Group 1 - Wall Street analysts expect Saia (SAIA) to report quarterly earnings of $2.77 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 18.1% [1] - Revenues are anticipated to be $810.08 million, which represents a 7.3% increase from the same quarter last year [1] - There has been a downward revision of 7.6% in the consensus EPS estimate over the past 30 days, indicating a collective reassessment by analysts [1] Group 2 - Analysts estimate an 'Operating Ratio' of 87.6%, compared to 84.4% from the previous year [4] - The projected 'LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Revenue Per Hundredweight (CWT)' is expected to be $24.75, down from $26.51 in the same quarter last year [4] - The average prediction for 'LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Tonnage' is 1,558.55 KTon, an increase from 1,392 KTon a year ago [5] Group 3 - The consensus for 'Fuel, operating expenses and supplies' is projected to reach $159.09 million, slightly up from $156.33 million reported in the same quarter last year [5] - Saia shares have shown a return of -14.4% over the past month, compared to a -8.9% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [5] - Saia holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it is expected to perform in line with the overall market in the near future [5]

Company Overview - Saia is expected to report quarterly earnings of $2.77 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 18.1% [3] - Revenue is anticipated to be $810.08 million, which is a 7.3% increase from the previous year [3] - The earnings report is scheduled for April 25, 2025, and actual results will significantly influence the stock price [2] Earnings Estimates and Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 7.55% over the last 30 days, indicating a bearish sentiment among analysts [4] - The Most Accurate Estimate for Saia is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -0.01% [10] - Saia currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, making it challenging to predict an earnings beat [11] Earnings Surprise History - In the last reported quarter, Saia had an earnings surprise of +1.79%, with actual earnings of $2.84 per share compared to an expected $2.79 [12] - Over the past four quarters, Saia has only beaten consensus EPS estimates once [13] Industry Context - In the Zacks Transportation - Truck industry, Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings is expected to post earnings of $0.25 per share, showing a year-over-year increase of 108.3% [17] - Knight-Swift's revenue is projected to be $1.81 billion, down 0.9% from the previous year [17] - The consensus EPS estimate for Knight-Swift has been revised down by 12.5% over the last 30 days, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -2.25% and a Zacks Rank of 4 [18]

Core Viewpoint - Saia, Inc. is set to release its quarterly financial results on April 25, 2025, before market opening, followed by a conference call to discuss the results at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time [1]. Company Information - Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ:SAIA) is a prominent transportation provider specializing in less-than-truckload (LTL), non-asset truckload, expedited, and logistics services [3]. - The company operates 213 terminals across the nation, headquartered in Georgia, providing extensive national service [3]. Conference Call Details - Participants can join the conference call by dialing 1-877-317-6789 and should connect five to ten minutes prior to the start [2]. - The call will be available for live webcast on the company's website and a replay will be accessible two hours post-call until May 25, 2025 [2].

Core Insights - Saia Inc. has entered a multi-year partnership with the Atlanta Braves, becoming their exclusive LTL freight partner [1][4] - The partnership aligns with Saia's strategy to enhance its brand visibility and engage with customers and employees through sports [3][4] Company Overview - Saia Inc. is headquartered in Johns Creek, Georgia, and has been providing freight solutions for over a century [2] - The company operates over 213 terminals across the United States and employs more than 15,000 people [5] - Saia is recognized for its safety record and environmental efforts, receiving accolades from the American Trucking Associations and the EPA's SmartWay program [5] Partnership Details - Saia will also serve as the presenting partner of Braves Country Youth Baseball and Softball, supporting local youth development in sports [3][4] - The partnership aims to create a sense of pride among employees and enhance community engagement through youth sports initiatives [4]

Core Insights - Saia, Inc. reported significant increases in LTL shipments and tonnage for January and February 2025 compared to the same months in 2024, indicating strong growth in the transportation sector [1][2]. Group 1: Shipment and Tonnage Data - In January 2025, LTL shipments per workday increased by 6.8%, while LTL tonnage per workday rose by 13.8% [1][2]. - The average LTL weight per shipment in January 2025 was 1,421 pounds, up from 1,334 pounds in January 2024, reflecting a 6.5% increase [1][2]. - February 2025 saw a 4.2% increase in LTL shipments per workday and a 12.2% increase in LTL tonnage per workday [1][2]. - The average LTL weight per shipment in February 2025 was 1,411 pounds, compared to 1,311 pounds in February 2024, marking a 7.6% increase [1][2]. Group 2: Overall Performance Metrics - The quarter-to-date (QTD) performance for 2025 shows an average increase of 5.5% in LTL shipments per workday, 13.0% in LTL tonnage per workday, and 7.1% in LTL weight per shipment compared to QTD 2024 [2]. - Saia operates 213 terminals across 48 states, providing a wide range of transportation services including LTL and logistics [3].

Revenue and Operating Performance - The company's operating revenue increased by 11.4% to $3.2 billion in 2024 compared to $2.88 billion in 2023, driven by increased shipments and tonnage [186]. - LTL tonnage rose by 8.9% and LTL shipments increased by 12.4% in 2024, attributed to a redistribution of freight following a competitor's bankruptcy in 2023 [195]. - Operating income for 2024 was $482.2 million, up from $460.5 million in 2023, reflecting increased volumes despite rising salaries and benefits expenses [187]. - The operating ratio for 2024 was 85.0%, compared to 84.0% in 2023, indicating a slight increase in operating expenses relative to revenue [197]. - The company implemented general rate increases of 7.9%, 7.5%, and 6.5% on specific dates in 2024 and 2023, impacting approximately 75% of operating revenue [195]. - The company implemented a 7.9% general rate increase for customers, affecting approximately 25% of its operating revenue on October 21, 2024 [200]. Expenses and Employee Compensation - Salaries, wages, and employee benefits increased by $186.6 million in 2024, largely due to a 4.1% wage increase and increased headcount to support growth [198]. - A salary and wage increase of approximately 4.1% for all employees, excluding executives, was implemented effective July 2024, with an expected annual cost of $59.0 million [201]. Cash Flow and Investments - The company generated $583.7 million in net cash from operating activities in 2024, compared to $577.9 million in 2023 [188]. - Net cash used in investing activities rose to $1.036 billion in 2024 from $448.7 million in 2023, indicating significant investment in property and equipment [188]. - Cash flows from operating activities were $583.7 million for 2024, compared to $577.9 million for 2023, driven by increased depreciation and amortization [209]. - Net capital expenditures for 2024 totaled $1.0 billion, with projected net capital expenditures for 2025 expected to exceed $700 million [211]. Debt and Financial Obligations - The company had $473.8 million available under its Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2024 [210]. - Outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility were $94.0 million at December 31, 2024, compared to no outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2023 [215]. - The company issued senior promissory notes totaling $100 million under a Private Shelf Agreement on May 1, 2024, bearing interest at 6.09% per annum [217]. - Total contractual obligations for operating leases amounted to $147.3 million at December 31, 2024 [222]. - The company accrued approximately $3.2 million for uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2024 [224]. Tax and Regulatory Matters - The effective income tax rate remained stable at 23.9% for both 2024 and 2023 [199]. Risk Management and Estimates - The company has established a fuel surcharge program to mitigate exposure to rising diesel fuel prices [231]. - The company reported that a 100 basis point change in loss development factors would result in an immaterial change in claims and insurance accruals, with no material changes noted for the year ended December 31, 2024 [227]. - The company’s estimates for credit losses and billing adjustments are based on historical experience, which may significantly impact revenue recognition [229]. - Changes in economic conditions, customer creditworthiness, and pricing arrangements may significantly impact revenue and accounts receivable estimates [229]. Asset Management - The company’s depreciation of assets is based on estimated useful lives and residual values, which are routinely evaluated and updated [229]. - As of December 31, 2024, the company has fixed rate debt totaling $106.3 million with an average interest rate of 4.3% [233]. - The company has variable rate debt of $94.0 million with an average interest rate of 6.6% as of December 31, 2024 [233]. - The fair value of fixed rate debt is based on current market interest rates for similar financial instruments, reflecting level two inputs [232]. - The company’s debt structure includes annual principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by contractual maturity dates [232].

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Group 1 - Saia, Inc. is a freight company specializing in less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, which involves moving smaller shipments without requiring a full truck [1] - The company has a long history, having started in Louisiana nearly a century ago [1] Group 2 - Grassroots Trading focuses on providing objective and unbiased research, particularly on small- to mid-cap companies, while also identifying opportunities in larger companies [1]

Core Insights - Saia reported revenue of $788.95 million for the quarter ended December 2024, reflecting a 5% increase year-over-year [1] - The company's EPS was $2.84, down from $3.33 in the same quarter last year [1] - Revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $782.07 million by 0.88%, while EPS also surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.79 by 1.79% [1] Financial Metrics - Operating Ratio stood at 87.1%, matching the average estimate from five analysts [4] - LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Tonnage was reported at 1,481 KTon, exceeding the average estimate of 1,456.88 KTon from three analysts [4] - LTL Revenue Per Hundredweight (CWT) was $25.73, slightly below the average estimate of $26.31 from three analysts [4] Stock Performance - Saia's shares returned +3.2% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.7% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Saia (SAIA) came out with quarterly earnings of $2.84 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.79 per share. This compares to earnings of $3.33 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 1.79%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this trucking company would post earnings of $3.53 per share when it actually produced earnings of $3.46, delivering a surprise of -1.98%.Over the last four quarters, the company has ...