Saia Inc (SAIA)
NASDAQ:SAIA
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Earnings Data
Report Date
Jul 24, 2026Before Open (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q2)Consensus EPS Forecast
3.25Last Year’s EPS
2.67Same Quarter Last Year
Moderate Buy
Based on 18 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Neutral
The call balanced clear operational and strategic progress (record first-quarter revenue, improving monthly shipment momentum, safety and productivity records, strong contract renewals and sustained network investment) against near-term headwinds (lower weight per shipment, regional softness in Southern California, rising insurance/health costs, a diesel price spike that caused a ~$3.5M margin hit, and a slightly worse operating ratio). Management expressed confidence in sequential margin improvement into Q2 (400–450 bps) and continued long-term upside from network scale and technology, but tangible cost inflation and fuel volatility temper near-term results.Company Guidance
Record First-Quarter Revenue
Revenue of $806.2 million, a first-quarter record and a 2.4% year-over-year increase driven by a 1% shipment increase and higher fuel surcharge revenue.
Shipment and Tonnage Momentum Late in Quarter
Quarterly shipment growth of 1% with strong monthly acceleration: March shipments per day +4.3% (tonnage +2.8%) and April-to-date shipments +5.5% (tonnage +6.5%), indicating improving demand into Q2.
Improving Yield and Revenue Per Shipment Trend
Revenue per shipment (including fuel) increased 0.7% year-over-year; revenue per shipment excluding fuel ramped throughout the quarter despite a 1.2% full-quarter decline.
Safety and Operational Records
Cargo claims ratio of 0.5% (sixth straight quarter below 0.6%); miles between preventable accidents reached a first-quarter record; hours between lost-time injuries highest for a first quarter since 2020.
Productivity Gains
Productivity improved more than 2.5% year-over-year (strongest since Q3 2024) and ~1% sequentially from Q4 to Q1, attributed to optimization technology investments.
Strong Contract Renewal Pricing
Contractual renewals averaged 6.7% for the quarter (March renewals north of 7%), supporting pricing/mix management efforts.
Network Expansion and Capital Investment
Continued national build-out (70 facilities opened since 2017); approximately $1.8 billion invested in network and fleet over the last 36 months (≈19% of revenue over that period).
Headcount and Per-Shipment Cost Control
End-of-quarter headcount was 6.3% lower year-over-year (excluding linehaul drivers down 7.9%), and combined salaries, wages and purchased transportation were down ~1.2% on a per-shipment basis year-over-year.
Free Cash Flow and Capital Discipline
Quarter-end liquidity included $39 million cash, $12 million drawn on revolver and $113 million total debt; management emphasized free cash flow positivity and capital stewardship.
Positive Q2 Margin Outlook
Management expects sequential operating ratio improvement of ~400–450 basis points Q1→Q2 (historically 250–300 bps), assuming normal seasonality in May and June.
SAIA Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
SAIA Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Apr 30, 2026 | $422.04 | $448.82 | +6.35% |
Feb 17, 2026 | $384.91 | $388.35 | +0.89% |
Nov 05, 2025 | $288.23 | $282.93 | -1.84% |
Jul 31, 2025 | $302.68 | $302.24 | -0.15% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Saia Inc (SAIA) report earnings?
Saia Inc (SAIA) is schdueled to report earning on Jul 24, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
What is Saia Inc (SAIA) earnings time?
Saia Inc (SAIA) earnings time is at Jul 24, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is SAIA EPS forecast?
SAIA EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q2) is 3.25.