intermodal businesses	$	5,000	Policy Term Aggregate²	$5,000 to $10,000	10/1/2023 to 10/1/2024
Intermodal	$	1,000	Occurrence/Accident¹	$0 to $1,000	10/1/2023 to 10/1/2024

¹ For each and every accident/incident, the Company is responsible for damages and defense up to these amounts, regardless of the number of claims associated with any accident/incident.

² During the Policy Term, the Company is responsible for damages and defense within the stated Layer up to the stated, aggregate amount of Risk Retention before insurance will continue.

Also, from time to time, when brokering freight, the Company may face claims for the “negligent selection” of outside, contracted carriers that are involved in accidents, and the Company maintains third-party liability insurance coverage with a $100 deductible per occurrence for most of its brokered services. The Company maintains workers’ compensation insurance with a self-insured retention of $500 per occurrence.

Insurance coverage in excess of the self-insured retention limit is an important part of the Company’s risk management process. The Company accrues for the costs of the uninsured portion of pending claims within the self-insured retention based on the nature and severity of individual claims and historical claims development trends. The Company believes the recorded reserves are sufficient for all incurred claims up to the self-insured retention limits, including an estimate for claims incurred but not reported. However, estimating the number and severity of claims, as well as related judgment or settlement amounts is inherently difficult, and the Company may fail to establish sufficient insurance reserves and adequately estimate for future insurance claims. Since the ultimate resolution of outstanding claims as well as claims incurred but not reported is uncertain, it is possible that the reserves recorded for these losses could change materially in the near term. Although, an estimate cannot be made of the range of additional loss that is at least reasonably possible.

26

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

12.    Segment Reporting

The Company has three reportable segments: Expedited Freight, Intermodal and Omni Logistics. The Company evaluates segment performance based on income from operations. Segment results include intersegment revenues and shared costs.  Costs related to the corporate headquarters, shared services and shared assets, such as trailers, are allocated to each segment based on usage. Shared assets are not allocated to each segment, but rather the shared assets, such as trailers, are allocated to the Expedited Freight segment. Corporate includes revenues and expenses as well as assets that are not attributable to any of the Company’s reportable segments.

The accounting policies applied to each segment are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies as disclosed in Note 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, except for certain self-insurance loss reserves related to vehicle liability and workers’ compensation. Each segment is allocated an insurance premium and deductible that corresponds to the self-insured retention limit for that particular segment. Any self-insurance loss exposure beyond the deductible allocated to each segment is recorded in Corporate.

Segment results from operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2024
	Expedited Freight		Intermodal		Omni Logistics		Corporate		Eliminations		Consolidated
External revenues	$	272,600	$	59,210	$	311,856	$	—			$	643,666
Intersegment revenues	18,682		89		—		—		(18,771)		—
Depreciation	9,240		2,148		3,521		—		—		14,909
Amortization	1,452		2,564		29,714		—		—		33,730
Income (loss) from operations	21,946		5,317		(1,105,871)		(17,147)		—		(1,095,755)
Purchases of property and equipment	7,663		28		6,735		—		—		14,426
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
	Expedited Freight		Intermodal		Omni Logistics		Corporate		Eliminations		Consolidated
External revenues	$	269,397	$	64,225	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	333,622
Intersegment revenues	39		26		—		—		(65)		—
Depreciation	7,436		2,245		—		—		—		9,681
Amortization	1,003		2,561		—		—		—		3,564
Income (loss) from operations	27,063		4,312		—		(5,050)		—		26,325
Purchases of property and equipment	9,930		387		—		—		—		10,317

Revenue from the individual services within the Expedited Freight segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023		June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023
Expedited Freight revenues:
Network	$	223,334	$	205,762	$	437,827	$	411,693
Truckload	44,678		40,432		81,732		82,176
Other	23,270		23,242		45,018		45,144
Total	$	291,282	$	269,436	$	564,577	$	539,013

27

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

June 30, 2024

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
	Expedited Freight		Intermodal		Omni Logistics		Corporate		Eliminations		Consolidated
External revenues	$	533,353	$	115,432	$	536,694	$	—			$	1,185,479
Intersegment revenues	31,224		159		—		—		(31,383)		—
Depreciation	18,253		4,215		6,119						28,587
Amortization	2,729		5,124		43,985						51,838
Income (loss) from operations	41,444		8,903		(1,134,456)		(77,378)		—		(1,161,487)
Purchases of property and equipment	8,925		1,550		8,921		—		—		19,396
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
	Expedited Freight		Intermodal		Omni Logistics		Corporate		Eliminations		Consolidated
External revenues	$	538,944	$	152,387	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	691,331
Intersegment revenues	69		33		—		—		(102)		—
Depreciation	14,105		4,430		—		—		—		18,535
Amortization	1,960		5,122		—		—		—		7,082
Income (loss) from operations	56,748		15,515		—		1,258		—		73,521
Purchases of property and equipment	16,273		563		—		—		—		16,836
Total Assets
As of June 30, 2024	$	657,434	$	261,170	$	1,959,593	$	189,133	$	(14)	$	3,067,316
As of December 31, 2023	661,270		270,421		—		2,047,901		(59)		2,979,533

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Overview

We are a leading asset-light freight provider of transportation services, including LTL, truckload and intermodal drayage services and freight brokerage and supply chain services across North and South America, Europe, and Asia. We offer premium services that typically require precision execution, such as expedited transit, delivery during tight time windows and special handling. We utilize an asset-light strategy to minimize our investments in equipment and facilities and to reduce our capital expenditures.

Our services are classified into three reportable segments: Expedited Freight, Intermodal and Omni Logistics.

Our Expedited Freight segment provides expedited regional, inter-regional and national LTL services. Expedited Freight also offers customers local pick-up and delivery and other services including truckload, shipment consolidation and deconsolidation, warehousing, customs brokerage and other handling. We plan to grow our LTL geographic footprint through greenfield start-ups as well as through acquisitions.

Our Intermodal segment provides first- and last-mile high value intermodal container drayage services both to and from seaports and railheads. Intermodal also offers dedicated contract and CFS warehouse and handling services, and in select locations, linehaul and LTL services. We plan to grow our Intermodal geographic footprint through acquisitions as well as through greenfield start-ups where no suitable acquisition is available.

Our Omni Logistics segment provides a full suite of global logistics services. Services include air and ocean freight consolidation and forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing and distribution, time-definite transportation services and other supply chain solutions.

Our operations, particularly our network of hubs and terminals, represent substantial fixed costs. Consequently, our ability to increase our earnings depends in significant part on our ability to increase the amount of freight and the revenue per pound or shipment for the freight shipped or moved through our network. Additionally, our earnings depend on the growth of other services, such as LTL pickup and delivery, which will allow us to maintain revenue growth in a challenging freight environment. We continue to focus on creating synergies across our services, particularly with services offered in our Expedited Freight reportable segment. Synergistic opportunities include the ability to share resources, in particular our fleet resources.

We monitor and analyze a number of key operating statistics in order to manage our business and evaluate our financial and operating performance. These key operating statistics are defined below and are referred to throughout the discussion of the financial results of our Expedited Freight and Intermodal reportable segments. Our key operating statistics should not be interpreted as better measurements of our results than income from operations as determined under GAAP.

Within our Expedited Freight reportable segment, our primary revenue focus is to increase density, which is shipment and tonnage growth within our existing LTL network. Increases in density allow us to maximize our asset utilization and labor productivity, which we measure over many different functional areas of our operations including linehaul load factor and door pounds handled per hour. In addition to our focus on density and operating efficiencies, it is critical for us to obtain an appropriate yield, which is measured as revenue per hundredweight, on the shipments we handle to offset our cost inflation and support our ongoing investments in capacity and technology. Revenue per hundredweight is also a commonly-used indicator for general pricing trends in the LTL industry and can be influenced by many other factors, such as changes in fuel surcharges, weight per shipment and length of haul. Therefore, changes in revenue per hundredweight may not necessarily indicate actual changes in underlying base rates. We regularly monitor the components of our pricing, including base freight rates, accessorial charges and fuel surcharges. The fuel surcharge is generally designed to offset fluctuations in the cost of the petroleum-based products used in our operations and is indexed to diesel fuel prices published by the U.S. Department of Energy. The impact of fuel on our results of operations depends on the relationship between the applicable surcharge, the fuel efficiency of our Company drivers, and the load factor achieved by our operation. Fluctuations in fuel prices in either direction could have a positive or negative impact on our margins, particularly in our LTL business where the weight of a shipment subject to the fuel surcharge on a given trailer can vary materially. We believe our yield management process focused on account level profitability, and ongoing improvements in operating efficiencies, are both key components of our ability to grow profitably.

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The key operating statistics necessary to understand the operating results of our Expedited Freight reportable segment are described below in more detail:

Tonnage - Total weight of shipments in pounds. The level of freight tonnage is affected by economic cycles and conditions, customers’ business cycles, changes in customers’ business practices and capacity in the truckload market.

Weight Per Shipment - Total pounds divided by the number of shipments. Fluctuations in weight per shipment can indicate changes in the mix of freight we receive from our customers, as well as changes in the number of units included in a shipment. Generally, increases in weight per shipment indicate higher demand and overall increased economic activity. Changes in weight per shipment can also be influenced by shifts between LTL and other modes of transportation, such as truckload, in response to capacity, service and pricing issues. Fluctuations in weight per shipment generally have an inverse effect on our revenue per hundredweight, as a decrease in weight per shipment will typically cause an increase in revenue per hundredweight.

Revenue Per Hundredweight - Network revenue per every 100 pounds of shipment weight. Our LTL transportation services are generally priced based on weight, commodity, and distance. Our pricing policies are reflective of the services we provide, and can be influenced by competitive market conditions. Changes in the freight profile factors such as average shipment size, average length of haul, freight density, and customer and geographic mix can impact the revenue per hundredweight. Fuel surcharges and intercompany revenue between Network and Truckload are included in this measurement.

Revenue Per Shipment - Network revenue divided by the number of shipments. Fuel surcharges and intercompany revenue between Network and Truckload are included in this measurement.

Average Length of Haul - Total miles between origin and destination service centers for all shipments, with miles based on the size of shipments. Length of haul is used to analyze our tonnage and pricing trends for shipments with similar characteristics. Changes in length of haul generally have a direct effect on our revenue per hundredweight, as an increase in length of haul will typically cause an increase in revenue per hundredweight.

Within our Intermodal reportable segment, our primary revenue focus is to increase the number of shipments. The key operating statistic necessary to understand the operating results of our Intermodal reportable segment is described below in more detail:

Drayage Revenue Per Shipment - Intermodal revenue divided by the number of drayage shipments. Revenue derived from container freight station warehouse and handling, and linehaul and LTL services is excluded from this measurement. Fuel surcharges and accessorial charges are included in this measurement.

Trends and Developments

Economy

Our business is highly susceptible to changes in economic conditions. Our products and services are directly tied to the production and sale of goods and, more generally, to the global economy. Participants in the transportation industry have historically experienced cyclical fluctuations in financial results due to economic recessions, downturns in the business cycles of customers, volatility in the prices charged by third-party carriers, interest rate fluctuations and other U.S. and global macroeconomic developments. During economic downturns, reductions in overall demand for transportation services will likely reduce demand for our services and exert downward pressure on our rates and margins. In periods of strong economic growth, overall demand may exceed the available supply of transportation resources. While this may present an opportunity to increase economies of scale in our network and enhanced pricing and margins, these benefits may be lessened by increased network congestion and operating inefficiencies.

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Like other providers of freight transportation services, our business has been impacted by the macroeconomic conditions of the past year. International trade is influenced by many factors, including economic and political conditions in the United States and abroad, currency exchange rates, laws and policies relating to tariffs, trade restrictions and foreign investment. Periodically, governments consider a variety of changes to tariffs and impose trade restrictions. We cannot predict the outcome of changes in tariffs, or interpretations, and trade restrictions and the effects they will have on our business. Doing business in foreign locations also subjects us to a variety of risks and considerations not normally encountered by domestic enterprises. In addition to being influenced by governmental policies, our business may also be negatively affected by political developments and changes in government personnel or policies in the United States and other countries, as well as economic turbulence, political unrest and security concerns in the nations and on the trade shipping lanes in which we conduct business and the future impact that these events may have on international trade.

Our ability to provide services to our customers is highly dependent on good working relationships with a variety of entities, including airlines, ocean carrier lines and ground transportation providers. We consider our current working relationships with these entities to be satisfactory. However, changes in the financial stability and operating capabilities and capacity of asset-based carriers, capacity allotments available from carriers could affect our business in unpredictable ways. When the market experiences seasonal peaks or any sort of disruption, the carriers often increase their pricing suddenly. This carrier behavior creates pricing volatility that could impact our ability to maintain historical profitability.

The global economic and trade environments remain uncertain, including inflation remaining higher than historical levels, greater volatility in oil prices and high interest rates. Starting in the second quarter of 2022 and continuing through most of 2023, we saw a slowdown in the global economy and a softening of customer demand resulting in declines in rates. As demand remains soft, available transportation capacity continues to exceed demand. These conditions could result in further declines in rates in 2024. We also expect that pricing volatility will continue as carriers adapt to lower demand, changing fuel prices, security risks and react to governmental trade policies and other regulations.

Fuel

We depend heavily upon the availability of adequate diesel fuel supplies, and recently, fuel availability and prices have fluctuated significantly. Fuel availability and prices can be impacted by factors beyond our control, such as natural or manmade disasters, adverse weather conditions, political events, economic sanctions imposed against oil-producing countries or specific industry participants, disruptions or failure of technology or information systems, price and supply decisions by oil producing countries and cartels, terrorist activities, armed conflict, tariffs, sanctions, other changes to trade agreements and world supply and demand imbalance. Through our fuel surcharge programs, we have been able to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in fuel prices. Our fuel surcharge rates are set weekly based on the national average for fuel prices as published by the U.S. Department of Energy and our fuel surcharge table. In periods of changing fuel prices, our fuel surcharges vary by different degrees and may not fully offset fuel price fluctuations or may result in higher than expected increases in revenue. Fuel shortages, changes in fuel prices, and the potential volatility in fuel surcharge revenue may impact our results of operations and overall profitability. Fuel surcharge revenue as a percentage of operating revenues decreased to 10.1% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 compared to 17.9% for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 as a result of the inclusion of Omni in the results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.

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Recent Events and Factors Affecting Comparability

Omni Acquisition

On January 25, 2024, we completed the Omni Acquisition pursuant to which we acquired Omni for a combination of

(a) $100,499 in cash (which includes pre-acquisition Omni costs of approximately $80 million) (b) 14,015 shares of common stock on an as-converted and as-exchanged basis consisting of: (i) 1,910 shares of common stock (of which 1,210 were issued upon conversion of the Series C Preferred Units upon the Conversion Approval) and (ii) 12,105 Opco Class B Units and corresponding Series B Preferred Units, which are exchangeable into shares of common stock (of which 7,670 units were issued upon conversion of the units of Opco designated as “Opco Series C-2 Preferred Units” upon the Conversion Approval).

See Note 4, Acquisitions, to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our acquisitions.

Omni Logistics revenues and segment income from January 25, 2024 through June 30, 2024 are included in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The changes in our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023 are primarily driven by the inclusion of the results of operations of Omni Logistics. The following table sets forth the financial data of our Omni Logistics segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 (unaudited and in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		Percent of Revenue
Operating revenue	$	311,856	100.0	%
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation	178,674		57.3
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	57,536		18.4
Operating leases	26,751		8.6
Depreciation and amortization	33,235		10.7
Insurance and claims	2,845		0.9
Fuel expense	1,182		0.4
Other operating expenses	24,790		7.9
Impairment of goodwill	1,092,714		350.4
Total operating expenses	1,417,727		454.6
Loss from operations	$	(1,105,871)	(354.6)	%

32

	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		Percent of Revenue
Operating revenue	$	536,694	100.0	%
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation	323,098		60.2
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	106,311		19.8
Operating leases	45,878		8.5
Depreciation and amortization	50,104		9.3
Insurance and claims	4,898		0.9
Fuel expense	1,486		0.3
Other operating expenses	46,661		8.7
Impairment of goodwill	1,092,714		203.7
Total operating expenses	1,671,150		311.4
Loss from operations	$	(1,134,456)	(211.4)	%

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Results from Operations

The following table sets forth our consolidated financial data for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (unaudited and in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023		Change		Percent Change
Operating revenues:
Expedited Freight	$	291,282	$	269,436	$	21,846	8.1	%
Intermodal	59,299		64,251		(4,952)		(7.7)
Omni Logistics	311,856		—		311,856		—
Eliminations and other operations	(18,771)		(65)		(18,706)		NM
Operating revenues	643,666		333,622		310,044		92.9
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation	321,587		141,967		179,620		126.5
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	144,000		73,963		70,037		94.7
Operating leases	46,258		22,896		23,362		102.0
Depreciation and amortization	48,639		13,245		35,394		267.2
Insurance and claims	14,698		12,761		1,937		15.2
Fuel expense	5,859		5,202		657		12.6
Other operating expenses	65,666		37,263		28,403		76.2
Impairment of goodwill	1,092,714		—		1,092,714		—
Total operating expenses	1,739,421		307,297		1,432,124		466.0
Income (loss) from continuing operations:
Expedited Freight	21,946		27,063		(5,117)		(18.9)
Intermodal	5,317		4,312		1,005		23.3
Omni Logistics	(1,105,871)		—		(1,105,871)		—
Other Operations	(17,147)		(5,050)		(12,097)		239.5
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(1,095,755)		26,325		(1,122,080)		(4,262.4)
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense, net	(47,265)		(2,585)		(44,680)		1,728.4
Foreign exchange gain	1,567		—		1,567		—
Other income, net	40		—		40		—
Total other expense	(45,658)		(2,585)		(43,073)		1,666.3
(Loss) income before income taxes	(1,141,413)		23,740		(1,165,153)		(4,908.0)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(174,942)		6,613		(181,555)		(2,745.4)
Net (loss) income from continuing operations	(966,471)		17,127		(983,598)		(5,743.0)
(Loss) income from discontinued operation, net of tax	(4,876)		2,824		(7,700)		(272.7)
Net (loss) income	(971,347)		19,951		(991,298)		(4,968.7)
Net (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(325,914)		—		(325,914)		—
Net (loss) income attributable to Forward Air	$	(645,433)	$	19,951	$	(665,384)	(3335.1)	%
NM=Not Meaningful

34

Operating Revenues

Operating revenues increased $310,044, or 92.9%, to $643,666 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $333,622 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the inclusion of $311,856 from the Omni Logistics segment and an increase in our Expedited Freight segment of $21,846 due to increased Network revenue, offset by a decrease from our Intermodal segment of $4,952. The results for our reportable segments are discussed in detail in the following sections.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased $1,432,124, or 466.0%, to $1,739,421 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $307,297 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the inclusion of the $1,417,727 of operating expenses from the Omni Logistics segment which includes an impairment charge of $1,092,714 and a $26,963 increase in operating expenses from the Expedited Freight segment, partially offset by a $5,957 decrease in operating expenses from the Intermodal segment. Purchased transportation expense is our largest expense which includes our independent contractor fleet owners and owner-operators, who lease their equipment to our motor carriers (“Leased Capacity Providers”), third-party motor carriers and capacity secured by transportation intermediaries, while Company-employed drivers are included in salaries, wages and employee benefits.

Income from Continuing Operations and Segment Operations

Income from operations decreased $1,122,080, or 4,262.4%, to a $1,095,755 loss for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to a $26,325 of income for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in Omni Logistics segment of $1,105,871, driven by an impairment charge of $1,092,714, Expedited Freight segment of $5,117, and Intermodal segment of $1,005.

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense, net was $47,265 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $2,585 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to higher borrowings outstanding during the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023 and an increase in the average interest rate. In connection with the Omni Acquisition, the outstanding borrowings remained steady in the second quarter of 2024. The weighted-average interest rate on the outstanding borrowings were 9.56% and 6.32% during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Income Taxes on a Continuing Basis

The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was 15.3% compared to 27.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The effective tax rate varied from the statutory United States federal rate of 21% in the second quarter of 2024 primarily due to the effect of the noncontrolling interest, non-deductible executive compensation, excess tax benefits realized on share-based awards, partially offset by state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, and foreign taxes. The effective tax rate varied from the statutory United States federal rate of 21% in the second quarter of 2023 primarily due to the effect of state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, and non-deductible executive compensation, partially offset by excess tax benefits realized on share-based awards.

Income from Discontinued Operations, net of Tax

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax increased $7,700 or 272.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The increase was due to the final net working capital settlement following the sale of our Final Mile business in December 2023.

Net (Loss) Income

As a result of the foregoing factors, net income decreased $991,298, to a $971,347 loss for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $19,951 income for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

35

Expedited Freight - Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

The following table sets forth the financial data of our Expedited Freight segment for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (unaudited and in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		Percent of Revenue		June 30, 2023		Percent of Revenue		Change		Percent Change
Operating revenues:
Network1	$	223,334	76.7	%	$	205,762	76.4	%	$	17,572	8.5	%
Truckload	44,678		15.3		40,432		15.0		4,246		10.5
Other	23,270		8.0		23,242		8.6		28		0.1
Total operating revenues	291,282		100.0		269,436		100.0		21,846		8.1
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation	142,512		48.9		124,122		46.1		18,390		14.8
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	63,845		21.9		57,637		21.4		6,208		10.8
Operating leases	14,730		5.1		16,201		6.0		(1,471)		(9.1)
Depreciation and amortization	10,692		3.7		8,439		3.1		2,253		26.7
Insurance and claims	10,969		3.8		10,104		3.8		865		8.6
Fuel expense	2,434		0.8		2,511		0.9		(77)		(3.1)
Other operating expenses	24,154		8.3		23,359		8.7		795		3.4
Total operating expenses	269,336		92.5		242,373		90.0		26,963		11.1
Income from operations	$	21,946	7.5	%	$	27,063	10.0	%	$	(5,117)	(18.9)	%
1 Network revenue is comprised of all revenue, including linehaul, pickup and/or delivery, and fuel surcharge revenue, excluding accessorial and Truckload revenue.

36

Expedited Freight Operating Statistics
	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023		Percent Change
Business days	64		64		—	%
Tonnage1,2
Total pounds	713,919		673,878		5.9
Pounds per day	11,155		10,529		5.9
Shipments1,2
Total shipments	870		842		1.4
Shipments per day	13.6		13.2		1.4
Weight per shipment	821		801		2.5
Revenue per hundredweight3	$	31.29	$	30.79	1.6
Revenue per hundredweight, ex fuel3	$	24.38	$	24.08	1.2
Revenue per shipment3	$	256.80	$	246.59	4.1
Revenue per shipment, ex fuel3	$	200.05	$	192.85	3.7
1 In thousands
2 Excludes accessorial and Truckload products
3 Includes intercompany revenue between the Network and Truckload revenue streams

37

Operating Revenues

Expedited Freight operating revenues increased $21,846, or 8.1%, to $291,282 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $269,436 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to increased Network and Truckload revenue. Network revenue increased due to a 5.9% increase in pounds per day, offset by a 1.2% decrease in revenue per hundredweight excluding fuel as compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in tonnage reflects an increase in weight per shipment of 2.5% on 1.4% more shipments per day. The increase in shipments is due to higher demand for our services while the increase in weight per shipment was the result of more dense freight in our network driven by a change in the mix of services provided to customers. Fuel surcharge revenue increased $4,151, or 9.2% as a result of the increased tonnage in our Network as compared to the same period in 2023. Truckload revenue increased $4,246, primarily due to increased customer demand for our services.

Purchased Transportation

Expedited Freight purchased transportation increased $18,390, or 14.8%, to $142,512 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $124,122 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Purchased transportation was 48.9% of Expedited Freight operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 46.1% for the same period in 2023. Expedited Freight purchased transportation includes Leased Capacity Providers and third-party motor carriers and transportation intermediaries, while Company-employed drivers are included in salaries, wages and employee benefits. The increase in purchased transportation was primarily due to higher volumes in Network, and the change in the mix of freight capacity purchased from Leased Capacity Providers, third-party motor carriers and transportation intermediaries and Company-employed drivers for Network and Truckload services. For the three months ended June 30, 2024, 62.8%, 33.2% and 4.0% of our freight capacity was purchased from Leased Capacity Providers, third-party motor carriers and transportation intermediaries and Company-employed drivers, respectively, for Network and Truckload. This compares to 62.1%, 32.7% and 5.3%, respectively, in the same period in 2023.

Salaries, Wages and Employee Benefits

Expedited Freight salaries, wages and employee benefits increased $6,208, or 10.8%, to $63,845 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $57,637 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Salaries, wages and employee benefits were 21.9% of Expedited Freight operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 21.4% for the same period in 2023. The increase in salaries, wages and employee benefits expense was primarily due to an increase in Company-employed drivers in response to the higher volumes, an increase in the reserve for incentive compensation and an increase in salaries and wages as compared to the same period in 2023.

Operating Leases

Expedited Freight operating leases decreased $1,471, or 9.1%, to $14,730 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $16,201 for the three months ended June 30, 2023.  Operating leases were 5.1% of Expedited Freight operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 6.0% for the same period in 2023. The decrease in operating lease expense was primarily due to fewer equipment leases in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023.

Depreciation and Amortization

Expedited Freight depreciation and amortization increased $2,253, or 26.7%, to $10,692 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $8,439 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Depreciation and amortization was 3.7% of Expedited Freight operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 3.1% for the same period in 2023. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily as the result of purchasing and placing in service new equipment in the second half of 2023 and in the first half of 2024.

Income from Operations

Expedited Freight income from operations decreased $5,117, or 18.9%, to $21,946 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $27,063 for the three months ended June 30, 2023.  Income from operations was 7.5% of Expedited Freight operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 10.0% for the same period in 2023. The decrease in income from operations as a percentage of operating revenues was driven by the change in the mix of freight capacity purchased from Leased Capacity Providers, third-party motor carriers and transportation intermediaries and Company-employed drivers for Network and Truckload for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

38

Intermodal - Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

The following table sets forth the financial data of our Intermodal segment for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (unaudited and in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		Percent of Revenue		June 30, 2023		Percent of Revenue		Change		Percent Change
Operating revenues	$	59,299	100.0	%	$	64,251	100.0	%	$	(4,952)	(7.7)	%
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation	19,173		32.3		17,909		27.9		1,264		7.1
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	14,899		25.1		16,650		25.9		(1,751)		(10.5)
Operating leases	4,776		8.1		6,695		10.4		(1,919)		(28.7)
Depreciation and amortization	4,712		7.9		4,806		7.5		(94)		(2.0)
Insurance and claims	2,619		4.4		2,815		4.4		(196)		(7.0)
Fuel expense	2,243		3.8		2,692		4.2		(449)		(16.7)
Other operating expenses	5,560		9.4		8,372		13.0		(2,812)		(33.6)
Total operating expenses	53,982		91.0		59,939		93.3		(5,957)		(9.9)
Income from operations	$	5,317	9.0	%	$	4,312	6.7	%	$	1,005	23.3	%

Intermodal Operating Statistics
	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023		Percent Change
Drayage shipments	64,877		68,180		(4.8)	%
Drayage revenue per shipment	$	826	$	853	(3.2)	%

39

Operating Revenues

Intermodal operating revenues decreased $4,952, or 7.7%, to $59,299 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $64,251 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in operating revenues was primarily due to a 4.8% decrease in drayage shipments and a decrease in drayage revenue per shipment of 3.2% as compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease in drayage shipments and lower accessorial revenues to support customers was primarily due to the challenged market conditions that led to decreased customer demand for our services in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023.

Purchased Transportation

Intermodal purchased transportation increased $1,264, or 7.1%, to $19,173 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $17,909 for the three months ended June 30, 2023.  Purchased transportation was 32.3% of Intermodal operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 27.9% for the same period in 2023.  Intermodal purchased transportation includes Leased Capacity Providers and third-party motor carriers, while Company-employed drivers are included in salaries, wages and employee benefits. The increase in purchased transportation was primarily due to the change in the mix of freight capacity purchased from Leased Capacity Providers, third-party motor carriers and Company-employed drivers compared to the same period in 2023.

Salaries, Wages and Employee Benefits

Intermodal salaries, wages and employee benefits decreased $1,751, or 10.5%, to $14,899 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $16,650 for the three months ended June 30, 2023.  Salaries, wages and employee benefits were 25.1% of Intermodal operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 25.9% for the same period in 2023. The decrease in salaries, wages and employee benefits expense was primarily due to fewer Company-employed drivers and office employees in response to the lower volumes, as compared to the same period in 2023.

Operating Leases

Intermodal operating leases decreased $1,919, or 28.7%, to $4,776 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $6,695 for the three months ended June 30, 2023.  Operating leases were 8.1% of Intermodal operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 10.4% for the same period in 2023. The decrease in operating leases expense was primarily due to lower equipment expense incurred to support decreased accessorial revenues in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023.

Other Operating Expenses

Intermodal other operating expenses decreased $2,812, or 33.6%, to $5,560 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $8,372 for the three months ended June 30, 2023.  Other operating expenses were 9.4% of Intermodal operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 13.0% for the same period in 2023. Other operating expenses include contract labor, equipment maintenance, facility expenses, legal and professional fees, and accessorial storage costs. The decrease in other operating expenses was primarily due to lower accessorial storage costs incurred as a result of decreased accessorial revenues in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Income from Operations

Intermodal income from operations increased $1,005, or 23.3%, to $5,317 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $4,312 for the three months ended June 30, 2023.  Income from operations was 9.0% of Intermodal operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 6.7% for the same period in 2023.  The increase in income from operations as a percentage of operating revenues was primarily due to lower operating expenses in response to lower volumes.

Other Operations - Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

Other operations included a $17,147 operating loss during the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $5,050 of operating income during the three months ended June 30, 2023. The change in the operating loss was primarily due to $10,018 of professional fees incurred for transaction and integration costs in connection with the Omni Acquisition, incentive compensation and severance costs partially offset by a decrease in the reserves for vehicle liability claims.

40

Results from Operations

The following table sets forth our consolidated financial data for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (unaudited and in thousands):

	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023		Change		Percent Change
Operating revenues:
Expedited Freight	$	564,577	$	539,013	$	25,564	4.7	%
Intermodal	115,591		152,420		(36,829)		(24.2)
Omni Logistics	536,694		—		536,694		—
Eliminations and other operations	(31,383)		(102)		(31,281)		NM
Operating revenues	1,185,479		691,331		494,148		71.5
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation	598,602		287,138		311,464		108.5
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	272,867		140,610		132,257		94.1
Operating leases	85,061		46,969		38,092		81.1
Depreciation and amortization	80,425		25,617		54,808		214.0
Insurance and claims	27,579		26,019		1,560		6.0
Fuel expense	11,105		10,888		217		2.0
Other operating expenses	178,613		80,569		98,044		121.7
Impairment of goodwill	1,092,714		—		1,092,714		—
Total operating expenses	2,346,966		617,810		1,729,156		279.9
Income (loss) from operations:
Expedited Freight	41,444		56,748		(15,304)		(27.0)
Intermodal	8,903		15,515		(6,612)		(42.6)
Omni Logistics	(1,134,456)		—		(1,134,456)		—
Other Operations	(77,378)		1,258		(78,636)		NM
(Loss) income from operations	(1,161,487)		73,521		(1,235,008)		(1,679.8)
Other expense:
Interest expense, net	(88,018)		(4,940)		(83,078)		1,681.7
Foreign exchange loss	899		—		899		—
Other income, net	49		—		49		—
Total other expense	(87,070)		(4,940)		(82,130)		1,662.6
(Loss) income from operations before income taxes	(1,248,557)		68,581		(1,317,138)		(1,920.6)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(193,292)		17,550		(210,842)		(1,201.4)
Net income from continuing operations	(1,055,265)		51,031		(1,106,296)		(2,167.9)
(Loss) income from discontinued operation, net of tax	(4,876)		5,288		(10,164)		(192.2)
Net (loss) income	(1,060,141)		56,319		(1,116,460)		(1,982.4)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(352,996)		—		(352,996)		—
Net (loss) income attributable to Forward Air	$	(707,145)	$	56,319	$	(763,464)	(1,355.6)	%
NM=Not Meaningful

41

Operating Revenues

Operating revenues increased $494,148, or 71.5% to $1,185,479 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $691,331 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the inclusion of $536,694 from the Omni Logistics segment and an increase in our Expedited Freight segment revenue of $25,564 due to increased Network revenue, offset by a decrease from our Intermodal segment of $36,829, The results for our reportable segments are discussed in detail in the following sections.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased $1,729,156, or 279.9%, to $2,346,966 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $617,810 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the inclusion of the $1,671,150 of operating expenses from the Omni Logistics segment which includes a goodwill impairment charge of $1,092,714 and a $40,868 increase in operating expenses from the Expedited Freight segment, partially offset by a $30,217 decrease in operating expenses from the Intermodal segment. Purchased transportation expense includes our Leased Capacity Providers, third-party motor carriers and capacity secured by transportation intermediaries, while Company-employed drivers are included in salaries, wages and employee benefits.

Income from Operations and Segment Operations

Income from operations decreased $1,235,008, or 1,679.8%, to $1,161,487 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $73,521 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in Omni Logistics segment of $1,134,456 as a result of a goodwill impairment charge of $1,092,714, Other Operations of $78,636, Expedited Freight segment of $15,304, and our Intermodal segment of $6,612.

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense, net was $88,018 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $4,940 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in interest expense was due to higher variable interest rates during the six months ended June 30, 2024 on higher borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility as compared to the same period in 2023. The weighted-average interest rate on the borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility was 9.56% and 6.05% during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Income Taxes on a Continuing basis

The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was 15.5% compared to a rate of 25.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, net of Tax

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax increased $10,164 or 192% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The increase was due to the final net working capital settlement following the sale of our Final Mile business in December 2023.

Net (Loss) Income

As a result of the foregoing factors, net income decreased $1,116,460, or 1,982.4%, to a loss of $1,060,141 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $56,319 income for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

42

Expedited Freight - Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

The following table sets forth the financial data of our Expedited Freight segment for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

Expedited Freight Segment Information
(unaudited and in thousands)
	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		Percent of Revenue		June 30, 2023		Percent of Revenue		Change		Percent Change
Operating revenues:
Network 1	$	437,827	77.5	%	$	411,693	76.4	%	$	26,134	6.3	%
Truckload	81,732		14.5		82,176		15.2		(444)		(0.5)
Other	45,018		8.0		45,144		8.4		(126)		(0.3)
Total operating revenues	564,577		100.0		539,013		100.0		25,564		4.7
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation	270,272		47.9		249,316		46.3		20,956		8.4
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	126,398		22.4		113,555		21.1		12,843		11.3
Operating leases	29,712		5.3		31,939		5.9		(2,227)		(7.0)
Depreciation and amortization	20,982		3.7		16,065		3.0		4,917		30.6
Insurance and claims	21,621		3.8		19,323		3.6		2,298		11.9
Fuel expense	5,015		0.9		5,024		0.9		(9)		(0.2)
Other operating expenses	49,133		8.7		47,043		8.7		2,090		4.4
Total operating expenses	523,133		92.7		482,265		89.5		40,868		8.5
Income from operations	$	41,444	7.3	%	$	56,748	10.5	%	$	(15,304)	(27.0)	%
1 Network revenue is comprised of all revenue, including linehaul, pickup and/or delivery, and fuel surcharge revenue, excluding accessorial and Truckload revenue.

43

Expedited Freight Operating Statistics
	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023		Percent Change
Business days	128		128		—	%
Tonnage 1,2
Total pounds	1,398,914		1,303,958		7.3
Pounds per day	10,929		10,187		7.3
Shipments 1,2
Total shipments	1,698		1,658		2.4
Shipments per day	13.3		13.0		2.3
Weight per shipment	824		786		4.8
Revenue per hundredweight 3	$	31.31	$	32.03	(2.2)
Revenue per hundredweight, ex fuel 3	$	24.27	$	24.89	(2.5)
Revenue per shipment 3	$	257.94	$	251.66	2.5
Revenue per shipment, ex fuel 3	$	199.92	$	195.53	2.2
1 In thousands
2 Excludes accessorial and Truckload products
3 Includes intercompany revenue between the Network and Truckload revenue streams

44

Operating Revenues

Expedited Freight operating revenues increased $25,564, or 4.7%, to $564,577 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $539,013 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was driven by increased Network revenue. Network revenue increased due to a 7.3% increase in tonnage offset by a 2.5% decrease in revenue per hundredweight ex fuel as compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in tonnage reflects an increase in weight per shipment of 4.8% on 2.4% more shipments. The increase in shipments is due to higher demand for our services while the increase in weight per shipment was the result of more dense freight in our network driven by a change in the mix of services provided to customers. Fuel surcharge revenue increased $5,437, or 5.8% due to an increase in tonnage in the Network.

Purchased Transportation

Expedited Freight purchased transportation increased $20,956, or 8.4%, to $270,272 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $249,316 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Purchased transportation was 47.9% of Expedited Freight operating revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 46.3% for the same period in 2023. Expedited Freight purchased transportation includes Leased Capacity Providers and third-party motor carriers and transportation intermediaries, while Company-employed drivers are included in salaries, wages and employee benefits. The increase in purchased transportation was primarily due to higher volumes in the Network and the change in the mix of freight capacity purchased from Leased Capacity Providers, third-party motor carriers and transportation intermediaries and Company-employed drivers for Network and Truckload services. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, we purchased 64.0%, 31.7% and 4.3% of our freight capacity from Leased Capacity Providers, third-party motor carriers and transportation intermediaries and Company-employed drivers, respectively. This compares to 66.5%, 28.8.9% and 4.7% in the same period in 2023.

Salaries, Wages, and Employee Benefits

Expedited Freight salaries, wages and employee benefits increased $12,843, or 11.3%, to $126,398 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $113,555 for the six months ended June 30, 2023.  Salaries, wages and employee benefits were 22.4% of Expedited Freight operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 21.1% for the same period in 2023.  The increase in salaries, wages and employee benefits expense was primarily due to a increase in the reserve for incentive compensation, an increase in Company-employed drivers in response to the higher volumes and an increase in salaries and wages compared to the same period in 2023.

Operating Leases

Expedited Freight operating leases decreased $2,227, or 7.0%, to $29,712 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $31,939 for the six months ended June 30, 2023.  Operating leases were 5.3% of Expedited Freight operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 5.9% for the same period in 2023. The decrease in operating leases expense was primarily due to fewer equipment leases for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023.

Depreciation and Amortization

Expedited Freight depreciation and amortization increased $4,917, or 30.6%, to $20,982 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $16,065 for the six months ended June 30, 2023.  Depreciation and amortization was 3.7% of Expedited Freight operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 3.0% for the same period in 2023. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily the result of purchasing and placing in service new equipment in 2024.

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Insurance and Claims

Expedited Freight insurance and claims increased $2,298, or 11.9%, to $21,621 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $19,323 for the six months ended June 30, 2023.  Insurance and claims were 3.8% of Expedited Freight operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 3.6% for the same period in 2023. The increase in insurance and claims expense was primarily due to an increase in vehicle liability claims, equipment repair claims, and insurance premiums, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. See additional discussion over the consolidated change in self-insurance reserves in the “Other Operations” section below.

Other Operating Expenses

Expedited Freight other operating expenses increased $2,090, or 4.4%, to $49,133 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $47,043 for the six months ended June 30, 2023.  Other operating expenses were 8.7% of Expedited Freight operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 8.7% for the same period in 2023. Other operating expenses include contract labor, equipment maintenance, facility expenses, legal and professional fees, and other over-the-road costs. The increase in other operating expenses was primarily driven by an increase in software license and subscription fees, partially offset by a decrease in professional fees and maintenance and repair expense for six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023.

Income from Operations

Expedited Freight income from operations decreased $15,304, or 27.0%, to $41,444 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $56,748 for the six months ended June 30, 2023.  Income from operations was 7.3% of Expedited Freight operating revenues for six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 10.5% for the same period in 2023. The decrease in income from operations as a percentage of operating revenues was driven by the change in the mix of freight capacity purchased from Leased Capacity Providers, third-party motor carriers and transportation intermediaries and Company-employed drivers for Network.

Intermodal - Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

The following table sets forth the financial data of our Intermodal segment for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

Intermodal Segment Information
(unaudited and in thousands)
	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		Percent of Revenue		June 30, 2023		Percent of Revenue		Change		Percent Change
Operating revenue	$	115,591	100.0	%	$	152,420	100.0	%	$	(36,829)	(24.2)	%
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation	36,616		31.7		37,923		24.9		(1,307)		(3.4)
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	29,981		25.9		35,564		23.3		(5,583)		(15.7)
Operating leases	9,468		8.2		15,030		9.9		(5,562)		(37.0)
Depreciation and amortization	9,339		8.1		9,553		6.3		(214)		(2.2)
Insurance and claims	5,225		4.5		5,164		3.4		61		1.2
Fuel expense	4,604		4.0		5,864		3.8		(1,260)		(21.5)
Other operating expenses	11,455		9.9		27,807		18.2		(16,352)		(58.8)
Total operating expenses	106,688		92.3		136,905		89.8		(30,217)		(22.1)
Income from operations	$	8,903	7.7	%	$	15,515	10.2	%	$	(6,612)	(42.6)	%

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Intermodal Operating Statistics
	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2024		June 30, 2023		Percent Change
Drayage shipments	127,536		140,645		(9.3)	%
Drayage revenue per shipment	$	824	$	999	(17.5)	%

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Operating Revenues

Intermodal operating revenues decreased $36,829, or 24.2%, to $115,591 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $152,420 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in operating revenues was primarily due to a 9.3% decrease in drayage shipments and a decrease in drayage revenue per shipment of 17.5% as compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease in drayage shipments and lower accessorial revenue to support customers was primarily due to challenged market demand for our services driven by an extended weak freight environment for the six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023.

Purchased Transportation

Intermodal purchased transportation decreased $1,307, or 3.4%, to $36,616 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $37,923 for the six months ended June 30, 2023.  Purchased transportation was 31.7% of Intermodal operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 24.9% for the same period in 2023.  Intermodal purchased transportation includes Leased Capacity Providers and third-party motor carriers, while Company-employed drivers are included in salaries, wages and employee benefits. The decrease in purchased transportation was primarily due to fewer drayage shipments and the change in the mix of freight capacity purchased from Lease Capacity Providers, third-party motor carriers and Company-employed drivers compared to the same period in 2023.

Salaries, Wages, and Employee Benefits

Intermodal salaries, wages and employee benefits decreased $5,583, or 15.7%, to $29,981 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $35,564 for the six months ended June 30, 2023.  Salaries, wages and employee benefits were 25.9% of Intermodal operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 23.3% for the same period in 2023.  The decrease in salaries, wages and employee benefits expense was primarily due to a decreased reserve for incentive compensation, fewer Company-employed drivers in response to the lower volumes, and lower salaries and wages as compared to the same period in 2023.

Operating Leases

Intermodal operating leases decreased $5,562, or 37.0%, to $9,468 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $15,030 for the six months ended June 30, 2023.  Operating leases were 8.2% of Intermodal operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 9.9% for the same period in 2023. The decrease in operating leases expense was primarily due to decreased equipment rental expense incurred to support the decreased accessorial revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023.

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Fuel Expense

Intermodal fuel expense decreased $1,260, or 21.5%, to $4,604 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $5,864 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Fuel expense was 4.0% of Intermodal operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 3.8% for the same period in 2023.  Intermodal fuel expense decreased due to fewer miles driven by Company-employed drivers and a decrease in the average price of fuel for the six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023.

Other Operating Expenses

Intermodal other operating expenses decreased $16,352, or 58.8%, to $11,455 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $27,807 for the six months ended June 30, 2023.  Other operating expenses were 9.9% of Intermodal operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 18.2% for the same period in 2023. Other operating expenses include contract labor, equipment maintenance, facility expenses, legal and professional fees, and accessorial storage costs. The decrease in other operating expenses was primarily driven by lower accessorial storage costs incurred to support the decreased accessorial revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023.

Income from Operations

Intermodal income from operations decreased by $6,612, or 42.6%, to $8,903 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $15,515 for the six months ended June 30, 2023.  Income from operations was 7.7% of Intermodal operating revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 10.2% for the same period in 2023. The decrease in income from operations as a percentage of operating revenues was driven by lower drayage revenue per shipment on fewer drayage shipments and lower operating expenses in response to lower volumes.

Other Operations - Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

Other operations included a $77,378 operating loss during the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to a $1,258 operating loss during the six months ended June 30, 2023. The change in the operating loss was primarily driven by $71,942 of professional fees incurred for due diligence and transaction costs incurred in connection with the Omni Acquisition, an increase in incentive compensation and severance costs, offset by a decrease in the reserves for vehicle liability claims.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in conformity with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates estimates, including those related to allowance for doubtful accounts and revenue adjustments, deferred income taxes and uncertain tax positions, goodwill, other intangible and long-lived assets, and self-insurance loss reserves. Management bases these estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. A description of critical accounting policies and related judgments and estimates that affect the preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements is set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2023. The following supplements the 2023 Annual Form 10-K.

Goodwill

We test goodwill at the reporting unit level for impairment annually as of June 30 and on an interim basis when events occur or circumstances exist that carrying value may not be recoverable. We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using a discounted cash flow (DCF), or as appropriate, a combination of the DCF and market approach known as the guideline public company approach. Under the DCF model, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit under the present value of estimated cash flows. The significant assumptions in the DCF model primarily include, but are not limited to, forecast of annual revenue growth rates, annual operating income margin, and the terminal growth rate and the discount rate used to present value the cash flow projections. When determining these assumptions and preparing these estimates, we consider historical performance trends, and the reporting units underlying business and other market trends that may affect the reporting unit. The discount rate is based on the estimated weighted average cost of capital as of the test date of market participants in the industry in which the reporting unit operates. Under the guideline public company method, we estimate the fair value based upon market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit.

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Estimating the fair value of a reporting unit involves uncertainties because it requires management to develop numerous assumptions, including assumptions about the future growth and potential volatility in revenues and costs, capital expenditures, industry economic factors and future business strategy. Changes in projected revenue growth rates, projected operating income margins or estimated discount rates due to uncertain market conditions, loss of one or more key customers, changes in our strategy, changes in technology or other factors could negatively affect the fair value in one or more of our reporting units and result in a material impairment charge in the future.

To assess the reasonableness of the calculated fair values of our reporting units, we also compare the sum of the reporting units’ fair values to our market capitalization and calculate an implied control premium.

2024 Annual Goodwill Analysis

The annual test of goodwill was performed for each of the reporting units with goodwill balances as of June 30, 2024. As a result of the annual test, we recorded goodwill impairment charges totaling $1,092,714 million which all relates to our Omni Logistics reporting unit. This reporting unit was acquired on January 25, 2024. Primarily due to a decrease in the market value of the Company’s common stock during the second quarter of 2024, as a result of many factors including, but not limited to, general market factors, credit rating downgrades, and changes in executive leadership, and the inherent uncertainty associated with the combined enterprise, the Omni Logistics reporting unit’s fair value was determined to be less than its carrying value. As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $1,092,714 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. The goodwill impairment expense was recorded in the Impairment of goodwill caption on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. To complete the Omni Logistics goodwill test, we determined the fair value of the reporting unit using the DCF model and a guideline public company approach with 50% of the value determined using the DCF and 50% of the value using the market approach.

Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and factors. Purchase price allocation of Omni Logistics is not yet complete, and as a result, there can be no assurance that there will not be a material impairment charge in the future.

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets, which include intangible assets subject to amortization, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The evaluation for recoverability is performed at a level where independent cash flows may be attributed to either an asset or asset group. The analysis differs from our goodwill impairment test in that an intangible or other long-lived asset is only deemed to have occurred if the sum of the forecasted undiscounted cash flows related to the assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of the assets. If the forecasted net cash flows are less than the carrying value, then the assets are written down to estimated value. We did not identify any impairments of definite-lived assets in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. Changes in the estimates of forecasted net cash flows may result in future asset impairments that could be material to our results of operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have historically financed our working capital needs, including capital expenditures, with available cash, cash flows from operations and borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. In the first quarter of 2024, our then existing credit facility was repaid and extinguished in tandem with the Omni Acquisition. We believe that borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and our New Term Loans, together with available cash and internally generated funds, will be sufficient to support our working capital, capital expenditures and debt service requirements over the next twelve months. As previously disclosed and more fully described below and in Note 4, Acquisitions, to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we incurred significant indebtedness in connection with the Omni Acquisition. This substantial level of debt could have important consequences to our business, including, but not limited to the factors as more fully discussed in the risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” - “Risks Relating to our Indebtedness”. In addition, we frequently utilize operating leases to acquire revenue equipment.

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Senior Secured Notes

In order to finance a portion of the cash consideration payable for the Omni Acquisition and the costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith, GN Bondco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of Omni (the “Escrow Issuer” and consolidated VIE at December 31, 2023) launched a private offering of $725,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes, in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act. Upon the closing of the Omni Acquisition, Opco assumed the Escrow Issuer’s obligations under the Notes. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 9.5% per annum, payable semiannually in cash in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing April 15, 2024. The Notes were issued at 98.0% of the face amount and will mature on October 15, 2031. The Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of October 2, 2023, between the Escrow Issuer and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and notes collateral agent.

The Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $100,000. Prior to October 15, 2026, Opco may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to 100.000% of the principal amount thereof plus the applicable “make-whole” premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. On or after October 15, 2026, Opco may redeem some or all of the Notes at the following prices (expressed as a percentage of principal), plus in each case accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date: (a) in the case of a redemption occurring during the 12-month period commencing October 15, 2026, at a redemption price of 104.750%; (b) in the case of a redemption occurring during the 12-month period commencing on October 15, 2027, at a redemption price of 102.375%; and (c) in the case of a redemption occurring on or after October 15, 2028, at a redemption price of 100.000%. In addition, at any time prior to October 15, 2026, Opco may redeem up to 40.000% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes in an amount not to exceed the amount of net cash proceeds from one or more equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 109.5 % of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. Upon the occurrence of a “change of control”, Opco will be required to offer to repurchase all of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes at a purchase price of 101.000% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase.

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility

In order to finance a portion of the cash consideration payable for the Omni Acquisition and the costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith, GN Loanco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of Omni (the “Escrow Loan Borrower” and consolidated VIE at December 31, 2023), entered into the Credit Agreement. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Escrow Loan Borrower obtained the New Term Loans and the ability to draw down up to $400,000 under the Revolving Credit Facility. The New Term Loans bear interest based, at Opco’s election, on (a) SOFR plus an applicable margin or (b) the base rate plus an applicable margin. The base rate is equal the highest of the following: (i) the prime rate; (ii) 0.50% above the overnight federal funds rate; and (iii) the one-month SOFR plus 1.00%. The applicable margin for SOFR loans is 4.50% and the applicable margin for base rate loans is 3.50%. The New Term Loans are subject to customary amortization of 1.00% per year. The New Term Loans were issued at 96.0% of the face amount and will mature on December 19, 2030.

No borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility were made in connection with the Omni Acquisition. The Revolving Credit Facility will mature on January 25, 2029. Loans made under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest based, at Opco’s election, on (a) SOFR plus an applicable margin or (b) the base rate plus an applicable margin. Until delivery of a compliance certificate in respect of the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2024, the applicable margin for SOFR loans is 4.25% and the applicable margin for base rate loans is 3.25%. Thereafter, the applicable margin can range from 3.75% to 4.25% for SOFR loans and from 2.75% to 3.25% for base rate loans, in each case depending on Opco’s first lien net leverage ratio, as set forth in the Credit Agreement. Upon the closing of the Omni Acquisition, Opco assumed the Escrow Loan Borrower’s obligations under the Credit Agreement, which were further secured by certain guarantors. Opco’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by us and each of Opco’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries (subject to customary exceptions).

On January 25, 2024, the date of the Omni Acquisition, both GN Bondco, LLC and GN Loanco, LLC ceased operations and their debt and related funds were transferred to Opco, a consolidated subsidiary of us.

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On February 12, 2024, Opco and the parties to the Credit Agreement entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement, which (a) modifies the financial performance covenant in the Credit Agreement by temporarily increasing the 4.50:1.00 maximum consolidated first lien net leverage ratio permitted by the covenant to (i) 6.00:1.00 (for the second and third quarters of 2024), (ii) 5.50:1.00 (for the fourth quarter of 2024), (iii) 5.25:1.00 (for the first quarter of 2025), (iv) 5.00:1.00 (for the second quarter of 2025) and (v) 4.75:1.00 (for the third quarter of 2025) and (b) reduces the revolving credit commitments available under the Credit Agreement from an aggregate principal amount of $400,000 to an aggregate principal amount of $340,000. Amendment No. 2 also amends certain other terms of the Credit Agreement in connection with the foregoing. Prior to the effectiveness of Amendment No. 2 on February 12, 2024, Opco repaid $80,000 aggregate principal amount of the New Term Loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

Both the Notes and Revolving Credit Facility contain covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of us, without the approval of the required lenders, to engage in certain mergers, consolidations, asset sales, dividends and stock repurchases, investments, and other transactions or to incur liens or indebtedness in excess of agreed thresholds, as set forth in the credit agreement. The Revolving Credit Facility’s terms also include a financial covenant which requires us to maintain a specific leverage ratio. As of the date of this report, we were in compliance with all aforementioned covenants.

Tax Receivable Agreement

In connection with the Omni Acquisition, we, Opco, Omni Holders and certain other parties entered into the Tax Receivable Agreement, which sets forth the agreement among the parties regarding the sharing of certain tax benefits realized by us as a result of the Omni Acquisition. Pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement, we are generally obligated to pay certain Omni Holders 83.5% of (a) the total tax benefit that we realize as a result of increases in tax basis in Opco’s assets resulting from certain actual or deemed distributions and the future exchange of units of Opco for shares of securities of us (or cash) pursuant to Opco’s operating agreement that became effective as of the Closing, (b) certain pre-existing tax attributes of certain Omni Holders that are corporate entities for tax purposes, (c) the tax benefits that we realize from certain tax allocations that correspond to items of income or gain required to be recognized by certain Omni Holders, and (d) other tax benefits attributable to payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement rank pari passu with all unsecured obligations but senior to any future tax receivable or similar agreement entered into by us.

The term of the Tax Receivable Agreement will continue until all such tax benefits have been utilized or expired unless we elect to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement early (or it is terminated early due to a change of control or insolvency event with respect to us or a material breach by us of a material obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement).

Upon such an early termination, we will be required to make a payment equal to the present value of the anticipated future payments to be made by it under the Tax Receivable Agreement (based upon certain assumptions and deemed events set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement). In the event of a change of control, under certain circumstances, we may elect to pay the early termination payment over a period of 15 years, with the payments increased to reflect the time value of money.

Cash Flows

Continuing Operations

Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations was $96,924 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $117,454 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in net cash used in operating activities was primarily due to the change in net income from operations after consideration of non-cash items and the increase in accounts receivable and other current and noncurrent assets, partially offset by the change in accounts payable and accrued expenses.

Net cash used in investing activities was $1,583,406 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $70,368 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Capital expenditures for the first six months of 2024 were $19,396, which primarily related to the purchase of technology and operating equipment. Capital expenditures for the first six months of 2023 were $16,836, which primarily related to the purchase of technology and operating equipment. Investing activities of continuing operations for the first six months of 2024 included the Omni Acquisition for a preliminary purchase price of $2,313,653, while investing activities for the first six months of 2023 included the acquisition of Land Air for a preliminary purchase price of $56,567.

Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations was $162,957 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $74,627 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The change in the net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations was primarily due to the payment of debt issuance costs, payments on the New Term Loans, and payment of an earn-out liability.

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Discontinued Operation

Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operation was $4,876 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to net cash provided by operating activities for discontinued operations of $12,112 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The change in net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operation was primarily related to a decrease in net income of discontinued operation after consideration of non-cash items. The sale of Final Mile was completed on December 20, 2023.

Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operation was $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $739 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The change in the net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operation was due to the sale of Final Mile, which was completed on December 20, 2023.

Net cash used in financing activities of discontinued operation was $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $11,373 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The change in the net cash used in financing activities of discontinued operation was due to decreased contributions to the parent.

Stock Repurchase Program

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, we repurchased 759 shares of our common stock for approximately $79,792 through open market transactions. All shares received were retired upon receipt, and the excess of the purchase price over the par value per share was recorded to “Retained (Deficit) Earnings” in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains “forward-looking statements,” as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical information or statements of current condition and relate to future events or our future financial performance. Some forward-looking statements may be identified by use of such terms as “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “projects” or “expects.” In this Form 10-Q, forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, any statements regarding In this Form 10-Q, forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, any statements regarding: (i) any projections of earnings, revenues, other financial items or related accounting treatment, or cost reduction measures, including any impact of the Omni Acquisition on our financial statements; (ii) future performance, including any expectations about our ability to increase shipments; (iii) our ability to maintain compliance with the covenants of our indebtedness instruments; (iv) our yield management process, any improvements in operating efficiencies and our ability to create synergies across our services; (v) fuel shortages, changes in fuel prices and volatility in fuel surcharge revenue, and the impact on our business; (vi) consumer demand and inventory levels, and the impact on freight volumes; (vii) future insurance, claims and litigation and any associated estimates or projections; (viii) our ability to accelerate the expansion of the Company’s terminal footprint; (ix) certain tax and accounting matters, including the impact on our financial statements and our ability realize remaining net deferred tax assets; (x) intended expansion through acquisitions or greenfield startups, and the impact of any such acquisition on our business; (xi) our ability to use key performance metrics to gauge growth strategies; (xii) future business, economic conditions or performance, as well as industry projections; (xiii) competition, including our specific advantages, the capabilities of our segments, including the integration of services and our geographic location; (xiv) expectations regarding plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations and (xv) any belief and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such 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 and related impact of the Omni Acquisition, continued weakening of the freight environment, future debt and financing levels, the outcome of any legal proceedings related to the Omni Acquisition, our substantial indebtedness, our ability to manage our growth and ability to grow, in part, through acquisitions while being able to successfully integrate such acquisitions, our ability to secure terminal facilities in desirable locations at reasonable rates, more limited liquidity than expected which limits our ability to make key investments, 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 motor carriers needed to serve our customers’ transportation needs, our inability to manage our information systems and inability of our information systems to handle an increased volume of freight moving through our network, 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, 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, the cost of new equipment, the impact and efficacy of our disclosure controls and procedures, and the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. As a result of the foregoing, no assurance can be given as to future financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward­ looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risks, see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in Item 7A of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Item 3 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. As of the first quarter of 2024, there were no material changes in our exposure to market risk.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain controls and procedures designed to ensure that we are able to collect the information required to be disclosed in the reports we file with the SEC, and to process, summarize and disclose this information within the time periods specified in the rules of the SEC. Based on an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report conducted by management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer believe that these controls and procedures are effective to ensure that we are able to collect, process and disclose the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file with the SEC within the required time periods.

Changes in Internal Control

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Subsequent to the Omni Acquisition, we have begun integration and controls assessment activities. In accordance with the SEC’s published guidance, because we acquired these operations during the fiscal year, we plan to exclude these operations from our efforts to comply with Section 404 Rules for fiscal 2024.

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Part II.	Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings.

On September 26, 2023, Rodney Bell, Michael A. Roberts and Theresa Woods, (collectively, the "Plaintiffs"), three of our shareholders, filed a complaint against us and certain of its directors and officers in the Third District Chancery Court sitting in Greeneville, Tennessee (the "Shareholder Complaint"). The Shareholder Complaint alleges, among other things, that our shareholders have the right to vote on certain transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and sought an injunction against the consummation of the transaction until a shareholder vote was held. The court initially granted a temporary restraining order enjoining the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement but later dissolved it on October 25, 2023. Thereafter and as described below, on the Closing, the parties to the Amended Merger Agreement completed the Omni Acquisition. On May 2, 2024, Plaintiff Michael Roberts, together with the Cambria County Employees Retirement System filed a stipulation and proposed order seeking leave of court to file an amended class action complaint seeking damages, among other forms of relief. Upon receiving leave of the court, on May 15, 2024, the Plaintiffs filed the amended complaint. Like the earlier complaints, it challenges our determination not to subject the Omni Acquisition to a shareholder vote. We disagree with the allegations of the amended complaint and are in the process of defending the matter.

From time to time, we are also a party to other litigation incidental to and arising in the normal course of our business, most of which involves claims for personal injury and property damage related to the transportation and handling of freight, or workers’ compensation. We accrue for the uninsured portion of contingent losses from these and other pending claims when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Based on the knowledge of the facts, we believe the resolution of such incidental claims and pending litigation, taking into account existing reserves, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. However, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict, and our view of these matters may change in the future as the litigation and related events unfold. For information regarding our insurance program and legal proceedings, see Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) set forth in Part 1 of this report.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company did not repurchase any of its equity securities during the three months ended June 30, 2024.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

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Item 6. Exhibits.

No.	Exhibit
3.1	Restated Charter of the registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 28, 1999 (File No. 0-22490))
3.2	Amended and Restated Bylaws of the registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2023)
3.3	Articles of Amendment to the Restated Charter of the registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 31, 2024)
*10.1	James Faught Offer Letter, dated as of June 11, 2024
*10.2	Jamie Pierson Offer Letter, dated as of July 3, 2024
*10.3	Participation and Restrictive Covenants Agreement, by and between the registrant and Jamie Pierson, dated July 3, 2024
*10.4	Form of Non-Employee Director Annual Compensation Agreements
*10.5	Form of Restricted Share Retention Award Agreement under the registrant's 2016 Omnibus Compensation Plan
*10.6	Form of Enhanced Severance Program
*10.7	Form of Executive Retention Bonus Agreement
*31.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a) (17 CFR 240.13a-14(a))
*31.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a) (17 CFR 240.13a-14(a))
32.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS	The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
104	Cover Page Interactive File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

* Filed herewith

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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 thereunto duly authorized.

		Forward Air Corporation
August 9, 2024	By:	/s/ Shawn Stewart
		Shawn Stewart Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

		Forward Air Corporation
August 9, 2024	By:	/s/ Jamie Pierson
		Jamie Pierson Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

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