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

 

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

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

March 31, 2017

1.    Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Forward Air Corporation is a leading asset-light freight and logistics company. Forward Air Corporation's (“the Company”, “We”, “Our”) services can be classified into four principal reportable segments: Expedited LTL, Truckload Premium Services (“TLS”), Intermodal and Pool Distribution ("Pool") (See note 11).

 

Through the Expedited LTL segment, we operate a comprehensive national network to provide expedited regional, inter-regional and national less-than-truckload ("LTL") services. Expedited LTL offers customers local pick-up and delivery and other services including shipment consolidation and deconsolidation, warehousing, customs brokerage and other handling.

Through our TLS segment, we provide expedited truckload brokerage, dedicated fleet services, as well as high security and temperature-controlled logistics services in the United States and Canada.

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. Today, Intermodal operates primarily in the Midwest, with a smaller operational presence in the Southwest and Southeast.

In our Pool Distribution segment, we provide high-frequency handling and distribution of time sensitive product to numerous destinations within a specific geographic region. We offer this service throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest and Southwest United States.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by United States generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The Company’s operating results are subject to seasonal trends when measured on a quarterly basis; therefore operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017 . For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Forward Air Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 .

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include Forward Air Corporation and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial information to conform to the current year presentation.

2.    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance that changes the accounting for certain aspects of share-based payments to employees. The guidance requires the recognition of the income tax effects of awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled, thus eliminating additional paid in capital ("APIC") pools. The guidance also allows for the employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting. In addition, the guidance allows for, and we elected, to account for forfeitures as they occur rather than on an estimated basis. We adopted this guidance in January 2017 and the elimination of APIC pools resulted in approximately $300 of additional income tax expense during the first quarter of 2017. This guidance has been applied prospectively and no prior periods have been adjusted.

In February 2016, the FASB, issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which introduces the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous guidance. The guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of the future adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

    

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on revenue from contracts with customers that will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those

goods or services. The guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. Other major provisions include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of time value of money in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers. The guidance is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017. The guidance permits the use of either a full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption approach with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded in either scenario as necessary upon transition. Based on a review of our customer shipping arrangements, we currently believe the implementation of this standard will change our revenue recognition policy from recognizing revenue upon shipment completion to recognizing revenue over time based on the progress toward completion of shipments in transit as of each period end. While the timing of revenue recognition will be accelerated, due to the short duration of our transit times the anticipated impact on our consolidated financial position, revenue, results from operations and related disclosures is expected to be minor. At this time we have not determined our transition method.

3.    Acquisitions and Goodwill

Acquisition of Triumph and Ace

As part of the Company's strategy to expand its Intermodal operations, in August 2016, we acquired certain assets of Triumph Transport, Inc. and Triumph Repair Service, Inc. (together referred to as “Triumph”) for $10,100 and a potential earnout of $1,250 . The assets, liabilities, and operating results of Triumph have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition and have been assigned to the Intermodal reportable segment.

In January 2016, the Company also acquired certain assets of Ace Cargo, LLC ("Ace") for $1,700 . The assets, liabilities, and operating results of Ace have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition and have been assigned to the Intermodal reportable segment.

Allocations of Purchase Prices

The following table presents the allocations of the Triumph and Ace purchase prices to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values and resulting residual goodwill (in thousands):

The acquired definite-live intangible assets have the following useful lives:

The fair value of the non-compete agreements and customer relationships assets were estimated using an income approach (level 3). Under this method, an intangible asset's fair value is equal to the present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows (excess earnings) attributable solely to the intangible asset over its remaining useful life. To estimate fair value, the Company used cash flows discounted at rates considered appropriate given the inherent risks associated with each type of asset. The Company believes that the level and timing of cash flows appropriately reflect market participant assumptions. Cash flows were assumed to extend through the remaining economic useful life of each class of intangible asset.

Goodwill

The Company conducts its annual impairment assessments and tests of goodwill for each reporting unit as of June 30.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test is the Company's assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the reporting unit's carrying amount, including goodwill. When performing the qualitative assessment, the Company considers the impact of factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic and industry conditions, overall financial performance of each reporting unit, litigation and new legislation. If based on the qualitative assessments, the Company believes it more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the reporting unit's carrying amount, or periodically as deemed appropriate by management, the Company will prepare an estimation of the respective reporting unit's fair value utilizing a quantitative approach.  If a quantitative fair value estimation is required, the Company estimates the fair value of the applicable reporting units, using a combination of discounted projected cash flows and market valuations for comparable companies as of the valuation date.  The Company's inputs into the fair value estimates for goodwill are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as defined in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“the FASB Codification”). If this estimation of fair value indicates that impairment potentially exists, the Company will then measure the amount of the impairment, if any.  Goodwill impairment exists when the estimated implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value.  Changes in strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these fair value estimates and require adjustments to recorded asset balances.

Our 2016 assessments and calculations for LTL, Intermodal and Pool Distribution indicated that, as of June 30, 2016, the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded their carrying value. However, due to the financial performance of the Total Quality, Inc. ("TQI") reporting unit falling notably short of previous projections, declining revenue from significant customers and strategic initiatives not having the required impact on financial results, the Company reduced TQI's projected cash flows and as a result the estimate of TQI's fair value no longer exceeded the respective carrying value. As a result of these assessments, the Company concluded that an impairment loss was probable and could be reasonably estimated for the TQI reporting unit, which is included in the TLS reportable segment. Consequently, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $25,686 for the TQI reporting unit during the three months ended June 30, 2016. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, there were no additional indicators of impairment.

As of March 31, 2017, the carrying values of goodwill for each segment summarized in the table below. There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2017. Approximately $105,531 of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

Additionally, the Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment is recognized on assets classified as held and used when the sum of

undiscounted estimated cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset is less than the carrying value. If such measurement indicates a possible impairment, the estimated fair value of the asset is compared to its net book value to measure the impairment charge, if any. In conjunction with the June 30, 2016, TQI goodwill impairment assessment the Company determined there were indicators that TQI's customer relationship and non-compete intangible assets were impaired as the undiscounted cash flows associated with the applicable assets no longer exceeded the related assets' net book values. The Company then estimated the current market values of the customer relationship and non-compete assets using an income approach (level 3). Under this method, an intangible asset's fair value is equal to the present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows (excess earnings) attributable solely to the intangible asset over its remaining useful life. To estimate fair value, the Company used cash flows discounted at rates considered appropriate given the inherent risks associated with each type of asset. The Company believes that the level and timing of cash flows appropriately reflect market participant assumptions. As a result of these estimates the Company recorded an impairment charge of $16,501 related to TQI customer relationships during the three months ended June 30, 2016.

4.    Share-Based Payments

The Company’s general practice has been to make a single annual grant of share-based compensation to key employees and to make other employee grants only in connection with new employment or promotions.  Forms of share-based compensation granted to employees by the Company include stock options, non-vested shares of common stock (“non-vested share”), and performance shares.  The Company also typically makes a single annual grant of non-vested shares to non-employee directors in conjunction with the annual election of non-employee directors to the Board of Directors.  Share-based compensation is based on the grant date fair value of the instrument and is recognized ratably over the requisite service period, or vesting period. All share-based compensation expense is recognized in salaries, wages and employee benefits.

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

March 31, 2017

The following tables summarize the Company’s employee stock option activity and related information:

 

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

March 31, 2017

Employee Activity - Performance Shares

The Company annually grants performance shares to key employees.  Under the terms of the performance share agreements, following the end of a three-year performance period, the Company will issue to the employees a calculated number of common stock shares based on the three year performance of the Company’s total shareholder return as compared to the total shareholder return of a selected peer group.  No shares may be issued if the Company's total shareholder return outperforms 30% or less of the peer group, but the number of shares issued may be doubled if the Company's total shareholder return performs better than 90% of the peer group.  The fair value of the performance shares was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The weighted average assumptions used in the Monte Carlo estimate were as follows:

The following tables summarize the Company’s employee performance share activity, assuming median share awards, and related information:

5.    Senior Credit Facility

On February 4, 2015, the Company entered into a five -year senior, unsecured credit facility (the “Facility”) with a maximum aggregate principal amount of $275,000 , including a revolving credit facility of $150,000 and a term loan facility of $125,000 . The revolving credit facility has a sublimit of $25,000 for letters of credit and a sublimit of $15,000 for swing line loans. The revolving credit facility is scheduled to expire in February 2020 and may be used to refinance existing indebtedness of the Company and for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. Unless the Company elects otherwise under the credit agreement, interest on borrowings under the Facility are based on the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% , (b) the administrative agent's prime rate and (c) the LIBOR Rate plus 1.0% , in each case plus a margin that can range from 0.1% to 0.6% with respect to the term loan facility and from 0.3% to 0.8% with respect to the revolving credit facility depending on the Company’s ratio of consolidated funded indebtedness to earnings as set forth in the credit agreement. The Facility contains financial covenants and other covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company, without the approval of the lenders, to engage in certain mergers, consolidations, asset sales, investments, transactions or to incur liens or indebtedness, as set forth in the credit agreement. As of March 31, 2017 , we had $13,000 in borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility, $7,514 utilized for outstanding letters of credit and $129,486 of available borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility.  The interest rate on the outstanding borrowing under the revolving credit facility was 2.2% at March 31, 2017.

In March 2015, the Company borrowed $125,000 on the available term loan. The term loan was payable in quarterly installments of 11.1% of the original principal amount of the term loan plus accrued and unpaid interest, and matured in March 2017.

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

March 31, 2017

6.    Net Income Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:

The number of instruments that could potentially dilute net income per basic share in the future, but that were not included in the computation of net income per diluted share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented, are as follows:

7.    Income Taxes

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various states and Canada. 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 2010.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the effective income tax rates varied from the statutory federal income tax rate of 35.0%, primarily as a result of the effect of state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, and permanent differences between book and tax net income. The combined federal and state effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 37.8% compared to a rate of 37.1%   for the same period in 2016.  The higher effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2017 is primarily the result of our implementation of new Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") guidance that requires we recognize the income tax effects of awards when the awards vest or are settled. Previously any income tax effect was recognized in additional paid in capital. See further discussion in the "Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements" section of this document.

8.    Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

Accounts receivable and accounts payable: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value based on their short-term nature.

 

The Company’s revolving credit facility and term loan bear variable interest rates plus additional basis points based upon covenants related to total indebtedness to earnings.  As the term loan bears a variable interest rate, the carrying value approximates fair value. Using interest rate quotes and discounted cash flows, the Company estimated the fair value of its outstanding capital lease obligations as follows:

 

The Company's fair value estimates for the above financial instruments are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

9.    Shareholders' Equity

During the fourth quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.15 per share of common stock. During the first, second and third quarters of 2016, the Company's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share of common stock. The Company expects to continue to pay regular quarterly cash dividends, though each subsequent quarterly dividend is subject to review and approval by the Board of Directors.

On July 21, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase authorization for up to three million shares of the Company’s common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , we repurchased 204,809 for $9,996 , or $48.81 per share. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we repurchased 232,944 for $9,995 , or $42.91 per share. The repurchases made for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were made under a previous share repurchase plan approved by our Board of Directors on February 7, 2014. This plan was cancelled and replaced on July 21, 2016. As of March 31, 2017, 2,561,675 shares remain to be purchased under the 2016 Plan.

10.    Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is party to ordinary, routine litigation incidental to and arising in the normal course of business.  The Company does not believe that any of these pending actions, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations.

The primary claims in the Company’s business relate to workers’ compensation, property damage, vehicle liability and medical benefits. Most of the Company’s insurance coverage provides for self-insurance levels with primary and excess coverage which management believes is sufficient to adequately protect the Company from catastrophic claims. In the opinion of management, adequate provision has been made for all incurred claims up to the self-insured limits, including provision for estimated claims incurred but not reported.

 

The Company estimates its self-insurance loss exposure by evaluating the merits and circumstances surrounding individual known claims and by performing hindsight and actuarial analysis to determine an estimate of probable losses on claims incurred but not reported.  Such losses should be realized immediately as the events underlying the claims have already occurred as of the balance sheet dates. 

Because of the uncertainty of the ultimate resolution of outstanding claims, as well as uncertainty regarding claims incurred but not reported, it is possible that management’s provision for these losses could change materially in the near term. However, no estimate can currently be made of the range of additional loss that is at least reasonably possible.

11.    Segment Reporting

The Company operates in four reportable segments based on information available to and used by the chief operating decision maker.  Expedited LTL operates a comprehensive national network that provides expedited regional, inter-regional and national

LTL services.  The TLS segment provides expedited truckload brokerage, dedicated fleet services and high security and temperature-controlled logistics services. The Intermodal segment primarily provides first- and last-mile high value intermodal container drayage services both to and from seaports and railheads. Pool Distribution provides high-frequency handling and distribution of time sensitive product to numerous destinations.

Except for certain insurance activity, the accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies disclosed in Note 1 of the Forward Air Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . For workers compensation and vehicle claims each segment is charged an insurance premium and is also charged a deductible that corresponds with our corporate deductibles. However, any losses beyond our deductibles and any loss development factors applied to our outstanding claims as a result of actuary analysis are not passed to the segments, but kept at the corporate level.

Segment data includes intersegment revenues and shared costs.  Costs of the corporate headquarters, shared services and shared assets, such as trailers, are allocated to the segments based on usage. The basis of shared assets are not allocated.  Beginning in the first quarter of 2017, a trailer allocation was included in Pool's 2017 results from operations. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on income from operations.   The Company’s business is conducted in the U.S. and Canada.

The following tables summarize segment information about results from operations and assets used by the chief operating decision maker of the Company in making decisions regarding allocation of assets and resources as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.