Saia (NASDAQ:SAIA) Issues Earnings Results, Beats Estimates By $0.04 EPS

Saia (NASDAQ:SAIA) issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The transportation company reported $1.86 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.82 by $0.04, Briefing.com reports. The firm had revenue of $806.23 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $784.06 million. Saia had a return on equity of 9.86% and a net margin of 7.89%.The firm’s revenue was up 2.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.86 EPS.

Here are the key takeaways from Saia’s conference call:

• Saia reported strong operational and service metrics in Q1, including a cargo claims ratio of 0.5%, record first-quarter miles between preventable accidents, improved hours between lost-time injuries, and productivity (touches) up ~2.5% year-over-year.
• Revenue was a Q1 record at $806.2 million (+2.4% year-over-year) with shipments up 1% for the quarter and contractual renewals of 6.7%, signaling improving customer traction and pricing momentum.
• Profitability was pressured by a rapid ~30% diesel price spike in March that created an estimated $3.5 million margin headwind due to weekly fuel-surcharge timing, and the operating ratio widened to 91.7% with diluted EPS flat at $1.86 year-over-year.
• Management highlighted continued heavy investment in the national network — roughly $1.8 billion over 36 months and 70 new facilities since 2017 — and expects material leverage as ramping terminals mature, targeting ~400–450 bps of OR improvement Q1→Q2 if seasonality holds.

Saia Stock Performance

SAIA stock traded up $26.78 during trading on Thursday, reaching $448.82. 737,190 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 549,927. The company has a quick ratio of 1.64, a current ratio of 1.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06. The firm has a market cap of $11.97 billion, a PE ratio of 47.15, a P/E/G ratio of 2.39 and a beta of 2.04. The company’s fifty day moving average price is $381.15 and its 200-day moving average price is $345.50. Saia has a 1-year low of $231.69 and a 1-year high of $454.88.

Key Stories Impacting Saia

Here are the key news stories impacting Saia this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Q1 results beat revenue estimates and met/edged EPS expectations, with revenue up ~2.4% YoY and stable margins — a clear near‑term catalyst supporting the rally. Saia Reports First Quarter Results
• Positive Sentiment: Earnings call commentary and press coverage emphasize strengthening volumes and pricing power, which investors view as drivers for margin expansion over the next several quarters. Saia, Inc. Q1 2026 Earnings Call Summary
• Neutral Sentiment: TD Cowen’s Jason Seidl reiterated a Hold on SAIA but raised his price target to $445, citing improving volumes, pricing leverage and multi‑year margin upside — mixed signal (upgrade to PT but not to a buy). Jason Seidl Maintains Hold on Saia, Lifts Price Target to $445
• Neutral Sentiment: Analysts and outlets are parsing unit metrics and mix versus estimates to gauge sustainability; the quarter’s top‑line beat is modest and will keep focus on forward guidance and volumes. Saia (SAIA) Q1 Earnings: Taking a Look at Key Metrics Versus Estimates
• Negative Sentiment: EPS was flat YoY and revenue growth was only ~2.4%; combined with a high P/E (~47) and elevated beta, that keeps valuation risk and means the market may require clearer evidence of sustained margin improvement to justify higher multiples. Saia Q1 Results / Conference Call Transcript

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, VP Raymond R. Ramu sold 5,226 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Friday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $387.95, for a total value of $2,027,426.70. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 3,631 shares in the company, valued at $1,408,646.45. This represents a 59.00% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CFO Matthew J. Batteh sold 916 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Friday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $389.03, for a total value of $356,351.48. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 4,444 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,728,849.32. This trade represents a 17.09% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 15,533 shares of company stock valued at $6,015,055. 0.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of Saia

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Pacer Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Saia by 28.4% in the fourth quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 4,518 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $1,475,000 after buying an additional 999 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. raised its position in shares of Saia by 31.7% during the fourth quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 923,912 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $301,676,000 after purchasing an additional 222,494 shares during the period. Alberta Investment Management Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Saia during the fourth quarter worth $1,567,000. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV acquired a new stake in shares of Saia during the fourth quarter worth $298,000. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Saia during the fourth quarter worth $71,000.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently commented on SAIA. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on Saia from $352.00 to $381.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research note on Thursday, April 16th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on Saia from $310.00 to $395.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. Citigroup boosted their price target on Saia from $431.00 to $442.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. UBS Group reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $493.00 price target on shares of Saia in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Saia from $349.00 to $365.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $392.32.

About Saia

Saia, Inc is a publicly traded transportation company specializing in less-than-truckload (LTL) freight services across North America. Headquartered in Johns Creek, Georgia, the company focuses on the efficient movement of time-sensitive freight for a diverse customer base that spans retail, manufacturing, automotive, and healthcare industries. By leveraging a network of terminals and service centers, Saia provides tailored solutions designed to optimize supply chain performance.

The company’s core offerings include regional, interregional, and national LTL shipping, supported by volumetric LTL and port intermodal services.