Forward Air Corporation (FWRD) vs Kelly Services, Inc. (KELYB)
A side-by-side comparison of Forward Air Corporation and Kelly Services, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
FWRD
Forward Air Corporation
$15.26IndustrialsDelayed quote: Oct 6, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
KELYB
Kelly Services, Inc.
$22.25IndustrialsDelayed quote: Oct 6, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — FWRD vs KELYB
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yFWRD -61.5% (-9.1%/yr)KELYB +35.0% (+3.0%/yr)KELYB compounded faster over this window
FWRD KELYB
FWRD vs KELYB: by the numbers
- •KELYB is the larger company ($508M vs $483M market cap).
- •Both run net losses; KELYB's is the smaller (-6.73% vs -11.37% net margin).
- •FWRD grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.44% vs -1.77% CAGR).
- •KELYB pays a dividend (1.35% yield), while FWRD is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | FWRD | KELYB |
|---|---|---|
| Forward P/E | N/A | 20.32 |
| P/S ratio | 0.19 | 0.13 |
| P/B ratio | N/A | 0.52 |
| FCF yield | 9.99% | 4.04% |
Profitability
| Metric | FWRD | KELYB |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 20.48% | 19.43% |
| Operating margin | 1.46% | -2.09% |
| Net margin | -11.37% | -6.73% |
| ROE | N/A | -27.84% |
| ROIC | -8.57% | -6.00% |
Dividends
| Metric | FWRD | KELYB |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 1.35% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | FWRD | KELYB |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 11.44% | -1.77% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -1.10% | -33.47% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -28.94% | 4.61% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, FWRD or KELYB?
- Over the past five years, FWRD grew revenue faster — FWRD at a 11.44% CAGR versus KELYB at -1.77%.
- Does FWRD or KELYB pay a bigger dividend?
- KELYB pays a dividend (1.35% yield), while FWRD is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
- How have FWRD and KELYB total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, FWRD delivered -9.35% and KELYB delivered 2.76% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Kelly Services dividend yieldForward Air ROEKelly Services ROEForward Air operating marginKelly Services operating marginForward Air revenue growthKelly Services revenue growthForward Air free cash flowKelly Services free cash flow
Forward Air & Kelly Services appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.