Saia Reports First Quarter Results

Core Insights - Saia, Inc. reported a decline in diluted earnings per share to $1.86 for Q1 2025, down from $3.38 in Q1 2024, reflecting challenges in the macroeconomic environment and adverse weather conditions [1][14]. Financial Performance - Operating revenue for Q1 2025 was $787.6 million, a 4.3% increase from $754.8 million in Q1 2024 [7]. - Operating income decreased significantly by 40.5% to $70.2 million compared to $117.9 million in the same quarter last year [7]. - The operating ratio worsened to 91.1% from 84.4% year-over-year [7][16]. - Net income for Q1 2025 was $49.8 million, down from $90.7 million in Q1 2024 [14]. Operational Highlights - LTL shipments per workday increased by 4.6%, while LTL tonnage per workday rose by 12.7% [7][16]. - LTL revenue per hundredweight, excluding fuel surcharge revenue, decreased by 5.1%, while LTL revenue per shipment, excluding fuel surcharge revenue, increased by 2.3% [7][16]. Challenges and Outlook - The company faced an uncertain macroeconomic environment, leading to flat shipment growth in March compared to February [2]. - Adverse weather conditions in the southern U.S. impacted operations in key regions [2]. - Despite these challenges, the company remains focused on customer service and support as it navigates through 2025 [3]. Financial Position and Capital Expenditures - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $16.5 million in cash and total debt of $295.5 million, compared to $12.3 million in cash and $84.1 million in debt a year earlier [4]. - Net capital expenditures for Q1 2025 were $202.1 million, down from $456.8 million in the same period of 2024, with an anticipated total of approximately $650 million for the year [5].